I really thought having Mariah Carey as a mentor on “American Idol” would do two things…One, prove that she is full of herself, and two, make it really difficult for the contestants, especially for the girls, who would have to measure up to her insane vocal ability. Well, I was wrong on both counts.
Not only was Ms. Carey very humble about having this opportunity, but the contestants all came to play and deliver. Let’s recap, shall we?

THE REALLY GOOD

David Cook, singing “Always Be My Baby?” Are you kidding me? That’s sort of like Mariah trying to sing Pearl Jam. But somehow, this guy just proves that he can do it all every single week, and last night he did a super cool rock version of a really poppy, R&B flavored song. It wasn’t quite “Billie Jean,” but it was still really impressive. Randy said David is ready to make an album now, and that it was his best performance yet; Paula said David is “it”; and Simon said that it was a breath of fresh air, original and daring. Yep, it was all of that.

THE GOOD

David Archuleta sang “When You Believe and was wearing (yikes) leather pants. It was okay but to me, kind of boring. I personally like David best when he’s sitting behind the piano, but the judges thought he did okay. Randy said David can sing anything and that it was “the bomb.” Paula said he made Mariah Carey proud, and Simon said it was very good and since David went first last night, he had already set the benchmark.

Syesha Mercado sang “Vanishing” and while it was pitchy in a few spots, it was still very good and emotive for me. Randy said Syesha did a good job but that he was admittedly afraid of her being measured up to Mariah’s standards, Paula said it was a smart choice, and Simon said that while it was a tough choice of song, that it was technically very good.

Brooke White sat at the piano and while you would think she’d have a difficult time with a Mariah Carey song, it wasn’t bad at all. It was truly her own singer/songwriter take, and we can forgive a few pitch problems because of that. Randy said he liked the version but that the bridge was pitchy, Paula said it was “authentic” (what?) and Simon said it was like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun (what???)…well, he just didn’t like it too much and said there was no “meat.”

Kristy Lee Cook again stepped up her own game and as I’ve been saying the last few weeks, I’m afraid of Kristy winning this whole thing, or at least finishing in the top 2 or 3. Yes, it could happen. Kristy sang “Forever” and countrified it a bit, and not only that, but she sang it really well. Randy said it was not amazing but Kristy really delivered toward the end, Paula said it was a smart choice, and Simon said that it didn’t give him chills (as it did for Mariah), but that Kristy “managed.” Well, I thought it was better than that.

Jason Castro closed the night with a Flamenco type version of “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” and just like David Cook, Jason has his own style that translates to the fact that he could have an album out today and it would sell very well. Also, nothing seems to phase this kid….he is unafraid about the prospects of going very far in this competition. Randy said he didn’t love it, that it was like a “weird luau thing.” Paula said she’d love to be at that luau and that Jason seems confident, and for a change Simon agreed with Paula, adding that it was one of the best vocals of the night and that the guys were better than the girls in this round.

THE IN-BETWEEN

It’s not that Carly Smithson’s version of “Without You” was predictable and technique-y, it’s just that every other singer was better last night. Carly was off-key on the low notes and shouting the high notes, so overall it was pretty bland. Randy said that Carly needs more confidence in her lower register, Paula said Carly showed restraint and soared (does anyone know what that means?), and Simon said that with a direct comparison to Mariah Carey, Carly just didn’t pull it off.

So that’s it…no one was awful last night but Carly was definitely the weakest, and I just don’t think she makes it to the Top 6. I’m guessing that along with her, the other two in the bottom 3 and that have potential danger to go home are Brooke and Syesha, with an outside shot for Jason. Tonight we’ll have the results and Mariah Carey likely wearing an outfit that is far too tight, with lots of vocal gymnastics.

See you all tomorrow….