Anoop Desai's Country Magic on 'Idol'

College student Anoop Desai struggled to make the top 13 on "Idol," and was almost eliminated last week, but the 21-year-old made an impressive country comeback this week, wowing the judging panel!

Desai sang a soulful cover of "Always on My Mind" during this week's Grand Ole Opry-themed show. Tough judge Simon Cowell praised Anoop's turnaround, saying the singer "managed to go from zero to hero" thanks to his vocal improvement and awesome choice of song.

Dueling piano player Matt Giraud also impressed all of the judges with his rendition of Carrie Underwood's "So Small." Randy said, "It was my favorite vocal of the night. You got it goin' on baby." Kara DioGuardi warmly said, "You're an artist and a true talent." Simon Cowell even told Matt that he out-sang current front-runner Danny Gokey.

Adam Lambert's favor with the judges fell after he covered Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." Cowell burned Lambert's performance as "absolute indulgent rubbish," while DioGuardi retorted that Adam's performance left her "confused and sort of happy."