Brooke White -"Jolene"- I just love her (although I can't get the comments from Stuff Christians Like out of my head-I have to giggle). She is so real and un-diva-ish. I am all about musicians who really love the music. Of course, I still have me some Sarah McLachlan and Shawn Colvin on my playlists. She looks great with that guitar. I also adore this song and my daughter used to belt this out when she was 3 and 4 years old. All that said, she was a little more pitchy than normal tonight. It could have simply been the going first thing, which I think makes a lot of the contestants nervous. She will be back to wow us next week. And why throw out smack about her little band and the violin player? Bad form.
David Cook- "Litle Sparrow"- Oh my. Oh my! He is somethin'! I think every week he gets more comfortable and his voice gets even better. That falsetto was spot on. He knows how to pick songs, he knows how to arrange them/pick the arrangement to suit him perfectly. There are a lot of comparisons about Chris Daughtry flying around cause of the rocker thing but I think they are a bit different. Whether David Cook wins or not, he is going to be a star. And that new haircut? Cutie patootie!
Ramiele Malubay- "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"- This was her best performance so far. But it was a little cruise ship-py. I do agree with that criticism. I don't know why I can't get on board with her but I am afraid she won't be around too much longer for me to worry about it.
Jason Castro- "Travelin' Thru"- He is so sweet and his voice is so young and velvety. He really has a lot of potential. I have liked everything he has done. I haven't felt that WOW! like I have with David Cook though. I thought this was a good choice for him and he is so natural with his guitar. My poor husband is bothered by his hair. My husband is an extremely conventional military guy and thinks all men should be properly shorn. He keeps saying, "I can't watch this guy. He looks like Jar Jar Binks." Well, for the record, I think he is precious. (And now I have passed the burden on to you of never forgetting that Jar Jar Binks remark)
Carly Smithson- "Here You Come Again"- I loved the arrangement for this. She is great at the songstress thing. Here voice is very rich and this was good. I don't think it was her best but it was definately good enough to keep her around! I can't think of another Dolly song that would have fit her better.
David Archuleta- "Smoky Mountain Memories"- Dear me I want to pinch his sweet little cheeks. He has a beautiful voice. His pitch is near perfect and he sounds like a professional. I wish he would break out a little bit and sing something less serious once in a while. I know this is his thang but something a little younger would do him good. That aside, he is a master singer already. Can you imagine what he will sound like in 5 years?
Kristy Lee Cook- "Coat of Many Colors"- She is just not in the same league as the rest of the group. That doesn't mean she isn't a good singer, just not as good. In my humble opinion, she should have gone home way back when before the Top 12 was chosen. I know, don't throw anything at me. Bottom line? She will not win. I feel similar about her as I did with Kelly Pickler. Except Kelly Pickler was so sweet and cute and bubbling with personality. If Kristy is going to have a career, clearly country is her genre. This was better than many of her previous performances.
Syesha Mercado- "I'll Always Love You"- One thought---OVERDONE SONG! Back when this was on the radio 100 times a day, I hoped I would never hear it again. Dolly Parton is a master songwriter. And this is one of her greatest accomplishments. But I couldn't even make a judgement on Syesha's performance cause I can't stand to hear that song anymore. And the judges had to throw the Whitney card! This whole performance was predictable. I know, greatest pop song ever. I agree, which is why I can't hear it again.
Michael Johns- "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right"- Good. Very Good. That is what his voice is made for-the Blues. I think this was a breakout performance for him. It had personality.
Overall, I think Krisy Lee or Ramiele will go but I am a little worried about Brooke. We have seen stranger things happen. Remember Chris Daughtry?
Who was the best? Well, every week I have thought David Cook but if I have to choose someone else I will have to say Michael Johns.
Biggest American Idol obstacle over come this week? My husband's infatuation with Dolly Parton :)
