American Idol's Top 9 Delve into the Dolly Parton Songbook

Tonight the Top 9 American Idol contestants delved into the Dolly Parton songbook for their inspiration. Everyone stepped up their game and the night saw several standout performances. Brooke got the festivities started with a rendition of "Jolene". While she didn't hit it out of the park, it was solid. In the immortal words of Randy; it was just okay for me. David Cook's streak of perfection continued. Singing one of Parton's lesser known songs "Little Sparrow"; he delivered one of the night's standout performances. Simon said he made a song about Sparrows good.

Jason Castro's take on Parton's Oscar nominated "Travelin Thru", felt tailor made for him, even though Simon felt that it wasn't particularly good. Castro, a favorite with the ladies, smiled his killer smile and took it in stride. Carly Smithson went back and found her A-game and brought it. She sang "Here You Come Again". Parton remarked that Carly sounded as if the song was written with her in mind. Ramiele Malubay delivered a technically proficient; if less than confident performance of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". She admitted that singing for Dolly Parton freaked her out a little. It appeared some of the nerves followed her onto the stage.

David Archuleta was back in top form with his rendition of "Appalachian Memories". Archuleta's emotional connection with the song and his heartfelt delivery almost brought Dolly Parton to tears during their first meeting. Kristy Lee Cook continues to prove that Country really is her bailiwick. For a second week she chose a song that played to her strengths. Parton's "Coat of Many Colors", fit her to a tee. She gave a performance that could very well buy her another week on the big stage.

Perhaps the biggest risk of the night was Syesha singing Parton's megahit "I Will Always Love You". She deftly paid homage to Parton's version while still delivering a powerhouse vocal worthy of Houston'. However, she ran into problems from the judges because of her attempt to walk that fine line. Although this was the Dolly Parton songbook, one couldn't help but wonder if the judges were looking for a full on Whitney. She held her own and delivered a great performance. The best of the evening was Michael Johns' reworking of "It's All Wrong But It's All Right. With his trademark cocksure swagger Johns delivered the song with a down in the Delta blues edge that put him out in front by a comfortable margin.

It's hard to say who has the best chance of going home this evening. Everyone stepped up and did their thing. It's now in the hands of the voting public.