Dolly Parton's "Offspring" on American Idol!

After starting off the night with an "April Fools Joke" Ryan, without joking, informed all of us that Dolly Parton has 3,000 penned songs to her credit, her "children" as she called them and what powerful offspring they are!

First off was Brooke White singing "Jolene", one of Dolly's favorites. She did pretty well but something seemed to be missing, however, she is so gracious and shines like a beacon through it all complimenting Paula on her hair and Paula returning the compliment. Paula felt like Brooke has an "emotional connection with each song choice". To us she seems like an old soul and is filled with life.

David Cook followed her with his own rendition of Dolly's "Little Sparrow" and it was peaceably entreating to all of the judges, Simon even gave David credit for being able to pull off a song about a sparrow saying "if you can sing a song about a sparrow "good" which you actually did, good"! Dolly gave him her stamp of approval too saying
"your voice is beautiful and perfect" and moving David to say he was awe inspired that she paid him a compliment! The judges gave him praise on his "false" (short for falsetto), arrangement of the song and showing everyone his range. Randy calling it "hot and consistent."

Dolly said "Finally, someone my size" when meeting Ramiele Malubay. Ramiele appeared to be feeling better than she was last week but just seems to be holding back. Simon's comment was, "well, we aren't going to remember this performance in 10 years will we". There could be a very strong voice in there somewhere and she gives us a little peak once in a while when she hits the high notes but she hasn't shown us the "wow" quite yet. Don't know if it is enough to keep her in the top 8, we shall see tomorrow.

Presenting Jason Castro with some fan mail postcards just received today from the same person, Ryan Seacrest shared with Jason one of the cards saying that this fan feels like Jason's voice is "as relaxing as the scene on the front of the card" and that she goes home and listens to his voice and the "tension melts away"! Dolly referred to him as "funky looking" but stroked his dreds with kindness. Jason sang one of Dolly's songs called "Traveling Through" and once again picked a song with depth. Simon didn't get it though saying that it was "not one of my favorites" and he would "probably lose his season pass to Dollywood" with his critique. Jason you still remain one of the heart touchers.

Carly Smithson is still a power house! With her "Crystal Gale like look" she once again "blew us away"! She sang "Here You Come Again". Picking this song because she could connect to it she had another "smaushin" performance. Dolly loved her voice commenting that she picked the perfect song. Paula displayed her complete approval nearly yelling "that voice of yours, oh my God!", she even argued with Randy that she felt he was too hard on Carly last week and that she had listened to last weeks performance and Carly's last note was NOT off key. Randy did say that it was the best performance of the night so far. Simon offering some fashion advice telling her she needs to "have a word with whoever is dressing you" and that she "needs to start looking like a star." Ryan applied some salve by saying, "some people would say the same about you", and asking Simon "what is the issue tonight? Don't worry Carly, you'll be here next week!

David Archuleta once again swooned us all and the "I love you David" singers didn't miss their cue to chime in once Ryan took a breath between sentences! They can't help it! Dolly was very moved by him and brought to tears calling him a "great, great singer. David was outstanding, singing a song very close to Dolly and one that brought him chills as well. He sang, "Smokey Mountain Memories" causing Randy to correct himself and label THIS the best performance of the night. Simon said he was "absolutely on the money". We all look forward to his debut CD, David, you are blessed.

Kristy Lee Cook sang "Coat of Many Colors" and this week the song fit too. Our "country girl" did well, and Dolly said she "made this her own". Kristy said she would "rather impress Dolly than her mom at this moment" and she did a really good job, barefoot and all! Simon didn't feel that it was as good as last week but she chidingly said, "thank you Simon, love you" and tauntingly blew him a kiss! While Simon said it was forgettable Paula called it her "best performance". Country is definitely her "niche", or as Randy says, "definitely your wheel house" and we believe she will be cranking out CD's in the near future.

Syesha Mercado sang, "I Will Always Love You" and did a wonderful and moving job with Dolly saying she "made a real good choice" but again, 'sup with Simon? He just can't seem to pay her a compliment. She has a powerful voice and during the interview you could see that this song strummed a chord in her and brought her to tears too! Dolly said she is not "shy" but "SHYesha is a pretty girl and a good singer". Paula made up for the lack from Randy and Simon saying that Syesha has a "velvety tone" to her voice. It will be a shock if she doesn't make it to the last four!

Closing out the night was Michael Johns. He too was very moved by Dolly's comments bringing him to the point of saying, "words can't describe". Dolly said she believed he would make some great records and she hoped he did because she could write some great songs for him!" What a compliment! Way to go Michael! Singing "It's all Wrong But It's Alright" he put the perfect "frosting" on the evening. Randy said, "blazing hot performance!" Paula said, "you're a star, rock star, blues star and you LOOK GORGEOUS!" Simon put the finishing touches on by saying, "best I have heard you sing"!

Ahhhh, American Idol, American Eyedoll, we can't help but love you!