March 31, 2004 - Feeling Motown

To give the music an authentic Motown sound, the Funk Brothers played backup for the evening's performances, and guest judges Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who wrote many Motown classics, added their commentary.

Camile Velasco started off the evening's competition with "For Once in My Life." She seemed more comfortable than she had been before. She was also back to her street smart clothing style. But judge Randy Jackson called it a rough performance, even though it was a good song choice. Nice judge Paula Abdul contradicted him and said it was her best performance yet. Nick said that she pulled him into the song. Simon Cowell, however, said that it was average and not good enough and that she hadn't raised the bar, like she'd needed to do.

Jon Peter Lewis did "This Old Heart of Mine." Compared to previous weeks, his performance was weak. Randy liked the outfit and the personality but not the voice. Paula said he was in the pocket and his pitch was better than the week before. Valerie said, "You did your thing." And Simon said this was the time for people to shine, and that his dancing was horrendous and his performance amateurish.

For once, LaToya London had something of an off night, singing "Ooh, Baby, Baby." She started off a little weak but finished strong. Randy pointed out that the wig she was wearing didn't work for her. And then he said she'd started off rough and then got better. Paula, however, said, "You can do no wrong. You're beautiful." Nick said she had a beautiful voice, and Simon said that it sounded great but that the hair made it look like she had a cat on her head.

Amy Adams did "Dancing in the Streets," and she didn't seem to have as much as she'd had the week before, during the country themed competition. Interestingly enough, her turn on this song sounded a little country. Randy said that the last note was really bad, and Paula agreed. Valerie said she should have tried to "put more Amy into the song." And Simon said it was just safe; it wasn't good or bad, and that she reminded him of Jay Leno's sister.

John Stewart was next with "My Girl," and unlike the previous week in the country competition, when he held his own, he seemed out of his element in this category. Even so, he did have some nice high notes. Randy said he was a little rough and not in tune. Paula said it was just a little safe. Nick said it was pure and innocent. Simon said that he has been a fan but that performance was "abysmal" and there was not a note in tune.

Performing "Heat Wave," Jennifer Hudson had powerful vocals but returned to the same strange trend of shimmies and hip thrusts which gave the song a weird character. Her hair was still straightened, and her days may be numbered among people who liked her for her funky personality. Randy said it was good but a little over the top. Paula called it great. Valerie said, "You went for the big notes and you hit them." Simon said it was entertaining, manic and mad but good.

Jasmine Trias sang "You're All I Need to Get By," which happened to be a song written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. She definitely recovered from her stumble the week before, coming on very strong. I guess she feels more comfortable with Motown than with country. Randy said she had a great last note but that otherwise it was "pitchy." Paula said it sounded good and that she had control; that it was effortless. Nick said he loved her voice and the song choice. And Simon said that last week's performance had been bland but this week's brought back "what we love about you."

Singing, "Do You Love Me Now?" Diana DeGarmo still came off as programmatic. She tried for a little more grown-up look, with long dangly earrings and her hair pulled up in a more sophisticated look. But she might not have succeeded in finding a new way to appeal to the audience. Randy said that so far it was the performance of the night. Paula said, "You can blow." Valerie said, "You were serving it out. You did it." Simon said that vocally it was good but visually it was like a high school production and he just doesn't get it. I think part of that was because she has a very Star Search quality to her. Or like the top act at a high school talent show.

Fantasia Barrino did "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," dancing easily between the band members to touch them on the shoulder or smile at them, no doubt a fan of their work. She was so good that it was easy to ignore the strange boxy sweater she wore. Randy said the audience loves her and that she's brilliant and that this is what this competition is about. Paula said she had touched everyone. Nick said her last name should be Fantastic — Fantasia Fantastic. And Simon said that's what he meant when he said it takes more than a strong voice to win this competition. He called her performance superb.

Finally, George Huff did "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," by the Temptations. This was particularly significant given that earlier in the competition, Simon had said that he was like "the back line of the Temptations." He was truly in his element in this leg of the competition. Randy said this was going to be George Huff's night and that he was proved right. Paula said, "Tonight, you've proved that you're a frontman." Valerie said he's got the biggest voice, and he doesn't even need a microphone. And Simon said he'd take back his earlier comment about George not being star material.

So who's going to be eliminated this week?

Camile Velasco should be worried. Even though she came back stronger than the week before, I don't think she was strong enough for people to see her as a contender for the top position. At this point, that's what voters are starting to look for.

Jon Peter Lewis could have rescued himself with a strong vocal performance this week. But I'm starting to think his personality alone is not going to be enough any more, just as it wasn't enough last week for Matt Rogers.

Although LaToya London had an off night, when you compare it to all her previous performances, I doubt she'll be judged too harshly.

And Amy Adams really had to produce the same energy on stage that she did last week. I'm not sure the audience is going to think she did that.

John Stewart may still be a sentimental favorite amongst some viewers, since he does have a really sweet voice. And I think some people will want to give him at least one more chance.

But Jennifer Hudson may suffer from her image makeover. While she's a good vocal performer, the question is, does she still have fans in her corner?

If Jasmine Trias managed to stay in after last week's lackluster performance, she's a shoo-in after tonight's strong showing.

Diana DeGarmo, on the other hand, did not do what she needed to do. She did not find a way to connect to the audience in a new way. I think that will hurt her, despite her vocal ability.

Fantasia Barrino and George Huff did such an excellent job that they're almost guaranteed to advance.

To sum up , once again Camile Velasco should be concerned; Jon Peter Lewis if voters finally decide they can't keep voting for a weaker performer just because they like his personality; and Amy Adams and Diana DeGarmo are candidates for the bottom three, as well, because their stage presence may not be connecting with people.

I think there are enough candidates who are more endangered so that Jennifer Hudson will make it at least another week. But that remains to be seen. There could be a backlash from people who don't like how she's changing. Before she was sassy, that's true. But more recently, she's been more touchy about criticism. That will probably not help her.

Here's an interesting point: the buzz is that LaToya London could walk away with the top prize, and I'm starting to think Fantasia or George could beat her because they have such super personalities. Ultimately, that's what really gets somebody into the top two. I did not watch American Idol last year, but when I see Ruben Studdard or Clay Aiken compared to any of the other finalists from that season, the other contestants don't have the same personality.

So LaToya will definitely be in the top five, maybe in the top three. But at this point, the top prize is still in contention.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
You gotta get down with the get down.