'Idol' gets inspirational, but not all the finalists can capture the emotion

It was a very inspirational week on "American Idol."

From Michael John's rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On" that had Paula's dogs singing to Brooke White's take on Carole King's "You've Got a Friend," the finalists gave it everything they had while encouraging viewers to "give back" — and perhaps cast a few votes for them, as well.

Because this week was all about service and making a difference in the community — and even the world — it was more important than ever that the finalists portray the right emotion. Although Jason Castro switched his guitar for a ukulele, it was the same ol' mellow Jason, for the most part. He serenaded the audience with Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," earning the praise of all three judges.

"Jason Castro is back in the hunt!" judge Randy Jackson proclaimed. "That was molten hot!"

"You have the most definitive sound," judge Paula Abdul said. "It was the perfect song."

Even judge Simon Cowell was touched. "The first time I ever heard that song I wasn't sure. Second time. loved it. Third time, fantastic."

The judges also agreed about the performance of Murray's David Archuleta. Showing a softer side, Archuleta sang while playing "Angels" on the piano.

Jackson declared it "crazy hot" (his new favorite choice of words) and Cowell proclaimed it the "best song choice of the night so far ... you're going to sail through to the next round."

Both of these singers sold the song with the right emotion. Neither was over the top nor looked as if he were trying too hard. And when you almost have Paula in tears, you're doing something right!

But sometimes selling a song is difficult. More than one contestant struggled to portray the right emotion. Carly Smithson sang "The Show Must Go On" fairly well but lost a bit of her shine this week.

"I was doing fine until I looked over at Simon's face!" she said, mimicking him with a scowl on her face.

"You did lose control of the song," Cowell agreed, although he disagreed it was purely his fault. "It came across as an angry performance. You might be in a bit of trouble after this."

While Smithson has one of the best voices in the competition, she is sometimes so focused on singing well that she forgets to sing the song with the right emotion.

David Cook also failed to come across as sincere, according to Cowell.