Brandon

By Brandon Scott

This is American Idol

Posted April 2, 2008

Dolly Parton was perkier than ever as she coached the contestants this week. (Maybe perky wasn’t the best choice of word. Okay, it was.) Overall, the night wasn’t bad. The gap between the “okay” singers and the “great” singers expanded last night and Kristy Lee Cook wasn’t awful. Read on and find out how week four went down.

BROOKE WHITE

“Jolene”

She did all right. But that’s about all I can say: It was all right. She picked a really safe song this week and it didn’t show off her vocals much. The song seemed rushed and she didn’t have much of a connection with the song. It was cool to see her back behind a guitar, though.

Rating: 6

Prediction: I’m not sure what America sees in her. In my opinion, she should be in the bottom three, but whatever.

DAVID COOK

“Little Sparrow”

It was another great performance from Mr. Cook. I loved the fact that he finally did his own arrangement rather than ripping one off. He continues to keep the level up and it’s paying off. Right now, he’s definitely the one to beat in this competition. He’s unpredictable and I love it — one of my favorites in a long time.

Rating: 8

Prediction: He’s going to be in a comfortable position over the next few weeks as long he doesn’t let up the intensity.

RAMIELE MALUBAY

“Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”

Quit bouncing! The vocals were just okay. Ramiele showed us an amazing voice in the beginning of the season and we haven’t seen it the past several weeks. I will say that this performance was better than she has been doing, but not enough to impress me.

Rating: 6

Prediction: I’d get the bags ready Ramiele. Just please don’t cry when you get voted off and Idol producers, please don’t have you-know-who in the audience.

JASON CASTRO

“Travelin’ Thru”

Nice job. I found myself swaying with the music toward the middle of the song. I was kind of feeling it. He seemed like a natural on the song and it really worked for him. I usually agree with Simon, but really disagreed tonight. Granted I didn’t think it was amazing, but it wasn’t bad at all.

Rating: 7

Prediction: He may find himself in the bottom three again. Unless he steps it up big time, I think he’s got one more week left.

CARLY SMITHSON

“Here You Come Again”

It was beautiful. It wasn’t her best, but it was really close to it. Nice choice to slow the song down from its original upbeat pop sound. Carly has got some pipes and I hope she keeps it up.

Rating: 8

Prediction: She better be safe. She was the best female vocal of the night.

DAVID ARCHULETA

“Smoky Mountain Memories”

He nailed it. Without a doubt, he had the best performance of the night. The other David came close, but not quite. Each week, Archuleta’s performance may not be the best, but his vocals certainly are. It’s amazing to see him rarely miss a note and his modesty is what makes him so special. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: The kid’s got a future.

Rating: 9

Prediction: Uhhh… you know he’s safe.

KRISTY LEE COOK

“Coat of Many Colors”

Put your shoes on kid. I know you want to sing country, but you’re taking it too far and I all ready don’t like you. Kristy got to sing an actual country song, so she actually wasn’t half bad. She doesn’t compare to the Davids, Carly or Syesha, but you’ve got to give her credit. She’s trying her best.

Rating: 7

Prediction: Not sure on this one. I’d be okay with it this week if she wasn’t in the bottom three.

SYESHA MERCADO

“I Will Always Love You”

Interesting song choice. It’s hard to sing that song and not be compared to Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton. And when comparing them, she doesn’t come close. It wasn’t bad by any means and she will get a lot of votes from people who connect with that song, but I personally wasn’t impressed and when you sing that song you better impress.

Rating: 6

Prediction: She’ll be fine. The name of the song alone will get her into week five.

MICHAEL JOHNS

“It’s All Wrong but It’s All Right”

Michael Johns, welcome to the competition. I didn’t know you were for the past few weeks. I wasn’t keen on the purple tie/scarf something, but his performance was solid. Although it may have seemed a little over the top, but it is what works best for him.

Rating: 7

Prediction: He, like Jason may find himself in the bottom three. I think one of the two will be there regardless.

MY BOTTOM THREE: Brooke White, Ramiele Malubay, Jason Castro

TOP PERFORMER: David Archuleta, but David Cook was a real close second.

GOING HOME: Buy-bye Ramiele. Hope you have fun catching up with Danny.