The Final Five sang songs from the Neil Diamond songbook.

The competition was intense on Tuesday night's "American Idol" performance show, with each of the Final 5 required to perform two numbers selected from this week's mentor's -- NEIL DIAMOND -- extensive songbook.

JASON CASTRO launched the night with the always popular "Forever in Blue Jeans." RANDY JACKSON said it was "just okay" and PAULA ABDUL commented, "I loved hearing your lower register."

Jason's second song was "September Morn." Again, Randy felt, "It was just okay. This is a singing contest where we try to find the best vocalists. That was just okay." Paula told him, "You took the same liberty on both songs. It was safe and you need to get outside your comfort zone." SIMON COWELL chided, "We don't recognize you at the moment. They were both, in my opinion, forgettable. I think people will look back and go, 'I don't know who this person is.'"

DAVID COOK performed the little-known "I'm Alive" his first time out. Randy rated it "very good" and in the zone." And for SIMON COWELL, it was "above average."

David's second song was the also not well-known "All I Need Is You." Randy enthused, "You know what, man? I am a huge David Cook fan. Again, you rocked the house." Paula agreed, saying, "You picked two songs that are less familiar than [Neil Diamond's] hits. You are the only one able to pull that off. I already feel that I am looking at the 'American Idol.'" Simon was less enthusiastic -- at first. "I thought the first song was okay," he said. "The second song was brilliant. You made that song feel like it was written this year. That was smart. Well done."

BROOKE WHITE's first number was "I'm a Believer." Randy felt it was better than last week, but Simon labeled it "a nightmare."

Brooke played the piano for her rendition of "I Am … I Said." Randy told her, "[It was] very vulnerable, showing all the flaws. That is one of the tougher songs to sing. Nice job." Paula added, "This song shows your vulnerability. It is how you connect with the audience." Simon didn't mince words: "I really hated the first song," he said. "It was like girls night out at karaoke. This is the Brooke we like, sitting behind the piano. It wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song."

DAVID ARCHULETA performed "Sweet Caroline" for his first number which Simon ranked as "amateurish." He did better his second time, singing "America." Randy said, "For a young man, you are in the zone. Another good performance." Paula felt, "This is the perfect song for you to sing. You were brilliant." Simon said cryptically, "That was a smart choice of song. I have to hand it to you. That was clever. It ticked the boxes."

SYESHA MERCADO went mellow with "Hello Again." Randy complimented her, saying she was "in the zone. Nice vocals. Strong." But Simon felt it was "old fashioned."

For her second number, she rocked the house with "Thank the Lord for the Night Time." Randy complimented her, "You know what I am loving about you? That is also in the zone. I like you like this." Paula said, "The first song [showed] your vulnerable side. You had texture to your voice. Your second song showed another side." Paula compared Syesha to MINNIE RIPPERTON and CORINNE BAILEY RAE. Simon said, "I think what you demonstrated is that you are a very good actress/singer. I think, however, you may be in trouble tonight. There are only five of you left and you didn't have a memorable second song like some of the others."