photo credit: kwalk628

Tuesday night on American Idol, the judges thought it would be a good idea to have the remaining top 13 contestants perform songs by Michael Jackson.

Why Jackson’s popularity endures is beyond us. He is creepy, his vocal range is limited at best, and his dance moves are getting pretty tired.

At any rate, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell , Randy Jackson and the other judge (Kara Who-cares) set the kids up for an excruciating night of music by the King of Pop. We’re not sure why American Idol keeps inflicting this type of cruelty on its loyal audience.

Two contestants will be eliminated during tonight’s post-Jackson episode, although, honestly, we could name at least half a dozen singers that should go home now (if their parents still want them back, that is).

Seriously, Megan Joy Corkery performed “Rockin’ Robin.” MJ recorded that song when he was like 7 years old, seeing a grown woman sing it is just weird–kinda like those beauty pageants for toddlers. Just weird.

Also during the show, blind pianist/judge fave Scott MacIntyre performed an obscure Michael Jackson number called, “Keep the Faith.” He said he picked the song because he wanted to do something artistic, which caused Simon to bluntly point out that, “It’s fine being artistic, just not on this show.”

Good point, Simon. This is glorified karaoke, not art.

Check out Tuesday’s American Idol Playlist to find out which Michael Jackson song each of the contestants performed on the show.