May 19, 2004 - Three Times a Lady

This time they each performed three songs. The first they got to choose themselves. The second was chosen by one of the judges, and the third was chosen by music industry legend Clive Davis, who was the guest judge for the evening.

Jasmine Trias started off the night with her selection, "Saving All My Love for You." It was a weak performance, leaning toward the sappy side. Judge Randy Jackson said there's a lot of love out there for her but the problem with the song is that her performance pales in comparison to the original. He also said she was sharp on the high notes. Nice judge Paula Abdul said it's hard to compare to Whitney Houston, and the challenge of singing that song was to do it as good or better than her. She said, "You're almost there, but not quite." Clive Davis said no one could sing it better than Whitney Houston and that it was a tough challenge. He said she was sharp at points, but that she did well. And tough judge Simon Cowell said it was "like dinner with Paula Abdul, sweet but forgettable."

Fantasia Barrino was next with her selection, a bouncy rendition of "Chain of Fools." Randy said he didn't care what happened with the voting: she's a winner. Paula said that she does what this contest demands, which is to be unique and capture the heart of the audience, and to sing the right song. Clive said that she had taken on the Queen of Soul and nailed it, with her own spirit. Simon said she demonstrated the difference between copying somebody badly and originality. He called the performance superb.

Diana DeGarmo's selection was "No Mountain High Enough." It just wasn't inspired. Randy said it was just OK and that the song was bigger than she is. Paula said she did a great job. Clive said it was agreeable and that it was good cabaret but not unique. Simon said that she had shouted it, not sung it.

Starting off the second round, Jasmine did a song chosen by Paula, "Mr. Melody," originally done by Natalie Cole. It was an upbeat song, which was why Paula chose it. Randy said it was a better song for her. Paula said she likes it when Jasmine lets go and has fun. Clive said it was light but emotionally unbelievable. Simon said, "Everyone's thinking the same thing: so what?" He added she was lucky she had another song to perform.

Fantasia did a soul number called "Fall in Love," chosen by Simon, who said she reminds him of a singer from another era and he thought the song would help her show off her personality and it would be magical. You know what? He was right. Randy said that, in her, he saw the spirit of Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin. "You're the bomb." Paula said, "You don't need this competition. You're already the star." She added she was a triple threat who could fill stadiums. Clive said if there were no competition and he saw her in a basement in Kansas, he'd sign her. And Simon joked that he was going to be tactical and get her a sympathy vote by telling her it was the worst thing he'd ever heard. "Now they'll feel sorry for you," he joked.

Diana finished off the second round with "Because You Love Me," chosen by Randy, who wanted to test her. Despite a powerful ending, Randy said it was "just aiiight." Paula said that she has the pipes, no doubt, but that this was the time to color up the song in a different way and she'd missed the opportunity to do so. Clive called the song a good choice. He said Diana can hit the high notes and he liked the tender ending. Simon gave it seven out of 10.

The third round consisted of songs chosen by Clive Davis from his career in the music industry.

Jasmine started off with "All By Myself," and it seemed to be out of her range. I also noticed at this point, in the close-ups, that she was wearing a heavy amount of makeup, perhaps trying to make up for always being accused of being too young. Randy said she could hit the high notes but there's no emotion there. Paula said she was better on this song. Clive said she hit the high notes but this song was about loneliness and she had come off, instead, as being strident by simply focusing on a power ending. Simon said in his opinion she's young and sweet and that's what got her this far, but "it has to end tonight."

For Fantasia, Clive Davis chose a real challenge, the Whitney Houston song, "Greatest Love of All." She gave a really emotionally real performance of it. Randy called it a great song. He said he loves her, and he gave her props. Paula said that it had been an amazing night for Fantasia and that she was honored to be in her presence. Clive said, "Wow!" And Simon said, "What does it say behind you?" Fantasia turned around and saw the sign that said "American Idol" and started crying tears of joy.

Finally, Diana finished off the evening with another Clive Davis selection, "Don't Cry Aloud," which had been made a hit by Melissa Manchester. She just powered through it, but it was enough to get her high marks. Randy said that she had brought it back and that it was a perfect song for her. Paula said it was the best choice for Diana and that it was a flawless performance. Clive said she'd shown why she was still in the competition and that she did that song proud. Simon said she should write a letter to Clive Davis, thanking him for booking her a place in the finals, because that's what he'd just done.

Now, I've predicted in the past and have not always been correct, so I'm going to refrain from looking into the crystal ball. All I can tell you is that, knowing I could place as many votes as I wanted for Fantasia, I diligently worked to get through and vote. I just barely managed to register two votes during the time the polls were open. Hopefully, that's a good sign, and we'll see Fantasia doing her happy dance, the Bobo, at the finals.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
If Clive Davis wants to sign you, you're already a winner.