What hath Clay Aiken wrought?

It's not just that Clay Aiken proved that teenage girls and their mothers and their grandmothers alike would still embrace a pop singer who looked like Barry Manilow, he also suggested that "American Idol" could yield a singer to burn up the adult contemporary charts as well as the "hipper" lists.

Welcome to Barry Manilow Night on "American Idol."

Thus, on Tuesday (April 20) night, "Idol" viewers are rewarded with a septet of Manilow hits, rearranged by the man himself and judged by Mr. Manilow (if you're nasty). Sure, Barry hits the stage in a flashy red leather jacket and claims to be a huge "Idol" fan, but what are the odds he's going to be able to actually offer honest opinions on the contestants? Will Barry unleash "Mad Dog" Manilow?

Up first is Diana DeGarmo, wearing a Tween Junior Executive Pant Suit and doing yet another of her proficient, but uninspiring ultra-serious performances. Her cover of "One Voice" shows off, once again, her powerful set of pipes, but in trying so hard to be mature, she still hasn't found anything to replace her earlier youthful energy. Randy runs through his general litany of empty complaints, explaining that she started a little rough and was pitchy in places, but then he insists that she worked it out. Barry says that she sang the song like he dreamed it. Paula's distracted by her arm, which is in a sling, but she seems happy. Even Simon, not a Diana fan as of late, calls it her best performance of the competition.

George Huff is "Trying to Get that Feeling Again," but he may just be trying to get back to a theme week that suits his voice. It's a simple and melodic song that he refuses to just let stand. He isn't doing the George Dip, but he's constantly doing deep knee bends and waving frantically at the crowd as his voice -- especially hoarse this week -- runs everywhere but towards the basic tune. Randy likes the choice, but criticizes the runs, telling George to let the song speak for itself. Barry starts to agree with Randy, but finally just decides that he doesn't care and that he's happy to be on television in front of 20 million viewers. Paula, perhaps on painkillers for her arm, just praises George for keeping time with the music. Simon deems him lucky to have been good in earlier weeks, grumbling that George made a mess of a song he likes.

For Jennifer Hudson, it was a "Weekend in New England" and she's even wearing capri pants to mirror the unseasonably warm weather Back East. However, judging from her fierce expressions, it wasn't necessarily a happy weekend. The first half of the song is bland and muted, but she picks up dramatically in the second half, although I'm not convinced she hit the last note exactly. Randy calls her unbelievable and Barry echoes that she took it all the way. Paula mumbles something. Simon announces that the stage is now set for a Battle of the Divas on "Idol."

"This is Jenny's world," the modest performer declares.

Host Ryan Seacrest wastes some time trying to get Barry to say, "Aight, I give you props." Ryan's joke appears to be that Barry Manilow is really really Caucasian. Nobody comments on Ryan's history of difficulties with any kind of "street" argot.

The best thing about being down to the Final Seven is that instead of trying to fit two performances into a segment, FOX can switch to commercials after each and every singer. Then, even when they're back to the show, Ryan is forced to help FOX promote "The Swan," with an embarrassing visit from three of the featured ladies from the worst reality show ever to hit television.

Speaking of extreme makeovers, though, Jasmine Trias looks nearly old enough to vote (or at least buy cigarettes) as she launches into "I'll Never Love This Way Again." The flower is gone from her ear and she barely smiles. She pulls off an intensity that fellow teen Diana just can't manage, but Jasmine can't hit the same notes as the younger girl. She has particular problems closing her songs in tune. Randy praises her for a job well done. Barry insists Jasmine is prepared to compete with Dionne Warwick (with any luck, Warwick's psychic friends warned her to skip this episode and miss the injustice). Paula's definitely sitting there. No doubt. Simon raves that Barry has made the girls sound good this week.

An overwhelming backing arrangement threatens to detract from LaToya London's rendition of "All the Time." But even the synthesized strings and some pitchy misses down the stretch can't obscure another strong performance. Randy says she's getting better as the show goes on. Barry announces that she makes him proud to be a songwriter. Paula stares blankly. Simon, after a deep breath for suspense, calls her the best singer in the competition.

You just knew John Stevens was going to sing "Mandy." His rendition of the popular song is less threatening than Barry Manilow's. How is that humanly possible? Difficult to know. It's just such a soft and laid back rendition, so boring that I didn't notice if any of the notes were off in the first half. After he gets off the stool, though, everything becomes flat and nasal. Oh Randy, you came and you gave John your feedback. Randy says John's just not ready. Barry calls John "just fine," which might as well be the kiss of death, given his refusal to utter mean words. Paula has taken root.

"The problem is that Mandy fell asleep," Simon argues, before comparing John to Stan Laurel.

The night's final performance is "It's a Miracle" from Fantasia Barrino. Fantasia's voice isn't as good as LaToya's, but she brings something of herself to every interpretation. On an evening of safe, if acceptable, choices and performances, Fantasia contributes a shot of gospel to the end of the evening. It's not as good as her "Summertime" from last week, but she takes more chances and comes closer to succeeding than anybody else in the competition. Randy thanks her for boosting the night's energy. Barry suggests she use the cover to open her own concerts. Paula curls up into a ball and begins to snore. Simon calls her important to the competition because she provides danger and excitement.

Is there any chance that next week can be German Industrial Rock Night? Or Prog? Or the songs of Rick James? Something has to be done to restore the sense of fun.

Guessing the Bottom Three this week is difficult because nobody was horrible. Diana, Jasmine and John belong there, though George may suffer from consecutive subpar performances. Will John follow Jon Peter Lewis in departing after his first Bottom Three visit? I wouldn't want to speculate.