Parton Me: 'American Idol' Top Nine Performs

April 01, 06:21 PM

Wednesday (April 1) night is Dolly Parton Night on American Idol, with Dolly serving as guest mentor, which will force surly judge Simon Cowell to balance his hatred of country music with his love of kissing up to celebrity visitors. As for me? I suspect the entire show will feel like an hour-long April Fool's joke (though hopefully less lame than the one Ryan Seacrest uses to start the show)...

Singer: BROOKE WHITE
Song: "Jolene"
My Take: Even Dolly can't deny the honesty of America's Nanny. Strumming the guitar, Brooke doesn't stray very far from the original melody and arrangement of what is -- if I were forced to list such things -- probably my favorite Parton song. I'm not sure she exactly gets the song's tone of melodic regret and pleading -- ain't nobody capable of stealin' Brooke White's man, no suh -- but it's simple and not-unpleasant. One of these weeks, Brooke's going to have to put just a little bit more out there vocally.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy thinks she could make an album like this, but despite pitch and pacing problems, it was only aight for him. Brooke thanks him sincerely. Paula thinks Brooke has an emotional connection with every song she picks. Brooke sends her a very sweet "Thank you" note and the two women proceed to rave about each other's hair. Simon goes back to the evergreen "busking" analogy, saying he didn't see any connection. Brooke sends him a muffin basket to show there are no hard feelings.

Singer: PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL WINNER DAVID [COOK]
Song: "Little Sparrow"
My Take: The producers of American Idol should be embarrassed by how they're letting random websites spell out the terms of a half-hearted controversy about David "The Leader" Cook's borrowing of different arrangements. This is a competition for cover artists and 99 percent of the performances on the show are borrowed from somebody or another. Yes, the artists behind the arrangements should be credited, probably, just so that they can get some benefit, but regardless of what Chris Cornell thinks, he couldn't have gotten any more credit last week than he did. Nobody else is being forced to bend over backward like he is, so David's making a special point of emphasizing that this week's version is all him. Well, mostly it's Dolly, actually. David thinks a bit more of his falsetto than I do, resorting too much to pushing high notes that, by the last one, betray him completely. Still, he makes the song sound contemporary and masculine, which is admirable.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: You know what Randy loves? He loves David's range. You know what Paula loves? David's haircut. They both rave about his "false," which means they need to listen to the last one on replay. We know that Simon has problems with songs about birds, but even he's enthusiastic.

Singer: RAMIELE MALUBAY
Song: "Do I Every Cross Your Mind"
My Take: Oh, Little Ramiele. You've got so much spunk, but why can't you choose a song that fits your voice properly? By the half-way point this jaunty track gets close, but for the first 30 seconds or so, she's mumbling notes that are much too low for her to enunciate. And that's a third of the song. Do we forget about that just because she sounds fine by the end? I don't. I defy anybody to tell me what this song is about or what its tone is based on Ramiele's performance.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Check it out! Randy isn't jumping up and down, but he isn't mad at her either, giving her a 6.5/10. Paula's proud and thinks it was a great minute-and-thirty-seconds. Simon speculates we won't remember this in 10 years.

Singer: JASON CASTRO
Song: "Travelin' Thru"
My Take: Way to go, Jason! I wouldn't necessarily have thought the theme song from a movie about a transgender parent's pre-surgery odyssey could be transformed into something perfect for the next Muppet movie, but there it is. Did the band start out too fast or did Jason on his guitar? There's what seems to be a dramatic tempo swap early on, but maybe that's part of the song? I'm grading Clifford the Muppet on a curve this week because he's been so very, very bad the past two weeks. This week, he's less bad, though the funny faces are still there in spades.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy figures that by the end of the song Jason worked it out. It was one of Jason's strongest performances for Paula. Simon jeopardizes his season pass to Dollywood by criticizing both the song and performance.

Singer: CARLY SMITHSON
Song: "Here You Come Again"
My Take: I'm a little concerned as Carly starts out, because this is a song I know in a more upbeat version and she's taking it as a big-voice ballad, perfect for shouting. It's actually a nice arrangement because it lets her sing out, but it's low on the bellowing that has sometimes plagued her, though it may ultimately be a bit too muted. I'd have preferred if the song had started slow and then sped up, which might have made it a bit more memorable. Carly's been going with billowing costumes in recent weeks, prompting those pesky pregnancy rumors, but she looks better tonight.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy's loving Carly again, speculating that it'll be one of the night's best. Paula dubs it "glorious" and raves. Simon goes "good-not-great" and warns her to start looking more like a star. Carly looks genuinely perplexed how to handle that critique.

Singer:[PRESUMPTIVE AMERICAN IDOL WINNER DAVID] ARCHULETA
Song: "Appalachian Memories"
My Take: This is a great and entirely predictable song choice for David. It's a song that can only be performed with the weary, misty eyes of a 17-year-old and that seems to require the sort of been-around-the-block nostalgia best delivered Utah-born stage kid. When I watch him, the artificiality is irksome, but when I only listen, it's clearly his best vocal turn since "Imagine," even if it's the exact same sort of vocal turn as "Imagine." Does that make sense? David does one thing very well and after a couple weeks away, he's doing that one thing again. David Cook may have briefly shaken up the leaderboard last week, but I'd bet Archuleta returns to the top with voters after this one.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy very quickly has to take back calling Carly the night's best. Paula loves David's glorious aura. "Absolutely on-the-money," Simon says.

Singer: KRISTY LEE COOK
Song: "Coat of Many Colors"
My Take: Last week Kristy told the country that by not supporting her, they may be supporting terrorists. The producers probably signed off on that accusation because otherwise Dolly Parton Week would have gone off without a single genuine country singer. Indeed, her tone is fairly natural on what is not one of my favorite Dolly songs. But while she looks beautiful and sounds in her element, Kristy lacks that thing that people love about Brooke and David Archuleta, where even if they don't really have an emotional connection to the song people believe they do.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy agrees that this is Kristy Lee Week. Paula calls it her best performance. Simon says it's "pleasant, but forgettable." Kristy blows Simon a kiss.

