Vino's gratitude is for the U.S. military, having been born and grown up five miles from an army base in Missouri and appreciating being free and all that. He tells L.A. about how he tried to join up after 9/11 but his tattoos kept him out, so he's entertained the troops since then. Most of these clips have also featured some input from the emotional recipient of the performers' gratitude (except God, obviously), and in this case they talked to some general from the Army base, who clearly doesn't seem to get why he's there. And then Vino sings "God Bless the U.S.A." Ugh, could you pander a little harder, Vino? That gets him a standing ovation from all the judges, even the British one. Britney says this was his first performance that was spot-on. Demi admits that she's been misjudging him and that "America's really going to love it this week." Because we love being sucked up to. Simon compliments Vino's sincerity, and says he could be at number one tomorrow. L.A. also tells Vino he's the truth. Can't go wrong waving the flag, I guess. And you just know CeCe's spitting nails backstage somewhere.

Demi introduces Paige. She's giving thanks to a woman named Colleen, who took her in when she was six years old and Paige's mother died. That was also on Christmas Eve, coincidentally, so the Paige/CeCe rivalry continues. Apparently Colleen has raised as her daughter ever since, which was awesome of her. Paige already has tears on her face as she sings a melody-challenged ballad that she can barely overcome her emotions enough to complete...wait, this is "Everytime" by Britney! In honor of the occasion, L.A. tells Britney to go first, and Britney says she performed it beautifully. And then L.A. says he doesn't think it was good enough to get Paige out of tenth place. Cold! Simon agrees that Paige's emotion took over, and since everyone else has given "really, really strong performances" (well, not everyone), tomorrow could be tough for her. Demi even admits that it was pitchy in places, but that's what this week is all about so it's okay. When Khloe and Mario come out, Khloe goes on about how she can't believe Paige even got through it. Well, she kind of didn't, which is the point.