American Idol’ contestant Phillip Phillips was either smiling tonight because he’s in the final four, or perhaps it was because he was embracing the spirit of tonight’s round one theme and California dreamin’.

Singing ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Phillips channeled his inner Joe Cocker, belting out a raspy and flawless rendition of the song. His signature smile never left his face and although the singer reported he had been nervous about messing up the lyrics during his performance, he didn’t miss a single beat.

Steven Tyler told Phillips he was living proof that the road to success is “always under construction” and complimented him on a job well done. Jennifer Lopez commented that his vocal quality was perfect and congratulated him on starting off the show strong. On the other hand, Randy Jackson met a rousing round of “boo’s” when he told Phillips the beginning was a little shaky. He continued, “By the time you hit the first chorus you were right in the money. You were sensational after that.”

For round two, the contestants were asked to reflect on a song that they both wish they had written and were personally inspired by. Selecting the perfect song, Phillips performed ‘Volcano’ by artist Damien Rice. Jimmy Iovine told Phillips the song was a “bulls-eye” and compared the singer to a butterfly coming out of his cocoon.

Jennifer Lopez called his performance one of the most poignant and beautiful she’s seen in her two years as a judge on the show. “Very few people could have pulled that off on this type of show,” she said, “It’s a testament to who you are and who you want to be.” Randy Jackson commented that it was one of Phillips’ best performances on the show so far. Rocker Steven Tyler asserted, “You just sang like you dug the way you sing.”

Whether or note that fact is true, we certainly dug both of his performances tonight. Regardless, with all of the hooting and hollering from the female members of the audience, we aren’t too worried about not seeing his smile next week.

Watch Phillip Phillips Perform ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’

Watch Phillip Phillips Perform ‘Volcano’

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