DeWyze's 'Boxer' knocks 'Idol' judges out

There was Crystal Bowersox.

Then there was Lee DeWyze

Then there was everyone else.

Tuesday night's theme may have been inspirational songs but you wouldn't know it listening to the majority of the "American Idol" contestants' performances.

"That wasn't particularly inspiring," judge Simon Cowell told more than one performer.

Only DeWyze and Bowersox rose above their songs, turning them into something other than mid-level karaoke.

DeWyze's cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel tune "The Boxer" was stripped down and soulful, leaving viewers with the impression he meant every word.

DeWyze confessed "The Boxer" meant a lot to him. "It's what got me into playing the guitar," he said.

The judges could tell.

"I think you had your moment tonight - keep connecting with your songs," judge Kara DioGuardi said.

Cowell heaped on the praise.

"That was sincere, emotional and inspirational. Brilliant. Good for you," Cowell said.

But it was Bowersox who again brought down the house. Her rendition of "People Get Ready" by Curtis Mayfield was urgent and gorgeous.

Bowersox ended the performance in tears, saying seeing her dad in the audience for the first time stirred her emotions.

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

In the remedial class would be Tim Urban and Casey James. Urban regressed with a sloppy take on the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days."

Cowell called James' cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" lazy and like everything else we've seen James do.

Tonight "Idol" celebrates the return of "Idol Gives Back," its charity event. Baring any surprise charity twists, one contestant will be voted off. "Idol Gives Back" begins at 7 p.m. on Fox.