Hey there friends. I hope that you've all had a happy day. My wife and I have just finished watching the twelve "Idol" finalists in the first elimination round.
Tonight's theme was "soul music." After the first two songs I was worried that I wouldn't be able to recognize any of the songs during the evening, but fortunately the contestants started singing songs that I know. Once the "trifecta" of Fantasia, George, and Jennifer hit the stage, the show really hit its stride.
In general, the twelve finalists were fantastic. It was nice to hear such a good group of singers. I am sure that there will be some pretty gut-wrenching eliminations coming up.
The Contestants:
1. LaToya London- She is an awfully pretty girl with the new hairstyle. Her clothes were really nice too.
Her song turned out pretty well. Her voice was good. Her biggest problem was the she went on first. She'll have to overcome the viewers forgetting her by the end of the show.
2. Amy Adams- Amy looks really good on camera. The backlighting really accentuated the color of her hair.
Her song was fine.
3. Matthew Rogers- I don't want to hear any more about the football part of Matt's life. I hope that he'll be able to move on from that.
Matthew's song was good. He hammed it up quite a bit (that is always sure to bug Simon.) I think that this was the best that Matthew has done so far.
When Matthew was shown singing in an "opera-voice" with his football friends, he reminded me of Dom DeLuise.
4. Camile Velasco- When the singers were introduced at the beginning of the show, Camile looked so nervous that I was afraid that she would fall ill.
I really liked her song. She sang the words like she meant them and her voice sounded good. I am rooting for her.
5. Jon Peter Lewis- The song was okay. Jon is a good performer. America loves him.
6. Fantasia Barrino- Fantasia is what Frenchie Davis could have been last year. A contestant who seems to transcend the competition from the beginning. Fantasia has a lot of appeal, and she is a fantastic singer. She doesn't need to win "Idol" to become famous.
Her song this evening was pretty good. Good job Fantasia.
7. George Huff- The judges really missed the boat when they eliminated him earlier. Thanks to a DUI, one of the better contestants is back in the competition. I really hope that George lasts a long time. He is a good singer and a sweet guy.
"Sitting on the Dock..." was a great song for George, and he sang it well. Way to go George!
8. Jennifer Hudson- She did a good job with her song. I enjoyed the performance. There were a few parts that I felt she was screaming rather than singing, but in general very solid.
Jennifer H. strikes me as the type to run hot-and-cold. I mean I'd bet that she can switch moods really quickly. All sweet one second, and just malevolent the next (something like a bi-polar disorder.) I have no proof of this, it is just my impression.
9. John Stevens- His introduction package was the best of the night. John seemed more "real" than the other contestants.
The song was a bit shaky. His voice was drowned out by the piano a few times during the song. That said: tonight was John's best performance so far, and there's little chance he'll be eliminated.
*They played a "Glad" commercial. That "Glad" pitch-lady is my favorite spokesmodel on a commercial. Somehow when she's on television, it makes me want to watch the screen. She has a cute appeal that I really like.
*back to the show...
10. Leah LaBelle- Leah's new make-over makes her look like Brenda (from Beverly Hills 90210.)
Leah's performance tonight reminded me of one of the weaker ones by Kimberly Caldwell. I think that she'll be the most likely to be eliminated this week.
(Speaking of Kimberly: Where is the "Idol Mansion" this season?)
11. Jasmine Trias- So beautiful. Good singer. Good song.
12. Diana DeGarmo- My personal favorite. She really lights up the screen. In her interviews, she reminds me of Dolly Parton.
Her song was very good. I am happy for her.
Jamie and Kazuko's Picks and Predictions:
Jamie:
Best Singer of the night: George Huff
Who he/she will vote for: Diana and Camile
Most likely to leave: Leah
Kazuko:
Best Singer of the night: Fantasia
Who he/she will vote for: Jon Peter and Diana
Most likely to leave: Leah