Singer: SYESHA MERCADO
Song: "I Will Always Love You"
My Take: Syesha takes over for Archuleta in the category of Most Inevitable Song Choice. It's a weird combination of the Dolly and Whitney versions, starting more Dolly and moving into Whitney territory by the end, where she gets to do all of the runs and power notes that Whitney forced upon the song. It don't think those diva notes are as pure as they should be and after the understated start they feel even more out-of-place in Syesha's cover. It would have been smarter for Syesha to have cheated expectations entirely and just done the Dolly version. It isn't quite the showcase, but it's still a beautiful song and nobody can walk away going, "Well it was good, but it wasn't..."
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: Randy thinks she did "pretty good" with what he calls "the biggest tiger of the night." Paula thinks Syesha is growing and growing and growing. Simon's got this one right, saying Syesha would have been better off getting a different and less pre-determined song.

Singer: MICHAEL JOHNS
Song: "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right"
My Take: Which is more surprising: Michael's genuine humility at meeting Dolly or his willingness to keep much of the country edge of this song? The show has tried to make him into an Aussie rocker, but Michael sounds like a fine Southern blues singer tonight and looks comfortable in the role, closing the show well.
Hoss, Little Joe and Simon Say: We're running out of time, so Randy gets out "blazing hot," Paula stutters for a while and Simon gets in "best you've sounded in the competition." Will Ryan's rushed phone number presentation cost Michael? I wonder.

TONIGHT'S BEST: I'd put Michael at the top this week, with the dueling Davids a bit behind and Carly a bit behind that.
IN DANGER: Will Kristy suffer a "We brought you back and this is how you repay us?" let-down this week? Performance-wise, I'd put her in the Bottom Three with Ramiele (she's there every week at this point) and Jason, though after he made an unexpected trip to the Bottom Three last week, though, I can't see the Muppet returning. Figure Ramiele, Kristy and Carly in the Bottom Three.

Agree? Disagree? What'd you think of Dolly Week?

And check out all of our Idol coverage in Zap2it's Guide to American Idol.

in American Idol , FOX , Reality TV

Permalink

Comments (76)

TrackBack (0)

Comments

I thought Ramielle, Jason, and Syesha were the 'bottom 3' performers tonight. My opinion, time for Ramielle to go

3man | Apr 1, 2008 6:59:12 PM | #

Michael was DEFINITELY the best tonite in a night of average performances.

Syesha made a baaaad choice. Either you smash that song or you don't and she didn't.

I thought David Cook mumbled a lot of his words and I agree with Daniel, the falsetto isn't foolin anyone. His performance was still more memorable than most others though.

David A was probably the 2nd best tonite. He can definitely sing but his facial expressions and hand gestures need some refining.

I actually liked Kristy's performance today. It wasn't spectacular but it should be enough to get her through another week.

Brooke is still my fave girl this year but she hasnt shown any range in her voice thus far (unless I missed something in the previous weeks)

You could tell Jason tried much harder tonite. By far the weakest male though.

Carly is pretty forgettable for me...IMO

Goodbye Ramielle. Don't think she sang in tune at all.

Hyvent | Apr 1, 2008 7:13:58 PM | #

For me, bottom 3 will be Ramiele, KLC & Syesha. Ramiele should be gone two weeks ago. Who is voting for her??? But they probably end up sending Syesha home.

CCYu | Apr 1, 2008 7:27:47 PM | #

I'm giving David C a lot of credit for actually going different from his norm. so bravo there. (Performance wasn't great, but the effort was there).

You know, I thought Jason's song sounded like something Fraggles would sing...guess I wasn't the only one.

Boy I wish Brooke missed more notes when she sung. She continues to show she knows nothing of human emotion and has yet to connect with a single song. I predicted last week she'd bring her inability to emote to what's likely Dolly's most angstful song, and there it was.

Kristy was good, but not super. She won her self an album deal in Nashville regardless of the outcome of the show, so good for her.

Syesha showed that she's just there. She's neither a nor b, neither Dolly nor Whitney.

Ramielle once again got lost in the song, but she seems to have a huge fan base she's likely sticking around.

Video Beagle | Apr 1, 2008 7:48:40 PM | #

Can someone please tell Brooke to zip-it when the judges are talking? She need not respond verbally to EVERY comment. VERY A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G!!!!! She's the only one that chatters to the judges. UGH!

Shut-up, Brooke! | Apr 1, 2008 7:57:20 PM | #

I guess I'm the only person who doesn't get the love for Michael. I often think he sounds like he singing just under the notes and, this week, I couldn't figure out what he was trying to do. The blues? Maybe an imitation of the blues, but definitely not the real deal.

I still prefer David C. and think he has the best shot for a career. David A. is a good singer, but I'd be more impressed if he worked the stage more. He only seems comfortable when he stands still center stage and closes his eyes.

I've sometimes liked Carly, but she kept grinning awkwardly during the song when grinning didn't match the lyrics. She didn't really seem to make an emotional connection with the song, instead concentrating once again on belting out the tune at the end.

Sigh...maybe I have too high expectations but now that we're in season 7 can't we have contestants who can sing and demonstrate showmanship?

David | Apr 1, 2008 7:59:40 PM | #

Completely agree about talking back with the judges. It's actually a great strategy by Brooke to keep them from being able to criticize her. I bet if they were complimenting her she would stay silent. I do think she is a pretty good singer though.

For the sake of conversation here's how I'd group them based ONLY on tonight

Top 3:
David A.
Michael
Kristy

Middle 3:
Carly
Brooke
David C.

