Tonight, Fox hosted a Monday Night American Idol "The Final Three 2004" Special. Celebrity guests included Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Jasmine Trias, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo.

Serving as host / interviewer, Ryan Seacrest brought out the personalities and perspectives of all six celebrities.

While I have not seen or heard his t.v. or radio show, the hour-long program must have seemed to many like the "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" or the "Ryan Seacrest Show."

"Who is going to be the next American Idol?" he asked rhetorically.

By the end of the show, Ryan promised we would know more about the contestants than their families.

But first, we gave an ear to the judges.

To start the six interviews off, first out of the gate, was Randy Jackson.

Jackson came onto the stage wearing diamond-studded earrings in both ears, black cowboy boots, and a floral shirt that worked as much as Ryan's did not.

Starting out the interview, Ryan razzed Randy for being harsher this year. In response, Randy suggested that the kids need to know "what time it is." The first two Idol seasons have served as preparation for all of the current and future contestants.

Ryan asked if Randy still believes we have been looking at the best Top Twelve, ever. He said he does, in part because each year they've set the bar higher, and that they have been finding better talent. Last year, he thinks they had 3-4 really good singers. This year, he believes they have 7-8 really good singers.

When asked who has grown the most this year, Jackson responded, "Simon Cowell's ego?"

In all honesty, he said he was amazed at the level of girls who were really good this year. During the audition round, they all said that this was going to a "Girl Season."

Randy said, in his mind, the best performance not just this season but representing the last three seasons: Fantasia's Summertime.

He called it unbelievable. And he called her "hands-down, so the bomb." Jackson referred to Barrino as a true, born star. He said, "Elvis was born. Michael Jackson was born. These were born stars. Fantasia is one of the few, true stars we have ever had on this competition."

Speaking about Diana DeGarmo, he believes she has what it takes. He referred to how he has championed her throughout the whole competition. "She has such a great voice, and such poise," he said. Unlike Simon, he does not believe she is too young. "If she's this good now," he said, "What's she going to be like in one or two years?"

Putting on his record producer hat, he said he would be most excited about signing Fantasia to a record deal, right now, win, lose or draw.

The Voting Process

Regarding the voting process, he referred to the "hiccup" that occurs every season. On a positive note, he said it wakes people up to vote.

Randy's Exclusive Prediction Who Will Win

"I've been doing a lot of soul searching about this," he said. "I've been tossing and turning, but you know what?"

"It's going to be a girl," he proclaimed.

Paula Abdul Interview

Judge, Paula Julie Abdul (of Syrian-Brazilian/French-Canadian ancestry) came on to the stage tonight wearing tight brown leather pants, and a sexy brown, yellow and rose-colored animal print halter top.

Before flashing her pearly whites and greeting the audience, she choreographed sitting in her leather chair.

Other than mocking Cowell's criticisms, which was anything but flattering, it was nice to hear Abdul's perspective without her two counter-parts interjecting.

Abdul spoke about the adversity that each contestant must face week after week. She spoke about the unique perspective she brings as a judge because she is one who has had to go through a similar process. At the same time, she said "I am so glad that I didn't have to" go through this intense process.

She referred to the moment contestants will step on the stage and how often she can tell whether or not they are going to have a good performance.

She said she is determined to offer each performer some positive criticism that they can take home with and learn from.

Advice to The Finalists

Her advice to the finalists: "You got into this competition to be the winner," she said. "This is when it is really important to get enough sleep. Stay away from idle gossip. Stay focused. Keep your eye on the prize. Pick the right songs. This is fun, but it is a competition. Go for it. Have no regrets."

Abdul's Pick This Season

"I truly believe, record contracts, and millions sold for all of them," she said.

Simon Cowell Interview

Ryan introduced Cowell as "a British chimney sweep." "Love him or loathe him, he doesn't mean to be rude, but he is," Seacrest said.

Simon came out wearing his usual light or dark t-shirt. Tonight it was a light grey T over a buffed torso together with light blue jeans and black cowboy boots.

Expectations from Season Three

Cowell didn't think this season would be as popular. He compared it to a third album, expecting a dip. "But once we did the auditions in Houston, this was going to a be a show to remember for all the wrong reasons," Simon said. "Each year, you can't manipulate the show," he added. "It is what it is. It depends on who turns up. And it is the unexpected that makes it good."

