Season three of American Idol is now in full swing. The preliminary auditions completed, we now get to witness the final thirty-two contestants bring it on or take it home. We have a fresh assortment of talented hopefuls; judges who are rested and eager to praise or devour; and a retro Idol set that reminded me of those sixties TV specials where stars-of-the-day sang to fresh-faced teenagers predominantly placed around the edge of the raised stage. Situated at stage-rear we have a live band instead of last season’s lonely solo piano. The judges are almost inconspicuous as we view the set from a distance. I wondered if having guests and family members within such close proximity, would restrict the judges willingness to throw out negative critiques at the level we have become accustomed to. But that thought was soon to be proven wrong. Even though the judges do not decide who goes through to the next round, their comments and subtle underlying hints do affect many viewers choices; I’m confident of that.
Paula was looking as glamorous as ever, obviously recovered from her recent illness, caused by – I mean during – the recent auditions. Randy was ready to display his new found liberation from being known as the amiable male judge. Simon appeared ready for the worst. Ryan Seacrest returns as the host with the most (the most TV air-time of anyone in the universe as it seems lately); still unsuccessfully trying his hand at stand-up comedy. This time he actually did a pretty good impression of William Hung, the “She Bang” audition discard with moxie, who has sprung to fame for being totally hopeless. With dedicated websites springing up everywhere, he has been mimicked on Saturday Night Live, appears in the US Weekly magazine, and has even appeared on Entertainment Tonight. All this and no talent. Enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame William, it will soon end.
On to the contestants and round one. This week was the first eight of thirty-two. Only two from each week can move forward to the top twelve. With only a minute-and-a-half to impress the nation, desperately hoping to encourage the most votes, they had to try and pull something special out of their vocal hat. The contestants were gathered in the red-room for pre and post performance interviews; each having the chance to win us over with their personalities as well as their vocal abilities. Who did and who didn’t?
First up was 16yr old Diana Degarmo from Snellville, GA. The youngster – who loves to wear pink and black – started the round one competition with a powerhouse rendition of “I’ve Got The Music In Me”. She proved that her age is not a reflection of her vocal ability. I thought it was an excellent all round powerful performance. Simon compared her to a younger Christina Aguilera and summarized with “superb”. She had my vote.
Next was Marque Lynche, aged 23 from New York, NY. The trained dancer who now wants to turn his attention to the art of song. He sang “Wind Beneath My Wings”. Not the best rendition I had ever heard. He did a good job. Nice voice, nice looks, and a well presented song delivered with feeling; I didn’t think he had that “wow” factor though. At this point Diana was still top of my list.
Following Marque was Ashley Thomas, the 23yr old from Irvine, CA. This is the girl who promised us she had so much spark she would light American TV’s with fire. Would it be tonight? Her version of “Crazy” was good in places. She exploited her vocal abilities to the fullest. However, I felt she tried too hard. At times it seemed as though she was singing through gritted teeth. Many of the words were nebulous, and it looked like she was struggling with the song. Simon felt she sounded like a rodeo singer. In the red-room, Ryan questioned if Simon had ever been to a rodeo – probably not. In England, the closest thing to a rodeo is a donkey-ride at one of the rare and overcrowded beaches that surround the often inhabitable coast line. After three performances, I am going with Diana and Marque.
Katie Webber the 22yr old from Santa Cruz, CA. was next up to try and outshine those before her. With newly highlighted hair, a stunning dress and the looks to go with it, I thought we were in for something special. Her song, which was called “Orange-Colored Sky” (an old Jazz favorite), was different than what I had expected. I was entertained; she delivered with punch! Her act was hot, vocally great, and she had the look and stage presence of a seasoned pro. The judges didn’t like the “age” of the song, and their critique was less than perfect. Even though I thought she did a fantastic job, I felt that the song (due to viewer demographic) may be her demise. At this point I wanted to stick my neck out and go with Diana and Katie; based purely on their performances and stage presence.
The 24yr old Las Vegas native Erskine Walcott sang “Open Arms”. He had changed his image from the earlier auditions, and showed his sensitive side by breaking into tears during the vocal-coach sessions each contestant attends before singing for their Idol lives. He explained that the song touched him deeply. Even though his performance was less than perfect, note and pitch wise, he did a good job. Simon said the panel were looking for “Spaghetti Bolognese” and he delivered “Sweet ‘n’ Sour chicken”. I like Chinese food immensely, but I had to agree. Erskine did not do enough to convince me he was on a higher level than Diana and Katie and I didn’t feel he should move on to the next round.