Bottom 3:
Syesha
Jason
Ramielle (going home)

3man | Apr 1, 2008 8:02:34 PM | #

First, you know the song is "Smokey Mountain Memories" and not "Appalachain Memories", right? Perhaps you were kidding, and I didn't get the joke.

For my ears, only David C, Carly, and Michael actually stood out. David A is soo incredibly boring; everything has to be soooo serious and heartfelt. Snore.

I love "Jolene", but Simon's right in that Brooke didn't seem to actually understand the words she was singing. It's a sad, emotional, pathetic pitch to the other woman, but she sang and smiled as if she were singing a nursery rhyme. Brooke, darlin', I'm a fan, but please understand that the world isn't actually comprised of lollipops and fairies.

Ramiele genuinely has a great voice - not that you'd appreciate it from her dismal song choices. Girl has no idea what her style is or what she'd trying to say with her music (a very, very common problem with this year's contestants). She really needs to head home week after next.

Kristy? Yuck. The more I see her, the more I dislike her. And while I'm not as oversensitive as a many I've read on the blogosphere about contestant "sassing", I did find her sarcasm to Simon not cute, not flirty, but just aggressively nasty. Please, please, please, send her home.

Isembard | Apr 1, 2008 8:12:28 PM | #

I agree with Isembard - Michael, David C and Carly were the standouts.

With Michael and Carly, I felt like they finally delivered the goods. I thought they were both great performances. I might actually buy them on itunes.

David A had some troubles with the notes, but I he still has a great voice.

Syeshia should not have chosen that song - predictable, and while she did sound great, it wasn't as good as Whiteny, and that was what I was thinking when I was listening to it. The big note at the end may have saved her from the bottom three this week.

Weakest performance, IMO, was Ramiele.

Overall, I enjoyed tonights perforamances much better than last week.

mdep | Apr 1, 2008 8:33:16 PM | #

Ramielle won't go home for a few weeks, first off, because she's got a huge base of supporters among Asian-Americans who watch he show. They are quite underrepresented on TV in general so they're really rallying around her. Also, she is popular for being "cute" and "short" and "spunky." Syesha is going home because she just isn't likeable. She seems fake, like she "wants to be a star and that's that." Wanting something too much compromises your position. For that reason, also, I think Carly will be in danger this week or next.

Linz | Apr 1, 2008 8:53:56 PM | #

I don't have a favorite Dolly Parton song, and if I head over to iTunes to make any purchases, it won't be of these AI contestants, but some of Parton's. Good stuff!

David Cook - surprisingly good with this material! I've liked him all along, smirk and all.
Ramielle - sounded out of breath the whole time.
Brooke White - absolutely zero clue what it was she was supposed to be singing about.
Jason Castro -- histrionic eyebrows and sqwinchy eyes for conveying emotion are super-annoying.
Carly Smithson - Clay Aiken covers this song at this tempo. He does not go all diva at the end, though. Whatevs. She OK. ::yawn::
KLC - The only one to dress right for the theme tonight (contrast Ramiele's overly structured early-90s throw-back ensemble). I kept thinking how robotic this song would've sounded if Brooke White had sung it instead. She did fine "in her wheel-house."
David Archuleta - he didn't muff it. Seemed like he was really trying. What I loved best was the taped bit with Dolly. She's always so endearingly vulnerable about the fact that she's completely in drag whenever she appears on camera / in public.
Syesha Mercado - agree with DF and Simon's take. Too shout-y for my tastes, though.
Michael Johns - whoa! he knocked it out! Best of the night; smoldering.

just one | Apr 1, 2008 8:59:17 PM | #

The only thing I was thinking during Syesha's performance was "I wonder what Chikezie would have done tonight?" Completely predictable and boring. She needs to go.

Your eyelids are huge...you must go | Apr 1, 2008 10:10:27 PM | #

I think Ramiele, Syesha, and Kristy will be in the bottom 3 - with Kristy going home. I think people would have expected Kristy to do well, but she was just so-so.

Danny | Apr 1, 2008 10:15:27 PM | #

Everyone in my house loved Syesha tonight. Who cares is "Whitney" did it before, it was still good.

Bryan | Apr 1, 2008 10:32:13 PM | #

Yep, I have to agree with a consensus of opinion on here. Michael Johns was the hit of the night. He really made the song his own. Not my favorite of the top nine at this point but have to give him his due.

David Cook is a star. Poor song choice for the night but still a great performer at this point of the competition.

Not a fan of the little Archuleta kid. Nice kid, nice voice, great future singing at bar mitzvahs and weddings.

Carly was fine. Simon was right about her clothes and her style.

My choice for removal...either Syesha or Ramielle. Kristy will go soon. This was her 'wheelhouse' and she was ok. Want to see better from Brooke who is my favorite of the women.

Seems like a lot of the voices sounded tired and quite a few were taking breaths in odd places which showed that they lack basic breath support. Diction was pretty poor as well. oh yeah, Jason has got to go as well. Won't be this week but he will be going soon.

Stephen | Apr 1, 2008 11:37:55 PM | #

David Cook is a star. Poor song choice for the night but still a great performer at this point of the competition.

Not a fan of the little Archuleta kid. Nice kid, nice voice, great future singing at bar mitzvahs and weddings.

Carly was fine. Simon was right about her clothes and her style.

My choice for removal...either Syesha or Ramielle. Kristy will go soon. This was her 'wheelhouse' and she was ok. Want to see better from Brooke who is my favorite of the women.

