Idol 2012: Top 10: Songs from THE MAN, Billy Joel

Billy Joel. Billy Effing Joel. My favorite artist of all time. I'm not one to actually believe that only one artist can do a specific song… but fair warning, I'm sure to be very tough on the Idols this week.

Diddy mentoring the Idols during Billy week. Yep, perfect match. Yep.

And because I know the Billy songbook so well, I'm going to give better song choices for those that fail at that. Or alternate songs I want to hear the contestants sing if they picked right. Yes.

• Deandre Brackensick - Only the Good Die Young - Bad karaoke. Ugh. - "Keeping the Faith" would have been a far better (if obvious) choice.
• Erika Van Pelt - New York State of Mind - Sadface. Sounds great, but way over singing the song. - "Downeaster Alexa", anyone?
• Josh Ledet - She's Got a Way - Awkward yet fitting arrangement. Predictable OTT vocals. - "Everybody Has a Dream" has somewhat of a church-feel… so that'd probably have been a better choice. Also… STEVEN TYLER HAS NEVER HEARD THIS SONG BEFORE?!?!?
• Skylar Laine - Shameless - Seemed forced until the end. Strange key to start. - Absolutely obvious (and best) choice. "Just the Way You Are" would have been sweet too.
• Elise Testone - Vienna - Yes. Yes. YES. Weird ending, but YES. - This was the song I had in mind for her from the get-go. No other suggestion. Perfect.
• Phil Phillips - Movin' Out - I love Phil. Predictable, sure, but I love him. - How 'bout some "Big Shot" or "You May Be Right"?
• Hollie Cavanagh - Honesty - Fabulous, if a bit pitchy. - I was thinking something a touch more low-key. Perhaps a gender-switched "She's Got a Way"?
• Heejun Han - My Life - Super awkward, that's for sure. - I thought a ballad for sure. "Just the Way You Are"? 
• Jessica Sanchez - Everybody Has a Dream - Nothing new, but a return to form after last week. - I have no idea what song Jessica would do. This is one of the few she could wail on, so there you go.
• Colton Dixon - Piano Man - Without a doubt the best of the night. Stunning. - A nice, chill, smooth ballad was exactly what I was thinking for Colton. Specifically "Summer, Highland Falls" for an unexpected choice… but yeah, "Piano Man" worked. 

I thought I was going to hate this week... but I didn't. Loved it. Maybe I'm still reeling from Colton's performance, but this is easily my favorite week of Idol since season eight.

Winner of the night... is this even a question? Colton by a mile (which is saying something because I really loved Elise and Phil this week, too).

Better watch out... this is tough. Perhaps it's my bias talking, but Deandre's bizarre fangirl backing could be tested. Hollie could be in trouble too. And to round out a bottom three... Heejun?