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American Idol goes Country with Dolly

curlio

2008-04-01 21:18:44

American Idol went country with Dolly Parton songs tonight. Dolly was announced last week as the mentor. Under her guidance nearly all of the Idols turned in good performances.

Contrary to previous reports Ryan Seacrest was hosting the show. It's odd, the voices in my head have never lied to me before. Ryan starts off the show with an April Fools joke of their own. He says that the show is being preempted by a celebrity edition of Moment of Truth starring Simon Cowell.

Naturally we start of with a clip of How Awesome Dolly Parton is. Dolly has written over 3000 songs, which is just amazing! Dolly says she doesn't have any children so she thinks of her songs as her children. She also said she couldn't criticize anyone else's singing because she is a singer herself.

Brooke White picked "Jolene" to perform. Dolly likes the honesty about Brooke. Brooke plays guitar onstage while performing with a group of musicians. It was a pretty good performance, not her vocal best but good overall. But I am starting to get that one-trick pony feel from her. Even though I do like what she does, she will have to expand if she is to last on the show. Randy Jackson thinks this music suits her, but she had some pitch problems. Paula Abdul called her consistent and said she had an emotional connection with the songs she picks. Simon Cowell thought the song lacked emotion and thought the group looked odd.

David Cook talked to Ryan about how he has picked his arrangements. As many of you know, there has been a bit of a controversy surrounding Cookie regarding him seeming to get credit for arrangements that weren't his. David says that he tries to find arrangements that fit him, then credits all of the bands whose arrangements he has used, including Doxology, who might finally shut up now and enjoy the attention that they never would have gotten otherwise. Tonight, the arrangement is all his. Dolly says that Cookie has a beautiful voice and the heart to know what to do with a song like "Little Sparrow." I loved everything about the performance, it was wonderful. Randy likes Cookie's range. Paula noted the new haircut (which hopefully solves problems for some of our members) and liked the falsetto. Simon didn't think it was as good as last week, but said if he can make a song about sparrows good congratulations.

Ramiele Malubay was up next. Dolly said she was cute, sweet and scared. Ramiele admitted that it was the first time she was star struck. Dolly thought she picked a good song in "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" as it is bouncy. She had lots of pitch problems throughout the song and looked uncomfortable. I think it was one of her worst performances. Randy wasn't jumping up and down, but gave it a 6.5 out of 10. Paula was worried that she wouldn't connect, but said Ramiele had fun. Simon wouldn't remember it in 10 years.

Ryan talked to Jason Castro about his fanmail. Jason has gotten a bunch of postcards all from the same person. Jason said that Dolly created an inviting comfortable atmosphere. Dolly thought he picked a great song, "Traveling Through" which is a bit outside what she's seen him do. I thought it was a great performance, as usual, from Jason. Randy thought it started rough but picked up by the middle. Paula called it one of his strongest performances. Simon said he would be losing his season passes to Dollywood because he didn't like it at all.

Carly Smithson picked "Here You Come Again" which Dolly said was the perfect song for her. Indeed it was a great choice, as Carly really delivered a great performance. Randy thinks it will be one of the better performances of the night. Paula says she has an amazing talent with that voice of hers. Simon thought it was good but not great. He does think she needs to have a word with who is dressing her (yes indeed!) because she should start looking more like a star. Ryan pointed out that some people would say the same thing about his wardrobe. Ryan then asks Simon if he just doesn't like Country music. Simon lies and says he does (when we all know he does NOT like country).

David Archuleta picked "Smokey Mountain Memories" a song that is dear to Dolly. Archie says the song gave him chills and made him feel like he does when he sings about home. Dolly says he has the voice to become a great singer. It was another great performance from Archie. Randy said it was the best of the night. Paula loves his amazing tone. Simon said his song choice was on the money this week.

Kristy Lee Cook picked "The Coat of Many Colors." Dolly said the song is a true story from her childhood. After Kristy sang it for Dolly, Dolly told her that her mother would be proud of her. Kristy said she would rather impress Dolly than her mother at this point (which I think will go over even worse that the whole selling her horse issue that some people have with her). It was pitchy and flat. It wasn't great. Randy said this is Kristy Lee's week. Paula said it was her best performance. Simon thought it was pleasant but forgettable.

