Maybe it's just me, but I only thought David Cook was ok with his performance on MC night, yet there was Simon, giving him the most ebullient praise the Simonator has dished out all season. It's not that I'm down on David; he is still my favorite Idol, but I just wasn't blown away by his interpretation of Mariah's ''Always Be My Baby.''
David Archuleta led off the show with ''When You Believe,'' and he was back with a soaring vocal, although it had a few rough spots (the lower range notes as usual). Carly Smithson continues to falter. Her "Without You," a Mariah version of the Nielsson song, was screechy on the high notes. What has happened to her? She was great a month ago. Syesha Mercado's ''Vanishing'' was solid but not spectacular. I don't get why Simon bitched about her doing a song that isn't a big Mariah hit; that seems like a smart move to me.
Brooke White performed an unplugged version of ''Hero,'' which was excellent in spots but a bit rough in others, as Randy pointed out. Kristy Lee Cook's ''Forever'' gave Mariah Carey chills. It was one of KLC's best performances, which isn't saying much. Still, she might hold on one more week.
I'm with Paula on Jason Castro's take on ''I Don't Wanna Cry.'' After Randy's wacked "luau" reference, I agreed with Paula saying she'd want to hang out at that luau.

My Top Seven:
1) David Cook; 2) David A; 3) Jason Castro; 4) Brooke White; 5) Carly Smithson; 6) Syesha Mercado; 7) Kristy Lee Cook.

After last week's MJ shocker, I'll say Brooke White is leaving the building, although I'm hoping it's KLC.