American Idol Scorecard: Jason Castro Makes Everyone Else Look Silly

Learning about the song that inspires someone most can be an emotionally enriching experience. Then again, if that song is "Dream On" or "The Show Must Go On," it can also be an annoying, head-scratching bore, too. Note to Michael Johns: "Dream On" never inspired anyone to do much beyond playing air guitar. And David Cook's hammy tribute to alt-rock also-rans Our Lady Peace nearly inspired us to change the channel (heyo!). Idol gives back; Idol takes away. Lots of red arrows this week (watch the performances here):

David Archuleta: "Angels" was a smart, safe choice and everything, but it's not "one of the best pop songs [ever] written." Sorry, Simon.
Jason Castro: Quite simply one of the best moments of the season. Check out the version of "Over the Rainbow" Castro ripped off here.
David Cook: Note to potential Idol winners: People don't want to hear you sing a song by your "favorite band" if that band isn't famous. Cook might get a trip to the Bottom Three for his self-indulgent move, and hopefully it'll get him back to copying Chris Cornell ASAP. Also: Simon's chuckle during Cook's "give back" hand job was priceless. 
Kristy Lee Cook: Once again, she uses her underdog status to her advantage here, painting herself as an independent who's just following her heart, y'all. According to Dial Idol, it worked. Still, we're not falling for this country bumpkin or her man stances.
Michael Johns: One of the more stubborn Idol contestants in recent memory, he won't stop with the classic rock swill no matter how many times Simon (and everyone else) tells him to sing a blues-soul song. Maybe a Bottom Three scare will convince him to ditch his next Doors tribute.
Syesha Mercado: Her strategy — singing not-terrible versions of songs everyone knows — is reaching its logical limit as we enter the final stages of this year's Idol. Barring a complete screw up from one of her competitors, she should fall next week.
Carly Smithson: Just as she gets her look together, Carly loses the plot. A couple weeks ago, we gave her credit for powering through a monster final note; last night, she seemed to give up as the song came to a close. Could make for an apropos farewell performance.
Brooke White: The whole "crying after every performance" bit is grating, whether Brooke means it or not. She has no range. Her smile is frightening. She will not be famous.