Syesha Mercado picked "I Will Always Love You" (hang your head if you didn't see it coming) Dolly said she did a combination of Dolly's version and Whitney's version. I think it was one of Syesha's best performances. She did the song in the only way she could without doing the full Whitney Houston version fo the song. Randy said it's hard for him to hear anyone else sing that song. Paula loves the velvety tone that her voice has. She also noted that Syesha is growing and connecting to the audience. Simon says you forget at times what a brilliant songwriter Dolly is. He thought the first part was good, but the second paled in comparison to Whitney.

Michael Johns was up last. He picked "It's All Wrong But It's Alright" to perform tonight. Michael said there are no words to describe standing there singing one of her songs to her and having her enjoy it. Dolly likes his voice and hopes he becomes a star because she could write some good songs for him. He proved tonight that he actually can sing something other than Queen properly! It was an awesome performance. Randy said it was blazing hot. Paula thought he is a star. Simon said it was the best he's heard Michael sing.

My Rankings:
Three way tie for first place with 9 points each to Cookie, Archie and Michael
Three way tie for second place with 8 points each to Syesha, Carly and Jason
Third place goes to Brook (and by default this puts her on the upper part of the bottom three)
Kristy Lee "I don't care about my horse or my mom" Cook comes in nearly last with 4 points
Ramiele comes in dead last with 3 points

Random Thought:
What does Simon have against birds? First he gets on Carly's "Blackbird" now it's Cookie's "Sparrow" that gets tanked. Was Simon traumatized by watching Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" when he was a lad or something?

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Who had the worst performance?
Members				Guests
	(0%)	Brooke White	(4%)
	(0%)	David Cook	(5%)
	(75%)	Ramiele Malubay	(69%)
	(0%)	Jason Castro	(2%)
	(0%)	Carly Smithson	(2%)
	(0%)	David Archuleta	(2%)
	(8%)	Kristy Lee Cook	(14%)
	(17%)	Syesha Mercado	(3%)
	(0%)	Michael Johns	(0%)

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-04-01 22:58:03


	The way things are shaping up, the winner of this season is going to be named "David". I think David Cook is really benefitting from seeing what Chris Daughtry did right (do amazing but true-to-self arrangements of songs for the theme) and wrong (staying too focused in a single style) during his season. Cook is changing it up but still staying true to his rock roots. I respect that. I really respect the job he did with Chris Cornell's version of "Billie Jean" last week. I think David Archuleta has the talent to win the competition, but I'm concerned that he's trying to win on pipes doing the same type of song every week. He needs to change it up, but I fear he may have the same type of problem Brooke has - he can only be convincing with one type of song. For some of the ones the judges liked tonight (Kristy Lee, Michael, etc), my only problem is that their performances lacked something. Kristy Lee's version of "Coat of Many Colors" made it sound like a happy happy song, when the delivery needs a certain touch of melancholy. Michael Johns seems to have the chops for the Blues, but I think he didn't fully embrace the Blues in his song tonight.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

shellybean ( Reviewer )

2008-04-01 23:13:12

Beanstalk- er
	Why do people call during AI? I just do not understand... Once again, my viewing was interupted, but from what I heard between the phone call and the screaming children on Spring Break, I think Cookie is the one to beat! He has been outstanding every week. My favorite is Jason, just because of his "Whatever" attitude. That is refreshing. Ramiele should go home, but my bet is Syesha. She was great tonight, but it may be too late.

If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!

