Those of you who didn’t quit after wretched Beatles Week Part II were rewarded with a fine bill of ditties courtesy Dolly Parton’s songbook.
This week should also be on the higher end of the quality scale: Wednesday is the second annual installment of “Idol Gives Back,” a star-studded fundraiser that will include Bono, Brad Pitt, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli and Peyton Manning, Snoop Dogg, Billy Crystal and more.
Most importantly, for those keeping score at home, that’s two in a row guessed correctly by the Scott Fuller Prognostication Machine. Around this time last season was when folks started wondering: “Is this the week Sanjaya gets eliminated?” In an odd case of deja vu, this season viewers may now be wondering: “Is this the week Kristy Lee gets eliminated?” I’ve fed the numbers into the Fuller Prognostication Machine; let’s see what answer she spits out.
DAVID ARCHULETA, 17
» Murray, Utah
Dolly almost got a little weepy during David’s rehearsal of “Smoky Mountain Memories.” Expect this gentle-faced juggernaut to sing a syrupy ballad or two for charity as viewers pull out their tissues and their pocketbooks.
Fuller Power Rank: 1
Vegas odds: 13/10
Turn up or tune out: David has an off night now and again, but this talented teen will prove very, very tough to beat. (Plus, I think David would take repeated punches to the face and his goofy grin would persist.) Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
Let the record show: Brooke is my new favorite. Her performances are consistently entertaining and solid, if often a step shy of phenomenal. “Jolene” was great; Brooke is showing her mettle and potential star quality.
Fuller Power Rank: 2
Vegas odds: 20/1
Turn up or tune out: Brooke will need a major slipup to shake her second-in-command status. (How could she possibly be in the bottom three?!) Turn up.
DAVID COOK, 25
» Blue Springs, Mo.
David answered critics by announcing on air his use of other artists’ arrangements. With that taken care of, he nailed another performance: “Little Sparrow.” (FYI: That makes three for three on Dolly Day.)
Fuller Power Rank: 3
Vegas odds: 3/2
Turn up or tune out: David was hospitalized after the show because of heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Take it easy, dude, you’re more than safe. Turn up.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
Carly’s pedigree has carried her thus far: The strength of her voice is edging out her lackluster performances. “Here You Come Again” was a step in the right direction; who knows, Carly’s tides may slowly be turning.
Fuller Power Rank: 4
Vegas odds: 10/1
Turn up or tune out: I think that makes four for four. I don’t see Carly getting eliminated unless she really lays an egg — or unless Simon decides to play nice and not drag her across the coals for her horrible choice of outfits. Turn up.
JASON CASTRO, 20
» Rockwall, Texas
Jason’s “Travellin’ Thru” was again far from memorable, yet again rather pleasant. His performances do not a superstar make, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy his sweet, feel-good tunes.
Fuller Power Rank: 5
Vegas odds: 25/1
Turn up or tune out: Hard to know where Jason’s train runs out of steam. His days seem numbered — and yet he’s so darn likable and, yes, talented. Turn up.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
Syesha’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” — of Whitney Houston “The Bodyguard” fame, most notably — would leave most listeners in one of two camps: No. 1: “Girl, you are NOT Whitney!”; or No. 2: “Gosh, what a really pretty song and a really pretty performance.” Surprise: I actually fell into the second camp.
Fuller Power Rank: 6
Vegas odds: 25/1
Turn up or tune out: The longer Syesha sticks around, the more I like her chances. If she keeps singing this well — and steadily improving, by the way — she won’t be an easy contestant to force out. Turn up.
MICHAEL JOHNS, 29
Michael’s “It’s All Wrong” demonstrated that though his recent performances have been all wrong, when he’s clickin’, this down cat from Down Under can really groove.
Fuller Power Rank: 7
Vegas odds: 15/2
Turn up or tune out: My scorecard shows seven out of seven hits from last week. But is the Prognostication Machine on the fritz? I have a hard time believing Michael is second from the bottom. Turn up.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
Country music is supposed to be Lil’ Miss Gal Next Door’s bread and butter (or steak and potatoes, or apple pie and ice cream; choose whichever culinary delight best suits your slice of Americana fancy). Bottom line: When tossed this life preserver, Kristy was able to keep her head above water. (Barely.)
Fuller Power Rank: 8
Vegas odds: 125/1
Turn up or tune out: Kristy is undoubtedly the weak puppy here; nevertheless, my time machine reminds me that last season “Idol” pulled a fast one by not eliminating anyone during “Idol Gives Back” week. This critic also pulls a fast one: I think history repeats itself, and we’ll have another round of Kristy Lee before two singers get their walking papers next week. Tune out.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
