Ok, a little change-up to start the show off. The ladies were scheduled to perform tonight, but Crystal Bowersox was taken to the hospital this morning (no word on what the deal is), so the top ten guys will be performing. I hope Crystal’s doing alright, and that she’ll be back on track to sing tomorrow night.

This spurs Ellen DeGeneres to reminisce about the time her back went out and she did her show from a bed. Ryan Seacrest remembers that, and says he actually was in the bed with her at one point. That’s just interesting all the way around.

So far, both the guys and girls have been lackluster in my book, but Simon Cowell thinks the girls have the edge. Either way, the two guys and two girls with the lowest number of votes will be out on Thursday night. So vote for your favorites! Let’s move on and see if the guys kick it up a notch tonight. Let’s hope so.

Michael Lynche (’It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,’ James Brown). So far so good! Michael looks great dressed in black — not the emo kind of black, but the classic singer kind of black. You can tell he decided to “bring it” tonight, and he does just that with this great song choice. Randy Jackson says the season is finally getting rolling. He says Michael has the fire in his eyes, and he even gives him a standing ovation to prove it. Ellen loves it and says he’s the one to beat. Kara DioGuardi says he went from being a singer to someone who could potentially be a great artist. “You owned it tonight,” she said. “You are a different Mike, and I’m feelin’ it.” Simon Cowell says he went from being a pussy cat to a lion in one week, and even though it’s an old song, it didn’t sound dated when Michael sang it. Michael notes that his wife is coming out with the new baby on Friday — if he’s still there. I don’t think he has to worry.

John Park (’Gravity,’ John Mayer). John’s acapella group back home is called ‘Purple Haze.’ That’s awesome. I like his white t-shirt and jeans; he’s not trying to be something he’s not, and says he’s working on being “honest.” I also like the performance, but I’m not sure it’s going to stand out from the pack. As Randy says, “You didn’t bring anything new or spicy to it.” Ellen loves the song choice, but says there could have been a little more soul in it.” Kara says he needs to let loose, get out of his comfort zone, and “take some risks.” Simon thinks ‘Purple Haze’ might get their lead singer back after this performance, because it just wasn’t very memorable or “authentic.”

Casey James (’I Don’t Wanna Be,’ Gavin DeGraw). In an interview with Ryan, Casey says he grew up without a TV, ever since lightning hit the family TV when he was about seven. Probably not a bad thing. Oh, and he’s not giving away his pre-show secrets because it’s a competition, dude. He’s awesomely jamming on the electric guitar, but let’s not forget that it’s a singing competition. This song has been done by a lot of ‘Idol’ guys, but it’s a great fit for Casey’s voice. Love his look, love his voice, but he could have ripped it just a little harder. Randy says it’s not the best version of this song, but it’s definitely Casey’s niche. Ellen says he sounded great, but she’d like to see more movement and freedom. Kara thinks he took two steps backwards, and that he didn’t take the song to another level. Simon feels that Casy is just “trying to be a rock star,” but doesn’t have the grit to do this song well.

Alex Lambert (’Everybody Knows,’ John Legend). Alex says he usually gets super nervous, but managed to not throw up before tonight’s performance. Awesome, dude. He wants to “love being on stage instead of being terrified of being on stage.” Hey, we’re pulling for ya! He has his guitar, which is probably good because it gives him something to focus on rather than the nerves. Randy says it’s a great improvement over last week, and that Alex found his own voice. Ellen says it’s like “someone took the unripe banana and put it in a paper bag…” What is it with her and bananas? Anyway, she thinks he’s way more confident this week, and out of everybody, he has the most unique style. Kara says everyone is rooting for him, and Simon says it’s “a million times better than last week.” But Simon also wants him to get a killer instinct to win, and no more talk about nerves! He said it in a nice way, which is cool.

Todrick Hall (’What’s Love Got To Do With It?,’ Tina Turner). Todrick’s pre-show routine includes doing push-ups, and he talks about being a singer AND a dancer — one of the criticisms from last week. It’s an interesting song choice, and I love that he’s slowed it down and made it his own. He’s got a little Smokey Robinson in his voice, and he looks like he’s having a blast on stage. The audience loves him, too. Randy loves the falsetto run at the end of the song, but reminds him that a great song doesn’t need a wild arrangement. But wait — aren’t the judges always saying to change things up? Ellen says he should both sing and dance, although she wasn’t crazy about the song either. Kara loved his movement on stage, and says she’s been missing Todrick’s unique spin on stuff, “and not crazy all over the place.’ Simon says “this is not working out at all for you.” Oy, it wasn’t that bad, Simon!

