The American Idol judges complicated the race for the boys this week by bringing back Jermaine Jones. The 'gentle giant' was distraught when he got the axe from the show but his return proved to be a triumphant one, with all three judges - Randy Jackson in particular - praising his performance of the Luther Vandross song 'Dance With My Father.'

In a twist of fate, the show's producers called up Jermaine's home to tell him that he was being invited back in the show. He nearly missed out on the re-call, though, because his mother refused to answer the unrecognised number. The boys' category is already considered to be a close call, so Jermaine's reappearance in the battle for the remaining places upset the applecart for the remaining few. The 6ft 8 baritone has been selected as one of the show's finalists now, with Jackson saying that his unusual bass-heavy voice is just what the show needs, for a bit of variety. His comeback story has been him installed as one of the favorites to go all the way.

The other contestants to go through from the boys' section include Heejun Haw, who impressed with his version of Robbie Williams' 'Angels,' Joshua Ledet, whose version of 'You Pulled Me Through' was so good that Jennifer Lopez said she wanted to punch him and Deandre Brackensick. They face competition from Phil Phillips, Colton Dixon and Jeremy Rosado.