(Credit: Frank Micelotta / FOX)
a) They’re both unnaturally cute
b) They have no problems singing overtly religious tunes on national televison
c) They were the top two reasons to watch this week’s “American Idol”
d) All of the above
If you answered “d,” hats off to you. The iconic country singer teamed up with “Idol” as the first of four mentors promised this season, and Archuleta turned out to be her greatest disciple. Everyone else proved to be only marginally entertaining, except for Ramiele Malubay, whose sleepwalked performances finally caught up with her.
The judges’ table
Simon's harshest slam: Boos and hisses ensued when Simon called out Carly for her legitimately questionable wardrobe. (‘80s night is over, sweetie.) The audience, Randy and Paula always take delight in harping on Simon’s criticism of appearances, but he has a point. Video killed the radio star for a reason.
Randy’s most repetitive comment: Did Randy say anything this week? Sorry, Dolly is one distracting lady.
Least intelligible Paula-ism: “You are... (confused pause) Brooke White.” Had Paula been speaking to any contestant other than Brooke that may have qualified as a judgment, but it seems that she was still figuring out where she was 10 minutes into the show.
The good, the bad and the pitchy
The frontrunners: Brooke’s cameo in the bottom three seems like a setback, but our money is still on her going all the way to the finale. David also made strong showings this week, and so did that Michael Johns.
The dark horses: Kristy Lee, Kristy Lee… two weeks in a row outside of the bottom three. Who would have ever thought? Right now her biggest problem is that what she has in momentum, she lacks in confidence. That attitude won’t get her anywhere, but we’re still too amused by her persistence to question it.
Who’s going next: After narrowly escaping elimination for the second week in a row, it’s clear that Jason Castro is losing his connection with the American public. Barring any attempts at mass hypnotism with those baby blues, his time could finally run out next week. Strong performances at this point guarantee nothing, so Syesha and Carly are fair game as well.
Click here for our guide to those who have held court with Ms. Parton before the 'Idol' kids, from Burt Reynolds to Perez to Miss Piggy.
