American Idol

American Idol’s Top 10 finalists — minus Chikezie — performed Dolly Parton hits tonight.

I’ve been a little busy today — OK, a lot busy … but more on that later — so I didn’t get to live blog. And I’m sad, because Dolly Parton is this week’s celebrity mentor.

And, even though I’m watching the show now, I’m having a guest blogger — my friend Susan — share her thoughts … and hopefully a few of my comments.

So, here we go:

Brooke White was up first tonight, performing Pardon’s “Jolene,” but only passably. Simon was perhaps a tad too harsh with his declaration that it was not good enough. I mean, clearly she’s one of the best contestants. It’s just sort of unnecessary to make her doubt herself.

Reed said David Cook’s performance was “kind of boring, I’m not gonna lie.” Cook performed “Little Sparrow” with his own arrangement. Before going on stage, he admitted his past weeks’ influences were other bands. That was a smart move. No one likes to see a performer take credit for other people’s work. One thing I think everyone can agree on is his new hairstyle. It’s better, right?

Itty bitty Ramiele Malubay belted out “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” I liked it more than the judges. Reed says that though he thinks this is the best performance she’s had on the show Malubay needs to go home. Oh, and Simon used the old cruise ship comparison when giving his opinion. Yeah, yeah.

Jason Castro picked a Dolly song I’m not terribly familiar with, “Traveling Through.” Sure, it was a bit Hanson-ey, but I kind of liked Hanson, so . . . yeah.

Carly Smithson knocked Reed’s socks off, but not all of the judges (Simon). I can’t believe Simon can listen to a performance as beautiful as Smithson’s and then pick on her for her outfit. Reed now says, “That was one of the top 10 best ‘Idol’ performances ever.”

David Archuleta, yeah, he was good. I just don’t like his sappy song choices. But, according to the judges, it was the best thing ever. I just don’t get it.

(Hey! Did you see Michael Kors in the crowd? He looked purple instead of orange. Weird . . . and awesome!)

Kristy Lee Cook should have rocked some Dolly, but she didn’t. Her rendition of “Coat of Many Colors” was “just not good,” according to Reed. Also not good, her fingernails. For the love of Sally Hansen, stop it with the half painted nails Kristy Lee!

So, Syesha Mercado fell into the trap that it seems happens almost every week. Look ladies, I don’t care if it’s Dolly week, you can’t do “I Will Always Love You” on Idol. Why? Because Whitney did it. You also cannot do Mariah or Christina. The judges will crucify you every time.

Michael Johns. Oh, Michael Johns. Michael Johns . . . how you doin? It certainly IS “Alright.” That’s all I’ve got to say. Oh, and Reed now admits that Johns is “good.”

My work here is done.