American Idol Got it Right With Dolly Parton Night
Some people get it. Some people don’t.
As excited as I was, I had a very hard time watching American Idol this week. I was so green with envy, I could hardly stand it. When I heard Dolly Parton was going to be on the show, I was more than excited. I was ecstatic. I set my television to tape just in case I wanted to rewind and watch again and again. I didn’t want to miss a moment. The whole time I imagined myself standing there with Dolly Parton’s full attention. These young contestants were in the presence of one of country music’s most influential females, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, and they were singing Dolly Parton songs to Dolly Parton herself. Wow. Some people would give their “eye teeth” as my dad would say - just to be in her presence. What an honor these contestants were given. What a lifetime memory. They should savor the moment forever. I know I would.
Each contestant chose a Dolly song and sang it to her for her critiques. I noticed how some of them truly understood what they were experiencing, like Michael Johns. He welled with tears just talking about meeting her, and I felt like he truly recognized what a wonderful gift he was given that night. For people like me, and I’m sure thousands of others watching at home, we were living vicariously through him. Kristy Lee Cook, on the other hand, and several others for that matter, didn’t seem to grasp or appreciate what was taking place.
But the only reason I tuned into American Idol was to see Dolly. In fact, I even watched it a second time. No matter what anyone thinks of her performance, the contestants’ performances or an interview with Ryan Seacrest, she’s Dolly Parton. Thank goodness she was recognized. I am so happy that her music was exposed to the millions of young Americans watching that may not be familiar otherwise. My eyes were glued to the set. Though I don’t want a critique on my singing (believe me, it’s bad) or even aspire to be a singer, I truly think we can all learn something from Miss Dolly Parton.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
BRITTANY HARTER says:
THIS IS so cool!I’M A BIG COUNTRY MUSIC FAN
sunkie says:
Yes, Whitney, I agree with you totally. Your thoughts on Dolly are universal in which true country fans enjoy; I believe you got it…… Thanks for writing such a wonderful blog on such an icon in country music. I can see you in front of the television watching your idol enjoying each and ever minute. It is important for all of us to have idols to help guide us on our journey. You have selected a remarkable woman who has done more for the country music industry than anyone else alive. Keep your blogs coming.
Andrew says:
I totally agree, Dolly is one of the best songwriters ever and to have American Idol dedicate a night of her music was so exciting!
I thought all of the contestants were great especially David. I am now watching the results program (the program is aired on a Thursday and Friday night here in the UK) and can hardly wait for Dolly to sing `Jesus & Gravity` from her brilliant new CD. Long live the Queen - of Country.
I can`t wait to see Dolly in England in the Summer, she looked so well and healthy.
Kathy says:
She’s genuine and she was awesome on AI. I loved it!
Leyna says:
Dolly Parton totally Rocks!
Shauna says:
I totally agree. It seem that David Archuleta also knew how to connect with her and her song. It was a great night.
Vince says:
I also agree, this was the best American Idol ever. I Tivoed it and have watched it several times. David Archuleta would have tore up ‘I will always Love you’ but his version of ‘Smokey Mountain Memories’ brought me to tears! Can not waite till Dolly comes to FL for her tour.
Jonathan says:
Whitney - Thank you for Redeeming CMT regarding Dolly’s appearance on American Idol. Your colleague Alison (whom I hope doesn’t work there anymore) should have known better than to attack Dolly’s performance like that.
Ian Peart says:
Dolly was absolutely fantastic on AI and the contestents did a great job with her children and I loved Micheal Johns and his retro dolly t-shirt go aussie
I am desperately hoping that she will tour australia with her backwards barbie tour she is quite simply the greatest female singer songwriter ever in my opinion and I have been a fan for 30 years and I just love her so much
Idol Headlines for 4/5/08 | American Idol says:
[...] CMT [...]
JRT says:
I agree with the writers comments about Dolly.
Dolly is an exceptional woman and deserves to be appreciated.
Some of the contestants did get something out of meeting her and recognized the opportunity. David A was interesting, he wanted her praise and respect, but for his singing abilities, and he got it. That told him everything he needed to know.If someone like Dolly says you can become a great great singer, Dolly knows what she is talking about, she has been in the biz for a long time and has probably seen everything.
Jolene says:
and I thought I was the only one. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I have literally had dreams of meeting the super star. Now that my life is more grounded with Jesus Christ and I am a little older…my dreams have changed. But she is an absolutely worthy to be revered. Thank you for the wonderful blog post.
Sincerely,
Jolene…and yes named after the song.
born 1974
Allison J says:
I COMPLETELY Agree with you Whitney!! I don’t think some of them realize what a TRUE Talent they had mentoring them! I would kill to have been in there position that week! Dolly seemed so warm and caring towards all of them and she was absolutely Amazing!!! I’ve heard alot of talk since the show and not all of it was good! Some had the audacity to say they were offended by Dollys Song choice, but thats who Dolly is! She’s not ashamed of what she believes in and doesn’t care to stand up for it, and that makes me Respect her even more!! You are right, We could ALL learn from Dolly! Thanks for writing such a wonderful piece!!!