Fredereek ( Guest )

2008-04-01 23:19:11


	Presenting American idol's lastest tribute to plastic surgery - Dolly Parton. Love the "Sally Jesse" mouth thing. I didn't know about Simon's tiff w/ Ryan. That explains why he was so grumpy. I thought someone peed in his Cheerios this morning. I think Kristy & Syesha will be the bottom two this week with Kristy going home. Syesha sang well but she is just not likeable. Gone next week. And what's with David Johns? The "Thurston Howell III" look went out with "Gilligan's Island". Bad. My ratings for the final Nine - The Top Three: (in no order) Archuleta D. Cook Smithson The Second Tier: Castro Johns White Dead Weight: K. Cook Mercado Malubay

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

cheebe

2008-04-01 23:22:20


	Top 9. Best to Worst. 1. Carly Smithson - There is definitely something elusively unique about this girl. 2. Michael Johns- Is this guy underrated? 3. David Archuleta - There's something a bit stale and dulled in that voice, but then sometimes... well you saw it. 4. David Cook - Hmm. So I guess he's kinda good, huh? And his hair no longer irritates me. 5. Ramiele Malubay - Her natural qualities shine through this time, even with the vocal off, pretty often. 6. Brooke White - You are Brooke White. And don't I forget it. 7. Jason Castro - No surprises ain't always a good thing. 8. Kristy Lee Cook - I would have thought a country girl on country week would have sounded way much more countrier. Like mega-country-ness. I feel ripped off. 9. Syesha Mercado - Hmm, so you're doing Whitney Houston on country week? Am I right? Classic case of being no fun. Harsh sounding voice as well. Yea you had your moments. But some of that wail sounded like an emergency siren. Who died? And who broke into my car? edit: cheebe - 2008-04-01 23:31:31 GMT -

toad	2008-04-02 00:23:37


	how weird was that? performance vs. something weird factor: mikey - he gets my top spot. still think he is the real deal and i liked his performance. not love. like. weird factor was at an all time low. was i influenced by what dolly had to say? absolutely. carly - her performance was straight out solid. actually better than good. her weird factor - sky high. i give up. what is 'not right' with this girl? if its not bitter than what? cookie - he quadrupled his range tonight. that was impressive. he demonstrated and continues to demonstrate real talent. weird factor is in the low zone. i think he went a long way to getting rid of the 'poser' moniker. brooke - she did better than she was given credit for. her stock when up in my book yet again. weird factor is going to kill her off. deer in the headlights and multitasking challenged. i must confess i would like to see her pull it all together. archie - truth be told i do not want to even include him on the list. he is so darn strange and at times boring it all seems such a waste. with a distinct dullness in his eyes and a strange sleepiness in his singing - for me this kid comes across like he is a cult member singing for the leader. slap my hand but my gaydar goes off each and every time. jason - ignore me as i am just gonna go sit in the corner a snivel a little. so much talent. i think he just came to the table too soon. he does not have enough experience. poo. its a shame really as his weird factor is nearly non existent. side note: should i be concerned that the two youngest male contestants keep sneaking in christian songs? both are ardent followers which i take no issues with. its just that it keeps registering on my weird-o-meter and i am wondering: is this a national trend amongst todays youth? -- toad (not only weird but certifiable)

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-04-02 00:59:08


	My ratings: Michael David C David A Brooke Jason Syesha Carly Kristi Ramiele Think Syesha will be going home.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-04-02 07:45:32


	This is the way it was last night: 1) David Ciik 2) Carley 3) Michael Johns 4) David Arch 5) Kristi Lee Cook 6) Brooke 7) Jason Castro 8) Sayesha 9) Ramiele

