American Idol Finalist Performs a Hair Metal Anthem (VIDEO)

On last night's (3/14) episode of 'American Idol,' finalist Colton Dixon performed a cover version of White Lion's 'Broken Heart.' Originally released in 1985, and then re-recorded in 1991 for their 'Mane Attraction' album, the 20-year-old contestant chose the song as part of this week's "songs from the year you were born" theme.

'American Idol' alumni Chris Daughtry had advised Dixon to go with something the audience would know, but the young singer still chose the White Lion single, a song that never lit the charts on fire, but is still considered an anthem in hair metal circles.

"I'm an emotional guy when it comes to music and I really like expressing my feelings in song -- it's one reason why I chose 'Broken Heart,'" Dixon told The Hollywood Reporter following Wednesday's show. "I had so much fun with it and loved the way it turned out."

'American Idol' judge Steven Tyler wasn't too hot on Dixon's rendition of the song, commenting, "I didn't feel the song go anywhere. The Hollywood Reporter contacted White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp in his native Denmark who told the paper that he had "nothing but praise and the absolutely the best to say about Colton, his voice and his passion for music. I enjoyed his performance and conviction of the song. Colton has my support all the way, he is a true star."

When asked what he thought about Tyler's comments about the song, Tramp said, "What's wrong with Tyler? White Lion toured with Aerosmith for three months back in 1987 and we became friends. I would say he knows pretty well who White Lion is and that 'Broken Heart' is a key part in the foundation to the band and why we were successful in the '80s."

Although Tramp was happy with Dixon's cover of 'Broken Heart,' he had some unflattering words to say about the 'American Idol' band's rendition of the song's instrumental parts: "It's a shame they couldn't lay down a better groove based on what they get paid or at least listen to the original better, even though they were doing their own version," the vocalist said.