Danny Gokey and Kris Allen performed "Renegade" by Styx. Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi enjoyed their harmonizing; Cowell, judging them individually, said Gokey bested Allen, who seemed overshadowed by the song.
The series' other judges, Paula Abdul, RandyJacksonand newcomer Kara DioGuardi, have said publicly they hope to close deals to return to Idol next season.
"We have from now until January to introduce a different energy to the panel, " says Fox Entertainment Chairman Rice, acknowledging the key will be chemistry, something Abdul no doubt shared with her fellow judges Simon Cowell, RandyJacksonand newcomer Kara DioGuardi.
Fellow judges Simon Cowell andKara DioGuardi as well as host Ryan Seacrest have already agreed to return, while RandyJackson has another year left on his contact.