Next up was Jennifer Hudson. The Chicago 22yr old who had won me over in her first audition sang John Lennon’s “Imagine”. As she started to sing the first few notes, I sighed deeply, anticipating that her song choice was going to result in a boring performance. However, she again showed us an impressive and resounding voice; mesmerizing all who was watching, it seemed. She sang with passion and power. Wearing a passé all-white outfit, which Simon related to a “nurses uniform” – Simon, you should be ashamed, you’re old enough to be her father! – she gave a performance which, although not as good as her initial audition, was good enough for me. Jennifer showed her humility and gratefulness for having the chance to appear on American Idol, and when she started to tear up, as Paula teased her about her shyness, I began to wonder if this was an act, hoping to win the nations sympathy. Watching her, and again in the red-room, I do believe she is genuine; would America agree? There is something exceptionally captivating about her voice and her delivery. Simon thought she was “great”, even though Randy didn’t think it was her best performance. Now I had to make a choice. I decided to change my “two” to Diana and Jennifer. The girls were rocking.
Matthew Metzger, the 23yr old substitute teacher from Oxford, OH. was next. After failing to reach the top thirty two last year, Matthew tells us this is his year. His rendition of “Walking in Memphis” showed he has the necessary charisma to entertain and would quite possibly fit nicely into a boy-band. As a solo artist? American Idol? I don’t think he has that extra pizzazz and uniqueness that others have. I think he would generate a huge female following; based purely on his looks and act rather than his voice. Randy said he was not strong enough vocally. I agreed. Simon said he has what Clay Aiken had last year – Simon, I think at this point you were still fantasizing over the nurses uniform and Spaghetti Bolognese.
Before the last contestant appears, Ryan speaks with the Idols about how they feel toward the judging. Those who received the harshest critiques tended not to agree with the judges comments – Duh! Of course they wouldn’t! Others felt that all in all the judges were being fair and just giving their expert opinions and advice, which should be put to good use. Now that’s common sense for you.
The last to perform was the judges favorite of the night, Fantasia Barrino, aged 19 from High Point, NC. Fantasia said she likes to get attention (it shows), and before her turn, threatens Simon not to say bad things about her. Singing “Something to Talk About” she certainly has all the trappings of a success. Her voice is strong and unique. I think the uniqueness overrides any pitch or note discrepancies she may have. She performed well, throwing in some typical Tina Turner dance moves. Randy said she looked like an “old pro” performing. Paula said this season must have Fantasia in it. Simon tells her she does not need American Idol to win a recording contract because she could get a recording contract today and is destined to become a star. I thought she was pretty good; good enough to be the next American Idol? I want to see the other twenty four first.
After seeing all eight contestants, I have to choose the two who I think will make it through. I think the girls outperformed, outshone, and out-sang the guys tonight. From the boys section if I had to choose one, it would be Erskine Walcott. From the girls section, Diana, Katie, Jennifer, and Fantasia were hot tonight. I could only choose two. Decisions, decisions! After much thought – actually not a lot of thought, more a gut feeling – I decided to go with Jennifer Hudson, and Fantasia Barrino. Diana Degarmo was superb, and for me it was a toss up between her and Jennifer; Katie Webber was stunning, but… I wished I could choose all four but my choice was made. Jennifer has a sweet humble quality along with a dynamic voice; although I’m worried about her tears and outfit – Fantasia has the uniqueness and personality, if not the vocal versatility.
The results show. Was I correct in my predictions or way off base? I was eager to find out. Luckily we were only subjected to a thirty-minute program; of which, ten minutes was all it took to announce the results. The remainder was, like last season, comprised of mainly commercials and fillers. The judges predictions for the two winners of round one was unanimously Fantasia Barrino and Diana Degarmo. Not looking good for my prediction. Ryan Seacrest performed the usual, “The judges said … the nation voted, and [contestants name] you are through/not through to the top three…” The three highest votes were received by, not surprisingly Fantasia Barrino; expected Diana Degarmo, and unexpectedly Matthew Metzger. Unfortunately for me, Jennifer Hudson didn’t make it. I can only surmise her tearful display, or the costume, or the weaker song than her audition choice, was to blame. I did not expect Matthew Metzger to receive as many votes; but I guess there is a huge female demographic out there who were charmed by his performance.
Down to the top three sitting center stage. Fantasia was obviously going through; I do not think there was any question on that. The tension was apparent between Matthew and Diana as we went into a final break before Ryan would reveal the final contestant to join Fantasia. At this point we all knew it had to be Diana. Right? Luckily it was. For a moment though I had a terrible feeling that Matthew might have beguiled enough votes to go through, proving that sometimes looks outweigh talent. However, the public rightly chose Diana. She was in another league to Matthew.
So we have our first two top-twelve contestants; Fantasia Barrino and Diana Degarmo. I had one out of two. This week, the girls rocked. It was most definitely a girls night. Will the girls outshine the boys again next week? I can not wait to find out!
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