AI Top 7

Watching this episode of EW.com’s Idolatry, I actually got REALLY excited about tonight’s theme. Mariah Carey may have lost some of her luster and undoubtedly a few brain cells in her illustrious career, but her first few albums…all the way through Butterfly are just iconic. Not to mention that they totally remind me of middle school dances, high school dances, and college dance parties. I hope she says something mildly coherent to our contestants. And I hope Syesha doesn’t sing “Hero” or “Without You”. In fact, nobody touch those. Their Mariah’s.

And in case you get bored, watch these videos of MC in her heyday.
Vision of Love
Anytime You Need a Friend
All I Want for Christmas is You
One Sweet Day

It looks like such a small group of people tonight! They all look real pretty. Things I’ve learned this week: David Cook’s brother who has brain cancer is in the audience, and American Idol fans don’t know how to dial the right numbers and Clay Aiken might have won season 2, if they did.

David Archuleta is singing “When You Believe,” which is a song I LOVE! My secret is I saw Prince of Egypt twice in one night when I was in high school. And sang through the soundtrack countless times with my best friend. Archie is wearing leather pants; did anyone else notice? Good for him for singing in his falsetto, like Mariah told him to. This wasn’t a performance I’ll note as a stand-out, but it was solid. He is singing first, and we know what happens to those who do that on this show. I agree with Simon that the girls will risk being compared to Mariah tonight, and the boys will have a bit more freedom to take risks.

Carly is up next and is bored without Michael Johns. She’s singing “Without You.” Lame. This is the first time she’s not pushing too hard, which is refreshing. She seems incredibly comfortable with this song, which is also refreshing after a few weeks of her WORKING. SO. HARD. Telling her over and over that she needs to let go and believe that she can do it doesn’t seem like it would work.

Syesha is still in last place on the EW.com Power List. She’s singing “Vanishing,” and Mariah is giving her specific notes. Literally. She’s fighting, but I still don’t like her. Plus, she was sharp. But, yes, props to her for singing a less well-known song, for once.

Brooke White is singing “Hero.” Lame. You can’t top Mariah. I’m not sure I can be objective about this performance. I guess the bottom line is I’m not impressed aside from how beautiful the song itself is.

Kristy Lee is singing “Forever,” which is another song I LOVE! Good choice. Has she gotten voice lessons in the last few weeks? She’s so much better these days! Impressive. I liked it better than the judges did.

David Cook is next with “Always Be My Baby,” which is one of my favorite Mariah Carey songs. It makes me think of my 6th grade boyfriend. We were together for a day. David moves me. Seriously, this is bringing tears to my eyes. And that’s beside the fact that I know his brother is in the audience. I swear.

I voted for the Songwriter Idol. As they did last year, they all suck.

Jason Castro is last, singing “I Don’t Wanna Cry.” Another nice choice. Mariah, these songs are so great! I think Jason needs to work more on connecting with the music. He never quite looks like he’s taking any of it seriously.

Favorite of the Night: David Cook
On the Way Out: Brooke (or Syesha)