American Idol recap: David Cook shines brightest...again

I gotta give Mariah Carey a lot of credit for being one of the better mentors on "American Idol" and for having such a rich songbook for the contestants to choose from.

The women had a tougher time of it since they had the memory of Mariah's versions to compete with. The guys did not and David Cook had another one of his more brilliant weeks with an absolutely terrific version of "Always Be My Baby." Randy Jackson stood and said it was the most brilliant performances this season. Paula Abdul, of course, agreed. Simon Cowell said "it was sort of like coming out of karaoke hell and going into a breath of fresh air." Cowell loved the daring and originality. It really was thrilling. I'd buy that record!

Other highlights: basically everyone. No one stunk so that made the judges really be picky, I think. Here is how they fared:
David Archuleta: If anyone can beat back the disadvantage of going first it's this kid who pretty much set the standard for the night with his version of "When You Believe" which the judges - even Simon - all loved. For everyone but David Cook, this is the kid to beat!

Carly Smithson: A very good performance tonight with "Without You" which really built into something powerful and ended with flourish. Simon was still hard on her. But she said: "I enjoyed myself, I had a good time." So did I. I hope she has enough votes to stay in. Sometimes, it seems like Simon is on a mission to bring her down as he continues to judge her at a different standard. If Kristy Lee Cook had sung that song that well, Simon would have been raving.

Syesha Mercado: This was a great week for her! She soared. Randy liked it, Paula liked it and said "tonight was unbelievably magical for you." Simon said technically she was good but said she ran a risk of singing a song that is not that well known. Paula, in contrast, thought she was smart to pick a Mariah had not made a classic.
Brooke White: I'm not sure if I liked her version of "Hero" so much because it's my favorite Mariah song. When she plays the piano I think that's how I like her best. Randy and Paula liked it except for a few off notes. Simon said "it was like ordering a hamburger with only the bun."

Kristy Lee Cook: "Forever" She really got better and better as the song went on. Randy liked the end and Paula was blown away ("of course"). Simon said "I think you managed with what you could...it just wasn't great." She really did look and sound terrific and could have earned herself another week of safety which would be amazing considering how many times she's been in the bottom three.

Jason Castro: "I Don't Want to Cry" Randy said: "It was wierd to me." Paula loved it, of course. "You, were amazing." Then Simon actually liked it. It identified with him even if it was not the best vocal."