Hawaiian Beauty, Camile Velasco

Last night, Fox received a record 24 million votes for American Idol. Sir Elton John's music was the music of choice. During their week of preparation Sir Elton arrived in person to coach and support the nine finalists. Little did we know that it would be the last time we would hear Camile Velasco sing on the show. Her rendition of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" led to the fewest votes cast throughout the country. Tonight, America said goodbye and mahalo to the Hawaiian beauty, Camile Velasco.

But first, the thirty minute show was stretched to an hour and included two previous Idol contestants.

This week, Connecticut has had three scores. First, the men's college basketball team won the NCAA tournament. Then, the girls' basketball team took home the national trophy. Tonight, Brookfield, Connecticut's Idol II contestant, Julia DeMato was invited back to the show to promote her upcoming single "Let It Rain." Fox producers gave her the silent treatment, however, when she proceeded to give further details about this release. Rather than a five second delay, they simply muted the audio when she attempted to tell her fans the web location of her new single.

Before hearing the results of last night's votes, the six remaining women sang Elton John's Benny & The Jets. while the three guys performed Daniel. Fantasia's unique voice stood out among the crowd as did George Huff's. The last song of the medley sung by all nine Idol contestants was Saturday Night's All Right. (They should have done the Randy Jackson version: Saturday Night's "Ay-Igtht".)

We also got a taste of the fun the Idol contestants had throughout the previous week. A white and black SUV limo picked them up and took them to the Kids' Choice Awards. There they joined Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers to announce one of the winners of the music awards.

We learned that on Tuesday, April 27th, American Idol will release their third album; this one a collection of soul songs. Tom Ennis, who runs 19 Management, a division of 19 Entertainment Ltd., based in London, is the producer of the third series album. On the album, Jon Peter Lewis sings "My Girl." George Huff chooses the smooth song "Mrs. Jones" as his contribution. Jasmine performs "On The Midnight Train to Georgia." Matt Rogers is also part of the album.

The second American Idol contestant brought back from the first series was Tamyra Gray. She was in the house to sing her own song "Raindrops Will Fall." Tamyra's album comes out in June. She wrote twelve out-of-the-thirteen songs on her album, The Dreamer. The only song the former Miss Atlanta (1998) did not write was an inspirational ballad she calls her prayer song, "God Bless the Dreamer." Tamyra's advice to the current contestants, "It is up to you to take advantage of all the opportunities. You are the maker of your destiny. Wherever you want to go you have to follow it. Don't look at this as the end" Seacrest added "You want to take this exposure and parlay it, and jump through that window."

And then the elimination began...

Who should stay and who should go? Host, Ryan Seacrest asked the question. America gave the answer.

Three groups of three were created. The top three with the most votes. The middle three. And the bottom three.

Jasmine Trias was placed in Group A. Diana DeGarmo joined Jasmine. As did Camile.

Jennifer Hudson was placed in Group C. Oakland's very own La Toya London joined Jennifer. George Huff was last to be placed -- in Group C.

John Stevens was placed in Group B. Jon Peter Lewis was placed in Group B for "boys." Until Fantastic Fantasia joined the group.

So which three got the most votes and which got the least?

Ryan announced "Jennifer, La Toya and George, you're safe."

Two of La Toya's fans are especially glad. A blast from her past, Mrs. Hernadez, from second grade at St Cyril's in Oakland told Mrs. Massucco who had never watched American Idol before about La Toya being in the competition. Mrs. Massucco says, "I want to wish you the best in your goals no matter what they may be. You've got me voting. I am very proud of you. You are a talented lady." Over here on the other side of the Bay, we couldn't agree more!

The second group to be told they are safe, at least until next week, was John, Jon and Fantasia.

Jasmine, Camile and Diana, however, were not safe.

When given the opportunity to communicate what the judges thought about Diana, Jasmine and Camile getting the fewest votes, Randy and Paula spoke up. They made it clear that they believe the votes speak more to the girls' personalities rather than their obvious talent.

Simon had made it clear last night that Camile should be packing her bags.

After a very long and brutal pause, host, Ryan Seacrest announced that Diana is in fact safe this week.

Sadly, one of the two Hawaiian beauties would not be moving on.

Before saying goodbye to one of the women, Camile sang "Yellow Brick Road." Then Jasmine Trias sang "Don't Let The Sun Go Down."

"After the nationwide vote, one of you is leaving us tonight," said Seacrest. And her name is Camile Velasco.

Before saying goodbye, Paula encouraged Camile to move to the west coast. She said "You are a true R&B soul singer."

Camile, we say "Mahalo to you" for your grace and beauty and raspy voice. We wish you the best of luck in your career.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King

Related Articles:

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News, 'Idol' Ax Finally Falls as Camile is Ousted, 4/8/2004