The top 11 performed on tonight’s March 17 American Idol show, with the theme of Grand Ole Opry country music week. Here’s the recap:

First, Ryan wishes us a Happy St. Patrick’s Day – ooh, look at the green lighting! Now onto the show…

We get an intro of the top 11 contestants and a rundown of the Grand Ole Opry, including the history, some of the legends who have performed on the stage and Carrie Underwood’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry.

Randy Travis served as this week’s mentor to the American Idol contestants.

Michael Sarver – “Ain’t Goin Down Til the Sun Comes Up” by Garth Brooks – Randy said it was a cool song choice, but didn’t think it showed vocal capabilities; Kara said we saw some of his personality, but missed the big notes; Paula said we got to see him have fun and thinks the genre suits him; Simon said he couldn’t understand a single word.

Alison Iraheta – “Blame it on Your Heart” by Patty Loveless – Kara said she could sing the alphabet and made the song her own; Paula said it was another rock-solid performance; Simon thought it was good; Randy thought it was dope.

Kris Allen – “To Make You Feel My Love” by Garth Brooks – Paula said was pleasantly surprised and thought it was a vulnerable performance; Simon thought it was terrific and said he has a shot at doing well in the competition; Randy said he went out on a limb and showed tender moments; Kara said it was beautiful.

Lil Rounds – “Independence Day” by Martina McBride – Randy said it was an ambitious song choice but said it got better; Kara said it wasn’t her best, but she’s a great singer; Paula said her vocals were spot on and she looked great; Simon said it seemed like she was forced to sing it and thought she seemed uncomfortable.

Adam Lambert – “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash – Kara said it was all a little strange, but she kind of liked it; Paula said he’s true to himself as an artist; Simon said “what the hell was that?” and thought it was indulgent rubbish; Randy thought it was fresh and hot.

Scott MacIntyre – “Wild Angels” by Martina McBride – Paula said it was impressive and lovely, but thinks the piano separates him from the audience; Simon disagrees with Paula’s advice and thinks the song choice was too similar to last week’s; Randy wants to hear crazy vocals from him to stand out; Kara said they want him to up his game, let him know he brings class to the stage.

Alexis Grace – “Jolene” by Dolly Parton – Randy said there were pitch problems and didn’t think the bluesy thing worked; Kara said she lost her edge a bit and it was a little flat; Paula said she took an artistic approach and enjoyed the vulnerable side; Simon said it was okay and maybe forgettable.

Danny Gokey – “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood – Kara said second half was a connection unlike anything; Paula said he was brilliant; Simon agreed with Paula but didn’t like what he was wearing; Randy said he blazed the song, but thinks the verses were a little pitchy.

Anoop Desai – “You Were Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson – Paula said Anoop is back and said the song fit him; Simon said he went from zero to hero, said it was a good song choice and one of his favorite performances of the night; Randy said he proved he could really sing; Kara said it was amazing and the best performance of the night.

Megan Joy (what? no Corkrey?) – “Walkin After Midnight” by Patsy Cline – Randy was quite impressed and said it was a perfect choice; Kara said it was a perfect song and she’s a winner because she’s performing with the flu; Paula said she was fantastic; Simon said she was better this week than last.

Matt Giraud – “So Small ” by Carrie Underwood – Kara said he’s a true talent and it was amazing; Paula said he brings honesty and authenticity; Simon said he outsang Danny tonight and it was one of the best of the night; Randy said it was his favorite performance of the night.