America's #1 Pick-of-the-Night, John Stevens
Tonight, two more contestants moved into the American Idol Finals. They are 16 year-old carrot top "Frank Sinatra" "sing-a-like" (or was that "Dean Martin"?), John Stevens and 17 year-old Hawaiian beauty with the flower in her hair, Jasmine Trias.
In addition, twelve of the thirty-two semi-finalists were given another opportunity when they were chosen for next Tuesday's wildcard round. Four contestants from the wildcard round make it into the finals. Remember that Clay Aiken, the runner-up in last year's competition, came out of the wildcard round.
Last night was the first night we watched American Idol without our kids. Our six year-old had decided on her own that it was too much staying up past nine o'clock. So, sadly, we watched the eight performances on our own. Then, over breakfast this morning, while they did not get a chance to vote, the girls watched and shared their number one and number two choices. The amazing thing is that our vote was the same as theirs. And even more amazing our collective vote was the same as America's top two choices.
Watching John Stevens perform Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman" (iTunes link) gave us goosebumps. His performance was the only one of the night that we wanted to re-wind and hear again. "I'd buy his CD right now if it was available," was one of the comments from the Peanut Gallery.
It was fascinating to get the same reaction from a 6 and 8 year-old girl as the parents and teenage au pair in the house. It was even more fascinating to learn that 28% of last night's voters all across America voted exactly as we had.
Personally, John wants to become a famous entertainer like his idol, Frank Sinatra. He also wants to become fluent in Italian.
Our other favorite last night: Jasmine Trias. Her rendition of Whitney Houston's "Run to You" (iTunes link) was more than good enough for us. Fortunately, as we had hoped, she was voted into the Top Two.
Tonight, three wild-card contestants were selected by the judges. Each judge got to pick one from last night's eight performers. Fortunately, Paula chose our third favorite: George Huff.
As much as we loved George, the consensus in this household of five was that John and Jasmine came out ahead. Regardless of what happens, we all think Huff should get a recording contract.
In addition, Huff ought to be able to make a lot of money impersonating Randy Jackson. After playing the tape back, all of us closed our eyes and listened to George's Randy Jackson imitation. What's up Dawg? George, you've got it down!
Tiara Purifoy was the last to perform on Tuesday's "American Idol," which many thought might work to the advantage of the 22-year-old former Miss Beloit Wisconsin. She did an upbeat version of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Judge Randy Jackson called it "the best performance of the night."
Paula Abdul suggested she was pushing her voice too hard. But she still turned it into "one of the strongest vocal performances, especially tonight."
Then Simon said, "It was all over the place," he said, calling her performance "a complete mess." He said she wouldn't survive.
"I'll let America decide that," she said to Simon.
In the end, America decided against Tiara but, in a surprise move, it was Simon who decided to vote her through as his wildcard pick of the night. Perhaps Simon does have a nice bone in his body.
The other good news is that Randy selected Susie Vulaca as his wildcard pick, giving her another chance next week.
Filling out next week's wildcard line up are:
- Jennifer Hudson
- Leah LaBelle (Vladowski)
- Elizabeth LaTendre
- Eric Yoder
- Matthew Metzger
- Marque Lynch
- Katie Webber
- Jon Peter Lewis
Four of these twelve wildcards will advance to the finals. Our predictions: Matthew Metzger, Katie Webber, Leah LaBelle and George Huff. Think differently? Let us know your views via the Comments link.
We wish all of thirty-two of the American Idol III contestants well. Of course, here in the Bay Area, we've become big William Hung fans. More than anything, we like his attitude, his humility and his desire to inspire the world. That he does, as do all of these kids!
Congratulations from the Rugged Elegance family to the American Idol family!
On a more somber "note," our hearts go out to Vernon Grissom's family. Grissom, who was Clay Aiken's estranged father, was buried yesterday at the young age of sixty-eight. Aiken's mother's second husband, Ray Parker was more of a father to Clay. Parker died in July 2002.
Related Articles:
KPUA.net, Mililani Teen Hopes to Become Next American Idol, 3/3/04
CBS 47, American Idol Star Clay Aiken's Father Dies, 3/3/04
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