Brooke White
performed Jolene

Not her best. She's still got a good voice, and it was a clean, crisp vocal...but, in the end, I wasn't blown away by the performance. Anyone who can make this hokey song sound appropriately emotional, please, show me. I defy you to make me care about "Jolene" at all. Let's hope she's safe off a strong fanbase and doesn't fall victim to being in the Dreaded First Positon (TM).

Sweet! Never heard this song before in my life, but it was cool! I liked it. I might even like it if I heard Dolly sing it, too. I have a feeling I'd still like Brooke's a little better. It was good, I liked it! Upbeat, heartfelt...cool. I just hope she isn't damaged by the Number One spot...totally right, Clyde. That spot has done serious damage, this season. It sounded like the opening theme to Firefly, which I thought was cool.

She sounded like she had a lot of confidence, last night, and I liked that. It's sexy.

Agreed.

Amen, dogg.

Settle down, boys. She sounded good, and it didn't seem like the cute, little Brooke we're used to, with her guitar and the band behind her. But as soon as the judges started talking, she turned it on and turned into the old, fun-loving Brooke. I do think she plays it up a little for the judges.

I don't get that at all from her. She's one of, maybe, THREE genuine people still around this season.

David Cook
performed Little Sparrow

I'll go first, this week! I'd like to point out how much I love that they had to address the PROBLEM of Cook getting extra credit for the musical arrangements of other people. Sweet victory, and I'm glad that haters won. I'd also like to note that the verson of "Little Sparrow" he used this week didn't really stack up well against the performances of the past few weeks...surprise, the weakest night for him in weeks was the night he came up with his own arrangement. If he wasn't who he is, he'd be in trouble. But...the little girls love him and a bunch of awful young guys must be fooled...so, whatever. He's safe. I thought it was forgettable and quite a bit weaker than his past few performances. Before he even sang, I predicted the judges would say he exceeded expectations on a night he wasn't expected to be as strong. I predicted I'd disagree, and that he'd go on to next week, regardless of how good or bad he is. No shock, the judges loved it. Seacreast actually said, "Another strong night for David Cook!" Whatever, it's a total fix at this point.

Okay, now I'll give a REAL assessment of his performance.

Wait, let me guess! He was awesome and his hair isn't stupid?

Well...yes! I was hoping you might finally leave him alone, now that he gave credit...but I guess not. He made his own arrangement, and it was GREAT. The judges and the fans still love him, even if you don't, Clyde. And on the topic of his hair...hair on his head, good. Hair on his face, bad.

I've...never heard that song, either. I mean...sure. It was...good? I JUST DON'T WANT MOMMY AND DADDY TO FIGHT ANYMORE! WOULD YOU TWO JUST MAKE UP?! IT'S JUST A HORRIBLE, STUPID REALITY SHOW GAME! His performance was OK...but it IS funny they made a big deal out of him arranging it himself. I'd never buy it...but, I could say that for a lot of performances. Nice forehead-enlargement...I mean, haircut. Ha ha.

I wanted to point out that I wrote a column on this SICKENING SCANDAL (Cook taking credit for being innovative and brave when singing other people's covers) just yesterday...Julie and I even debated a bit more in the comments. That's what got Artie so worked up, and I'm sorry if our bickering has scared you, little guy. It's not your fault, it's David Cook's. Check that column out, but I wanted to point out that the second video I used from YouTube, which pretty much laid out all of the weeks Cook sounded suspiciously like another singer or band and included footage of the originals performing their housed versions, is no longer available. I think Lord Idol is trying to keep it quiet. Because that video really did show it quite clearly...but, enough on that topic. Who's next?

Ramiele Malubay
performed Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?

After tonight, I don't think she'll ever be crossing our television screens again, at the very least.

You may be right, Clyde...as much as it hurts to say those words. She's so cute and sweet...but how far can that take you in a competition like Idol when there are so many BETTER contestants this year? She sounded good singing, and I liked that it was an upbeat song...but she still hasn't mastered performing on the big stage.

I think this is the week she goes home. It's sad, because it was definitely her best performance in weeks. She hit a few ugly notes, but it was decent. The question is, will anyone care or remember this performance? The love and the energy that surround someone like Carly or Archie or even David Cook at this point...they just aren't there. It seems like even the judges and Seacrest are just waiting for her to go. They have nothing really left to say, because it's wasted breath! Dead cutie walking.

