So after dumbass host Ryan Seacrest told America that “American Idol” was being postponed due to some writer’s strike, pulling a fairly predictable April Fool’s joke, it was on to business. For a split second though, I forgot it was April 1, and thought “Awesome, I can go back to watching the Mets/Marlins game,” but no dice.

The mentor this week was Dolly Parton, and the remaining nine contestants were asked to sing something from Dolly’s catalog. This could go a few different ways for these singers, and you might expect just a few of them to do well. But what happened was that many of them stepped up their game, some in surprising fashion. Here we go….

THE GOOD

David Cook came clean before his performance, saying that some of his previous arrangements were poached from other artists’ recordings. He’d been kind of chastised in the media all week for this, but he said that the version of Dolly’s “Little Sparrow” that he was about to sing was all his own take. Not surprisingly, David hit it out of the park once again. It was awesome and effectively dynamic, and this guy is going to keep sailing through. Until someone can prove me otherwise, I have no doubt that David is going to win it all. Randy said David showed great range and that it was “hot,” Paula said it was fantastic, and Simon said it was not as good as last week but still very good.

David Archuleta did “Smoky Mountain Memories” and he returned to the form we expect of him. This kid is just a really great singer. Randy said that David is “back,” Paula said it was strong, and Simon said that this week David’s song choice was “on the money.”

Michael Johns closed out the night in fine form, with “It’s All Wrong But All Right,” and it was a very wise song choice. Michael gave what I thought was his best showing yet, and could give the other contenders a run for their money if he keeps this up. Randy said it was “blazing hot,” Paula said it was a good choice, and Simon said it was Michael’s best performance yet. Agreed.

THE ALMOST GOOD

Jason Castro strapped on his guitar again and did “Travelin’ Thru,” and contrary to what Simon Cowell thought, I really dug Jason’s performance. He showed more emotion this week and his voice was just right in the pocket. Randy said that Jason picked up the song midway through and that it was good, Paula said it was one of Jason’s best so far, and Simon didn’t like it at all, saying the music didn’t suit him well. I think America will agree with me and Jason will be safe this week.

Carly Smithson took on “Here You Come Again,” mostly done with just guitar and vocal, which was a diversion for Carly. I’m not sure why, but she irritated me again…something about her technique just bothers me…like she’s trying too hard and not letting the performance just flow out. Randy said it was one of the best of the night so far, Paula said she has a strong voice, and Simon said it was good but not great, and that Carly needs to start choosing her outfits more carefully as the competition heats up, and start looking more like a star. Interesting comment, and if you saw how Kristy Lee Cook and Syesha Mercado were dolled up, Simon has a point. Still, her voice is monstrous at times.

Syesha predictably did the Whitney Houston version of “I Will Always Love You.” It sounded really good but, as everyone is probably going to say, Syesha is no Whitney Houston. Randy said it was pretty good but that those were huge shoes to fill, Paula said she loves Syesha’s voice and that she looked great, and Simon said that the first part was good but that after that Syesha just could not compare to Whitney. Is she safe this week? I thought she was great, but I thought she was awesome last week and wound up in the Bottom 3…..and there’s no reason to think Syesha won’t be there again based on that.

THE IN-BETWEEN

Brooke White kicked off the show with “Jolene,” and it was good but not great….in fact, I was kind of bored watching it. Randy said it was not stellar and was a bit rushed, Paula said Brooke is consistent, and Simon said Brooke showed no emotion and it was not her best. Since she kicked off the show last night, I’d have to say Brooke is in danger this week and that bums me out.

Kristy Lee Cook should have hit a home run here but she just hit a bloop into the outfield with “Coat of Many Colors.” I think I and most of America expected more out of her in the country genre but it was pretty bland. Randy said it was something that was in Kristy’s “wheelhouse,” but he seemed unimpressed. Paula said she looked good and it was her best performance yet, and to that I wonder what Paula was smoking and/or drinking. Simon said Kristy was better last week, and that this week her performance was “pleasant but forgettable.” Exactly. America loves Kristy but she could be in the Bottom 3 again this week.

THE BAD

Okay, Ramiel Mallubay was not awful, but compared to everyone else last night she was. Ramiel sang “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” and it was pretty good but pitchy in spots….and I admit I really thought that considering the genre, Ramiel would completely tank, and she didn’t. Randy said it was “kinda aight,” Paula said that she was proud of Ramiel, and Simon said she sang well but that for the most part, the performance was “forgettable.” Man, the contestants have to just hate that word. Ramiel should in no way avoid the Bottom 3 tonight, and I really think that this is the week she gets booted off.

So there you have it……My bottom 3 is Brooke, Syesha and Ramiel…though I don’t necessarily agree with it. Jason and Kristy also have a shot to land there. Heck, so does Carly because she’s been there before. But really, if Ramiel doesn’t get eliminated, America seriously should question its ability to judge talent. We’ll find out what happens tonight and I’ll see you back here tomorrow.

Go Mets!