February 25, 2004 - Anybody's Game

But her version, I'd say was brassier than the sweetly coy version Whitney made famous.

She got some good comments from the judges, such as Randy, who complimented her performance skills. Simon, however, said, "Good singer, cheap performance. Not good enough for this competition."

Elizabeth may have a real chance, when you consider that the past two weeks, the performer who went first was one of the ones to advance.

Next was Eric Yoder, who performed "Still of the Night." His version started out lackluster, but he ended it with some fantastic high notes of sure pure pitch I think he's a real contender. Even Simon said, "You have a very good voice," although he called him "like Clay Aiken without personality."

Then came Amy Adams, who performed "I'm Your Lady," and while she had a strong voice, she just didn't stand out. But she also got positive comments from the judges, such as Randy who commended her for starting the song without the band. Paula called her phenomenal.

If people like her personality, she may make it through. She reminds me of a young Cyndi Lauper, down to the red hair. The most negative thing Simon could say was that if she won, it would be Cabaret Idol and not American Idol.

Jon Peter Lewis took the stage, the guy who was called a pen salesman by Simon in the auditions. If luck falls his way, that could be his ticket into the finalist round, because his good-natured reaction to that insult has probably won him some fans. He performed "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John. Nobody had particularly negative things to say about him. Randy called his voice interesting. The worse thing Simon had to say was that he couldn't see him winning.

Charly Lowry performed "Chain of Fools," giving it a slightly chant-like feel, which is in keeping with her Native American heritage. Last week it would have stood out, but compared to this week's stronger performances, it failed to impress. But the judges said that, while the song didn't show off her ability, she still has a strong voice and potential. Potential was enough last week; will it be enough this time?

I had high hopes that Jonah Moananu, from Hawaii, would show off. But he performed a quirky rendition of a song where, as Simon said, his phrasing was all over the place. I had to agree that, despite his voice and personality, this song just didn't show him off that well. If he makes it into the next round, it will be because people are judging him on earlier performances and not last night.

Leah LaBelle took the stage next and got rave reviews from the judges. But while she was good, I couldn't see her going all the way in the final round; she just doesn't have the personality. Still, her voice was strong enough and her performance good enough to make her a contender. If voters side with the judges, she could be one of those selected.

And finally, there was LaToya London, who gave a performance with such personality and skill that even Simon called her "outstanding." Both he and Randy hinted one person would definitely go through, and it wasn't hard to guess they meant her.

Aside from LaToya, I'm not placing any bets on who's advancing this week. That second slot is always the wild card.

Eric may make it through because of his strong finish, although he hasn't made much of an impression so far. Jon Peter may get through because of his personality and sense of humor, making him a sentimental favorite. The same goes for Jonah, who has a great personality and has shown in previous rounds that he does have the voice, even if last night's performance failed to show it. Leah could make it through because of her strong performance last night. And Elizabeth, who got the chance to make a first impression, has a good chance.

The only real shocker would be if somehow LaToya didn't advance, and I have serious doubts that could be the case. When I voted for her last night, the line was so busy, I had to keep calling back and calling back and calling back.

Other than her, it's anybody's guess.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
It's harder to win when everybody's good.