Gentle George Huff

American Idol III ended the evening with four divas and no gentlemen. The twenty-two year-old, New Orleans soulful soul singer, George Huff was voted off tonight.

Eight year-old, Jessie reacted with a scream followed by "It's tragic." Placing the back of her hand over her forehead she said, "Please leave me to mourn."

Six year-old, Niki had nothing to say; she just cried.

Nineteen year-old, Lisa couldn't bear it. "I'm going downstairs. Just scream if my Georgie goes out." And boy did we scream!

Tim, who called Huff his favorite from the start out of the Top Thirty-Two, added, "George Huff is my favorite 'George' in the world since Curious George."

The good news: On May 22nd, tickets go on sale for the American Idol tour which will include George Huff.

Tonight, after recapping last night's performances, Ryan Seacrest started the elimination process by identifying only the Bottom Two.

Starting with Diana DeGarmo, Seacrest recounted what was said last night by the judges. He went on to George, then La Toya, then Jasmine and finally Fantasia.

The tension was unbearable, especially after the many commercial breaks, fortunately none of which were offensive tonight. Just a car, a gum, a phone, a milk, and a Dove ad - save the OC Series Finale promo, which we hear was tragic too.

As we prepared to let go of one of our favorite contestants, Seacrest invited Diana, La Toya and Fantasia to step forward. All three were lucky to be safe this week. Of course, they earned their way to safety.

Sadly, this made it clear that George Huff and Jasmine Trias received the fewest number of votes last night.

Simon Cowell affirmed America's choice. Paula Abdul called it simply "sad" but made it clear that both Trias and Huff would likely receive recording contracts. Randy Jackson agreed with Cowell's assessment. The Top Three were appropriately seated on the couch.

George sang Cheek to Cheek one last time. Jasmine sang The Way You Look Tonight as though it was her last time on stage. Her performance was stellar.

His armpits sweating, gracious George smiled, hugged Jasmine, and told her he loved her, when he learned he was out.

During George's tribute, in between a recap of compliments made by the judges throughout the competition, we got to hear, straight from George's heart, what an amazing opportunity this has been for him.

George Huff's Tribute in His Own Words

American Idol is my over-the-rainbow experience.

I went out there and I gave them my heart. Everything came from the heart.

The good always outweighs the bad. And I could be doing anything anywhere doing something I don't want to do. But I've been afforded the opportunity to share my gift of song with America. And that, in and of itself, is something to be glad and rejoice in.

This is the happiest I have ever been in my life.

"George Huff, we are going to miss that smile, that voice, those moves, the dances," said Seacrest. We wholeheartedly agree.

George was pure graciousness, thanking everyone who voted for him. He closed out the night singing Wondeful World.

Just seven hours earlier a theatre full of Kindergarten girls sang this very song. In bed tonight, in between tears, our six year-old Niki Love, sang Wonderful World as her own tribute to George Huff.

George, with you in it, the world truly is wonderful.

Thank you for sharing your gifts, your smile and your soul with us. You are an idol to two little girls in this household, as well as to a nineteen year-old. We have enjoyed living vicariously through you and your journey. We will miss you next week singing and dancing disco with Donna Summer. But we look forward to seeing you in concert and our girls look forward to buying your music.

Your idea to create a Soul Classics CD in every genre sounds like a winner.

Inspire & Be Inspired!

~Jennifer

Other American Idol Stories Published in RuggedElegantLiving.com:

05/04/04, American Idol III's Five Finalists Sing Big Band Beat with Nigel Wright & The Penguins

04/27/04, American Idol III Sings Gloria Estefan's Latin Pop Music: La Toya London Turns Up The Heat

04/20/04, "American Idol III Sings Barry Manilow Hits Customized for Each Finalist by the Legend, Himself"

04/20/04, "American Idol III Contestants Perform The Music of Barry Manilow"

04/15/04, "American Idol III's Jon Peter Lewis Gets The Death Penalty After Singing 'Jailhouse Rock'"

04/14/04, "American Idol III Finalists Sing Movie-Themed Songs with Quentin Tarantino As Guest Judge"

04/08/04, "American Idol III Three Sings Elton John Classics; Camile Velasco Sings 'Goodbye..."

03/18/04, "American Idol III Top Twelve Finalists Narrow to Eleven"

03/17/04, "American Idol Offers Two Hours of Soul Singing As The Competition Heats Up"

02/11/04, "American Idol's Barrino, DeGarmo, Hudson, Lynche, Metzger, Thomas, Walcott, Webber (and Ryan Seacrest as Will Hung)"

02/05/04, "One American Family's Favorite Contestants from "American Idol III's" Top Thirty-Two"