Dolly Parton Brings a Little Country to American Idol

News Type: Opinion — Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:03 AM EDT

Live Poll

Who should be sent home?

Brooke White
6%
David Cook
0%
Ramiele Malubay
55%
Jason Castro
11%
Carly Smithson
5%
David Archuleta
3%
Kristy Lee Cook
12%
Syesha Mercado
8%
Michael Johns
1%

Total Votes: 234

Top 9 with Dolly Parton

Country night on American Idol can be hit or miss. But Dolly Parton seemed to bring out the best in the Top 9 contenders tonight as they do their best to honor her tunes with some justice.

In fact, I was overly impressed with the candidates this evening – well all but one. It's not that they all did an outstanding job, but the performances were at least pleasant and enjoyable.

Here's my breakdown of the performances:

At the top of my list again this week is David Cook. What else can I say about Cook? Each week he steps up to the challenge of not only finding the perfect song, but the perfect arrangement to showcase his talent. And he did it again this week an original arrangement. "Little Sparrow" might not have been Cook's strongest performance, but he's still outperforming the others by leaps and bounds.

On the other hand, Michael Johns surprised me by turning in a stellar performance and showing us his blues side with "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right." This new blues version of Michael suited him. It was very nice to see that Michael has more to his repertoire than Queen and I think this performance put him back in the running.

"Jolene" was a great song choice for Brooke White. She looked like she was having a great time singing. Of course, she performed with an instrument, but the guitar along with the accompanying instruments suited the arrangement and Brooke. My only complaint was that song sounded a bit rushed to me.

And nobody is more surprised than me, but I liked Carly Smithson this week too. She did a beautiful job with "Here You Come Again," but honestly I still prefer Dolly's version. While the song might be better suited for Carly's voice, I think she lacked the emotion that Dolly brings to her songs.

On a side note, Simon's comments about Carly's wardrobe were harsh, but he has a point. I think the same can be said about Ramiele Malubay's attire as well. In fact, Ramiele's outfit this week looked a lot like last week's.

Furthermore, it's clear that Kristy Lee Cook's voice is definitely suited for country music. Her performance tonight was not only one of her best, it also earned her a reprieve for another week. That said, I think the tempo of her arrangement of "Coat of Many Colors" was a bit fast and didn't give her a chance to express the sentiment behind the song.

Also on the top of his game tonight was Jason Castro. I can't believe that I'm going to say this, but I agree with Paula that "Travelin' Thru" was one of Jason's better performances. The folksy like sound suited him and gave him a little more range than he has in the past.

Likewise, David Archuleta rendition of "Smokey Mountain Memories" was beautiful, probably one of his best performances. But I'm having trouble getting excited about him doing yet another ballad. The only time he's strayed from the slow, soft songs he failed miserably. I'm not convinced that he has the range or stage presence to be a great star.

Similarly, Syesha Mercado's choice of "I Will Always Love You" was predictable. She always goes for the Whitney Houston-type power ballad and she has the voice to carry it off. She's another that needs to find a little variety in her repertoire. For instance, I honestly liked the beginning of her song – the simpler Dolly version – to the big Whitney finish. If she had stayed with the simpler rendition, I might have been more impressed with her performance.

Contrastingly, Ramiele Malubay finally picked something besides another ballad. But even with a catch little tune like "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" Ramiele was unimpressive and her performance was less than memorable.

Obviously Ramiele is my pick to go home again. I think Archuleta and Syesha should join her in the bottom three just because they have failed to challenge themselves.

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1.3

{"commentId":1646138,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

What do you think? Who most impressed you tonight?

{"commentId":1646138,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":1646870,"authorDomain":"evilgenius"}

evilgenius

Again your assessment of last nights performances are spot on. The only performances I didn't like were from Ramiele Malubay & Syesha Mercado. Even they weren't bad, just not in league with who seem to be the top. My top three picks are David Cook, Micheal Johns and Carly Smithson.

{"commentId":1646870,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"evilgenius"}

1 vote

#1.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 9:20 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647100,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Thanks evilgenius. I was wondering if I was the only person that thought last night went well.

{"commentId":1647100,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#1.2 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:12 AM EDT

{"commentId":1646688,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

What was with all the bare feet last night? Kristy Lee went shoeless as did Syesha. Is there the implication that country music is only for backwater hicks who don't wear shoes or did they somehow think that it made them cozier?

