April 28, 2004 - Turn the Beat Around

The performance was a little uneven for Fantasia, but she did show her personality. She also called out in the middle of the song, "We love you, Jennifer."

Judge Randy Jackson said it was a great performance although vocally, he said it was pitchy in parts. Gloria Estefan, who was serving as this week's guest judge, said Fantasia hasn't sung a bad note in the whole competition. Nice judge Paula Abdul said Fantasia takes on the challenge each week and does a great job, and that she looked great. And finally, notoriously nasty judge Simon Cowell agreed with Randy about the vocals and said that Fantasia sounded like a cartoon character, like Donald Duck on helium.

Taking it in stride, Fantasia responded, "A lot of people tell me I look like Bugs Bunny. It's OK."

Next up was George Huff, who performed "Live for Loving You." He was bouncy, as always, and had fun with it. Randy said, "It's like a party in here" and complimented George for finding himself in that song. Gloria said she loves his personality and that he did a great job. Paula responded, while being tickled by Simon, that the performance was fun. She praised him for getting Simon to shimmy in his seat. And then Simon said if this was the first time he'd seen George perform, he'd be amazed that he made it to the finals. He called the performance amateurish.

LaToya London sang "The Rhythm is Going to Get You." She was very comfortable with this type of music. Dressed in a flirty red knee-length dress, she danced along to the music with Latin dance moves. Randy said she looked amazing but that the singing didn't wow him. Gloria said that she knew when she first saw LaToya in the auditions that she would make the finals. Paula said, "We need more of you." And Simon said that she did what she needed to do, to prove she wouldn't be boring. But the performance, he said was OK, not her best.

John Stevens did "Music of My Heart," a ballad. It was bland at best. Randy said he loved his shoes and called him a "nice guy," but the singing and vocals, he said, were horrendous and out of tune. Gloria said that he had made his grandma proud. Paula called it a valiant effort. And Simon said one of the reasons John is doing so well is that he's taken every bullet like a man. But the bad news was that he and Latin music went together like chocolate ice cream and an onion. Even so, he wished him good luck.

Jasmine Trias took the stage next with "Here We Are." She missed some notes and went harsh at one point. Randy said it fell short, giving it a seven out of 10 and called it pitch. Gloria said, though, it was a beautiful job. Paula said, "I'm a fan of your voice" but refrained from commenting on that specific performance. Simon said that at best it was a pleasant imitation of Gloria, something someone would do if they were recording an album of elevator music. But he said, "Tonight, pleasant is good."

And finally, Diana DeGarmo did "Turn the Beat Around." The vocals weren't bad, and it was probably one of her more natural seeming performances. Randy said that she has talent. Gloria said she turned the beat around. Paula said it was another great week. Simon gave the performance a seven and the floor-length odd dress a zero.

Now, I'm almost afraid to make any predictions about this week because of what happened last week. But I will say one thing: there's so much outrage about Jennifer Hudson being ousted last week, that I think people will rally for the two remaining divas, Fantasia and LaToya.

Does this mean that their vote will so far outstrip everyone else that even popular, perpetually smiling George Huff will be left in the dust? I don't know. Anything's possible, as last week showed. But it would be just as much a travesty if George Huff were cut this week, with John Stevens remaining in the competition.

But America votes, and we wait eagerly to see if this week wrong is made right and talent trumps popularity.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
Gloria makes Latin music look far easier than it is.