Guardian Movie Star

I was pregnant with my second child the first time I saw the Designing Women episode in which a very pregnant Charlene met with her "guardian movie star," the one and only Dolly Parton. I don't know if it was the sappy story line (an old woman dies as Charlene gives birth) or all those raging hormones, but I always carried a soft spot for Dolly. Despite all the phoniness - the hair, the chest, the eyelashes and sequins - she always seemed really genuine, you know?

And she lived up to it during her mentoring sessions during last night's AI. She seemed genuinely concerned for the kids' futures, and tried to guide them without being too pushy. She was everything a guardian movie star should be, and I truly enjoyed her appearance on the show. Too bad I can't say that for Ryan's April Fool's joke....or for the rest of the show, for that matter.

Okay, before I want to make my predictions, I want to point out that, although I've made some mistakes with my bottom threes (who'd have guessed Jason Castro?), I've been batting a thousand when it comes to boot predictions. Which doesn't even impress my kids, but heck, I feel the need to point it out....and hope that I'm wrong this time around....

THE GOOD - No one knocked my socks off this time around, but my top pick is Michael Johns. His "It's All Wrong, but It's Alright" was a gospely-bluesy mix that made you forget the guy is an Aussie. Randy deemed it hot...and I'd have to agree.

And let's give the kid his due - David Archeleta sang "Smoky Mountain Memories" with confidence well beyond his young years. Unfortunately, he just screams "Star Search" to me - is he even old enough to sign an IDOL contract? - but he was a close second last night.

Third place kudos to Carly Smithson. I haven't been a fan, but her "Here You Come Again" sounded just as it should. She does have the strongest female voice in this competition - and it pains me to say that.

SECOND TIER - David Cook still impressed with "Little Sparrow," Kristy Lee Cook (yikes!) held her own with "Coat of Many Colors" (though I'm still seeing poor man's Carrie Underwood, country is her niche), and Jason Castro brought his own version of soul to "Travelin' Through." Kristy probably bought herself another week, and Jason fans will probably rally to bring the dreadlocked cutie through.

And then there was Syesha. Oh, Syesha, Syesha, Syesha. If there's a mantra for this show (well, besides "Awright Dawg!") it must be, "Never take on Whitney." Dolly's "I Will Always Love You" is a classic, true, but Whitney signed her name all over it, and, as Randy pointed out, everyone else pales. Even when they do a decent job, which Syesha certainly did.

BOTTOM THREE - This one hurts. Brooke White was my early favorite, and I love her easygoing nature and serene song stylings. But "Jolene" wasn't one of her best performances and, coupled with that killer first slot, we'll probably see Brooke's first appearance in the bottom three tonight.

Sitting next to her on those Coke stools will be Ramiele, another early favorite who has fallen short of the promise she showed in audition rounds. She sang "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" and really, no, you don't. It was fine, but so what, you know?

I'm going to put Syesha on the stool as well....but it will be bye bye Rami, unless that first slot (and the downhill spiral) prove fatal for Brooke. (And in my gut, I feel that's a distinct possibility....but I have my fingers crossed!)

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Guardian Movie Star

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