"American Idol" judge PAULA ABDUL stopped by the ET stage this morning, and filled MARY HART in on all the latest from the hit talent competition -- as well as a little dish from tonight's "Idol Gives Back," airing on FOX beginning at 7:30 p.m.

For their contribution to tonight's fundraiser, Paula and RANDY JACKSON took a two-and-a-half hour drive out to Goshen, California, to visit the children at the local elementary school.

"There is nothing there," Paula says of the experience. "I don't even remember seeing a gas station. It is such a remote area. Goshen Elementary School represents our back yard. These kids are wonderful. A foundation called Save the Children provides a safe haven for the bewitching hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. They also provide fresh vegetables, water and fruit. These kids were so poised and yet at seven and eight years old, they are taking care of their whole families."

Paula also gave Mary the dish on BRAD PITT's appearance at the Kodak Theatre last Sunday in a pre-taped segment for "Idol Gives Back."

"What is best about Brad Pitt is he really gives back. He does amazing work," Paula tells Mary. And on the more personal side, she adds: "He had no entourage. He was just there. He just is a great guy."

As for Tuesday night's performance show, Paula rates the Final 8:

MICHAEL JOHNS: "Girls and women love him. Guys really admire him. He is a great guy. The guy to the right of me -- Randy -- with the pitchy-ness stuff -- it wasn't pitchy. Listen to his high notes. I said that he looks as good as he sounds -- that that high note would bring my Chihuahuas on stage!"

SYESHA MERCADO: "I don't know what was wrong with Randy. He was, 'I love you, but…' I was really proud of her because she sang ['I Believe'] well and made it her own. She is a very strong singer, but there has to be more of a connection."

JASON CASTRO: "SIMON [COWELL] and I were talking at the end of the performance. I said, 'What is so great is [this season's contestants] are identifiable. They have their niche.' Jason with his guitar is terrific. The girls love him. He truly has his own style. He hears music that he wants arranged a certain way and RICKEY MINOR ['Idol''s musical director] lets Jason do his own thing."

KRISTY LEE COOK: "Everything about her was perfect. She sounded magnificent. I was happy for her. She has been picking the right songs. The last three weeks have been good for her. I think last night will keep her in the race."

DAVID COOK: "A lot of people didn't know the song ["Innocent"]. Sometimes that can make it hard. If he picks a song, it doesn't matter if he does it well. He knows who he is. I think he has a great chance."

CARLY SMITHSON: "She was pitchy. You have to find a song that lyrically is appropriate or inspirational. I don't think that was the right song. She looked angry when she sang. She didn't make a connection. I have been praising Carly. I was disappointed last night. I think it is going to be a huge wakeup call for her. When I first met Carly two years ago, she was fearless. I think she is one of the best technicians, but she has to connect with the audience and not over sing."

DAVID ARCHULETA: "It was the perfect song. I thought he needed to sleep. He is exhausted. People don't realize how hard it is for these kids. This whole week was crazy. They had to rehearse for 'Idol Gives Back' and they had to perform. They had to work straight through Thursday, Friday and Saturday rehearsals. They were on their iPods listening to their songs. I saw him at 'Idol Gives Back' and he looked exhausted. The [audience] loves David. He could go all the way."

BROOKE WHITE: "I thought it was one of her safest nights. She is our modern day CAROLE KING with a little bit of CARLY SIMON. I love Brooke because what you see is what you get. She is one of the kindest people. She is more comfortable behind the piano. [Her performance] was safe. It was borderline you could get tired of it. She didn't step outside of her comfort zone."

So, who does Paula predict is going home? "I think Carly might be in trouble. Also Brooke, but she is so loved. I think it is going to be a wake up call for Carly."