Jermaine Sellers (’What’s Goin’ On,’ Marvin Gaye). Todrick rocks his onesy, guys, and he’s not ashamed of it. That’s because his dad turns the heat down in the house at night. Interesting fro-hawk he’s got going on stage. I like the song, but feel like it didn’t really get going until the end. Randy thinks it’s better than last week, but still wasn’t great. Ellen loves both his style and the fact that he rocks the onesy, but the song just didn’t work for her. Kara says he’s hitting some crazy notes and runs, but thinks he should pull it back and look at the meaning of the song. “It just feels forced, like you’re trying to show us every trick in every performance.” Simon says he waters down the songs by playing around with them too much. Jermaine invites them to go to church, and Simon says ok! I’d love to see a new docu-series called ‘Simon and Jermaine Go to Sunday School’ (Ryan’s creation, not mine). Jermaine asks for song suggestions, and Ellen recommends a Frankie Beverly and Maze tune. We’ll see what Jermaine does with that tidbit — if he’s still here next week.

Andrew Garcia (’You Give Me Something,’ James Morrison). I’m not crazy about this song choice. It’s a little pitchy and choppy and doesn’t seem to fit his voice all that well. Randy agrees with me and says Andrew is better than that. He’d like to see him with a guitar and more of a Jason Mraz vibe. Ellen likes the vibe, but says there were a few pitch problems. She notes that he set the bar high with the Paula Abdul song, so everyone will always be looking for that. Ellen is also thinking about getting his name tattoo’d on her neck. Kara agrees about the Abdul song. “You’re a rhythmic singer; you’ve gotta stay on the rhythm … you played it too safe. I like when you surprise us.” Simon says he’s disappointed and thinks Andrew is better than that.

Aaron Kelly (’My Girl,’ The Temptations). It’s hard to believe this kid is only 16. I mean, he might not have the best vocals out of all the guys, but he’s fun and seems to really love being onstage. Randy loves the first half of the song, but not so much on the second half. Still, way better than last week. Ellen loves how he used the stage, but thinks the song was forgettable. Kara really likes it and says he’s consistent, which she appreciates. Simon didn’t like the song and says it was all over the place. He thinks the arrangement was too old-fashioned. “You’ve gotta work out your age and what kind of artist you want to be.”

Tim Urban (’Come On, Get Higher,’ Matt Nathanson). Tim has a huge family — four brothers and five sisters. He’s usually really nervous before a show, and always says a little prayer to calm his nerves. They show a clip of Simon’s critiques from last week, and Tim says he’ll be better. But oy, guys. He’s just not that great. In fact, it’s a mess, and I fear for what Simon’s going to say. Randy calls it “karaoke,” and Ellen agrees. She asks if he can act, and says he should be on “Glee,” because he’s adorable and girls love him. “I don’t think the strong point is the singing,” says Ellen. Kara likes the song choice, but says he didn’t make it his own. And whoa! Simon calls it a “marked improvement from last week,” and says Tim is more relevant tonight than some of the other singers. “I’m impressed not just with your performance, but your work ethic,” says Simon. “You didn’t whine, and you got on with it.” I’m shocked, shocked! And Tim looks completely shocked, too, which is both fun and awesome.

Lee Dewyze (’Lips of an Angel,’ Hinder). Dark horse here. Or maybe just a flat-out front runner. Did the other singers have cool stars and fun back-drops? If so, I didn’t notice. Anyway, I love this song and his voice, although parts of it are pitchy. He tugs his pants up during the performance, which is sort of third-gradish and weird, but also a little endearing. Randy likes that he’s taking chances and coming out of his comfort zone, even though there were some pitch problems. Ellen agrees, saying she loves his passion and intensity. Kara says it’s a big improvement from last week, and she can “hear” him on the radio right now. Simon says he’s “head and shoulders above everyone else in the competition,” but that he looks terrified. “I’m just waiting for you to totally connect, lose your nerves, sing the right song, and sing as good as you can,” says Simon. “You may be the one to beat.” Lee tells Ryan he actually has a belt on this week; still, the judges say he needs to work on his body language, which I agree with.