Emma says:
I watched it too and i thought the idea of Dolly Parton on the show was a really good idea because so many people watch American Idol and they could watch her and see what a marvelous person and singing/songwriter she is. I loved it so much that after the show I downloaded two of her songs. The next day at school, your dad and I talked about it and we both agreed that Syesha Mercado sang ” I Will Always Love You” fanominaly. Oh, and congragulations on getting engaged! I’m very happy for you.
Trevor says:
I hate to break this to you Jonathan, but I doubt Alison got fired because she wrote a blog about Dolly Parton’s visibly and audilbly weak performance. Should CMT fire everyone who criticizes the artists once in a while? I think you are putting too much value in your own opinion of these bloggers. Go ahead and comment all you want, but if you think you’re going to change the employment hierarchy down in Nashville then you are living in a dream world.
Emma, it’s phenomenally.
Romie says:
LOVE Dolly and was thrilled she was on Idol! (Go Carly!) I hate when she wears pants though! Stick to dresses Dolly you look SO much better and while I’m at it - go back to full wigs! And am I the only one worried about her health? I have this fear we’ll hear she’s in the hospital and it turns out she’s been fighting cancer for a couple years! For God’s sake Dolly EAT! Oh and just bought “Backwoods Barbie” to contribute to her gazzillions in the bank - and it’s good!
Kat says:
I love American idol (go david cook!). I haven’t ever really heard any of Dolly’s songs before the show though (most kids my age don’t listen to that stuff) and i absoulutly fell in love with her bubbly personality and meaningful songs and its so cool that she rights her own song! I went right on to itunes and bought her album’s!
Scott says:
Hey Whitney not only did American Idol get it right but you also got it right. The legend of Dolly Parton will live on for all time, until the end of the ages. I don’t think enough people realize that fact. I am so glad that she was allowed to grace American Idol with her presence for 26+ million plus people to witness the legend and for Dolly to be introduced to a new generation. Although many of the younger American Idol fans already know her as Aunt Dolly to Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, they also got to know the Legend that is Dolly Parton. Thanks for a great article.
Sincerely,
Scott Littlejohn
Scott says:
Romie, I think all of us fans are worried about Dolly’s health too. But really, I am quite sure that if she had a serious health problem such as cancer, and wanted it to be known to the public, it would be her place to tell it and not yours. How rude!
Mike says:
Thank you Whitney. As so many have already stated Dolly is the Bomb. She has done more in her life then most could do in two lifetimes.
As a fan I couldn’t ask for more She has movies,plays,theme park,water park,dinner theaters,books,and of course her self the one the only the great DOLLY
Bruce says:
I truly love Dolly and agree she was a highlight to the show. I however disagree your remarks about Kristy Lee Cook. she is country, loves country and I have heard her sing (Live) Dolly’s I will Always Love You, and Jolene, and with respect and it was awesome. why do so many say things about people when they know nothing about them. Jealously most likely. It’s to bad. If you knew half about her that I do, you would not be so easy to knock her.
kevin lynch says:
Just wanted to comment and also put it out….I have been a fanatic fan for 30 years and have always considered Dolly a remarkable beauty , but please someone get through to her before its too late and tell her to start eating again . I truely fear she has developed an eating disorder and it is really starting to take its toll on her . Am i the only fan that sees this ? Does anyone in her close circle of friends and family not have the courage to step in and save this treasure of a person ? I hope someone in her organization reads this and does do something to help her . I personally dont want to wake up to a healine of her early demise . DOLLY PLEASE GET HELP !
Marls Parsons says:
Can anyone PLEASE tell me the name of the 3 guys who played on the Dolly Parton episode od American Idol?
Idol Headlines for 4/5/08 | American Idol Blog says:
[...] and several others for that matter, didn’t seem to grasp or appreciate what was taking place. CMT American Idol: Results: Jesus, Gravity, and Sticky Rice Man, I love Dolly Parton. I’ve seen all [...]
ghrtt3 says:
I am so sick and tired of being playing the arrogant “I’m offended” card. Guess what, most Americans have to endure something offensive everyday of our lives. Change the channel.If everybody got to claim I’m offended there would be no tv, music, or movies.Anyone offended by Dolly’s song really needs to get over themselves and find a life.
where can i listen to songs from american idol says:
[...] 6, will feature a second week of Beatles songs …http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=727710American Idol Got it Right With Dolly Parton Night - CMT.comAs excited as I was, I had a very hard time watching american idol this week. I was so green with [...]
Gilles Verreault says:
” I got Jesus and you got Simon”.
:-)
Of all the song, she decided to praise the Lord to millions of viewers, mostly young viewers.
Thank you Dolly.
Gilles, born 2007
Bill Taylor says:
I will have to agree with you on this. For many I don’t think they really know what Dolly has done for female vocalists, and lets get right down to it, the music industry… She is one of the greats of ALL time. Her performance that night may have not been the greatest in her 40 + year career, but she did just go through a back surgery only about 6 weeks ago. She did look a little under the wheather also, I was a little worried. But anyway, the young Idols didn’t really know who they were singing to. A woman with more than 60 albums, 100 million records sold, more than 3000 songs to her credit, she put Whitney on the charts, a theme park, production company, I could go on… The fact is she is amazing and no one can touch her!
brown eyes says:
Bill, Dolly did not have back surgery. She said she pulled a muscle in her lower back, and she was healing before the tour.
Dolly is the shizzle. Now, forever, and always.