American Idol Down to Elite 8

While Kristy Lee Cook’s performances haven’t always been stellar, she’s given us something to talk about over the weeks (not always in a positive way) and has taken a few risks (although not all of them panned out in her favor).On the other hand, Ramiele has turned in one boring performance after another week after week. In fact, Ramiele’s performances are so forgettable that I can’t even remember what songs she’s sang in this competition without checking my notes.

It was truly time to say good bye to Ramiele. Ironically, her farewell performance was one of her better ones, reminiscent of her audition. A little emotion can add so much to a song. Maybe we should have made her cry before each show. And with nothing left to lose, she had a bit more confidence too.I was a little surprised to see Brooke rounding out the trio in jeopardy. She’s always seemed to be a favorite, but I guess that’s just proof that nobody’s safe at this point in the game.Dolly Parton, who sang her new single “Jesus & Gravity,” stole the show tonight, not with her performance, but with a single line she said to Ryan afterwards.“I’ve got Jesus. You’ve got Simon. That’s all you need.”

Priceless. I told you Dolly would be fun to have on the show and there’s your proof.Also stealing some screen time tonight was the winners of the Next Great American Band, The Clark Brothers. I had never seen the show and didn’t know what to expect when they announced that the band was doing “This Little Light of Mine.”Let me tell you that wasn’t like anything I sang in Sunday School. I was blown away by their rockabilly sound and am sorry I missed them in competition. Particularly impressive was the guy on the acoustic steel guitar. He was amazing!

This performance is one time I don’t mind the Fox cross promotion. I actually hope we get to hear more from The Clark Brothers.Given the rest of the tone of the night, the “It’s Tricky” Ford video seemed a little out of place. Couldn’t they find a song with a more country or bluegrass feel and saved that one for another night?