Dolly Parton fools around on Idol

Ryan starts with a fake-out, before welcoming us to our Tuesday night fix of American Idol. With celebrity mentor Dolly Parton.... She's always struck me as pretty smart, actually; curious to see what she'll be like with Syesha and Ramiele.

She says people are always asking why she hasn't been on Idol yet--really?! They get right to it, Brooke White. Should be a good night for her. Parton likes her honesty and warmth, singing Jolene. Not a bad choice for her, in blue top and skirt playing the guitar; pretty compelling, a bit ordinary I think--the song's a little limited. But enjoyable to listen to. Randy says not a stellar performance, some rushing and pitch problems, but this kind of music could work for you; Paula likes her consistency, funny, Brooke compliments Paula's hair; Simon says there was no emotion, it didn't all fit that well. Man, Brooke is becoming very annoying, how loudly and quickly she responds to the judges, and says things like "it's okay" in response to criticism, as if her permission's really necessary.

David Cook, in white top and black pants, talks to Ryan about his arrangements, tonight doing his own of Little Sparrow. Parton likes his voice and his heart; so far she's been accurate, if not totally insightful. It's an interesting version, there's a flamenco feel to it. A bit boring, but gains strength--I think he's a little off tonight, not quite a finished work. Parton's songs aren't that great, I think everyone's gonna have some trouble. Odd ending for Cook, like it just drops off. Randy likes his range, calls it hot; Paula likes his new hairstyle, says she's never heard a guy do the song and it was good; Simon says not as good as last week but congrats, made a bad song good.

Ramiele Malubay, Dolly says she was cute and sweet and scared. Ramiele says she was star-struck; Dolly says she's got spunk and personality and is little like her. In odd black overall/dress; voice is totally swallowed up. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind, just not that good either, it's all kind of a mess, despite her best efforts to power through. Randy says not bad, 6.5 out of 10; Paula says she was worried for her but you connected; Simon says not memorable, cute and sung well, but like on a cruise ship. I wish she'd get better from week to week, oh well.

Ryan's chatting up Jason Castro, he got a bunch of postcards from some girl. Dolly's pulling on his dreads, liked his song choice--Travelin' Through. Guitar and a brown shirt; hmm, I like it. Totally fits his voice, cracks and all--very soulful, and sounds sincere. Some words swallowed up, a bit weak on the lyrics, but overall it's very enjoyable. He should stick to these quasi-spiritual songs, they enhance his sense of depth. A bit boy bandish at the end, but crowd loves it. Randy says a bit rough at the start, but it came together, believable; Paula says one of your strongest performances, voice was rich and confident. Simon didn't like it at all, not sang well, doesn't suit you well.

The controversial Carly Smithson; whoah, she sounds great in rehearsal, Dolly loves the song choice. Black top, red leggings. Seems a bit nervous or wobbley or something; I hate how she performs, it's a bit Barbra Streisandish, such an awareness of being on stage and the center of attention. The song is performed well I guess, but it doesn't do anything for me, definitely a big voice but I'm left a bored. Randy says one of the better performances of the night, nice job; Paula loved it; Simon says good, not great--you're not being dressed well, fix that; need to start looking more like a star. Ryan goes after Simon, what's going on tonight; he simply says nothing great so far tonight.

Ryan's hanging out in the totally-white crowd, David Archuleta next--Dolly loves his Smokey Mountain Memories, he sounds great in rehearsal, she tells him she's almost crying. Says he has the voice to become a great, great singer. Wow. Jeans, leatherish coat. He's in fine form, very sincere and strong. Tone fits the song really well; a bit of a stumble with the lyrics, but soars over it. Hmm, it's falling apart a bit as he goes on--off-key I think, and just a bit off overall. But still, the best of the night. Randy says you're back, that was the best so far; Paula loves his tone, strength, aura; Simon says totally on the money. Cannot hear Ryan over the screaming for him.

Kristy Lee Cook next--if she can't nail it tonight, she really should just go home. Coat of Many Colors, a good pick I think; in brown dress. The song is half there; just not that great, I think it's too fast, actually, the words are just getting swallowed up and she's bad at emphasis. Tone is good; but boring, no emotional connection. Randy says this is your strength, not bad; Paula says your best performance; Simon says pleasant but forgettable.

Whoah, Syesha Mercado, in bright yellow dress. Vanna White's hanging out in the audience, she doesn't look like she's aged at all. Singing I Will Always Love You, Dolly likes her take on it... hmm, this could be very good. Hmm, a bit too fast I think, the emotion is missing as a result; wow, her voice just floats on the chorus, she has a really interesting sound. I feel like the song's neither here nor there the way she sings it, hard to get a bead on it--but she's a powerhouse, I hope she sticks around just because she's different. And an amazing looooong loud finish. Randy cuts in, you did pretty good; Paula loves her voice's velvety tone; Simon says this is a great pop song that Dolly wrote; first part was good, second part can't stand up to Whitney, a good not fantastic version.

Michael Johns, who I forgot about, closes the show; Dolly says he was nervous, but he was genuinely a real fan. In black suit; It's All Wrong But It's All Right; he's pretty good, belts it out, slow. Hate how he performs, it's so mannered; got some sort of Keith Richards thing going on; a lot of confidence, but not my thing. Randy says blazing hot, you keep getting better; Paula says he's a star and looks gorgeous; Simon says it's the best I've heard you sing. He's definitely come into his own the last couple of weeks, but I still don't like him.

David Archuleta
Syesha Mercado
Jason Castro
David Cook
Brooke White
Carly Smithson
Michael Johns
Kristy Lee Cook
Ramiele Malubay