Let's turn back the clock one year. Oh yes, 2009. To quote Ol' Blue Eyes himself, it was a very good year. At least when it came to American Idol it was. The top five took on the Rat Pack (i.e. it was Standards night). Eventual Season 8 champ Kris Allen gave us a tolerable "The Way You Look Tonight." Alison Iraheta dazzled with a smokin' hot "Someone to Watch Over Me" (still in high rotation on my iPod). Matt Giraud continued to display his affinity for piano jazz with "My Funny Valentine." Danny Gokey again pulled the wool over the judges' eyes with "Come Rain or Come Shine" (sorry couldn't resist one more jab at my fellow Wisconsin native). And then there was Adam Lambert. Glambert delivered what amounted to a mile-long note on his sultry "Feeling Good."It was a note that had his fans shaking their heads in amazement for months to come (seriously, the note lasted at least 10 seconds. Check it out for yourselves here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjqmNOxsvCc&feature=related Remind me how he didn't win again???)

Nothing about Season 9's version of Standards night came even close to that evening. In fact, I made a huge mistake revisiting the Season 8 version (especially Adam and Alison's performances) because it did nothing but send me spiraling into a deep, deep depression for the end of last season. *Sigh* Perhaps we were all spoiled by Alison's youthful rocker numbers, Kris Allen's rise from obscurity to heart throb, and Adam's, well, what amounted to the last tunes we'll ever get out of Glambert without paying a pretty penny.

But come on, This is American Idol, right? By this time in the season we're supposed to be sadly sending home good performers. Not this year.

So let me be "frank" - by my count we've got three easy boots to make before the finals, leaving the final two. One of those continued his ascent to the top tonight while the other waded into some unfamiliar waters and appeared to take a moment to get her bearings. I guess there may be a little drama left in this otherwise dreadful season. Here's how it all went down:

Aaron Kelly

Fly Me To the Moon

Aaron did a cute little impression tonight. He combed his hair, donned a vest and tie and sung his pretty heart out. He was steps away from being cast in the remake of "Beach Blanket Bingo" or "Happy Days." Was it horrible? Not at all. Was I whipped into a frenzy? Hardly. Once Casey makes his exit (likely Wednesday night) Aaron has to start watching his back. He'll be duking it out with Big Mike for that chance to take a trip home with cameras in tow (as opposed to the trip home with nothing but a pat on the back and a fourth place finish.)

Casey James

Blue Skies

Yes, Idol might have appeared to have livestock on the stage tonight. Kara hit the nail on the head comparing Casey's longer notes to the same sound a goat makes. So true. Frank was not kind to Casey. He was lost without his guitar and without the ability to turn one of Sinatra's songs into something a bluesy guitarist would sing. Willie Nelson may have done it, but Casey James couldn't pull off the same feat. If voters let him down after last week's standout Shania Twain number, he has no hope of making it through this week.

Crystal Bowersox

Summer Wind

Great song but not the right song for Crystal. She fell into the trap that so many Idol contestants have this year, picking a song they liked without understanding how it fit their voice. I still love Crystal. I knew tonight would be a challenge for her, but there were a few songs out there that she should have embraced before settling on "Summer Wind." She did clean up, nicely, however. She looked like a jazz singer and I would have liked to see her not just look that part, but sing it as well.

Michael Lynche

The Way You Look Tonight

I said it last year and I'll say it again - "The Way You Look Tonight" is Tony Bennett's. End.Of.Story. Does that mean you can't try your hand at it? Of course not. You sing it. I'll listen. But most likely you'll pale in comparison to what Tony does with this song. Michael hit all the notes tonight. Yes, he can sing. And yes, he can wear a ridiculous hat while he does it. But he can't come close to Tony. To me, I thought it was cocky to even dare touch the song. But Big Mike assumed that going over the top with flash and big notes could make up for lacking Tony's touch and while it was an admirable vocal, it didn't do it for me.

Lee Dewyze

That's Life

It took a little Harry Connick, Jr. to get Lee to loosen up on that stage and really have some fun. Well thank goodness. Lee's performance was infectious and the clear highlight of an otherwise lackluster night (I know, broken record). His gruff voice worked with the song, he moved around the stage and looked like an actual performer. Tonight was the first time I had doubts about Crystal taking home the Season 9 crown (as feeble a crown as it is). If Lee can continue to not just sound good (listen to his studio performances on iTunes - Kara's not as crazy as she sounds when she says that this kid really does have a radio voice) but also hand in a visual performance, Crystal will have to step up her game. We may just have a race on our hands.

Most likely to go home: Casey James