American Idol Season 7

The American Idols learn all about diva-dom this week from the reigning pop princess, Mariah Carey.

Diva rule # 1 - Travel with your pooch (appropriately decked in glittering collar and leash)

Diva rule # 2 - Ask commoners to treat you as though you are merely human, as if.

David Archuleta started with a strong, sincere performance of “When You Believe.” I can’t decide if he is for real or not. He is just so darn humble and adorable; it has to be an act. I hope not, because his charming personality has won me over. Randy said if you can sing, you can sing anything - and David can definitely sing. It was the bomb baby. Paula thought Mariah would be proud of David’s rendition. Simon thought it was very, very good and David set the benchmark.

Carly Smithson looked absolutely gorgeous. She sounded good but her performance (Without You) wasn’t phenomenal and Carly can be phenomenal. Randy thought it was pretty good, even the middle part was loosey goosey. Paula liked the vocal restraint in the beginning and then she let her voice swell. Simon didn’t think Carly was able to pull off a Mariah worthy performance. He thinks she’s capable but over thinking her performance and holding back.

Diva rule # 3 - When greeting others, kiss the air near their cheek so as not to smudge your lipstick.

Syesha Mercado chose to sing “Vanishing” What the heck was she thinking? It was a killer hard song and it’s called VANISHING. She sounded good, with lots of runs. Randy thought there were some pitch problems, but it was ok cuz she picked a really, really tuff song. Paula thought Syesha played it smart, picking an unfamiliar song so she could make it her own. Simon disagreed (gasp!). He thought the performance was technically good, but the song choice might be a disadvantage.

Brooke White has raw emotion in her voice, but sometimes the hitchy, pitchy catches get a little distracting. She sang an unplugged version of “Hero” which made the pitch problems all the more noticeable. Randy was really digging it right up to the bridge, which didn’t work for him. Paula thinks every ounce of Brooke (all 16 of them) is authentic to who she is. Paula liked the unplugged version. Simon said it was a bit like ordering a hamburger and only getting a bun, the performance was missing a vital ingredient. So where’s the beef?

Kristy Lee Cook may have been at a disadvantage tonight but she did pretty good singing “Forever.” I’m just so done with the country “thang”. She gave Mariah chills (in a good way?) but I thought it was so-so. Randy thought there were a couple of pitchy notes in the beginning, but he did think she stepped it up in the end. Paula was blown away. I’m sure Mariah will not appreciate the comments about leaving a legacy to the younger generation. Haha. Simon thought it was whiney.

David Cook, (aw, there’s the beef) sang “Always Be My Baby” with an alternate vibe. The beginning was soft and sensitive and the middle rocked. Brilliant! Now this gave me goose bumps (the good kind) Randy gave him a Standing O and proclaimed David is ready to make an album. Paula thinks David’s got the whole package. Simon thought it was original, daring and stood out by a mile - the sign of a great potential artist - someone who takes risks. David burst into tears.

Jeez, I would not want to follow that performance. Jason Castro sang “I Don’t Want to Cry.” Prophetic huh? I really like Jason. He’s the perfect blend of Brooke White (earthy songwriter) and David Archuleta (humble kid). Plus the kid can SING! Randy didn’t get it. Paula thought Jason is amazing and getting more and more confident. Simon agreed with …..Paula. Shocker! He thought it wasn’t the best vocal but it was a cool version.