On the first night of live performances on the “American Idol” television show, many of the contestants were scolded by the jury for having chosen to offer renditions of songs that did not manage to underline their talent.

One example was given by Stephen Fowler, 26, who performed Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” which left the judges unimpressed, with Kara DioGuardi having told him that she had liked him better the previous week when he had blanked out and left the stage.

Despite the fact that viewers are likely to have some trouble voting for the three contestants that will make it on the next episode, the male contestant with the most votes, the female with the most votes and one runner-up of either sex, the best performances were hard to miss.

Alexis Grace, 21, dazzled the audience and the four judges panel with her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s „I Never Loved a Man,” which prompted Simon Cowell to say that she could be one of the show’s winners and also compare her with Kelly Clarkson.

At the end of the broadcast, Danny Gokey, 28, also performed exquisitely with a cover of Mariah Carey’s „Hero,” judge Randy Jackson having called him the redeemer of the night.

Another contestant who earned the judges’ praise was Ricky Braddy, 26, who chose to sing a version of Leon Russell’s „Song for You,” while the viewers' favorite Anoop Desai, 22, disappointed the jury with his rendition of Monica’s „Angel of Mine.”