March 25 American Idol: David Cook Sings “Billie Jean

Tonight the American Idol kids had to perform songs from the year they were born. Warning: This will make you feel very, very old.

Born in 1987, Ramiele Malubay chooses the ambitious song "Alone" by Heart. And the poor thing belts it out off-key. Randy Jackson calls it like it is: off key. But of course, Paula Abdul softens the blow by calling Ramiele "brave" for performing while she was sick. Jason Castro is also a 1987 baby. He says he's been told he's an Aries and says how weird the word "Aries" is. Jason performs Sting's "Fragile" while also playing the guitar.

Simon Cowell says, "I think it's time for you to start taking this seriously" and compares Castro's performance to someone busking outside the subway station. "You're not going to win if you keep doing that week after week."

Another 1987 baby is Syesha Mercado who sings "If I Were Your Woman."

Randy says, "This is the best I have ever heard you sing, including when you auditioned. It was stellar; it was unbelievable. I am shocked."

Paula says this is going to be the moment that everyone remembers as when "Syesha flipped it" and became the dark horse who is going to sail on through.

Oh Brooke White. You're so damn happy. The Beat hates that. She tells us about what a child prodigy she was. The Beat also hates child prodigies. Show offs. Born in 1983, Brooke sings "Every Step You Take" by the Police and damnit, it's pretty good (sigh).

Randy says he liked the first part, but he didn't love the arrangement toward the middle or end. Simon agrees with Randy, especially about the band joining in toward the end, which he says made it sound old-fashioned.

Michael Johns takes on two Queen classics. "We Will Rock You," and after a couple of lines, "We Are the Champions."

Simon says, "Michael, this is the first time with you that I've seen star potential. Tonight you just got it right. … For me, it's the only memorable performance of the night so far."

Carly Smithson sings "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Although we at The Beat prefer this version, she does an okay job, but is panned by Randy.

Poor adorable favorite to win David Archuleta performs 1990's song "You're the Voice," a choice that confuses the judges. His stage dad cheers from the audience. Kristy Lee Cook sang oh… God… no she didn't. Yes she did. "God Bless the USA." Gah! Yes. If you're wondering, she still sucks. The weird thing is Simon says she's "brilliant." No word on whether she blew Simon out of his socks to earn that critique.

Hmmm… let's see… did we miss any one? Oh yeah, Chikezie was born in 1985, and he sings "If Only for One Night." Randy doesn't "vibe" it.

Finally, born in 1982 David Cook sings "Billie Jean." It's a really weird but cool rendition. Kinda moody and dark. It's awesome. Randy calls him the most original, most bold contestant ever.

Simon adds, "David, that was brave. It could have either been insane or amazing, and I have to tell you, it was amazing."