Someone tell Teri Hatcher that “Idol Gives Back” is over. On last night’s episode our desperate straggler was joined in the audience by two other celebs - Minnie Driver and Ramile Malubay – who are known for skills other than singing. No doubt all three were eager to hear what the unstoppable pop icon Mariah Carey would serve up as mentor to our seven remaining hopefuls. The contestants joined her at the piano for some lessons in the method of Mimi. How did they fare as they attempted her chirpy and dramatic ditties?

Touch your body, and make the jump to find out.

David Archuletta
After hearing his spin through “When You Believe,” Mariah’s famous duet with Whitney Houston, Carey shared two principle rules: don’t be afraid to be authentic, and use your falsetto. Done and done: Archuletta graced the stage wearing some genuine leather pants and went into his high range for a good three seconds. Maybe not the boldest attempts at the pop star’s advice, but it got the job done. Randy called his performance “the bomb,” Paula said she was proud of him, and Simon said he “just knew David would pick that song! He just knew it!” Whatever that means…

Carly Smithson
An update of “Can’t Live” earned her disses from the judges for “not being herself.” Week by week the Irish singer’s dress and demeanor has become increasingly calculated. But who can blame her? Every time the camera fixates on her tattooed husband, I get a call from my Idol-fan father asking if I noticed the Aboriginal man in the audience. Is America ready for Carly’s domestic life? Of course not, but Carly Smithson Unplugged would be a welcome replacement to her current phony routine.

Syesha Mercado
Her version of “Vanishing” sounded like every other performance we’ve heard from her this year: technically outstanding and a total snooze. Simon predicted that her choice of a lesser known tune might cost her some votes. I wouldn’t mind seeing her split. Ever since the second round of baby cries a few weeks ago, she’s made me feel awkward.

Brooke White
Oy. What a stressful week! Not only did she have to miss her sister’s wedding, she somehow had to sing her way out of this whole “Mariah Ballad” mess. Mimi’s advise to our saintly starlet: “be in the moment and be real.” As if Brooke needed any more practice being real. Curly cries every week! In Simon’s words, Brooke had no choice but to attempt a boo-hoo tune in her usual Carole-King-on-valium style. I kind of liked the results, but Simon thought they were the musical equivalent of ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun. Despite her gorgeous dress, I have a feeling her vegan version of “Hero” may have nudged her into the bottom three.

Kristy Lee Cook
None of the contestants ever get an A for effort, except Cook. Voters can’t seem to get enough, amazed at their own strength at propping her up despite her desperate lack of charisma. Claiming her niche by spreading globs of “down-home” patriotism onto any song she’s thrown, Cook has cleverly secured her place in the rankings. Mariah effused that Kristy’s version of “Forever” was better than her original. It sounded a bit “whiney” to Simon - none of the judges loved it, but Kristy looked as confident as ever. That’s what I call American made talent.

David Cook
Am I the only one who thought Cook’s version of “Always Be My Baby” kind of blew? Simon called it brilliant - redemption from the “karaoke hell” that was the rest of the night. Paula foamed at the mouth. Standing up for the first time this season, Randy declared that Cook was ready to make an album. The song’s arrangement sounded like the singer had spent most of last week fiddling with Garage Band in a den covered with Smashing Pumpkins memorabilia. That said, given the cheesiness of the rest of the performances, establishing oneself as the poster child for the “alterative” section of iTunes is not a bad place to be.

Jason Castro
This guy had a tough time following Cook’s drama. He delivered a tepid version of “I Don’t Want To Cry.” Randy thought it sounded like a weird luau tune. Paula was told to be quiet. Simon thought it was “cool.” No one seemed to care enough to remind Jason of not acting on the advice he gets each week (“cut your hair, act like you’re invested, do something different…).

What as your take on the Mariah night? Head into the comments section and chat it up! - Amy Beecher


Tags: American Idol•Television