Before we get to thrashing Tuesday's "American Idol" show, reports are out this morning that one of the front-runners, David Cook, was hospitalized afterwards for high blood pressure, treated and released. (More on that later.)

Back to the show: Dolly Parton is a true talent, an effervescent dynamo who could make even a curmudgeon like New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick crack a smile. But she's no AI mentor. She needed to be more demanding of our Final 9. How else can we explain the mostly good-but-not-great performances?

Look, neither Donald Munro or I expect instant superstar material. We're just looking for someone who possesses a raw, authentic talent -- someone who will fearlessly grab this opportunity and spark a fire.

At least we can still count on Simon Cowell for honesty. He knew country-western night was sinking in the sunset, and his critiques were right on the money. But typically clueless Ryan Seacrest asked him what was his problem? Well, Simon didn't have a problem ... the contestants did.

Donald and I give you our takes on this week's performances. What did you think?

First, more information about Cook's health situation. According to TMZ.com:

An "A.I." exec tells us Cook has been completely stressed out because his brother, who has been sick with cancer, had a setback within the last week. Earlier in the season, just before a performance, David collapsed and said he could not go on -- though he pulled it together at the last minute.

As for the show ...

Overall impressions?

Donald says: I've seen and heard a lot worse this season. At least Dolly was around, and I can't help but smile when I see her. She's like the Mother Teresa of country divas: so sweet and gentle that you just want to give her some alms or something, and how can you resist when she starts jawing about her songs being her children? (Of course, considering that she's written thousands of songs, it's hard to imagine a relationship any closer than a mama salmon and her jillions of spawn, but it's a nice thought.) I do worry that week after week of listening to this season's crop of contestants has ground me down a little, and my diminished expectations mean that whenever the singers don't spontaneously combust in a conflagration of badness on stage I'm happy and relieved, but, hey, that's an occupational hazard.

Felicia says: I don't understand other media colleagues who laud this season's contest as a tight race of talented singers. Donald said it last week: There's no LaKisha Jones or Melinda Doolittle or Jordin Sparks (from the 2007 run) who could regularly rev up a brilliant performance. I still wonder if this current crop think they're better than they really are. Take Brooke White's version of "Jolene." The song, one of Parton's best, is about a woman's desperate plea to keep her beloved. Did Brooke have a bus to catch? She was rushed and uninspired, totally lacking conviction. The judges were mostly lukewarm, but Brooke smiled that big Brooke smile that says "What do I care? I know I'm through to next week."

Strongest performers?

Donald says: I'll go with three: Carly Smithson, who showed how to soar on a love ballad without going all cheesy on us; David Cook, who gave us range and power on "Little Sparrow"; and, as much as I'm resisting his Mickey Mouse Club persona, the golden-toned David Archuleta, who is still a little too geeky-awkward for me on stage to really pull ahead in this competition but whose voice is as pure as one of those mountain streams they're always talking about in Coors commercials.

Felicia says: Michael Johns. Last week I wondered when AI voters would realize he's not as good as they think he is. Well, I apologize. He's back in the game. He took "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" and dug in with a bluesy, soulful rendition that grabbed your gut. I'll give an honorable mention to Carly for her ballad version of "Here You Come Again" (a rare Parton hit not written by her). Carly's voice is so rich and can soar ... but, Donald, her facial expessions are nearly always so dark-eyed defiant. She could sing "Tea For Two," and make you think it's about a marketing fight between Nestea and Lipton.

Weakest performers?

Donald says: Jason Castro: Ugh. At least he didn't seem stoned this week, but I cannot get Simon's "subway busking" comment out of my mind. Kristy Lee Cook: Double ugh. Country is her forte (as long as she can find a song that has a range of about six notes), but this week she got out-countryed by the other contestants. Brooke: Triple ugh. She took a rousingly bitter song like "Jolene" and chopped it up into bright little Brooke chunks, rendering it insipid. And finally, I've been harping on her for weeks now, but I'm going with Ramiele Malubay: Quadruple ugh. She is a downright amateur on stage.

Felicia says: Except for Michael and Carly, no one was particularly strong. Sorry, judges, but David Archuleta was just good, not outstanding. Propping him up doesn't hide his "theme park" personality. Still, there are degrees of weak. Syesha Mercado committed a near-fatal error by choosing "I Will Always Love You," which will be forever associated with Whitney Houston and her classic, blow-the-vocals-through-the-roof version. Syesha's rendition paled and chilled in comparison. But she'll survive because Ramiele, apparently overwhelmed by Parton, seemed totally lost trying to sing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind." And didn't she learn from Chikezie that the cheesy gesture of shaking hands with audience members while singing reeks of desperation?

So who goes home?

Donald says: Felicia is a better guesser at this category. (She predicted Chikezie last week.) I'm going to stick with Ramiele. She's got to go home eventually, right?

Felicia says: Donald, you can give yourself a pat on the back -- It's the end of the line for Ramiele. Every week, she's seemed apprehensive about fully unleashing her powerful voice. Now, it's too late.