Not all 'Idol' finalists are treated equally

Some of the contestants this year have received negative comments on looking "overrehearsed" — but how would they know what looks good if no one takes the time to help them out?

Most of these people have never performed on national TV and don't have a feel for performing on a large stage. I remember watching some of my performances and thinking, "What was I thinking?"

This year's contestants do have the advantage of a live band. Some, like Brooke White and Jason Castro, have taken advantage of the intimate setting a live band can offer, using only a few instruments to stage a great-looking performance.

This week, as the contestants performed songs from Mariah Carey, the diva of all divas, it was clear which contestants had received positive coaching.

David Archuleta relies on an outsider's perspective — someone who doesn't have a hidden agenda like some of the show's coaches may. And it's definitely helped him. This week he sang "Believe."

"You performed that very well," judge Simon Cowell said.

Syesha Mercado also staged her performance well, with a piano as a background prop.

"Technically, that was very good indeed," Cowell critiqued.

David Cook took a huge risk with "Always Be My Baby." He had the right look, performed well and sang his heart out.

"It was original, daring ... and stood out by a mile," Cowell said.

Whoever's helping him is clearly steering him in the right direction.

But all good things must come to an end. Wednesday, it was White, Kristy Lee Cook and Mercado in the bottom three — with Kristy Lee Cook going home. Too bad. She seemed to finally be coming into her own Tuesday night.

Still, just making it into the top seven on "American Idol" — the sky's the limit.

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Utah recording artist and actress Carmen Rasmusen-Herbert came in sixth place during the second season of "American Idol." She wrote about her experiences in her book, "Staying in Tune." Her first full album is "Nothin' Like the Summer," featuring the single of the same name. E-mail: features@desnews.com