This week the top 9 finalists had the chance to learn from the music and movie legend, Dolly Parton. Here's the songs they decided to perform:
Brooke White started things off with her interpretation of Jolene. Her familiar guitar strumming was a good fit for this great song, but as usual, her limited vocal range prevented it from reaching its full potential. She also had some difficulty adding any personality to her performance.
David Cook followed things up with his unique interpretation of Little Sparrow. Thankfully, he did not turn the song into a full out rock scream fest. Instead, he showed his range and versatility. He demonstrated his ability to find the balance of making the song his own while maintaining the integrity of the song.
Ramiele Malubay tried to keep the energy up with her interpretation of Do I Ever Cross Your Mind. This cute young lady never has to worry about overpowering a song with her personality or style. She doesn't have enough of either as was exemplified with this forgettable attempt.
Jason Castro picked up his guitar and gave his predictable interpretation of Travelin Thru. The competition has been on for enough weeks for everyone to know that Jason does not have a great voice or much talent at all. Fans are voting for his nice smile, his bright eyes and those distinctive dreadlocks. He brought nothing special to the song.
Carly Smithson provided a spectacular interpretation of the song that Dolly peaked at #3 with in 1977 on the Billboard HOT 100, Here You Come Again. It was a very simple arrangement that allowed the melody and her voice to take center stage. It was a new twist on a great song that audiences will want to hear again and again.
David Archuleta raised his own personal standard of excellence with his interpretation of Smoky Mountain Memories. He may be young and he still has room for improvement, but he's got so much natural talent and personality that he's already the best of the bunch. He seems to sing with a sincere connection and understanding of the song and he conveys that with every note. All that and he has the brightest eyes and the nicest smile of them all.
Cute country girl Kristy Lee Cook appropriately took the stage barefoot as she interpreted The Coat of Many Colors. She sincerely brought to life the message of being poor, but feeling rich because of having love. This was the perfect showcase of both the song and for Kristy's talents.
Syesha Mercado took a risk by deciding to interpret I Will Always Love You. Dolly first presented the song in her movie Best Little Whorehouse In Texas where it was a a very sweet and sad farewell song. The world knows the song best as the anthem that Whitney Houston took to #1 for 14 weeks in 1992 from The Bodyguard. Syesha tried to have it both ways by combining the arrangements and for the most part it worked for her. This was probably the best she has done so far in the competition, but it exemplifies her struggle to find an identity. She was better at the beginning and struggled at the end, but it was still a respectable effort.
Michael Johns brought the show to a great ending with his interpretation of It's All Wrong, But It's All Right. He commanded the stage as he performed this song with a bluesy and passionate energy that we have come to expect from him. Nothing wrong - all right.
My predictions for this unpredictable season are very easy this week. Brooke White, Jason Castro and Ramiele Malubay are really starting to stand out as not as good as the others. They should all be in the bottom three and Ramiele should be going home.
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