‘American Idol’ Recap: Inspirational Songs

This week, the remaining four 'American Idol' hopefuls were challenged with singing standards penned by Leiber & Stoller, as well as songs that inspire them. Interestingly, each 'Idol' went with a ballad (or bombastic ballad, if your James Durbin) for their inspirational song. The only conclusion PopCrush can come up with is that it's anyone's crown to wear.

James Durbin: Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin' inspired the Durbs as it reminds him of his 'Idol' journey. It was an Olympic-level degree of difficulty and Durbin went first and set the bar. He followed it with 'Love Potion No. 9' which sounded like a modern rock song once he Durbin-ized it.
- Watch his 'Don't Stop Believing' Performance
- Watch his 'Love Potion No. 9 Performance'

Haley Reinhart: Michael Jackson's obscure 'Earth Song' was Reinhart's first choice and she screamed a little too much and picked the wrong song. Her second tune was 'I (Who Have Nothing),' which she infused it with drama. It was a worthy rebound that received a standing ovation, and she "Reinhart-ed it" into next week. The judges even used that term.
- Watch her 'Earth Song' Performance
- Watch her 'I (Who Have Nothing)' Performance

Scotty McCreery: 'Where Were You' put McCreery on the edge of superstardom. The song showed us what he is truly about. His follow up was the upbeat, fun 'Young Blood' showed us the light and silly side of McCreery. He has evolved from a country boy to a full on entertainer right before our eyes.
- Watch his 'Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)' Performance
- Watch his 'Young Blood' Performance

Lauren Alaina: Alaina gingerly toes the line between pop and country and she sang a contemporary country ballad for her first song and did a 180 and got sexy and bluesy with 'Trouble.' She stepped into character with some high-heeled boots, both literally and figuratively. She displayed both sides of her vocal personality.
- Watch Her 'Anyway' Performance
- Watch her 'Trouble' Performance