He sings "Soulshine" by the Allman Brothers. It's okay. He's still straining his guts out though.
Lots of head-bobbing from the judges.
Cheers from the audience. Standing-O from the other Idols.
Jlo: You know it was better than the first time you did it. We felt it. There was a light coming out of you. Touches my heart. Amazing, amazing voice. So soulful and heartfelt to me. You touch people.
Harry: You are special enough to be here. You've really been working on the things we've been talking about (like pitch). You're getting smart. If you can crack that (the pitch problem, you'll get a record deal)
Keith: That's the reason you got here. Way better than the audition.
Seacrest invites a couple of squealing Ferlies on stage to bask in the glow that is CJ.
He sings "One Mississippi" by Brett Elderidge. Nice quiet song. I don't think we've seen that from him before.
Former Idol contestant Allison Iraheta (2009) sings back-up.
Jlo: Well I guess you showed us! So many different nuances in your voice. Really, really great job.
Harry: You sang on that stool and sang the crap out of that song. You needed this this week. Fantastic job. Great ears, by the way.
Keith: You've grown in leaps and bounds. Don't worry so much about the sound of your voice. You can reign it back in and really sell it, man.
Was wifey happy about Seacrest giving CJ the groupies?