Stephen | Apr 1, 2008 11:38:00 PM | #

I think Ramielle will be safe :-D

Andy | Apr 2, 2008 12:21:05 AM | #

Hands down Michael Johns held his own and delivered. David Cook looking more and more like a star and performing like one...he's got in the bag. Of course there is alot of hooplah about David Archuleta but that is because of the earlier auditions and his extensive background resume in music- but he lacks originality even though his voice is pure...we want raw, edgy, excitement. Carly great singer yeah...but what drives me crazy is that she comes across as the female with the big voice but if there is anything we learned from last season is that Jordin Sparks is the standard ...so why are we praising singers that are not of that caliber. A contestant needs to knock it out of the park with a soaring vocal or a killer performance. Obviously, there is alot to be said about popularity being a big deciding factor on who stays or goes because if it was just based on real talent than Ramiele should been gone a long time ago...PEOPLE, REMEMBER (and i mean this with respect to both the fans and Ramiele)but you can not chose someone because you think it's cool or politically or socialll progressive to help advance someone of your own ethnic origin, we're all human remember and we all belong in the same brotherhood...so give it up to the right brother or sister who you know was born on this earth to get into that studio and pour his/her heart to make US a great album to listen to-that is the person who DESERVES to win. Now and finally, Kristy Lee Cook is an improvemnent but not a recording artist. Syhesha we all can see she is struggling in the audience relation department...that's insecurity i think she has a lot of defenses up because she had a tough time growing up but lets not underestimate that she is probably the best female vocalist in that group of girls. As far as Brook White I agree she placates to the judges a lot during comments and which in effect is casting a negative light on her persona...i'm not liking her as much anymore and her song selection is weak by the week. She can sing but she is not a singer.

Michael | Apr 2, 2008 12:32:26 AM | #

Actually, no joke Isembard, the song was originally written as and titled “Appalachian Memories” and appeared on Parton’s 1983 album Burlap & Satin. Years later Parton began to sing the song live with the re-christened title and lyrics as “Smoky Mountain Memories” presumably because it’s more specifically the Smoky Mountains where she grew up. Both titles are considered correct for that particular song.

Pippo | Apr 2, 2008 12:44:40 AM | #

Pippo, thanks for the info. I gladly stand corrected (and better informed)!

Isembard | Apr 2, 2008 3:40:35 AM | #

hmmm... I actually wanted to see danny in the audience... oh well... i think ramiele will be safe coz he has a huge fan-base and i do mean huge! but she needs to be in the bottom 3 to get a WAKE UP CALL! she needs it badly! so i think sayesha [is it the correct spelling? oh well] is gone....and ramiele will have another brake down, since there good friends.. i think the're room mates! w8 i've noticed that this season they have a lot of weird names that are hard to spell!

hotness | Apr 2, 2008 3:53:27 AM | #

Man, oh man......did I want to bend Dolly over that piano and take her to paradise. But I digress...

The bottom 3 tonight SHOULD be all females, specifically Ramiele, Syesha, and Kristy Lee. Of those three, Kristy Lee was actually the better singer, and I think it's probably Ramiele's week to leave. Now IF a guy should make the bottom 3, I would count on it being Jason Castro (he who looks like a semi-retarded, pothead muppet).

For the best performances, it was David Archuleta followed closely by Michael Johns and David Cook. And they were very close because all were excellent. I'm more than ready for Brooke White to go home, she's overstayed her welcome. I didn't care for how slow Carly took an already light-to-slow tempo'd song of Dolly's and then made it just drag, and it's a shame because it's a good song. I think Carly's hair and make-up person is doing a good job, but the wardrobe person (in agreement with Simon) should be fired.

Mr Right | Apr 2, 2008 4:12:54 AM | #

I agree with Linz. Ramielle is not going anywhere - unfortunately. Her "fan" base is too strong. Hopefully though the pouty one will at least make the bottom three, because she leaves a bad karaoke taste in the mouth. Should be bottom three: Kristy Lee, Syesha, and Ramiele. Will be bottom three? Probably Jason, Carly, and Syesha (bye bye for being soooo obvious), although I still have my fingers crossed that Ramiele or KL will replace one or two of them on the hard stools

vncntdl | Apr 2, 2008 4:59:37 AM | #

Okay, I realize that Archie is an AI producer's dream come true. Cute, endearing, with impressive vocal control. But, man, is he a one-trick pony. Anyone who thinks he gave the best performance of the night (twelve year old girls are exempt) has serious taste issues. He might as well be singing the telephone directory for all that it mattered (and slowly -- the only tempo he can do).

| Apr 2, 2008 5:09:22 AM | #

Michael Johns was amazing last night, and I totally agree with Simon;s statement about Carly's wardrobe - I said that 3 wks ago when she wore the terrible red top with the stupid flower.

'Shut-up, Brooke!' your so wrong, Carly NEVER shuts her mouth when the judges talk and she is so fake. do you not remember last week talkign about her spanx and this week talking about how she is in a good mood, that was until simon told her she looked terrible - LOL

Bea | Apr 2, 2008 5:13:37 AM | #

Tonight just confirmed it will be 2 men in the finals.

I am really begining to not enjoy Carly. She ruined another good song this week.

And Brooke, Why is she still here? I thought she would have done really well, but again, reeeeaaaaal boring.

Ramiele, just sad.

KLC- I think she stuck to Dolly's version and it was pleasant.

I am not getting the Muppet boy.

The best tonight was Michael and David A.

Please, Please, Please let it be Ramiele going home, she has sucked for weeks and weeks.

Or if Brooke went, that would be great.

| Apr 2, 2008 5:25:32 AM | #

Brooke should have sung "Coat of Many Colors" and I would have bet my next paycheck she would have. I envisioned her putting a "Let It Be" vibe on it and knocking it outta the park. As it was, she skipped through "Jolene" seemingly without a clue as to what the song is about. Still, it was a "safe" peformance for her, and that's what I think she'll be when the votes are tallied.
I think Ramiele's in trouble.
Overall, though, I don't think any of the night's performances will cross anybody's minds when recalling great nights on "Idol."

