Music by Dolly

Tonight's show opened with an April Fool's Day joke by Ryan. . . almost as funny as when a couple of my co-workers walked in this morning, convinced that the news on the radio was true. They heard that Syesha had been removed from the competition and replaced by Sanjaya!! It took them a while to believe that it was just a cruel joke. . .

Dolly Parton was this week's mentor --- I'm not the biggest country music fan, but I do love Dolly. She's sweet, she's real and I just like her voice! She's also an incredibly talented songwriter, as we saw in tonight's show.

Brooke opened the show by singing "Jolene". She was a little shaky at the start, a little unsure, but she ended a little stronger. It wasn't a horrible performance, but I wish she'd stop trying to play to the camera --- it always comes off making her look really awkward. And, please Brooke, stop telling the audience "it's all right".

David C. was next, singing his own arrangement of "Little Sparrow". I was a little nervous when I heard him say it was his arrangement (flashbacks of Josiah dismissing the band) but I had no reason to be worried. David gave an outstanding performance, and showed everyone that he has everything it takes to be an American Idol. It was an awesome performance!! Each week I think he can't get any better. . . and then he does.

Tiny, star-struck Ramiele was next singing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". For me her performance was just "a-ight". Even on the "post-David" high it was indeed "cruise ship" caliber and a little karaoke.

Jason sang "Travelin' Through" --- I thought it was a very strong showing, second only to his "Hallelujah" night. He's been coasting through on his stage presence and the "cute" factor, but tonight showed that he is also a talented singer.

"Here You Come Again" was Carly's choice tonight. I loved the way she sang this song and thought it was better than Dolly's own version. Great choice, excellent performance! I even thought her wardrobe was much better!

Every time David Cook delivers a stellar performance, I begin thinking that Little David will fall to second place in my heart. . . and then Little David comes out and delivers a performance like tonight's "Smoky Mountain Memories". Somehow he manages to look like he's ALMOST ready to burst into tears without having his voice crack. He pours his whole heart into every song he sings. Love him!! Great choice, excellent delivery!!

Kristly Lee chose "Coat of Many Colors" and also chose to go shoeless to play the "aw shucks" card. All I can say is yuck. Please, please send this girl home.

Syesha (and not Sanjaya) was next with "I Will Always Love You" --- written by Dolly and made famous by Whitney. It was a brave choice (as the judges hardly ever like the Idol's versions better), but I think she did a commendable job. I wish she had sung it all the way through the way she started it --- I think it would have been less "Whitney-ish" if she had kept the ballad-like sound throughout.

Michael wrapped up the show with "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". He delivered a bluesy version with some delicious, smoky tones. . . mmm, baby!! He's back!

My rankings:
1. David C.
2. Little David
3. Michael
4. Carly
5. Jason
6. Syesha
7. Brooke
8. Ramiele
9. Kristy Lee

My bottom three would be: Brooke, Ramiele and Kristy Lee and Kristy Lee would go home. However, I predict that America will put Syesha, Ramiele and Brooke in the bottom three and will send Syesha home.