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Last night, Shania Twain was the mentor on American Idol Season 9. She helped the guys find there inner female side, while she encourage the girls to have fun with her more up tempo songs. She’ll be back tonight to not just talk to them, but show them how to perform for an audience of one. She’s a master at making everyone in the venue and at home on their couch feel like she is singing just for them.

Before the singers took the stage, Ryan let everyone know that last week’s American Idol Gives Back raised 45 Million bucks! This money will now go to hungry children here in the US as well as in other countries around the world. To hear that they were able to raise this much money in one night for hungry kids is something we can all celebrate.

Lee Dewyze sang “You’re Still the One.” Shania suggested to him, to consider starting the song with just his voice and the piano. I was in the kitchen washing a few dishes from dinner, but what I heard coming out of Lee’s voice was painful to my ears. Have you ever watched this show with your eyes closed? I wonder how different we’d hear their songs if we did. I digress, but according to Randy…“One of my favs of all time, you started out pitchy, but you found a way to make it your own.” Ellen said…“I think you did better than pretty good. It always sounds like your version.” Kara said…“The sound of your voice on every song makes it sound so relevant.” Simon said…“I thought that was absolutely the perfect song. It started off a little bit hesitant, you were pulling some weird faces.

Mike Lynche sang “It Only Hurts When I Breath.” Shania was really moved with Mike’s version of her song. Mike was in the zone, but almost let his emotions get the best of him at one point. After singing for his life a few weeks back I think Mike is taking in every opportunity that this show will give him over the next 4 weeks. Randy said…“You did a great job, you are in the zone of who you are.” Ellen said…“I was nervous about your song choice, but it felt like Luther Vandross.” Kara said…“Shania is connected when she sings, I always feel that from you. I thought it was great you didn’t change the melody too much. Great job.” Simon said…“I thought the performance was a little bit wet, like in a musical acting out the words.”

Casey James sang “Don’t.” He told Ryan that the judges critiques of him being lazy were correct last week. Shania told him to bring his emotions on the inside and let them come out through his voice. I think he got back in the groove last night, but I won’t be surprised if last weeks comments still effect his votes tonight. To little, to late? Randy said…“This is one of the best Casey James performances ever.” Ellen said…“You sang that like that’s really where you belong.” Kara said…“Artists do not hide, you were vulnerable, you were raw. If you keep doing it, you’ll be at the front of this competition.” Simon said…“I agree this is probably your best performance so far. Last week was a wake-up call.” 

Crystal Bowersox sang “No One Needs to Know Right Now.” Shania signed her guitar before Crystal told her that she was singing this song to her boyfriend. She’s had a mini band with her on stage, which was a nice touch. She can leave this stage now or with the crown in a month, this girl is a star! Randy said…“I love the nicklecreek version, it wasn’t my favorite performance, I love seeing you try different things.” Ellen said…“There’s nothing you can’t do. Not my favorite either.” Kara said…“It’s impossible for you not to be good. It was believable. Was it your best? No. But still amazing.” Crystal says the song isn’t big, but that “Bigger isn’t always better.” *snicker* Simon said…“Shocker we don’t like Crystal this week. I thought it was limp. Something you would expect in a coffee show.”

Aaron Kelly sang “It’s In the Way You Love Me” Please, I beg of you AI producers stop pulling the heart strings of teenage girls every where. I know the ratings are down and you need to keep your advertisers happy, but please let the little guy go. Randy said…“Dude this is definitely your wheelhouse, I think you did a really good job.” Ellen said…“This is gonna be tough, everybody is doing well.″ Kara said…“I completely agree, it was like you really felt those words.” Aaron changed the line about “making love”–he was singing the song to his mom. No way he’ll be eliminated now. Simon said…“I think the last two or three weeks you’ve struggled. Tonight, you were like a different artist…well done”

Siobhan Magnus sang “Any Man of Mine.” Shania told her to become a character when singing this song and bring some real attitude to it. She sounded out of breathe for most of the song, almost like she was trying to catch the tempo of it. She hit a major high note at the end! Randy said…“I loved it, I loved the punk country look. I loved it” Ellen said…“Way to pull the Shania Twain into the song. Fantastic.” Kara said…“Guess whose back! Siobhan!” Simon said…“I thought the song was perfect, I think the screaming in the end went on a little too long, it was almost like you were giving birth up there. But it was fun, it was good.”

Let us know in the comment box below America, who is going home tonight?