For possibly the first time this season, America finally voted based on the performances, rather than their loyalty, and the elimination was well-deserved. Distinguished Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson and Scotty McCreery also returned to the Idol stage.

It’s been a frustrating few weeks for many Idol viewers, as a lot of talented contestants have been sent home. But this week, America finally made the right choice, and sent home season 12’s weakest link: Lazaro Arbos. Lazaro sang Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” but to no one’s surprise, the judges didn’t use their save for him.

The top six kicked off the show with a medley of some of Burt Bacharach’s greatest hits. The most notable portion of the group’s performance was a duet between Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb, of the Bacharach hits “One Less Bell To Answer” and “A House Is Not A Home.” It’s moments like this that prove that Candice and Amber are truly in a league of their own.

Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery has gone on to country greatness since his Idol victory, including his platinum-selling debut album, Clear As Day. But he was still happy to come back and perform his new single “See You Tonight” for his Idol family.

The original Idol victor, and arguably the most successful, Kelly Clarkson, was literally glowing for her performance of “People Like Us.” Wearing everything from neon clothes, to nail polish, to eyeliner, and with the audience full of glow sticks, Kelly turned last night’s Idol into her own personal rave.

Earlier, Kelly had tweeted how nervous she was to perform in front of her own personal idol, Mariah Carey. Mariah tweeted back that Kelly was always “#pow,” (As Gretchen Weiners would say, stop trying to make #pow happen, Mariah.), and that she was looking forward to her performance. But that didn’t stop Kelly from totally fangirling over Mariah as soon as her performance was over.

The great thing about Kelly Clarkson, is that she seems to forget that she’s a celebrity. I’m sure there are plenty of fans out there that react the same way at meeting Kelly, as Kelly did with Mariah. Mariah even made her way onstage, and the two divas started sharing fashion tips like BFFs. Here’s hoping we can look forward to a duet in the future.

This season, Idol is giving the fans the opportunity to pick next week’s theme. Fans can vote on what the top five ladies will sing next week, from the following choices: Dedicated To Someone Special, Guilty Pleasures, Breakup Songs, One Hit Wonders, or Unplugged. Head over to americanidol.com to cast your vote!

Are you happy to see Lazaro go home? Which theme would you choose for next week?