It was one sweet fantasy for the "American Idol" contestants this past week. The hopeful talent welcomed sensational singer-songwriter Mariah Carey for her own night of selected songs. The night would be eventful, marking Mariah's record of 18 number singles and promoting her new album, but would also make it or break it for one of the final seven. Despite the difficulties that lie in singing a Mariah Carey song, it quickly became evident that the guys would steal the show.

We knew one of the David's would rock the stage, and this time it wasn't little David Archuleta. Prior to his performance, little Archie met Mariah for the first time and behaved like a kid in a toy store. While the 17-year-old did blow away most of the competition with his rendition of "When You Believe," (were those leather pants he was wearing??) the shining star of the night was rocker David Cook.

Boy did he knock my socks off. Hands down, this singer is talented! Despite my uncertainty in the beginning, by the end of the performance, I had officially decided to quit my day job and become a David Cook groupie. (Who else is with me?!) I must have watched his performance on YouTube a million times already. I definitely will be among the first to purchase this song on iTunes.

Carly Smithson did well enough to stay in the competition with a luke warm performance of "Without You." Obviously, she's no Mariah herself, but for her to tackle a song like that earns her major props. While it mainly mimicked the main version, she did add a little flair to it throughout the two minutes, possibly giving her the boost she needed to shine. Though the judges encouraged her to break out of her shell, America kept her out of the bottom three and into next week.

Brooke's Tuesday night piano rendition of "Hero" would not be catalogued in her best performances. Though it was NOT "a bit like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun," like Simon Cowell compared it to, it was a bit too rushed for me. The song is meant to be a slow ballad, and while I credit her for attempting to make it unique it just did not work. America must have agreed with me and placed Brooke in the bottom two. Brooke's time on "American Idol" may be short-lived, no one truly knows, but at least she wasn't sent home after just a few days shy of missing her sister's wedding.

Syesha Mercado's "Vanishing" was good vocally but not a good song choice on her part. While Syesha has been labeled the dark horse several times throughout the competition, it would be wise of her at this point to choose songs more familiar to the audience. Fortunately, her talent outweighed her bad song selection and she remained in the competition for another week.

Kristy Lee Cook's "Forever" was, as I agree with Simon, a bit on the whiny side as well as pitchy (not to quote Randy Jackson or anything!). But despite the whininess and the usual country flair she displays, she actually didn't sound too bad on it. Unfortunately, America did not agree. Kristy Lee Cook's nine lives were over, and she was sent home.

Throughout the competition, the judges strive to see originality and talent. Yet, I'm still a little confused how Jason Castro, who sang "I Don't Want to Cry," is considered original when Kristy Lee Cook has always maintained her country-style as well.

On a serious note, what's up with Paula's outfits lately? Who is dressing the woman? For goodness sakes, she needs to start dressing her age! Last week, the bustier displayed her cleavage as unclassy as possible! Honestly, it did not look good.

This past Tuesday night she redeemed herself with a flattering purple outfit topped with a cute, sexy hairdo. But all that was ruined last night when she came out looking like a Christmas-tree ornament! I'm sorry, but that neck-flower thing has got to go!

Former "American Idol" contestant Elliot Yamen also took the stage last night and sang his upcoming single "Free." In an emotional performance, Yamen admitted it was the first time on stage since his mother's recent death.

America has voted in the final six contestants on "American Idol." With a little over a month left, who will be sent home and who will be the last one standing?

Story by Kathryn Sparks
Starpulse contributing writer