'American Idol' recap: Shock and awe

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In Hell-freezing-over news, Kristy Lee Cook has somehow managed to go from a detested Sanjaya-in-training to America's sweetheart in just a few short weeks. For once, she avoided the bottom three, and I'm sure her week-by-week unveiling of what is turning out to be a charmingly self-deprecating personality certainly didn't hurt either (see: her amusing ''Kristy's Seat'' paper last week). Plus, she delivered a stellar, if a bit boring, performance Tuesday night of ''Anyway.'' Reader Nikki wrote, ''It's happening...I've morphed into a Kristy Lee fan!! I loved her last night — every bit of her. Vocals were perfect, outfit, poise — she's a star suddenly!'' I have to admit, I do find Kristy Lee amusing, but I just can't seem to fully support her. You see, I've come to realize that the way I feel about Kristy Lee is the way I feel about picking up the dead cockroaches in my apartment: mildly disgusted, afraid that I'm growing too accustomed to said repulsion, and ultimately wondering if there's some spray I could use to keep her away. But I should cut her some slack — she deserved to escape the bottom three this week, if only because Idol Gives Back neglected to donate anything to the ''Buy Kristy Lee's Horse Back'' cause.

Speaking of Idol Gives Back, let's give credit where credit's due: Despite a steep drop in ratings from last year's charity event, Wednesday night's show has already helped raise over $60 million for various causes. And though the program was a little reminiscent of American Dreamz, it was impressive that Idol Gives Back attracted the attention of presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama. They appeared on Thursday's telecast (in pre-taped form) to voice their support — or, in McCain's case, to try his hand at comedy (''American Idol is a lot like a presidential primary election...except for people who live in Michigan and Florida, their votes actually count''). Looking at Barack Obama's segment — in which he said he ''believes deeply in what tonight's show is all about'' — it's clear the appearances were originally supposed to air during Wednesday's program, because I can't imagine Obama believes deeply in throwing Michael Johns out of the competition. Unless he just really hates The Doors.

Finally, were you all digging Jordin Sparks' duet with Chris Brown as much as I was? It's sad that the season 6 winner has yet to elevate herself to platinum-artist status, but I was feeling the fireworks between the two singers. And I find it funny that Jordin — who basically reenacted Kelly Clarkson's ''A Moment Like This'' victory when she won last season — is now rocking those red highlights, a la Kelly circa ''Thankful.''

Tell me, fellow Idol fiends, are you happy with your top seven? How do you think each will survive Mariah Carey week? Did you think it was a little pompous of David C. to ponder how many synonyms of ''pompous'' Simon will dream up? Do you think Brooke was a too overconfident in thinking that she would miss her sister's wedding because she'd stay in the competition? And does anyone in the world enjoy watching celebrities dance in a corny montage?

Aftershocks: See what Michael Johns told Jessica Shaw one day after getting voted out about his reaction to the result, Ryan's tease, and what's next for him in the EW.com American Idol exit Q&A