May 12, 2004 - Disco Divas

They each did two songs. This time their performances were split up, and they did one the first half of the show and they did another in the second half of the show. Disco diva Donna Summer was the celebrity judge.

First up was Jasmine Trias with "Everlasting Love," which really struck me as flat. Judge Simon Cowell, going first for once, said that she is vulnerable this week and this performance was really just an average karaoke performance. He called the song a bad choice. Donna said that she'd had pitch problems but other than that, it was pretty good. Nice judge Paula Abdul agreed about the pitch problems and noted she'd gotten into the groove midway through. She said the song was not her favorite. Judge Randy Jackson agreed with Simon and said the song was "rough."

LaToya London took the stage next with "Love You Inside and Out." Simon said that we know she's a great singer and that the second half of the song was good but that it was a boring, safe song. He said that in the last several weeks of the competition, we've learned very little about her personality. Donna said that she had emoted the song and that she did a great job. Paula said she continues to shine, that's she's consistent and that she's a star. Randy called the song "nothing special" and said he was looking for a performance to blow him away.

Fantasia Barrino did a high energy performance of "Knock on Wood." She danced with the audience and had everyone on their feet. Simon said the person who should win this competition was someone who was different, and that Fantasia is different. Donna agreed that she's different and also said she's self-possessed, has the best smile, and has a great voice. Paula said Fantasia always picks the right song to show off her voice and said that, if she were a martial artist, she wouldn't have just knocked on the wood. She would have broken through. Randy said that as soon as Fantasia opens her mouth, he can tell it's going to be special, and that she's got it going on.

Diana DeGarmo finished up the first round with "This is It," giving a very harsh delivery of it. She was shouting through parts of it. Simon said that before, he'd said she was too young for the competition, but that he takes it back. He said she's progressed more than anyone else in the competition. He suggested that she's the one person who has the potential to break up the anticipated final two. Donna said she should be happy with her performance and that she was impressed. Paula said that something has broken through. She complimented her confidence and said she looked fantastic. And Randy said "you worked it out" and called her the most improved performer.

Round two, Jasmine started off with "It's Raining Men." I wasn't even sure that should count as a disco song and thought she just walked through it. She was still stiff even when she ran through the audience, trying to get them involved. Simon said that she'd better hope every household in Hawaii has five phones and called the song a really bad choice. Donna said that it was an OK choice but it was out of her range. Paula said she'd gotten thrown off because she forgot the lyrics and that both Hawaii and America love her. Randy said it was not her best performance and that it was pitchy.

Despite all the weeks of competition, all the comments made about her singing, Jasmine had always taken it in stride. But this time, she surprised everyone by beginning to cry as they were heading into the commercial break. Maybe this is an indication how young she is. I suppose sometimes it's hard not to take things personally.

LaToya did "Don't Leave Me This Way," giving a very strong performance. Simon called it as good as the original. Donna said it was fabulous. Paula said it was stunning. And Randy said, "props to you."

Fantasia for once made a misstep with song choice, performing "Holding Out for Hero," another song which I'm not certain you can consider a disco song. But she gave another high energy performance. Simon said he didn't like the song and that she's so much better than that type of song, but that despite the song choice she's fabulous. Donna said, "You could sing the newspaper to me and I'd love it." Paula agreed, although she agreed the song was not a great choice. And Randy said that it proved that no matter what song she sings, she can really sing.

Finally, Diana finished off the evening with "No More Tears." Now, I have not been a Diana fan, it's true, but this was the first song she's done where she won me over and I forgot my reservations about her being too fake and too young, and just appreciated the performance. She was natural on stage. She gave a strong vocal performance, and she transcended anything she's done to this point.

Simon called it the best song of the night. He complimented her for her vocal control and said he gave her total respect. Donna said it was very well sung. Paula said she was so proud of her and that this was her week. Randy called it the best song of the night.

Now whereas at the beginning of the show, I would have predicted that Diana and Jasmine would be equally vulnerable, now it seems clear that Jasmine will be the one to hit the road. I would be very surprised if it were anyone else, when you consider the fantastic performance the other finalists gave.

The voting was probably extremely high last night, considering how many times I had to redial to register my vote for Fantasia. So unless there's an equally high show of support for Jasmine, I think it's time for her to say aloha.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
You have to be a real diva to make people love a weak song.