MGC | Apr 2, 2008 5:25:58 AM | #

I thought Michael and Carly were the best.

Simon is right about Carly's attire; she really needs to glam it up a bit more. She seems almost to be dressing down out of loyalty to her husband, maybe? BUT he was wrong about her performance. She was fantastic.

Michael is a star; amazing voice, good looking guy, great attitude. I hope he wins the whole thing.

And Daniel, thank you for constantly referring to Jason as The Muppet. I bust a gut whenever I see his face now and Lord knows I need a good laugh every week. You are so funny!! As I say nearly every week here, you're the only reason I watch this show!! : )

Caro | Apr 2, 2008 5:28:27 AM | #

Bottom 3:
Ramiele
Jason
Kristy

Ramiele will go....

I really was disgusted with Simon tonight. Most of the time I completely agree with his assessments (although he could say it in a kinder way). He criticized the violin player that Brooke had with her?? What's up with that?? And then he criticized Carly's clothes. Carly's not one of my favorites, but Simon judge the singing not the clothes. The black sweater is getting old dude.....I sincerely love that Ryan stood up for Carly. He has no problem giving it right back to Simon. Thank you Ryan!

D | Apr 2, 2008 6:06:09 AM | #

Carly was far from fantastic. When she sings she looks like she's trying to push out a huge turd, and then her arrangement of an already slightly-slow tempo song just made it drag on and on.

The AI producers should do something about covering over Carly's trashy-looking tattoos.

What's really nice about David Archuleta is that while he has an amazing voice, he genuinely looks emotionally connected to his songs. All of the other contestants look like they're TRYING to be connected to them, but are just playing to the crowd.

Amy | Apr 2, 2008 6:16:12 AM | #

Bye-bye Rami! Time to go.
If it's Dreadful Locks, that's fine also.

Kristy was ok but being country week, she should have knocked out of the park. Her time is coming.

Brooke is rude and condescending when she talks while the judges are talking. I'm surprised Simon hasn't told her to keep quiet while he talks.

jt | Apr 2, 2008 6:24:43 AM | #

I agree with you, Amy. David always sings from the heart. That's why he always sounds good. He never played the crowd. He makes us feel the song.

Kathy | Apr 2, 2008 6:35:01 AM | #

I agree Michael had a good night, but he's just so smug and arrogant that I can't stand him.

David C. and David A. are much more deserving of getting to the top.

Carly can sing, but some of her high notes just plain hurt my ears. She is not enjoyable to listen to at times.

Brook is definitely lacking something. She just looks uncomfortable singing for an audience.

Kathy | Apr 2, 2008 6:54:12 AM | #

I Completely agree with Hyvant. I do think Rami, after a string of theme-park performances, will probably go. Or Sye will suffer the curse of "She's no Whitney" boot, that started with Keli Glover in Season 1 of every woman who sings that song. Learn women learn-- so something else. Jason was more lively then he's been in weeks, but he could go too. I like the Jolene song when Dolly or Mindy Smith (or Wright?) does it, a haunting cover Mindy's is, from some Dolly tribute album I think, so I'll give Brooke a pass this week, but when will America be annoyed enough to send her home. Everyone else, even KLC was good.

John | Apr 2, 2008 6:54:45 AM | #

David Archuleta was the best of the night for me followed by Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. The rest were extremely mediocre.

Roger | Apr 2, 2008 7:05:55 AM | #

IT WOULD BE GOOD TO FINALLY SEE RAMIELE GO, SHE IS VERY CUTE, BUT NOT A GOOD SINGER.

BROOKE IS PLAIN BORING. I THOUGHT SHE WOULD HAVE DONE WELL THIS WEEK, NOT AS MUCH.

SYESHA HAS A GOOD VOICE, BUT SHE SHOULD HAVE PICKED ONE VERSION OR THE OTHER, NOT BOTH. THAT CHOICE COULD COST HER. SHE WAS SO MUCH BETTER LAST WEEK AND MADE THE BOTTOM 3. SHE MIGHT BE GONE THIS WEEK.

BOTTOM 3:
JASON
RAMIELE
SYESHA

HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE RAMIELE.

| Apr 2, 2008 7:06:01 AM | #

The song title is actually "Smoky Mountain Memories." There's no "e" in Smoky.

Sorry, I'm a nitpicker.

andy | Apr 2, 2008 7:08:16 AM | #

The song title is actually "Smoky Mountain Memories." There's no "e" in Smoky.

Sorry, I'm a nitpicker.

andy | Apr 2, 2008 7:09:46 AM | #

Enjoyed the performances more than usual; but it is NOT

Editor | Apr 2, 2008 7:10:18 AM | #

Enjoyed most of the performances more than usual; but overall a BAD year in my opinion. The judges seem disintereted, esp. Randy, many of the contestants should simply not be there - Ryan's professionalism seems to be the only thing holding it all together this year. No surprise that ratings are down. AI needs a life preserver!

Editor | Apr 2, 2008 7:14:05 AM | #

Jason is the same old every week and Brooke is the same old every week. I liked them at first but they are becoming very boring. Brooke can not hit a high note and picks songs that never go there. Ramiele is still there because she is little and cute time for her to go sooner then later I hope. Simon is right about Carly and the clothes she wears. I loved Kristi last night her performance gave me the chills. Kristi has a beautiful voice and country music is for her. The two Davids did good and Michael did great. Syesha was ok. I think it is time for Brooke, Jason and Ramiele to go.

Joanne | Apr 2, 2008 7:18:50 AM | #

What Simon should have said to Carly... "I think it is time to cover your arms. That tattoo is so distracting, its like having another person in the room, crawling up your arm and it's becoming hard to focus on your voice!" (do you really think that that tattoo is garnerring any votes?)