She has solid vocals, but never uses them in a good song, which might inspire people to LIKE HER. That didn't do her any favors, I don't think. No extra voters are going to call in to support her this week. She just needs to break into Hip-Hop or SOMETHING where she's able to be the kooky, fun, talented little firecracker we all want her to be. She's got a highly sample-able voice. If someone comes up with a riff or something for her, and then drops her boomer voice hook over a tasty backbeat, a la Rhianna in "Umbrella", I think she could have a decent Hip-Hop hit out there. That said... she's going to lose American Idol. Soon. Dogg.

Jason Castro
performed Travelin' Through

I didn't think hippie boy would be able to pull off a spiritual song! That was good! I liked it! I felt like I could've been sitting around a campfire on the beach with him during that song, and that's what I look for from him. Nice!

This was a really good song choice for Jason! It fit him well, and he sounded good and looked natural.

Dolly seemed to think this song was a bit of a departure for Castro...but, really, he's a TEXAN. Of course he can handle Country music. She was making a value judgement based on his "funky" look, and it showed just how out of touch the old bat is. It was VERY nice. The vocal was great, and I think he'll be safe this week not JUST because it was his best performance in a few weeks, but because it was a very religious song and he was wearing a cross, as well. Look out, KLC. He's coming for your new fanbase. And remember, everyone...even though he denies it, Simon Cowell hates Country music. He doesn't get it at all.

Carly Smithson
performed Here You Come Again

Was this her Comeback Week? Maybe. It sure beat last week! She hit a few clams, but it was solid. Some quality belting at the end, and it was pretty good, even if it got a bit Celine for my liking.

OK, I have to admit...it WAS a bit Celine. But, it was still a good vocal, and there was feeling behind it! Simon was a little harsh talking about her wardrobe, though. Like he should talk! I don't think I've ever seen him wearing a COLOR!

A bit off-base, maybe...but Simon's right. She needs to snap it up a bit. She looks like she just grabs the old shirts she used to wear while bartending out of her closet and runs to the stage, most weeks. Stylists, get to work! Homegirl has an image problem.

That was Carly! Another solid, Carly-esque performance. She's kinda' starting to wear on me, because I think she actually wants to BE Celine Dion, and I don't want anymore Celine Dions in this world. Because I don't like Celine Dion. Celine Dion.

David Archuleta
performed Smoky Mountain Memories by the amazing John Farnham! (Just kidding.)

This was a very strong performance, not stage-y or theatrical, like last week. A great vocal, as always, and with actual emotion behind it. I do wish he'd take a risk at least once, though.

He'll NEVER mix it up. This is the only Archie you'll ever see. What did you think, Artie?

It was good. What do you want me to say? It was good. I think I made my point when I talked about his fans tossing granny panties at him. But, he's got a good voice.

He's good...but I'm completely OVER him. He's a bit boring, really. The judges may hail this as the Golden Boy's big return, but he's obviously flawed, and too young to understand any of these big, syrup-y songs he's taking on. Yawn. I say it's past this little boy's bedtime...

Kristy Lee Cook
performed The Coat of Many Colors

Speaking of someone who should've been put to bed a long time ago...Kristy Lee Cook is next!

That was a delightfully snotty thing to say, Julie! I applaud you!

Thanks! Here's where I might lose you, though. Not only did she look HOT in that dress last night, but she was in her element with Dolly Week! I hate to say it, but she was more memorable than Ramiele.

That's what she needs to do EVERY week. If she could make every song sound like that, and somehow keep all her critics from saying "stop making all the songs sound like that," she'd be OK! Obviously, this Country thing is right in her wheelhouse. It was nice. Probably the least awkward I've ever seen her, dude.

It SHOULD have been her easy, coasting night. But when you're in her situation, you don't get to have those! It was a bit nasal and fake. She stole Brooke's No-Shoes thing, and it was nice...but nowhere near great. Randy pointed out that this IS supposed to be her week, which is kind of a backhanded slap in the face. "Of course you were decent. But it's only because it's stupid Dolly Week, dawg!" Simon was right-on, though. She was pleasant...but who cares? Lame song choice.

