'The Insider''s 'American Idol' Semi-Finals Recap

David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado each sang three songs as they competed to make it to next week's finals. "American Idol"'s final three sang three songs each on the FOX hit on Tuesday night, the first chosen by one of the judges, the second chosen by themselves, and the third chosen by the producers. For DAVID ARCHULETA 's first song, he sang, "And So it Goes" ( BILLY JOEL ), chosen for him by judge PAULA ABDUL . Judge RANDY JACKSON said, "You're in it to win it baby," while Paula called it "pure and stunning." Judge SIMON COWELL said, "It was very good. No surprises. [It was] a bit predictable, [which is] not really a criticism." For SYESHA MERCADO 's first song, Randy chose ALICIA KEYS ' "If I Ain't Got You." Randy told her that she did an "amazing job" and added, "I'm so happy that you are peaking at the right time in this competition -- that's why you're standing there in number ... [link]