'American Idol' Top 11 Elton John Night: The Experts' Song List

It's been six seasons since 'American Idol' featured the music of Elton John, but with what's being touted as the best crop of talent the show has ever seen, the return of the "Rocket Man," seems to be in order.

Choosing from Elton's vast catalog of hits is an intimidating assignment. While the 'Idols' may be on their own as they comb through Elton's classics, I've left choosing the kids' songs this week to those better versed in his tremendous collection of big hits and deep cuts.

Veteran 'Idol' pundits MJ Santilli (MJ's Big Blog), Rodney Ho (Atlanta Journal Constitution) and Michael Slezak (TV Line) have all weighed-in on what the gang should sing. There's some interesting overlap in a number of picks. Will the 'Idols' go the experts' route or fly off the rails completely? We'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out!

Scotty McCreery

A "reworked" "Little Jeanie" or "Blue Eyes" to highlight his lower register (Rodney Ho/Atlanta Journal Constitution)

"Ballad of a Well Known Gun" (Michael Slezak/TVLine)

"Amoreena" from Elton's "country-ish" Tumbleweeds album (MJ Santilli/MJ's Big Blog)

Pia Toscano

"The Bitch Is Back!" if she dares or "Philadelphia Freedom" (Rodney Ho)

Ellie Goulding's version of "Your Song" (Michael Slezak)

"The Bitch Is Back" though it would never happen (MJ Santilli)

James Durbin

"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" but more likely "The Bitch Is Back" (Rodney Ho)

"I Want Love" (Michael Slezak)

"Madman Across the Water," a dramatic song with the high notes James loves (MJ Santilli)

Lauren Alaina

A country version of "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" or "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (Rodney Ho)

"The One" (Michael Slezak)

"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," a big ballad to show off her big voice (MJ Santilli)

Jacob Lusk

A soulful rendition of "Levon" or "Take Me to the Pilot" (Rodney Ho)

"I'm Still Standing" (Michael Slezak)

"Burn Down the Mission" since George Huff already nailed "Take Me to the Pilot" in season 3 (MJ Santilli)

Paul McDonald

"Your Song," which suits his tone, "Tiny Dancer" to show his sensitive side, though he may go with "Daniel" (Rodney Ho)

"Tiny Dancer" (Michael Slezak)

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," a good match for his tone and vibe (MJ Santilli)

Casey Abrams

"Rocket Man," avoid "Bennie and the Jets" (Rodney Ho)

"Rocket Man" (Michael Slezak)

"Your Song" or "Daniel" to take it down a notch (MJ Santilli)

Naima Adedapo

"Bennie and the Jets" could go either way for Naima, but something upbeat to distract from her lackluster vocals (Rodney Ho)

"Sacrifice" (Michael Slezak)

"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" to rock out (MJ Santilli)

Haley Reinhart

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" or "I Don't Wanna Go on With You Like That" (Rodney Ho)

"Honky Cat" (Michael Slezak)

"Honky Cat" to showcase her blues-y side (MJ Santilli)

Stefano Lagone

"I'm Still Standing" to touch on his back story (Rodney Ho)

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Michael Slezak)

"Border Song," with piano, could be a breakthrough performance (MJ Santilli)

Thia Megia

May go back to ballads with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" or "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," but not sure what to pick for Thia (Rodney Ho)

"Believe" (Michael Slezak)

"That's What Friends Are For," though also unsure of what to pick for the struggling ballad queen. (MJ Santilli)

There you have it! Let us know your thoughts on the experts' picks, as well as your Elton John song selections in the comments!

'American Idol' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET on FOX.