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

ben1974

2008-04-02 08:25:12


	My thoughts: Brooke - I agree with the one-trick pony comment, but I think at this point, that is all she has got. Regardless, I thought she did great tonight. With the recent resurgence of the female singer/songwriter (Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles), Brooke has a solid chance of doing something big after this is over! Cookie - Another flawless performance. He is the person to beat at this point. I still don't like him. Ramiele - If she doesn't go home this week (or next), then this proves that this is a voting contest, not a singing contest. She was terrible and is way out of her league at this point. Kristy Lee and her need to leave in the next two weeks so the true talent can duke it out. Castro - I thought he did a swell performance. I never liked that song and he made it more appealing, so give him credit for that. Carly - I really, really, really liked her tonight. The arrangement was beautiful. And Carly had a Jennifer Aniston vibe to her that made me actually like her for once. Obviously, people told her to stop scowling during her songs. I do agree with Simon that her wardrobe was hideous. I think his comments were setting her up for a makeover and a "Wow" performance next week. Archie - he is really starting to bore me now. Talk about one-trick pony. He is not bringing anything new and does sound like he is trying to save me. His last two performances also sound "Star Search"-ish, if that makes sense. Kristy Lee - I never liked that song, and Kristy Lee did not change that fact after that performance. As Randy said, this is her niche, so she'll probably stick around another week. Two things I noticed when she sang. 1. Amanda would have sang this song very well and would have made me a believer. 2. In High Def, Kristy Lee has quite the furry back. If she survives, she needs to stop having back lights on her to show off every arm and back hair on her body. Yes, women can be fuzzy, and there is nothing wrong with that, but it is distracting. Syesha - I think she tried too hard to NOT imitate Whitney and that distracted me from her overall performance. People - stay away from Mariah, Whitney, Celine, and Freddie (and Luther too, you one male black contestant per year). I hope she is not going home, but she is the weakest of the strong candidates. Michael - I thought he gave a noble try to the blue-eyed soul genre. It worked for the most part, but he should stick to the rock tunes. The blues makes him scowl a little too much.

Waiting for the real show to start...

GUEST ( Guest )

2008-04-02 09:18:06


	1. Michael Johns 2. Carly Smithson 3. David Cook 4. Brooke White(I love her) 5. David Arch ... and the rest.

Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.

Will ( Site Recruiter )

2008-04-02 10:34:22

We are Stardust!
	Hi Peeps, Well before last night I joked with some of my friends about what David Cook was going to make into a rock anthem, well, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted with his take, which was very respectful to Dolly, I think. Right now, the only ones I would pay to see are Cookie, Johns, Carly and Brooke. And, it is looking like Cookie and Johns might duke it out for the AI title, IMHO. I love Brooke as a person but this AI machine might ruin her. And I would really like to take Kristy Lee to the Bahamas, if I were her age. And Ben 1974, a little peach fuzz is not bad my boy, trust me. David A has real talent as does Shyesta but, they are not ready yet. I agree some with Froggie pretty much on the something not quite right thing. Ramiele should go home but won't, the ole, block vote will keep her in. The Filipinos are going to vote for her from their graves! LOL All of the songs last night were sung in country style except for the Whitney mega-hit, sad, trying to run a trick play at the end of a poorly played game. LOL

winona1717

2008-04-02 11:29:05


	These are my groups: My Top Three: David A. David Cook Michael & Carly (tie) The Second Tier: Brooke Jason Dead Weight: Syesha Kristy Ramiele I didn't care that much about Michael at first, but now he has jumped up into my top 3, and Brooke has moved from the top 3 to my 2nd place group. All I can say is it better be Ramiele that goes home! Or at least Kristy or Syesha. All the rest I hope will be in the top 6. I want it to be my favorite singers when they start having them sing 2 songs a night. Each year AI gets better and better! I'm glad they changed it so we can see all the top 24 perform over and over each week until they are voted off instead of just 1 night in the groups of 8, only keeping 2 performers until the top 12. Many times the best performers were all in a group, and a lot of weak performers in a group, so it wasn't fair. That's why they had to have the wild card, so what was the purpose in America voting? I'm glad they figured that one out. I also liked the way they did the "Hollywood Week" this year, just giving them 2 chances to see who would stay on. No being in groups or making up songs, etc. like before.

Sylvie ( Guest )

2008-04-02 14:11:39


	This was the first time I watched the whole show (I usually Tivo it so I can fastforward the boring parts) and I wasn't as bored as I thought I would be! I liked pretty much everyones song, except for Ramiele, I actually zoned her completely out, I was thinking about what I was going to wear to work, lunch, everything but her. I still can't stand Kristy Lee, but she was better yesterday than any other time before. As for Simon's comment about Carly's clothes, that was downright nasty, what is his problem with her? It's like he goes out of his way to be rude, she really looked hurt by the comment. I think she's already not very comfortable with certain aspects of herself and this was the cherry on top! Anyway, I hope Ramiele goes tonight, and not someone who deserves to stay on the show.