Finally… we’re down to the last group of semi-finalists on American Idol 8 – check out this Idol March 3 recap:

Von Smith – Sang “You’re All I Need to Get By” and it was such an improvement over the other stuff he’s done (see video clip). It was much nicer to see Von tone it down and stop screaming. Randy said it was a very hot performance and better than in Hollywood, Kara said he seemed really comfortable, Paula loved it, Simon said he reminds him of Clay Aiken.

Taylor Vaifanua – Sang “If I Ain’t Got You,” which she sang in Hollywood. Kara says she has talent, but wants to see more of her personality, Paula said they heard the song during Hollywood week, Simon didn’t think she was memorable, Randy said it was kind of boring.

Alex Wagner-Trugman – Sang “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” and it was… weird. Seriously, what was with the funky vocal acrobatics? Paula said he was a showman and had fun watching him, Simon said the growling was ridiculous, Randy said it was crazy and that he screamed the vocals, Kara said he was true to himself.

Arianna Afsar – Sang “The Winner Takes it All” and it was a snore, really. Simon said it was terrible and the song was too big, Randy didn’t like the song choice, Kara thought she was too serious, Paula thought she had some bright moments.

Junot Joyner – Sang “Hey There Delilah” and it was very cool. Randy liked how he pulled back for the performance and loved it, Kara liked his smooth spin on it, Paula said he had a nice vocal, Simon said it was better than he thought it would be.

Kristen McNamara – Sang “Give Me One Reason” – Kara wasn’t sure it was the right song, but she can sing, Paula thought it was a safe song, but great vocal, Simon doesn’t think she’s quite comfortable, Randy thought she did too much with it.

Nathaniel Marshall – Sang “I Would Do Anything For Love” and Simon thought it was verging on excruciating and uncomfortable, but he was fun, Randy is trying to figure him out, Kara thinks he should show another side, Paula loves him and thought it was a bold choice.

Felicia Barton – Sang “No One” – Paula said her talent is unbelievable, Simon thought the first part was better than the last, Randy said it was hot, Kara liked it too.

Scott MacIntyre – Sang “Mandolin Rain” – Randy said the parts that were great were really great, Kara hopes he makes it through, Paula said he’s one of their finest, Simon said he wasn’t thrilled with the song, but Scott is growing on him and believes he’ll sail through to the next round. Bonus for Scott getting a jab in at Ryan Seacrest’s high five!

Kendall Beard – Sang “This One’s For the Girls” – Kara said she picked the right song but had some issues, Paula said she did a good job, Simon said she did the right thing with the country thing, Randy said it wasn’t her best performance but thought it was a good song choice.

Jorge Nunez – Sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” – Paula was so proud of him and said he sounded so good, Simon said he’s a very good singer, Randy said it wasn’t the perfect vocal but it was very good, Kara said he was born to sing.

Lil Rounds – Sang “Be Without You” – Simon said it was brilliant and was his favorite, Randy said she has unbelievable vocals, Kara said she’s a powerhouse, Paula said we’ll see her for many more “lil rounds.” Oh Paula.