(aired 4/15/08)
Bunny: It’s Mariah Carey week on American Idol. Not being huge Mariah fans, our relative ignorance of her music may show through, but we think it will be interesting to see who can take on this mega-star’s songs successfully.
We wanted to include an additional point of view, so are pleased to welcome a guest commenter tonight, 12-year-old K! Her comments will be in green.
Keep in mind that we rate the performances with paws. Half a paw 
is pretty bad. Four paws is the absolute best rating a contestant can get. 
David Archuleta
When You Believe
Bunny: As expected, David handles the Mariah theme with ease. There are too many runs, but it's beautifully done. He doesn’t really bring something different to the table like the other David, but he probably doesn’t need to.
Burke: Another typical Archuleta performance. Good but stiff.
K: Another good one. Moving song. He needs to “believe” … he needs to loosen up. Rock on.
Carly Smithson
Without You
Bunny: She seems much more relaxed this week than last. But I see why she’s not connecting to the audience as well as she should. Even when her eyes are open, you get the sense that she’s not really seeing the audience. She needs to sing to someone.
Burke: Reminded me of Elvira tonight a little bit. Good song. I liked her emotion.
K: Nice song, but a little bit too powerful. She needs to tone it down a little bit for my taste.
Syesha Mercado
Vanishing
Bunny: Syesha’s hair is sparkling tonight, and she looks great. The fact that I’m starting my critique the way Paula does is not a good sign. The last note was terrific. Up until then, I think there were way too many runs. I’m just over her. Also, the title of the song is risky, since Syesha may be “vanishing” tomorrow night.
Burke: I like the dress. I think it’s the best she looked all season. I thought she did a good job on the song; I wasn’t moved by the performance.
K: Good job; the song is okay.
Brooke White
Hero
Bunny: Does she seem extra nervous tonight? She was visibly shaking. Also, I’m beginning to feel that when she plays the piano, she’s too tied to it. As for the vocal, it wasn’t stellar, but it was good, with a few really good moments.
Burke: She picked a big song tonight. I didn’t think she killed it, but it was a moving performance for me.
K: The dress is too much. Nice song.
Kristy Lee Cook
Forever
Bunny: As usual, there are a couple of “ouch” notes, but I thought her voice was well matched to the song. Overall, she nails it. And her personality, I think, is rather appealing.
Burke: I thought she may be out of her league tonight. It wasn’t great, but she’s done worse.
K: Was she dying or singing? She got better as she went, though.
David Cook
Always Be My Baby
Bunny: That lower register is still giving him some problems, and his enunciation is more sloppy than it needs to be. Much better than last week, though. It’s an interesting arrangement.
Burke: I liked the arrangement; I liked the performance. Good job.
K: Not something I would personally listen to, but it was good.
Jason Castro
I Don’t Wanna Cry
Bunny: I wanted to like this more than I did. That’s not to say I didn’t like it; I just didn’t think it was his best. Maybe it’s just that I am not particularly fond of most of Mariah’s songs. But the guitar is very pretty and he gives a classic Jason performance.
Burke: I liked the arrangement, but I’m getting tired of his wimpy voice.
K: I was about to cry because it was so bad. I didn’t enjoy it; I was cringing the whole time.
PREDICTIONS
Bunny: Bunny’s Bomb would have to be Syesha Mercado. I hate to say it, but I think Brooke White might be leaving.
Burke: Burke’s Turkey is Jason Castro. He’s gotta go. I think Syesha Mercado will leave, though.
K: The worst performance tonight was by Jason Castro. But Kristy Lee Cook will be leaving.
Prognosticats: Hairball Performance was by David Cook. Leaving tomorrow will be Jason Castro.
Bunny: I'm changing my Top Dawg from Jason Castro to Kristy Lee Cook. She was such a surprise I forgot to consider her for the Top Dawg honor.
Burke: My Top Dawg is David Cook.
K: My Top Dawg is David Cook.
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