On the other hand I think an appropriate response from Kristy lee to Simon should have been... "And how is my forgettable personality doing, I've had to stand here and be unnessarily humiliated by you week after week. You are so out of line, I feel compelled to lash out a bit, in self-defense and for my own self esteem!"
Anyhow I think most importantly, both of these girls can sing and don't embarrass themselves song-wise in the way Ramiele does week after week. It's time for her to go!

Jim | Apr 2, 2008 7:21:49 AM | #

Syesha wasn't trying to do the Whitney version of "I'll Always Love You". Dolly's version is completely different and that's what Syesha was trying to accomplish. I thought she did great!

Tina S | Apr 2, 2008 7:29:42 AM | #

Wow, these comments really show the diversity in our country. We should have and election or something and see who wins. I hope as many people vote there as vote for AI; one difference. Each person only gets one vote, so the winner is actually the one that the majority (of voters) agrees upon. Example: no one in my house even remotely enjoyed Michael last night, but here, most of the posters loved him. Same with Carly. Our opinion is not high, and then to read comments how great her makeup looked while we were laughing at it....to each his own. (including usernames, MR Unoriginal who thinks we admire his sexual comments under someone else's username. R U a predator? Is that why you won't choose a name of your own?)

Master Correct | Apr 2, 2008 7:33:15 AM | #

Bottom three of Ramiele, Jason, and Syesha. If Ramiele isn't in the bottom three then she will officially have reached Sanjaya status. She can sing but I have to recall her original audition to remind myself of that. She hasn't had one good performance on the big stage.

Eric | Apr 2, 2008 7:40:57 AM | #

I knew what song Syesha was going to pick as soon as they announced the theme... and that it would be a bad choice. She has a really nice voice but she's no Whitney. You can't help but compare anyone else who sings this song to Whitney's version... and they're going to come out poor in comparison everytime.

Michael Johns was amazing. His was definitely the best performance of the night.

David A. is annoying to me. Yes, he has a very nice voice, but all he seems able to do is slow, somber songs that are way to old for him. I seriously doubt he's picking his own music.

Ramielle is a cute girl with a cute personality but needs some help with her hair and wardrobe choices. It's time for her to go home. She has yet to do a truly decent performance.

Brooke has a nice voice and I enjoy her performances but everytime she talks to the judges I feel like she's talking to the children she used to care for. I think she'd make a really excellent children's performer. Maybe she should look into something in that field since I don't see her winning AI.

Carly - good voice. Could do without the ginormous tattoo, but that is a matter of personal taste, not talent. I don't think she should be on the show though since she has already had a major label debut.

katie71483 | Apr 2, 2008 7:43:53 AM | #

SINCE LAST WEEK WE KNOW WHO THE STARS OF THE SHOW ARE, AND THOSE THAT ALREADY SHOW THAT THERES NO WAY TO WIN AMERICAN IDOL. THE TRUE STARS OF THE SHOW ARE...

DAVID COOK
BROOKE WHITE
MICHAEL JOHNS

IN THE MIDDLE WE HAVE...

CARLY
DAVID ARCHULETA
kRISTY LEE (IF SHE STAYS SINGING CONTRY MUSIC)

AT THE BOTTOM...

JASON
SYESHA
RAMIELLE

TONIGHT... SYESHA...SORRY!

RICHARD... (PUERTO RICO) | Apr 2, 2008 7:49:16 AM | #

Great re-cap.

Hello Dolly! I love her, her music, her writing, her voice. Everything Dolly.

Ok, now back to the "singers". I think David A. puts the "A" in YAWN. He sings ok, but it's always so dull and boring. I think that David C. puts the "C" in ROCK. He makes each song his own and looks great on stage. Kristy Lee puts the "K" in KORNY. Wait there's no K in "corny", oh well. "Coat of Many Colors" is not a smiley song Kristy. It's a heartfelt Dolly poem with some very sad lyrics.

I agree with Richard. The bottom 3 tonight will be JASON, SYESHA and RAMIELLE.

Peace.

JVice | Apr 2, 2008 8:14:55 AM | #

Overall a good night for most of the singers.

Brooke, was okay not outstanding, but she seemed comfortable in the song.

David C. was good again and unlike Daughtery he showed he doesn't have to just rock throughout every song.

Ramielle, the nights low point another Karaoke performance that wasn't very good and she didn't seem to like the song.

Jason, again not a strong night but better than last week.

Carly, thought she performed well, might not be her "wheel house" but she sounded good.

David A. sung well, but I can't believe Simon said it was the right song, that song is way to old for him.

Kirsty, I thought did well. Not the kind of song you can turn into a pop/country song and might hurt her. But this type of song she sung well.

Syesha, ugh I knew she would try 'I will always love you'. I liked the first third when it was slower and softer; but then she went to Whitney territory.

Michael Johns, sung well also at least when I started listening and stopped wondering where shaggy and Scobby were. Seriously was that an ascot?

Bottom three is hard to predict because of numbers and history. Jason might be in big 3 this week, but he was last week and I think the teen-girls will save him. Syesha was in bottom 3 last week and could pick up a bump from Chiekezie voters despite going Whitney. Ramielle was bad again, but has yet to go into the bottom 3, proving she has a strong base.

I think Carly could be in trouble despite a strong performance and Brooke despite her strong base got the dreaded lead off spot.

Actually I believe Kristy is in trouble. Because this week was Kristy's "wheel house" many may believe she is safe and not vote or vote that second time. That plus Ramielle's and Jason's strong base, and Syesha picking up new voters could hurt Kristy badly.

I will predict kristy, Ramielle, and Syesha in the bottom 3, with perhaps Carly as a wild card.

jbw | Apr 2, 2008 8:16:07 AM | #

Actually Coat of Many Colors IS a happy song. It's about realizing that you can be rich without a lot of money and the character in the song is happy because of the coat her mother made for her out of love.