Syesha Mercado
performed I Will Always Love You as though Dolly and Whitney Houston mated

Didn't realize this was a Dolly Parton song. Hm. That was pretty good! Probably a little predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. THAT is the Syesha voice style I like, I just miss the curly hair.

Obvious song choice, much? She's not Whitney. We've established that. Still, mixing the two versions of this song wasn't half bad. The judges didn't help her out at all, but she was MUCH better than she's been the last few weeks. That last note was impressive, but I still don't think she can win this competition. Better, but it's just a matter of time...

She brought out the BIG GUNS with this song! Syesha had her Memorable Moment of the season, and if Simon hadn't been so hard on her, I'd say she was definitely safe from the Bottom 3. Her vocals weren't spot-on, but it's undeniable that this girl can sing!

Michael Johns
performed It's All Wrong, But All Right

I kind of like how he frowns when he sings...but, no, I'm not trading David Cook for Michael Johns, just yet! He did a good job with the song, but it was a little weird hearing him do Country. So wrong, but...so right?

Right enough to keep him safe. What should've been a rough night for him turned out okay! The song choice was better, tonight. He should hold on tight to that Blues-y thing and never let go. It gives his voice MUCH-NEEDED depth. The "Rock" genre is already taken this season, apparently. But, yeah, he should be okay. It was decent, and I hope an upward trend continues for Johns. This was the first week I've actually been okay with his performance. It was still over-the-top and schmaltzy, but better than he has been.

Why did he dress like Fred from Scooby Doo? What was up with that scarf thing, dogg? That was awright. Yeah. My mom's probably fanning her face after that performance. Sounded pretty good from "Mr. I Want to Do the Rockin'-est Queen Songs Ever Recorded in Medley Form." He made a Dolly song - which, surprisingly, I've never heard before - sound good.

Ramiele's going home! That puts her in my Bottom 3, along with KLC and Syesha. It HURTS me to put Syesha in there, because I really think she's got talent. But when compared to these other monsters, she's not pulling her weight. I'm tired of Ramiele. I'm tired of Kristy Lee Cook, even if the Country thing may have kept her safe for another week. My favorites of the week were Brooke White and Jason Castro. Yeah. They were the two I just genuinely enjoyed. I don't think I enjoyed any of them, except for Brooke and Jason. All the rest are my Worst of the Night. Dogg.

I was really surprised that so many of Dolly's songs worked for these singers! It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm going to have to put Ramiele in my Bottom 3 again. I think this may be it for her. To join her, I'm going to take some off-the-wall guesses...because I'll probably be wrong, anyway. Jason Castro, because he's the weakest of the guys, right now...and Carly, because she wasn't very memorable. It has nothing to do with her singing, because her vocals were great.

I think you may be on to something, Julie. I thought Jason was one of the BEST performances we saw last night, but it probably doesn't matter. He doesn't deserve it, but...he's probably going to be down with the Bottom 3, again. Look, we're at the point where I start doing tournament brackets in my head far more convoluted than any March Madness freak could ever put together. This week's Bottom 3 will be Ramiele, KLC and Jason Castro. I'd rather see Archuleta or Syesha in there in Jason's place...and if they are, I'll gladly be wrong. But at this point, anyone could be in there, and it'll get tougher and tougher each week. I think Jason keeps going in this competition, outlasting everyone's predictions. I even think he could win it, but it'll take some SERIOUS luck and a few screw-ups from others along the way. I'd love to see Jason and Brooke in the most laid-back, vocally-clean finale in Idol history. But, we'll see. Ramiele and KLC should be sent home next, though. It's time to get serious and kick these two losers to the curb. Ramiele's done, because she might actually be a Fembot.

No personality, just droning on and looking nice. The Best of the Night were Jason Castro and Syesha. I don't think it'll matter, though. One of them will probably be in the Bottom 3, unless America REALLY hates Carly Smithson. I don't know if they do, but it would be an absolute gutshot to her, and I don't think she'd fully recover her lost pride if she's down there with the bottom-feeders, again. I think she's doomed, anyway. Former frontrunner...probably on her slow, painful way out. Worst of the Night were Ramiele and Miss Lee Cook. Brooke White was solid, but her position in the batting order could hurt her. If she, or ANYONE ELSE, goes home this week instead of Ramiele or KLC, I might die.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
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