Sunday night was Australian Idol's latest performance show, this time allowing the contestants to choose and perform whatever song they wish - and if you ask me, that's a very good idea - something they should probably do every week!

Sunday night's show was particularly impressive - much better than last weeks disco show!

Check out the official recap of last night's (as well as Sunday night's) show here.  And for the best unofficial Australian Idol website on the internet, check out the Australian Idol blog.

Here's my weekly recap and grading of the night's performances:

Scale:  (Best)  (Worst)

1. Anthony  - Yes, I've invented a new smiley face just for Anthony this week, because I simply couldn't give him an equal rating to that of previous weeks, due to how powerful his performance was.  Simply amazing!  I would agree with Dicko in that the performance would be better than any we've seen this season, but Guy Sebastian delivered a number of "knock-out" performances last season that we shouldn't dismiss too easily ("Climb Every Mountain" comes to mind)... Great job Anthony! (progress- )

2. Ricki-Lee   - Even though I've ranked Ricki-Lee #2 this week, her performance wasn't close to Anthony's performance but it was still very good once again, as we've come to expect.  Still a hot favourite to go all the way, with Anthony closing in.. (progress- )

3. Casey  - I didn't know the song very well, but I'm told that Casey's performance was almost flawless.  However, as I wasn't familiar with the song or even the artist, I wasn't able to get into the song as much as I would have liked! But I'll take the word of my friends (and Mark Holden), and give Casey almost top marks - because it did sound great! (progress- )

4. Hayley  - Let's get one thing straight - Hayley's voice is absolutely superb, and even though I was worried during the early stages of the song (again, I didn't know this one), she really went for it during the latter stages of the performance and hit the big notes.  I can't get over her voice, it's outstanding!  The judges were harsh, but she'll be better next week!  (progress- )

5. Daniel  - When I learnt Daniel was performing "Your Song", I got a bit worried - as it's one of my favourite songs ever (more so the Elton John version though).  I thought Daniel did a great job, especially towards the end hitting those notes - and at the very least, I thought he'd be safe from elimination this week.  How wrong was I?  (progress- )

6. Courtney  - Certainly, Sunday night was Courtney's "worst" performance so far, at least it was based on my ratings.  And if this is Courtney's worst, then we have a lot to look forward to - because it wasn't really that bad.  It was like a aeroplane on the runaway that started rolling down the runway without ever taking off!  I wouldn't be too quick to write him off, he'll be back! (progress- )

7. Chanel  - Chanel's performance wasn't one I found myself getting into at all, I just don't believe she fits the mould of Australian Idol (as she has said herself).  Don't get me wrong, I like her, but I think she's undecided whether she even wants to be the Australian Idol, which isn't really an ideal situation.  Solid performance, with only Marcia holding back with her comments (how unusual!). Got a feeling Marcia might not want Chanel to be the Aussie Idol this year. (progress- )

8. Marty  - Well, what can I say?  Other than terrible song choice.  I think the general consensus around my office at least is that he should have chosen a song that could have blown the roof off.  Unfortunately, he didn't do that - and in my view was extremely lucky to survive elimination last night. Not only did he survive, but he wasn't even in the bottom 3 - astounding! (progress- )

Updated Australian Idol rankings, based on my rating of each performance each week...

** Eliminated idols do not feature in the following rankings **

(Best) 6  5  4  3  2  1 (Worst)

So based on these ranking outlined above, here are my current standings:

1. Anthony - 30 points

Received a "touchdown" rating of 8 points (the first ever), to stay well out in front of the pack after another stand-out performance.

2. Ricki-Lee - 25 points

Took on a difficult song and nailed it - well, almost.  We've come to expect brilliance from Ricki, and this week was no exception!

Tie 3. Courtney - 23 points

"God only knows" why the judges attacked him after his performance.. Sang quite well, but probably his "worst" performance of the top 12 stage.

Tie 3. Hayley - 23 points

One of two performers singing a "George" song - did a pretty good job if you ask me!  Thankfully, she wasn't eliminated and lives to fight another day!

5. Casey - 21 points

Back in the hunt, the other performer singing "George", and did it beautifully.  Back to her best!

6. Chanel - 18 points

One of her better performances, but it failed to really strike a chord in me.  Looks unsure whether she even wants to be there!

7. Marty - 8 points

As I said above, wrong song choice - it should have been a "belter".  Lucky to survive, with poor old Daniel being eliminated!

Don't forget another great Australian Idol site, Australian Idol blog.

Any thoughts on the above?