And can we stop saying this was Kristy's wheelhouse. Just because you sing country (which she does very, very well)doesn't mean that every country singer is in your wheelhouse. Someone like Sara Evans or Martina McBride is more KLC's wheelhouse.

3man | Apr 2, 2008 8:19:22 AM | #

David A is BORING. Yes, he has a beutiful singing voice. Which he stands there, almost perfectly still, and delivers. I've seen no "performance" from him and really, and honestly he only does one type of song particularly well. He has no stage presence whatsoever.

Rasmus | Apr 2, 2008 8:31:25 AM | #

I agree that this year seems to be a bad one. Or at least worst than previous years. There only seems to be 3 consistant performers (Davids + Michael) this season while everyone else is just plain boring or unspectacular.
And the judges are getting WAAY to predictable. Randy is never sure and doesnt have the balls to say "that was horrible".
Paula is still on drugs and I usually just tone her out since the stuff that comes outta her mouth is pure rubish. Does anyone notice how she will NEVER give a negative response if Randy gives a positive one?
The only words Simon uses now are "not memorable" or "song choice" or one worders like "horrible" or "amazing". I remember him lecturing David Cook about how he was giving "constructive criticism" (Top 10 guys episode) but I have yet to hear anything "constructive" come outta him.

And does anyone honestly think any of these contestants, besides the Davids, will be able to sell any albums? Even Michael Johns has no distinct quality to him. David Cook has a great chance to be the next Daughtry. David Archuleta will probably be bought up by all the teeny boppers and maybe even some parents if he keeps singing about saving the world. And I dont think anyone in past years has been destroying the competition like David A has this year (according to DialIdol).

Hyvent | Apr 2, 2008 8:34:05 AM | #

Hi Daniel. Why do you make up names for the woman and the black man and then use the white man's real name? Doesn't that come across to you as being in really bad taste. I can almost see Obama, Clinton, and Bush sitting there at a debate and the first two get stupid nicknames and Bush gets his name and we end up with a dumbass in office again.

| Apr 2, 2008 8:39:19 AM | #

Did none of you hear David C's last few "notes"? False was false to him. The beginning wasn't much better. The middle was okay, but I didn't expect to hear the kind of praise for this particular number. I liked the hair style, though, but I expected a backlash saying that he wasn't being "true" to himself by conforming. I thought Carly was going to hit Simon, but I agree with this remarks about her "look". I had been wondering who had done her make-up, and her clothes are not performance wardrobe.

Eric @ 15 | Apr 2, 2008 8:39:40 AM | #

I didn't mind Syesha's IWALY, though I'm not wild about the song. She should have done something else, or really done something different with the song. Overall though, it was less Whitneyed than I thought it would be, which is a good thing. Yeah there were the obligatory power notes, but the melisma was more restrained than I was expecting. Syesha needs to step away from the Whitney material, it's just not a good thing.

Carly impressed me for the first time. When she avoids the shouted glory notes, she's got a really good tone to her voice. She should do more songs like this.

Micheal Johns did not impress me as much as he appears to have impressed a lot of other people on here. His voice sounds fine, if a little 'light', but his facial expressions when he sings are distracting, especially since he's rather attractive when he's just standing there not talking or singing.

David Cook is my favorite at this point, mainly because I think he has the best voice of the guys, and the best taste in arrangements.

Jason Castro is still on this show? Really? Chikezie should have been up there during Jason's slot. Jason has the weakest voice of all of them.

Ramiele, can we please ditch the sideswept bangs? She really needs a makeover, one that doesn't scream 'teen karaoke queen'. And her clothing selection has been consistently awful. She's got a decent voice, but she's never once stood out to me.

Brooke, shut the eff up, ferchrissakes. Her constant chattering while the judges give feedback is super irritating. We get it Brooke, you're sweet and safe-as-milk. I want to hire Olivia Newton-John to beat you up. Her voice is just aight for me, and I think Melinda Doolittle called and wants her humility back.

David Archuleta. Sigh. Second-rate Josh Groban if you ask me, and I love Josh Groban. David Archuleta is just too young. In about 10 years he'll be awesome, but right now, he's cheesy, and not in a good way.

Oh yeah, Kristy Lee Cook, I almost forgot about her. I think that crack she made about 'not wanting to impress her mom as much as wanting to impress Dolly Parton' will not play well with her Red State fanbase. I think they'll get 'riled' and refuse to vote for her. I blame Jesus.

Siansonea | Apr 2, 2008 9:03:09 AM | #

Really Liked Michael J and David A.

KLC did good, didn't hurt herself.

I am afraid that Syesha could be going. She doesn't deserve to, but I think people will compare her to Whitney.

Ramiele needs to go, that way whe can start performing at Disneyland. She has been awful the last 3 weeks or so.

Brooke has been pretty bad also. She doesn't lookl like she is enjoying it. And she runs her mouth a bit much.

I wish Carly would have sang the song a little softer. She might also suffer in comparison to the original and find herself in bottom 3.

Bottom 3:
Ramiele - (PLEASE)
Jason-
Brooke-

Out: Brooke

| Apr 2, 2008 9:03:37 AM | #

>>> "We should have an election or something and see who wins"

Actually, there's an Idol website who does just that - polls dozens of boards and blogs each week to rate performances, then maintain a database of all seven seasons of results. Sorry for putting in a plug; we've used Zap2It for years as one of the sources for the ratings, but the above comment seemed like the perfect time to mention it here.

www.whatnottosing.com

Incidentally, as of noon Wed, Michael is leading this week, DavidC is second, DavidA and Carly are very close for third, and Ramiele is a distant last. That's only for this night's performances; for the entire season DavidC is well out in front.

