Jolene
This darker song is an excellent choice by Brooke to lead off Dolly Parton night, but her voice sounds tight and she seems a bit tense and rushed on the first verse or so. (Unlike the judges, I thought she connected with the song at the end, though.) One problem: the classic Idol disease, smiley-itis. You're pleading with her not to take your man, not asking her if she wants to get an Orange Julius.
— by James Poniewozik
The last three contestants get three tunes each to show their stuff as the contest heats up
One of the remaining four contestants flubs their lyrics during songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Paula Abdul gets confused after Idol changes the format and makes the judges give their verdict at the end of each round
Andrew Lloyd Webber offers his compositions and direction to the singers this week. Who turns out to be the Broadway star?
It's Mariah Carey week. With advice from the diva songstress herself, do the contestants manage to impress the judges?
Tonight's theme brings a selection of "inspirational" songs—but what exactly does that mean to the contestants?
Idol contestants duke it out singing Dolly Parton's hits. Which of the remaining nine put a convincing spin on the country diva's famous tunes?
It's songs from the year contestants were born — basically, the '80s. Will a third stab at the decade be the charm?
This evening brings back more selections from the Beatles. With a second chance, do the contestants make better song choices this week?
The competition is on with the opening of the Lennon/McCartney songbook. Which contestant takes the risks with these classic songs?
Phil Collins. Journey. American Idol returns to the decade it should have been born in—the 80s—and sees several strong female performances
It's 80s night, which means—yikes—Wham!, as well as a surprisingly good Lionel Richie cover. So who survives?
Some rocked out and others had their diva moments, but few of the female singers stood out enough to make a big impression during '70s week
We're down to just 10 men, all competing for the chance to lose to whichever woman ends up winning American Idol. Can anyone pull out a strong performance, let alone win this thing?
A dozen female finalists try to separate themselves from the pack in the first week of American Idol season 7. Can any of them break out?
Season 7 begins in earnest with 12 male finalists that run the gamut from "forgettable" to "karaoke." Still, at least one early favorite has emerged
It is David versus David in this season's final showdown
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