last night's American Idol

Did anyone see American Idol last night?  I am not too proud to admit
that I did.

One part struck me as very odd, and I'm wondering if it is just me.
One of the contestants did a passable rendition of Lee Greenwood's
"God Bless the USA", stipulating for the sake of discussion that such
a thing is possible.  The judges all came out proclaiming it a great
performance and a wonderful song choice, and praising the song
itself.  I'm not sure, but I think I heard Simon say Greenwood was a
brilliant (or great or genius or something) songwriter.  All three
judges seemed to be not speaking in their usual voices, and quite
eager to move on.  I'm wondering if there wasn't a dictat from the
producer against saying anying bad about the song, with the judges'
responses prepared beforehand.  But it might just be me.  Did anyone
else get this?

Richard R. Hershberger