WNTS | Apr 2, 2008 9:08:01 AM | #

Let me just say that I am glad no one was dumb enought to try and sing '9 to 5'. Because that would have been death.

it | Apr 2, 2008 9:17:36 AM | #

Bottom 3

Michael
Carly
Syesha

with Carly going home

like David C's hair

David A is back to form from the first 2 weeks

Pookie | Apr 2, 2008 9:27:50 AM | #

It's going to end up being David vs. David, I suspect. As annoying as David A is, I recognize he's got a huge fan base. My daughter calls him the "lick lipper". Keep your tongue in your mouth! David C. is awesome and can make anything sound fresh and original. Brooke needs some of that. I'd say goodbye tonight to Kristy Lee or Ramiele.

Helena | Apr 2, 2008 9:29:25 AM | #

I'm sure "9 to 5" will be tonight's group number.

Mia | Apr 2, 2008 9:30:05 AM | #

I wish Ramielle HAD sung "9 to 5". I really like the song. If she did it well, it would have vaulted her to the top. If she sang it badly, it would have been one of those performances that we all remember for a LONG time (like Sanjaya's "You Really Got Me" song from last year). Risk vs. Reward; Go out with a bang.

Cornelius | Apr 2, 2008 10:10:30 AM | #

Dolly was looking hotter than hot....man, I gots to get me some of that old gal!

Roscoe | Apr 2, 2008 10:31:25 AM | #

Ok Ok listen up dawgs..cough..cough...barf. They need to vote off the judges!!! What are they taking? Who are they listening to? Michael Johns should have been gone a long time ago. I am not impressed with his voice. And to take a take from Simon...I can't even remember his performance last night!!! Ramiele (sp?) is like a deer caught in the headlights that can't sing!!! I was not impressed with David Cook's performance. I was impressed with Christy Lee Cook's performance. She sang that song with tenderness-the way it should be. I didn't even recognize David Cook's song and I'm a country fan!!! I wish Chekezie (sp?) was still there. He was much better in voice and performance than Syesha, Ramiele, and Jason put together. Last week I thought I was listening to the great late Luther himself when I closed my eyes. And what's the deal with Jason??? He doesn't belong on American Idol...he belongs on the Muppets or Nickelodeon. I've had it with his meek little cartooney voice. Bottom 3 SHOULD be but won't be... Ramiele, Jason, and Syesha.

JMO

idolidol | Apr 2, 2008 11:15:10 AM | #

What is it with Simon and songs about birds? Weird!
Ramielle and Kristy Lee both did great during auditions, but just haven't come through on the "big stage."
Carly's tattoo IS distracting.
I used to like Brooke alot, but her comments to the judges have gotten on my last nerve.
Why do "they" continue to call this the best AI season ever? What a joke.

Jan | Apr 2, 2008 11:29:04 AM | #

Ramiele and Syesha were the bottom 2, and Kristy can round out the bottom 3. Carly was one of the best! How can you put her in your top 4 and bottom 3? You don't make sense!

David Cook was not as good this week, and neither was Kristy, whereas Michael, Jason and Brooke all improved. David A and Carly are the 2 best IMHO and Ramiele and Syesha are the 2 worst.

Crafty Matthew | Apr 2, 2008 11:55:32 AM | #

I agree with idolidol concerning the judges - most of the time the judges do not bring much to the table - Randy basically comments on pitch, Paula makes no sense, and Simon... well he's Simon. Even though he is mean,I agree with him most of the time, but it seems like he doesn't care anymore. They need to infuse some new blood into the competition by replacing the judges, if not all of them then Randy or Paula. Or rotate like SYTYCD.

mdep | Apr 2, 2008 12:13:40 PM | #

Michael Johns has great range to his voice. He was the best, even though critics on this site think otherwise. David Archuleta, trying to sing runs, still boring, maybe his dad should monitor that. Carly is never going to change her appearance, with sleeveless tees and stretch pants. Ramielle and Jason Castro need to leave. These people are too young and uninteresting. They have conviction in their singing, or stage presence to speak of.

People need to stop singing Whitney Houston (although Dolly did it first) songs! They will never compare!

The Wino | Apr 2, 2008 12:21:26 PM | #

I meant no conviction, no stage presence!

The Wino | Apr 2, 2008 12:22:52 PM | #

ramiele is outta here

| Apr 2, 2008 1:10:33 PM | #

I think Ramielle should go, but I doubt it. She hasn't been the bottom 3 yet. I don't see her suddenly hitting bottom tonight. She has a very large base of support that is going to continue to vote for her, no matter what. In fact Ramielle might make top 5.

It | Apr 2, 2008 1:27:23 PM | #

Ok, if Ramiele makes the top 5, that would be crap.

She needs to go 2 weeks ago.

I hope whatnottosing.com has it right.

If so, she is out of here.

| Apr 2, 2008 1:41:23 PM | #

My bottom 3 Ramile, Syesha ans Carly with Ramile going home. I just don't get the whole Carly thing. I really enjoyed Michael and David Cook last night.

Susan | Apr 2, 2008 2:09:13 PM | #

My bottom 3 Ramile, Syesha ans Carly with Ramile going home. I just don't get the whole Carly thing. I really enjoyed Michael and David Cook last night.

Susan | Apr 2, 2008 2:10:33 PM | #

Bottom three will be Syesha, Jason, and Kristy.

Mid 3 will be Ramiele, Carly, and Brooke.

Top 3 will be David C, David A, and Michael.

Andy | Apr 2, 2008 3:49:59 PM | #

Just for your information those of you who dont know David Cook was rushed to hospital with high blood pressure and heart palpatations after his performance so maybe that is why he didnt do as well as he usually does.

darrpub | Apr 2, 2008 3:53:10 PM | #