American Idol contestant David Archuleta sang the classic "The Long and Winding Road" for the second round of American Idol second Beatles theme night. His rendition of the song earned him enough viewer votes to keep him on the television show to sing another week.

Randy Jackson said the crowd is right to clap because he brought the hotness back to his game. He said he could have gotten away with a few runs on it.

Paula Abdul said this was the most exciting and wonderful performance because the purity of who he is and what he is is very identifiable. She also praised his ability to rise above adversity and come back strong. Challenge doesn't build character; it reveals your character, she said.

Simon Cowell said that last week was a complete mess. This week he thought he was amazing. He said that Archuleta made Simon's point on the previous contestant. He said it was a master class.

• YouTube Video: Archuleta performs "The Long and Winding Road" (Time: 5:39)
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  • David A. apologizes for blowing last week's performance. The humility will work for him. Long and Winding Road won't -- about the dullest song he could have chosen, and it's safe too -- a ballad.
  • Very straight, faithful version, sweetly sung -- wonder if ballads are his only real specialty. Man, would that be boring! Fine job, but who cares, really? (Outside of his millions of screeching fans.)
  • Randy predictably loves it, but thinks it was a bit safely sung. Paula thinks it was his most exciting ever (has her short attention span forgotten Imagine already?). Simon thought it was amazing and a "master class." Hyperbolic mood for our guy tonight.