This season of “American Idol” has become the highest rated season since 2007 for many reasons, and it’s not because of the departure of Simon Cowell. Rather because all the judges know their stuff and will be honest about it.  Also, all the performers have a sense of where they want to be musically once this is all over.

But, perhaps the main reason for this season being so big, is because of the quality of the performances, and the level of artistic integrity all the contestants are maintaining. To see Casey Abrams and James Durbin break the “American Idol” mold with Jazz and Metal, but still receive standing ovations from the audience goes to show that the demand for several genre’s of music is still out there in the mainstream world.

Wednesday night’s theme revolved around “Songs from the Movies.” It was interesting to see which songs influenced each artist-who would have thought that Lauren Alaina was such a Hannah Montana fan!?

Take a look below at a brief recap of the performances, along with the films which they came from:

Paul McDonald, “Old Time Rock N Roll,” from Risky Business.

Sporting what now has become his iconic flowered suit, Paul McDonald started the show off really awkward as he made his way down the stairs, with what seemed to be a missed note at the very beginning. After making it down safely, he picked up momentum and finished his performance really strong. Paul brought the energy as he worked the crowed and was at each end of the stage, he always seems to be enjoying himself while up there.

Grade: B-

Lauren Alaina, “The Climb,” from Hanna Montana The Movie.

From the beginning Will .I. Am and Jimmy Iovine said that Lauren has a much stronger voice than Miley Cyrus, giving her that boost of confidence she needed, and she most definitely proved it with her performance. ”You made that song sound like it was written for you… I thought you did amazing,” Randy said. While Lauren followed up with “I love that song, it just screams ‘Idol.’”

Grade: A

Stefano Langone, “End of the Road,” from Boomerang.

Stefano, sang this Boys II Men track in true falsetto fashion. He showed America tonight why he belongs in the top 8. It was his best performance of the season and his best performance connection-wise. Hopefully this new found confidence stays with him next week, that is if there is a next week. Randy said “It was your greatest performance on stage to date”

Grade: A

Scotty McCreery, “Cross My Heart,” from Pure Country.

Scotty’s song choice was a bit on the boring side, and even seemed a bit off pitch at times, this country boy stuck with his roots, but should have stuck with his original choice of Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin.” A great thing about Scotty is that he pulls through, and stays humble. The judges also seemed to enjoy the performance. Jennifer said “wow” while Randy said “A star is born on this stage.”

Grade: B+

Casey Abrams, “Nature Boy,” from The Boy With green Hair.

Casey took the road less traveled, which was to not take the judges advice. His performance was very much in tune, and in good taste. However, this song would have been good at a jazz lounge, not on the “American Idol” stage. This song will not win him the contest, and it’s too late in the season to not go for the win. Casey may not be a Pop star, but he’s an educated musician, and there is plenty of room at the top for those.

Grade: B+

Haley Reinhart, “Call Me” from American Gigalo.

After coming off two stellar performances, Haley couldn’t make a third. The judges just weren’t “feeling it” as Randy would say. With Haley it always seems to be hit or miss, never consistently solid. Not to say her performance was bad, it just wasn’t on the same level as her previous two. If she comes back next week, let’s hope she brings it.

Grade: B-

Jacob Lusk, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” from The Pursuit of Happiness.

Jacob always seems to have a slow start and a powerful finish in his performances . He can hold a note like no other. His emotions spew onto the mic and the audience there can feel it along with the viewers at home. From his facial expressions to the impact of his voice on certain lyrics, tells the songs story. Steven said”How much you put into the song is just incredible.”

Grade: B+

James Durbin, “Heavy Metal” from 80′s film Heavy Metal.

James gave “metal a chance” with his song choice, even after arguing with Jimmy about it.  Metal is known for intricate guitar solos and heavy heavy vocals, and James did metal justice by delivering both. Jennifer said “that felt real.” Ozzy Osbourne’s infamous guitarist Zakk Wylde joined him on stage and said “he sang his a** off.” That he did Mr. Wylde.

Grade: A

All the performances tonight were phenomenal, but how america will react remains to be seen on tonight’s episode of “American Idol” on Fox @ 8pm

*The opinions in this blog do not express the opinions of Ryan Seacrest, American Idol, Fox Television, or 19 Entertainment.