Season Three: A Girls Competition

Early on Cowell said this was going to be "a girls competition." This year, there were one or two girls you could remember. And the guys just weren't there.

Surrendering The Vote to The Public

Cowell's feeling is that "if everything was perfect with no surprises or people just agreeing, it would be the most boring show on earth." While he has not necessarily agreed with the voting, he has found the unpredictability, the shocks, more like real life.

The Battle of The Divas

After putting his ego aside, he called a diva someone who is "difficult, egotistical, talented." He cited Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey at their prime as prime examples.

He said, "There is nothing wrong with admitting that you are here to win. For me it is one of the most important things about being a successful artist. Every successful artist doesn't want anyone else to do better than them -- even thirty years into their career."

Most of all, he praised seeing competitiveness come out in the show.

Cowell's Issue With Young Talent

When Seacrest asked Cowell about his concern regarding the age of the kids competing and how they will turn out, Cowell referred to the way that Jasmine fell apart on the show after his criticism.

While he praised Diana DeGarmo and John Stevens for their ability to take the heat, he referred to some twenty year-olds who can't.

Cowell said that if he was a parent, he wouldn't allow anyone under the age of eighteen to enter the competition.

"It's the right person winning, and that person having a long term career," Cowell said when asked what he personally finds satisfying about the show.

Cowell referred to the head-start this show has provided for the contestants. He praised those who are willing to work hard and earn their success.

Jasmine Trias' Interview & Performance

Jasmine Trias

With three divas in development, "Jazzy" was first invited to the stage.

Jasmine Trias came out with a tight, sexy slinky black dress.

Prior to her Idol opportunity, she expected to go to college, get her masters and become a nurse practitioner.

Her plans now, if she wins, are to come to the fast-paced, "happening place" of Los Angeles.

The Added Pressures for The Young

Trias spoke about the added pressures because of her school responsibilities on top of her weekly performances. While she talked about it being a lot of fun, she also stressed how tough it has been.

On A Personal Note

On a personal note, she admitted to not having a boyfriend. Of course, this prompt the audience to scream and shout, "Me. Me." The camera panned to a "PAC + Jasmine" yellow poster board.

Looking absolutely stunning and sounding sultry, she then took the stage to sing I'll Never Love This Way Again.

Fantasia Barrino's Interview & Performance

Fantasia Barrino

Introduced as the girl who gave birth to the "Bo Bo," the one with a fervor for life, Fantasia Barrino took to the stage wearing a bright yellow blouse and short animal print skirt.

As a nineteen year-old mom, she has had to grown up and be responsible. She welcomes the pressure, nonetheless. "It makes you strong," she said.

After showing off her strong personality, she sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Diana DeGarmo's Interview & Performance

Diana DeGarmo

Introduced as the girl who's stage presence, power, range and resilience make it hard to believe she's only 16 years-old, Diana DeGarmo took to the stage wearing sparkling blue jeans and a white and silver top.

Speaking honestly, she told Seacrest that she expected to be here. She said, "I have put so much forward. And I'm trying so hard. So far so good."

When asked if there was anything that makes her nervous, she said that nothing freaks her out. Nothing except what Simon says about her clothing.

Diana referred to her image as a sixteen year-old, not a wild child, but a bubbly person with a positive attitude. Her focus is on having fun and making it fun for her audience.

The evening special ended with DeGarmo singing Turn The Beat Around.

Tonight, I'm not sure we learned more about the contestants than their families know. But the close-up one-on-one interviews were one more chance for America to solidify who they will be voting for tomorrow night; that is, if they are still in the game.

In a statement made after La Toya London was voted off the talent show, Fox issued the following statement: "While acknowledging that dedicated fans may be unhappy with the outcome, the system only reports the decision of the voting public."

Until tomorrow night. Or should I say, "Until later tonight?!"

The winner of the May 25th contest will learn on May 26th that she has won a record contract. Who will it be? Stay tuned.

To keep abreast of all the Idol happenings, go to IdolonFox.com.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King

Other American Idol Stories Published in RuggedElegantLiving.com:

05/11/04, American Idol III Divas Sing Disco

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"