Sundance redeems himself

So Sundance is closing the show - that's gotta mean that he's made a huge improvement. I hope so, anyway. He dedicates his song to his son, Levi, which is kind of touching. He talks about how his son is starting to smile and everything and he's missing it all. And he cried - what would an episode of "American Idol" be like without some tears? I can't even mock him, though, because it made me tear up, too, just listening to it.


He sings "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett and I feel like the song fits him way better than last week's choice. It's upbeat and more rock and roll, which is where I think he fits best.

And he seems so comfortable singing this song - last week he was so out of his element - it was painful to watch. But tonight, he's just out there having fun and wow, the difference is unbelievable. This is the Sundance that I loved so much in the auditions - this raspy sounding, hard-rocking, soulful kind of singer. He really needed this performance - I'm glad he pulled it off.

Randy just keeps saying "Wow" and tells Sundance he dropped the bomb on America tonight. Paula gives him a standing ovation and tells him that he needs to bring it like this every week - that it was the best vocal they've ever heard from him. Simon says he's glad that Sundance is back, but that he still thinks he could do better.