Perhaps the American Idol turning point for Lee DeWyze, was his performance of Simon & Garfunkel’s The Boxer during Inspirational Songs week, so it’s no surprise that he chose to perform it on last night’s show. Lee also performed the track during his homecoming last week, so he’s had time to perfect the vocal on this one. You know the drill by now – Lee gives it everything his gravelly voice can give while strumming away on his acoustic guitar.

I liked it, but on the downside, it’s a tad too sleepy for my tastes, and I still prefer the original Simon & Garfunkel version which is more idiosyncratic than Lee’s straightforward rock delivery can handle.

Judges Comments:

* Randy Jackson: A great way to start it off dude. I think this night is gonna come down to a duel to the finish. I’m not sure it was like a real energetic, exciting kind of thing but it was a nice song, you sounded nice doing it. But come on man, pick it up, pick it up. Get some more energy going.

* Ellen DeGeneres: Lee, I couldn’t be prouder if I’d birthed you myself. I actually think you did that better than you did the first time. And I thought you did pretty good the first time.

* Kara DioGuardi: I agree with randy a little. You gotta punch harder. I wanna see you come even more. But a meaningful song, something that tells your story. So for that it was very believable and I love that you were connected to it.

* Simon Cowell: I’ve gotta be honest with you Lee. This is the big one, right? So I would expect a lot more passion, excitement. That was a kiss on the cheek when I want a kiss on the lips. Not from you, but you know what I’m saying. It’s got to be more than that.