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When Ryan Seacrest announced last week that the mostly tearful Top 12 would perform songs from the Rolling Stones on their first big night in the big-boy/big-girl theater, I mentally checked off how many of the contestants would likely blow this challenge.

That number was, oh, about 10.

Surprisingly, the Top 12 proved me wrong. And that's a good thing for a Season 9 which, while still doing great in the ratings, has been somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to the singing.

Last night, based on the judges' comments and his bizarre performance, Tim Urban might be sent packing tonight. His reggae take on "Under My Thumb" received a resounding thumbs-down from the four judges.

Said Simon Cowell: "It's a boring song anyway, and it didn't work - especially for Stones fans. It was a crazy decision."

Ellen DeGeneres, who is really adding some much-needed comic relief to the show, said Urban's take made her feel like she was at a beach resort, and some random person was singing.

The panel was most jazzed by Siobhan Magnus (pictured) singing "Paint It Black." Kara DioGuardi likened it to something Adam Lambert, last season's runner-up, might have done.

Other pleasant surprises came from Didi Benami with "Play With Fire" and Aaeon Kelly with "Angie." Perpetually terrified teen Katie Stevens sang "Wild Horses." She tamed her nerves, and Simon said it was a good choice. (He recorded this song with Susan Boyle.)

Paige Miles was the first contestant to battle laryngitis, but she managed a respectable take on "Honky Tonk Woman."

Crowd fave Michael Lynche opened the show with "Miss You." Simon didn't care for his dancing, which he called "corny." From there, things got testy between Seacrest and Simon when Ryan got dangerously close to the Brit over his comments. To which Simon backed up his chair and snipped, "This is getting very uncomfortable."

Casey James ("It's All Over Now") and Lee Dewyze ("Beast of Burden") both played guitar. Casey fared better with the judges than Lee, who still seems to be in need of a "moment."

Stuck somewhere in the middle were Lacey Brown, who sang "Ruby Tuesday," and Andrew Garcia with a squeaky "Give Me Shelter." I really liked Crystal Bowersox's version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want." This despite her obvious mixed emotions last week on the results show when she made it through while four others went home. I believe she'll definitely move on, but I hope with a hefty dose of determination.

My pick for who will leave tonight? Tim Urban won't have the luck of the Irish on his side.