{"commentId":1646688,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

2 votes

#2 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 8:12 AM EDT

{"commentId":1646772,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Seems that there was more drama after the performance. David Cook was hospitalized and than released for heart palpitations

{"commentId":1646772,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#3 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 8:43 AM EDT

{"commentId":1646964,"authorDomain":"fastacton"}

fastacton

If country is Kristy Lee's "wheelhouse", the blues-y, throaty "It's All Wrong But It's All Right" is Michael Johns'. His sound is vervetastic, and when he can let it loose like he did tonight, he's got one of the most recognizable and listenable voices in the competition.

And contrary to popular opinion, I wonder if the country theme might hurt KLC more than help her, as it will probably water down the country music fan-vote that she's relied on to get her through some tough spots. Lucky for her, she gave one of her better performances of the competition.

More thoughts here.

{"commentId":1646964,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"fastacton"}

1 vote

#4 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 9:41 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647117,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

I agree that last night's Michael was outstanding. I just wish he'd be performing like that all along.

I think Kristy's performance last night was enough to get her through another week, but I don't think she's going to last much longer.

{"commentId":1647117,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#4.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:14 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647056,"authorDomain":"anthopos"}

Perry O

I agree about David C., Michael, Brooke and Jason. I can really see the first three having really good music careers (speaking of which, I heard a song by Jordin Sparks on the radio last night). Jason, who I've never cared for really did a good job last night. Carly, well she was good, but maybe because her Oirish accent is starting to irritate me, I just can't get excited. Kristy was just horrible. She sang it too fast and didn't project any emotion. Ramiele, dropped below her usual mediocrity. David A., I just can't like. My wife asks if I'm jealous of his talent and popularity, to which I say "Maybe, and I'm ok with that."

{"commentId":1647056,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"anthopos"}

1 vote

#5 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:01 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647123,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

David A., I just can't like.

Me neither. But after hearing all the backstage drama with his father, I feel a little bad for the kid.

{"commentId":1647123,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#5.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:15 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647134,"authorDomain":"anthopos"}

Perry O

I haven't heard about the drama.

{"commentId":1647134,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"anthopos"}

1 vote

#5.2 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:17 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647207,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Apparently Daddy Archuleta is the epitome of stage parent from hell. Here's an article.

{"commentId":1647207,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#5.3 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:35 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647067,"authorDomain":"sborton"}

SB-9317

Ramiele must go! For me she destroyed a an tender little Dolly number. Although the song is meant to be bouncy, Dolly brings an emotion and tenderness to the piece that Ramiele just missed completely. She just doesn't get it, and that's been her problem since making the top 12.

Joining her in the bottom should be Brooke (comments were made that the song was rushed - that was her terrible guitar playing that pushed from beginning to end, not the speed of the song) and KLC (although she has a nice voice - she's pretty boring).

Just my 2 cents

{"commentId":1647067,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"sborton"}

1 vote

#6 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:04 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647140,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Dolly brings an emotion and tenderness to the piece

She does to most of her music. And some of the contests, while performing well, just didn't have that emotional connection that Dolly seems to display in her music.

{"commentId":1647140,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#6.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 10:18 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647553,"authorDomain":"Jabs"}

Jabs5050

Thanks for your assessment of last night's show. I read your column for the first time last week and found myself agreeing with you for a majority of it. I was pleasantly surprised by last nights show and went to another website to read their review. I was disappointed by the heading "Dolly Parton Does Not Inspire on 'Idol'". So I remembered your review from last week and decided to check it out and again you mirror most of my thoughts.

I have become a big fan of David C. since his "Hello" rendition and he is doing great every week. I hope he is okay after going in the hospital last night.

I really liked Michael Johns performance last night also. I was waiting for him to "wow" me with a performance and last night he did it. I am hoping for a Michael, David C. finale.

I think Syesha tried to tone down "I Will Always Love You", so the judges wouldn't think she was trying to do the Whitney version and thought she did a pretty good job at it. I thought Simon was a little harsh on her.

I too think Rami should go. But my biggest concern is that I don't think she has been in the bottom three yet, has she?

My top three were Michael, David C., and Carly.

My bottom three were Rami, Brooke and Jason

{"commentId":1647553,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"Jabs"}

1 vote

#7 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 11:48 AM EDT

{"commentId":1647692,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Thank you. I was surprised to read some other columns that were disappointed with last night too.

