Comments on: Dolly Parton Night on American Idol: Rating the Performances

By: Louis M. Oliverio

Louis M. Oliverio — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:38:07 +0000

I enjoyed Dolly week on Idol because I am a fan of country music, but for it being country night, there were far too few steel guitars or down-home stylings that are at country music’s heart. Simon is not big into country music and I cannot see why Paula would be a big fan when it was country’s emergence in the early 1990s that took attention off of pop music when her career was at its peak.

Next year, they should approach George Strait, a man with over 50 #1 songs covering a span of 25 years, to be the country mentor. Dolly, Kenny Rogers, and Martina McBride are all venerable country stars, but it would be interesting to use a mentor that is more on the traditional wing of country music for a change.

I enjoyed Dolly’s performance Wednesday night and hope she can get some play with the song.

By: Leeann's Husband

Leeann's Husband — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:19:10 +0000

Not for me. However if he was a contestant on American Idol, he would almost be guaranteed to win.

By: Leeann

Leeann — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:56:02 +0000

Bill, is there a good way for someone to remind you of Michael Bolton?:)

By: Leeann's Husband

Leeann's Husband — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:52:47 +0000

I enjoyed the version of ‘Jolene’ myself, and would note that while it seemed a little rushed, the original has a quick pace as well. The Mandy Smith (and the White Stripes version for the brave) both actually slow the pace a bit. I thought tshe did a good job (better than most), even if she should not have smiled.

Other than that “Little Sparrow’ was impressive (and Brave), Michael Johns reminds me of Michael Bolton (in a bad way), and ‘I will always love you’ was very good but suffered under the shadow of the Whitney version which is very long.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:23:43 +0000

Even with the Beatles and the Dolly songs, this has been a largely forgettable season of AI imo. I think we may be in shark terriroty for the show.

By: Cowboy Blue

Cowboy Blue — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:38:09 +0000

I always choose my favorite based on how well they do n country week and I think despite good voices that boht Carly and David A. are over rated and have gained most of their popularity either from their looks or their media attension.

Kristy Lee Cook needed to shine this time but didn’t, however for me anohter Cook did shine. David Cook did great on his song and made it his own. I agree with Simon a few weeks back when he said to Cook “if this compatition remains based on talent you could have a shot”. He’s the only one who really impressed me this week. I was a little disapointed by Brooke, but she gave it a decent go and did “Jolene” justice so I can failry say that David Cook and Brooke White are my favorties this season.

By: Buddy Miller Gets Cover Treatment From No Depression -- The 9513

Buddy Miller Gets Cover Treatment From No Depression -- The 9513 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:20:28 +0000

[...] Universe’s Kevin graded each of the American Idol contestants last night on their performances of Dolly Parton songs, and Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Slezak believes, with the exception of the two girls, [...]

By: Lanibug

Lanibug — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:03:01 +0000

My issue with Brooke’s version of Jolene, is that she is supposed to the this perfect girl who has never seen an “R” rated movie, how is she going to understand what the song is even about…and Jolene is one of my favorite songs.

I have to say that I am a fan of David, Carly and Michael, but then again they seem to be the most mature of the group and bring the most to the songs that they sing.

By: Margie

Margie — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:43:16 +0000

I usually love Brooke, but I totally agree she sang the song too hurried and I also did not like her smiling during the song….she def was not into it! I thought David did a great job with the “Sparrow” song…I’m beginning to like him better too! For some reason just cannot get into Carly! Maybe if I closed my eyes and just listened, I would like her better! Love David A. and the song he sang. Use to like Kristy Lee, but her singing was like Karaoke last night! Micheal Johns performance was a killer last night…..he was my favorite! Also I thought Syesha’s take on that song was beautiful and thought the judges were wrong also! Little Ramiele needs to go! She’s cute as heck, but needs to go!

By: Gaby

Gaby — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:21:13 +0000

great synopsis kevin, i was getting ready for work during the show so i didn’t catch much of it, but I can commment on “Jolene”

she sang it pretty well, but she was smiling the entire time, that song is about desperation and praying that something out of your control won’t happen…..you don’t smile through the whole thing…thats my only complaint for brook though

thanks for your review on the others

appreciate it!