Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts
By Alyce Wilson
Last night was my last chance to vote for Harlemm Lee, my favorite contestant on NBC's Fame.
This time he chose to sing "Vogue" by Madonna, starting out slow and emotional and then launching into a faster tempo. Once more, his dance movements incorporated martial arts style kicks and sweeps, leaving no doubt he's had some training.
In what will no doubt be one of the favorite moments for Harlemm fans, he spoke during the song. He said, "I'm short, I'm bald, I'm 35. But I'm beautiful. You're all beautiful." At the end of the show, Carnie Wilson, one of the judges, said that part of the song gave her goosebumps. When she was asked who would win, she said, "My baby Harlemm."
Admittedly, he's up against some fierce competition. If any one of the final contestants won, it wouldn't really be a surprise.
Judge Joey Fatone was asked who he thought would win and he said Shannon Bex, the Britney Spears look-alike. Sure, if you want another cookie cutter pop princess, I guess that's the one. But as good as her performances have been, she just doesn't generate that much excitement. And she doesn't have the personality that Harlemm has.
But even Joey said that he looks forward every week to see what Harlemm is going to do next. Damn straight.
JoJo Wright's choice was Brandon O'Neal, who is the youngest contestant. Perhaps that's why his performances are so uneven from week to week. He's given good performances, but more often he's on the mediocre side. He really proved himself last night but that doesn't necessarily place him in the "triple threat" category: someone with dance and vocal ability, and personality.
None of the judge guessed Serena Henry would be the winner. I'm wondering if that anything to do with the fact that last night somebody had talked her into wearing a nasty wig that was all piled up and Jheri-curled. Even Whitney Houston would have known better. Her appearance changed, and her whole personality seemed different. I don't know what she was thinking, but this is not the time to be changing your image when there might be people out there in the audience who may be voting for her, in part, because of her beautiful natural dreads.
One thing I don't doubt: each of the final four will get work somewhere after this. Maybe they won't start at the top with the record deal, the year of dance lessons with Debbie Allen, or the part in the stage production of Fame,but they've already shown they have chops. Someone is going to be calling them up, guaranteed.
I, for one, will be truly disappointed if Carnie and I aren't right and if our baby Harlemm doesn't win.
More thoughts on "Fame":
May 29, 2003 - Fame, Remember My Name!
June 26, 2003 - Planet Harlemm
July 5, 2003 - The Music of Love
July 10, 2003 - Magical Harlemm
Moral:
Bald is beautiful.
Copyright
2003 by Alyce Wilson
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