February 12, 2004 - Half Right

After reviewing the tape from the previous night, I could see why people went with Diana. She has both a strong voice and a great, sparkling stage presence. I think that perhaps I judged her a bit too harshly, simply because she was first to perform.

Also, all the judges had something good to say about her, which might have carried weight with many voters. I'm sure it's possible for people to vote against judge Simon Cowell's preferences, but when he gives someone a vote of confidence, it really carries some weight. All three judges agreeing certainly helps.

As much as I think that Jennifer Hudson deserved to move on to become one of the 12 finalists, I also think her choice of "Imagine" as her song was perhaps too unusual, and it didn't show off her voice as well as a better choice might have, say another Aretha Franklin song.

The most surprising development was that America's third choice was Matthew Metzger, who gave what I felt was a rather lackluster performance. The only factor he might have had going for him was that Simon compared him twice to Clay Aiken.

The choices were confirmed when they had both finalists perform again, and they both performed the song they'd sung the previous night. Both of them were just as strong the second time around, proving it was no fluke.

I think American voters made a good choice to move forward. We'll have to see what the next group of eight brings, next week. The most interesting aspect will probably be the competition between twins Jesus Roman and Noel Roman, both competing in the next group of eight. It would probably be a miracle for both of them to advance to the finalists, but that remains to be seen.

We have several more weeks before we get to hear Fantasia and Diana perform again, so we'll have to wait until then to see if Diana still has the music in her and Fantasia still gives them something to talk about.

But without having seen the rest of the contestants perform, I can safely say that at this point, I would love to see Fantasia once more do the happy dance she calls "The Bobo."

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Musings an Online Journal of Sorts By Alyce Wilson
February 12 , 2004 - Half Right
	Two finalists have been selected American Idol, and I got them half right. Of course, all three of the judges pegged it exactly right. All three of them said Diana Degarmo and Fantasia Barrino would be moving on.
After reviewing the tape from the previous night, I could see why people went with Diana. She has both a strong voice and a great, sparkling stage presence. I think that perhaps I judged her a bit too harshly, simply because she was first to perform. Also, all the judges had something good to say about her, which might have carried weight with many voters. I'm sure it's possible for people to vote against judge Simon Cowell's preferences, but when he gives someone a vote of confidence, it really carries some weight. All three judges agreeing certainly helps. As much as I think that Jennifer Hudson deserved to move on to become one of the 12 finalists, I also think her choice of "Imagine" as her song was perhaps too unusual, and it didn't show off her voice as well as a better choice might have, say another Aretha Franklin song. The most surprising development was that America's third choice was Matthew Metzger, who gave what I felt was a rather lackluster performance. The only factor he might have had going for him was that Simon compared him twice to Clay Aiken. The choices were confirmed when they had both finalists perform again, and they both performed the song they'd sung the previous night. Both of them were just as strong the second time around, proving it was no fluke. I think American voters made a good choice to move forward. We'll have to see what the next group of eight brings, next week. The most interesting aspect will probably be the competition between twins Jesus Roman and Noel Roman, both competing in the next group of eight. It would probably be a miracle for both of them to advance to the finalists, but that remains to be seen. We have several more weeks before we get to hear Fantasia and Diana perform again, so we'll have to wait until then to see if Diana still has the music in her and Fantasia still gives them something to talk about. But without having seen the rest of the contestants perform, I can safely say that at this point, I would love to see Fantasia once more do the happy dance she calls "The Bobo." Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol: American Idol Index
Moral: It's hard to argue when all three judges agree. Copyright 2004 by Alyce Wilson Musings Index
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