Last week, “American Idol” shocked everyone by dismissing Aussie rocker Michael Johns; voters likely thought he was safe and didn’t pick up the phone to support him. Oh well, life moves on. There really are only two people who can win this anyway, although that’s what we thought last year, too.

This week, the finalists sang Mariah Carey songs, and the three remaining guys outperformed the four remaining girls. Kristy Lee Cook was sent packing, leaving six contestants:

The best of who’s left

1. David Cook •Huge comeback for Cook, who stunk last week. He reworked “Always Be My Baby” and won the night, easily.

2. David Archuleta •Once again, technically perfect, but something is leaving me cold. Where can I order my own Perfect Pitch Robot?

3. Syesha Mercado •She’s singing very well, but is simply not memorable. Therefore, she’s on the precipice every week.

4. Carly Smithson •She wore sleeves!

5. Jason Castro •He’s this season’s Sanjaya: moderately talented, popular with the gals, and hanging around for too long.

6. Brooke White •Her struggles are painful to watch.

Booking a plane ticket

This is starting to get difficult, because it’s the two Davids, and then a long drop to the rest of the pack. I’ll predict that White’s in trouble, but it could be any one of the bottom four.

Best performance

David Cook returned to form, taking a pop song and giving it a dusky twist. The best singing/performance combo of the night.

Worst performance

She did “Hero” at the piano, started off strong, got flustered, and rushed through the end.

Fashion faux pas

Three words: Archuleta’s leather pants. Overall, though, not a terrible fashion week for the crew. I hope next week is “Deadliest Catch” week, and all the Idols have to sing sailor songs and wear sleeveless T-shirts, goatees and rubber boots.

Judicious wisdom

Simon to White: “It was a bit like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun. In other words … the vital ingredient, the bit in the middle, was missing … because I don’t think your voice is strong enough to carry that song.” Randy’s response: “No, I think the meat was in the bun.” Does this make Archuleta the potato salad?

— Ben Salmon