by Ashley Thompson

The judges announced their top four favorites to head to the Top Ten on Wildcard Night: Dalton, Olivia, Trent and LaPorsha. The rest of the contestants competed for America's votes (for the first time) to complete the Top Ten list. And this begins the competition, taking the power away from the judges.

First things first, we have to say goodbye to four contestants. Some we are sad to wave an adios to, others is more like, ¯(?)/¯... Buh bye to: Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Thomas Stringfellow, Manny Torres, and Jenn Blosil. But hello to Kelly Clarkson who guest judged and performed a teary rendition of her new song "Piece By Piece". Tears and tissues, tissues and tears.

The theme for the night was "songs that have been out since Idol began". Cute.

Olivia Rox - "Unconditionally" - It was nice but maybe nothing to write home about.

Gianna Isabella - "Listen" - She is so young and has so much to learn, but she has the talent so that's got to account for something.

Lee Jean - "Skinny Love" - I love this kid. He is himself and no one else.

Avalon Young - "Stitches" - I simultaneously love and hate that she doesn't care about her fashion style. But she probably cares a lot. Regardless it matches her musical style.

Dalton Rapattoni - "Hey There Delilah" - You'd think Dalton resembles a little Adam Lambert but actually David Cook is his musical icon. If you're nostalgic about 90's highlighted tips and pop-rock he's your guy.

Tristan McIntosh - "Nothin' Like You" - She reminds me of summer. Although, it was hard to hear her over her music, she did a great job when she got loud.

MacKenzie Bourg - "I See Fire" - He made Kelly Clarkson's unborn child turn flips, so that's gotta say something.

LaPorsha Renae - "Diamonds" - It's appropriate she wore a cap because she is a superwoman on stage. Even the other contestants are thrilled with her powers. Is Kelly here to just hand her the trophy?

Sonika Vaid - "Bring Me to Life" - Who tackles Evanessence?? Sonika. What if LaPorsha had sang this song... that would have been awesome! Sorry, Sonika. Your performance was great... it was just a thought.

Trent Harmon - "Like I Can" - Trent is really talented, but there just may not be room for someone who isn't absolutely phenomenal.

Thanks to Kelly for being there tonight because I could sit and listen to her quirky sense of humor all day and all night.

Photo credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX