Syesha Mercado's Top 7 Performance of Vanishing

Syesha did a nice job with this one overall. . . definitely not an easy song to sing!

Top 7 Elimination-Kristy Lee Cook Goes Home

Poor little David A. was put on the spot, but handled it well.

After many weeks in the bottom 3, and despite a couple of stronger performances s of late, Kristy Lee is finally sent home. Brooke seems pretty broken up about it.

David Archuleta's Top 7 Performance of When You Believe

Once again, David A. accentuates his strengths. . . nice falsetto too! Technically speaking, David is pretty close to perfect. I will never tire of his smooth vocals (or sweet face).

Carly Smithson Singing Without You-American Idol Mania Top 7

David Cook's Unique Rockin' Version of Always Be My Baby-American Idol Mania Top 7

D.C. was the bomb this week with his super rockin take on Always Be My Baby. Loved it. . . especially the ending!!!!

American Idol Mania's Favorite Top 9 Performance-Jason Castro

Although Jason may not have the strongest vocals he still has a great voice, very soothing to the ear. I've really enjoyed some of his performances this season, especially his version of Hallelujah, but think this is my new favorite for him. He's so unique in many ways, some might say quirky, but I really think he possess a relaxed, yet compelling style and stage presence. That, in combination with his humble, sometimes goofy personality makes him quite likable.

I loved this performance. In fact it's one of my faves from this season. Also, the ukulele provided an additional unique element to Castro's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Michael Johns Performing Dream On-American Idol Mania

It's hard to believe that THIS was the performance that led to Johns elimination this week.

Michael Johns Shocking Elimination-American Idol Mania

I didn't expect Johns to be sent home tonight. . . at all! I figured that he would be here at least a couple more weeks.

Idol Gives Back Performing Shout to the Lord

I love this song and was pretty surprised (and happy) to see it sung on national tv. Very cool! Don't miss David Cook toward the end of the song. . . pretty incredible (as usual)!

Michael Johns Rocks It's All Wrong, But It's All Right-American Idol Mania Top 9

CarlySmithson Singing Here You Come Again-American Idol Mania Top 9

David Archuleta Singing Smoky Mountain Memories-American Idol Mania Top 9

Dolly loved David (along with all the screaming fans). It's pretty cute how he still gets embarrassed from all the teenage girl attention. David is just so likeable and humble and I loved this performance! It was a great song choice for him. His voice is just so smooth and pleasant to the ear.

Brooke White Singing Jolene-American Idol Mania Top 9

Although I don't think this was her best performance, I think that Jolene fits Brooke's voice well. Simon was pretty rude with his comment about the instrumental group looking odd. Not too unexpected coming froming the Simonmeister though, I suppose.

I'd like to hear Brooke do a little Colby Caillat in the coming weeks. I think it might suit her.

David Cook Singing Dolly Parton's Little Sparrow

David Cook, 25 of Blue Springs, MO brought this original performance of Dolly's Little Sparrow. Loved the falseto! Nice ending as well. David Cook rocks. . . what else can I say?

ARRGGG! Missing the Top 9 Dolly Parton Episode. . .Thanks to My DVR!

ARRGGGG! If I sound like a grumpy pirate it's because my DVR decided not to record American Idol last night! Doesn't it know that we're down to the top 9 and we can't afford to miss a single episode. Okay, sorry if I sound a bit dramatic. . . I'm just very disappointed in my DVR. I trusted it to come through for me while we were out last night taking the kids to soccer and baseball practice. What are you gonna do?

I plan on catching the performances online and will be back soon to comment. Please share your thoughts and feelings about last night's episode. I feel out of the loop. . . Later. . .

Tonight's Top 9-Dolly Parton Week on American Idol Mania

Tonight's Idol should be interesting. Dolly Parton week should add a unique twist to the Idol contest. I'm sure Kristy Lee Cook is looking forward to the country focus, since that's what she does best. Assuming that the contestants will all be singing Dolly songs, it should be interesting to see who can come up with the most original arrangements and really make the song their own. Dolly Parton has such a unique sound, I'm curious to hear her advice for the contestants.

Don't miss the Top 9:

David Aruchuleta, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro, David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, and Syesha Mercado.

Chikezie Sent Home Tonight on American Idol

Tonight's bottom 3 were Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, and Chikezie. I was pretty surprised about Syesha after she gave such a great performance last night and I have to say I was a little surprised about Jason Castro as well.

Unfortunately for Chikezie, tonight was the end of the road.