'American Idol' 2012 April 11 Review -- Colton Dixon puts his spin on Rihanna

The April 11 episode of American Idol 2012 featured the top 7 finalists as they performed songs recorded during the current decade. Rocker Colton Dixon, who was second to hit the Idol stage, impressed the judges--and the ladies in the audience--by putting his personal spin on a Rihanna tune.

But before he got to work prepping his tune, viewers got a peek at his hometown supporters, including a field filled with sign-waving fans. Colton said "it would be the weirdest thing to be at home right now" and called his fanbase back home in Tennessee so "cool and so humbling."

During his mentoring session with show mainstay Jimmy Iovine and guest Akon, Jimmy turned up the heat by pitting Colton against fellow competitor Phillip Phillips, a move which clearly annoyed the rocker. Colton called the week his most challenging so far and said he viewed his song as a potential "game changer." He vowed to "go all for" the win.

Sitting behind a white piano and next to a nine-piece orchestra, Colton delivered Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie" with the pipes of a rock star and the emotion of a balladeer. He has something very special and the girls loved it.

Jennifer Lopez appreciated Colton's ability to add his own "signature" to any performance. Steven Tyler opened by saying he loved his jacket, and then went on to call him "a rare talent." He said was excited to hear him sing his own songs down the line. Randy Jackson agreed over the "hot jacket" and said he'd fight Steven for it. He went on to praise the "subtle performance" and how Colton started the song "like a lullaby."

Will Colton Dixon make the top 6? Watch Thursday's American Idol 2012 top 7 results show to find out.