Idol' judges shower emotional singer with praise

Bowersox later told "Idol” host Ryan Seacrest that her father’s presence in the audience during the night of inspirational songs prompted the unexpected crying.

"My dad’s here,” she said, "and this is the first time he’s been here.”

The show’s judges weren’t put off by the tears from Bowersox, the final contestant to take the stage.

Kara DioGuardi told her that she "just schooled all those contestants.” Ellen DeGeneres called Bowersox’s performance "beautiful,” while Randy Jackson offered a standing ovation. Simon Cowell said he was happy to see her so emotional.

"For me, it was in a completely different class than everything we heard tonight,” Cowell said.

A few finalists were chastised for selecting not-quite-inspirational tunes, including 27-year-old Casey James of Fort Worth, Texas, with Fleetwood Mac’s "Don’t Stop;” 17-year-old high school student Aaron Kelly of Sonestown, Pa., with R. Kelly’s "I Believe I Can Fly;” and 26-year-old personal trainer Michael Lynche of Queens, N.Y., with Chad Kroeger’s "Hero.”

"It felt a little bit artificial,” Cowell told Lynche.

Lee Dewyze, the scruffy, 24-year-old paint sales clerk of Mount Prospect, Ill., was the only other singer to impress the panel.

After Dewyze crooned Simon and Garfunkel’s "The Boxer,” Jackson declared him a "great artist ready to make great music.” DeGeneres proclaimed that Dewyze has "so much soul and depth,” while Cowell called his performance "sincere.”

Tim Urban, the shaggy-haired 20-year-old college student from Duncansville, Texas, and Siobhan Magnus, the unique 20-year-old glass blower from Marstons Mills, Mass., received mixed reactions to their respective renditions of the Goo Goo Dolls’ "Better Days” and Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s "When You Believe.” Both were unfazed by the chilly reception.

"It’s just kind of me,” Urban said of his unflappable nature.

Another finalist will be sent home Wednesday on a special episode that will serve as the "Idol Gives Back” charity event, which benefits Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. programs and the United Nations Foundation. Black Eyed Peas, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige are among those slated to perform.

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