I am hoping for a Michael, David C. finale.

If Michael can continue with powerful performances like last night, then that showdown would be awesome.

I too think Rami should go. But my biggest concern is that I don't think she has been in the bottom three yet, has she?

I thought she had, but looking back you are right. She has not been in the bottom three which is very suspicious.

{"commentId":1647692,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

2 votes

#7.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:16 PM EDT

{"commentId":1647650,"authorDomain":"Jabs"}

Jabs5050

1 other thought I had was that I missed Chekezie last night. I thought he should have stayed another 3-4 weeks ahead of some others. (Rami, Jason, Kristy and David A.)

{"commentId":1647650,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"Jabs"}

1 vote

#8 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":1647722,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

I agree. And it would have been interesting to see what Chikezie did with a country song.

{"commentId":1647722,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#8.1 - Wed Apr 2, 2008 12:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":1650191,"authorDomain":"rojotrain"}

BOSTONBOSTON

I'd like to comment on the the David Archuleta part of the article: 'The only time he's strayed from the slow, soft songs he failed miserably'....

...ummm, noooo, he did not attempt an upbeat song once--the first song he did was "Shop Around" during the semi-finals of the Top 24---& that was when he separated himself from the group as a fierce competitor. True, he did not do very well Top 12 week with "We Can Work it Out", but he bounced back.

DAVID A. ALL THE WAY!!! :o)

{"commentId":1650191,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"rojotrain"}

#9 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 1:30 AM EDT

{"commentId":1650649,"authorDomain":"gretchen123180"}

GretchenW

In your articles of this AI season you have been consistent in your disgust of David Archuleta. Your okay comments on him is always followed by a big BUT! Sometimes, I wonder why you still bother to include the little bugger in your reviews. How about relieving yourself of the agony and just ignore him completely?

{"commentId":1650649,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"gretchen123180"}

1 vote

#10 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 8:41 AM EDT

{"commentId":1650878,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

Because I think there is some talent there. I think he's just bogged down with the wrong song choices. And from what I read, that might be more of a result of his father's influence and not his choices.

Besides, he's still very popular with the masses, even if I'm not a fan.

{"commentId":1650878,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#10.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:48 AM EDT

{"commentId":1650862,"authorDomain":"jessica1973"}

Jekazu

I'm a little late this week. I loved David Cook again. He should win, but if for some reason he doesn't he'll be another Chris Daughtry and go on to have a big career. He's been selling out arenas and Taylor Hicks was performing at Six Flags parks. Heehee!

I also like Jason and Carly. I missed Michael Johns' performance, so I can't comment on it. David A is getting soooo boring as is Brook IMO. Everyone else was just OK.

I guess I'm not sad that Ramiele was voted off.

{"commentId":1650862,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"jessica1973"}

1 vote

#11 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":1650888,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

I agree that David Cook is destined for a big career whether he wins or not.

But based on Tuesday's performance, I think that Michael Johns could give him a run for the championship. Here's a video of Michael's performance, if you want to check it out.

{"commentId":1650888,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#11.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 9:52 AM EDT

{"commentId":1651112,"authorDomain":"jessica1973"}

Jekazu

Thanks. I can't watch the performance until I get home from work. Darn filtering software!

Did they say what the theme is for next week? I didn't watch the results show. I meant to flip back and forth between it and "Ghost Hunters" and had to go online to find out who got voted off.

{"commentId":1651112,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"jessica1973"}

1 vote

#12 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 10:48 AM EDT

{"commentId":1651616,"authorDomain":"vacelts"}

vacelts

I haven't seen anything yet on next week's theme.

{"commentId":1651616,"threadId":"243875","contentId":"1405094","authorDomain":"vacelts"}

1 vote

#12.1 - Thu Apr 3, 2008 12:43 PM EDT

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Ramiele Finally Goes Home, American Idol Down to Elite 8	vacelts	Wed Apr 2	26
Ramiele, Kristy or Brooke	Jabs5050	Thu Apr 3	2
American Idol recap 4/1 - Yeehaw, it's Dolly night!	The Sub.Standard	Wed Apr 2	0
American Idol - April Fool's Edition - Review/Recap	Dr Know	Wed Apr 2	4
America Gets it Wrong, Idol Sends Chikezie Home	vacelts	Wed Mar 26	29

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Dolly Parton Brings a Little Country to American Idol

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