In the American Idol house last night: the tres "rugged elegant" host, Ryan Seacrest, along with "the man in black," Simon Cowell, our very own "darlin,'" looking once again stunning, Paula Abdul, and the even more relaxed than usual, wearin' his cowboy boots, "bling, bling," Randy Jackson.

Also in the house for the night's perforamce was our very own Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49er, Steve Young! Steve's response to Ryan's question on what it takes to become a champion: "It's all about harnessing the creative tension in performance; that's the big thing," he said. "Randy knows what I'm talkin' about; Simon, I'm not sure." Well said, Steve.

Tuesday Night's (March 22nd, 2004) Theme: Country Music

#1 - Diana DeGarmo

Sixteen year-old, Diana DeGarmo kicked off the night by "carryin' her dreams" and singin' Martina McBride's A Broken Wing

Randy called it her best performance. "I'm blown away; that was incredible," he said.

Paula believes Diana will win if there is a contest to see who can hold the note the longest. Our count of her final note tonight: 21 seconds. Paula high fives Randy when Randy responds to Simon's reaction. Simon tells Diana he's a little concerned that she's the product of being bred on a "pop farm." Randy reacts by saying, "Oh, I get it; so you mean, kind of like your being bred as an early child to be 'rude.'"

#2 - George Huff

Twenty-three year-old, George Huff grew up in the projects and found a place of peace through his music - at church. Ready to knock us dead, George sang John Michael Montgomery's "I Can Love You Like That."

While Randy didn't "feel" him, Paula tells George, "You have the sexiest voice ever." Simon resonated with Paula, but encouraged him to develop his own sense of style like Ruben Stoddard.

#3 - Fantasia Barrino

Singin' Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind," Fantasia Barrino is out to break the family's curse that her family's music didn't do anything good for them.

Randy's reaction: "Controlled. Unbelievably Great. You could sing anything."

Paula's response: "I loved you. You are a beautiful, elegant lady tonight." She added, "I love that you can be subtle and exquisite."

Simon said: "You've proven tonight that you are not a one trick pony -- which is good." "But I have a 'but,'" he added. My problem is...you're a middle-aged singer."

Fantasia's response to Simon: "I proved that I can get down with The Get Down."

The question we have: What's up with Simon massaging his temple with his middle finger?

#4 - John Stevens

Diggin' the female attention, John Stevens sang Roger Miller's "King of the Road."

Randy's response: "Even though you forgot your words, I must say I enjoyed you tonight for the first time. It was the perfect song and you sang it well."

Paula's response: "I'm proud of you. You covered up really nicely. You're becoming more seasoned each week." She also affirmed his unique style.

Simon's response to John's performance: "On the bright side, you only forgot the words in front of 30 million people." While Simon finds John to be "without question" the worst dancer, he said "I think you are great."

#5 - Camile Velasco

31 years ago the Eagle's first sang "Desperado." Last night, Camile Velasco got a standing ovation for her rendition of their song.

Unfortunately, adding a soul, R&B vibe into it didn't do it for Randy.

Paula loves Camile's voice. She thinks she did a great job. She also thinks she's beautiful.

We agree.

Simon's reaction: "You look great." However, he doesn't think she's conquering her nerves. Paula quickly disagreed saying, "I think you're finding your own presence on stage."

#6 - Jennifer Hudson

Last night, sporting a new do, Jennifer sang Wynonna Judd's "No One Else on Earth."

Randy said he digs her straight hair. So do we.

Paula said, "You sounded great." However, she feels like she is holding back on her real personality.

Simon said "I think there are better performers in this competition."

Randy's reaction to Simon, speaking directly to Jennifer: "There are five great performers here and you're one of them."

#7 - Jon Peter Lewis

Highly competitive and a highly charged goof ball, Jon Peter Lewis sang Kenny Rogers' 1979 "She Believes in Me."

Randy's reaction: positive

Paula's reaction: also surprisingly positive

Waiting for Simon to lower the boom, he says "America loves you." Even though he thinks he looks like John Boy from the Waltons, he couldn't say a negative thing about his performance.

#8 - Jasmine Trias

Hearing Jasmine sing last night makes us realize how good Faith Hill is as a performer. While Jasmine is beautiful and has a beautiful voice, Hill's "Breath," which was on the Charts for 16 weeks, did not translate for Jasmine into what we had hoped would be a star quality performance.

Randy's reaction: "Not your best." He found her song pitchy.

Paula also found her pitchy. However, since she's had such strong performances, she doesn't think it will hurt her one bit. In fact, Paula thinks she could very well be the next Pop Star.

Simon isn't so sure.

#9 - Matt Rogers

Showing the softer side to Matt Rogers, last night he sang a song by Lonestar called "Amazed" that was at the Top-of-the-Charts for 40-weeks.

Randy found it to be one of his better vocals. However, he's not sure the voice is American Idol material.

Paula is glad he is in-touch with that female energy. "You crooned tonight," she said.

Simon said: "I do like you." But went on to say that his smile and song he found to be a "sell-out."

Randy and Paula wholeheartedly disagreed. And Matt promises he's not going to stop smiling.

For an American Idol commercial break on-the-set, Joshua Gracin, former American Idol finalist was also in the house to pitch his single, I Want to Live along with his upcoming album which comes out June 15th. He said "As soon as I get my honorable discharge from the service, I'll be moving to Tennessee." In last year's competition, Josh, a country natural, Josh performed Garth Brooks' song, "Ain't Going' Down," which was next on the docket for La Toya London.

#10 La Toya London

Sporty and Girly, La Toya London (from Oakland) showed her stuff tonight ... so much so that she even had Simon clapping. Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Til The Sun Comes Up" was her hit song, and boy was it a hit!

Randy loved it.

Paula thought her performance was the most fun of the night.

Simon said, "That's what I was waiting for." He affirmed that she took a risk and it worked.

#11 - Amy Adams

Having toned down the hot pink hair, she moved the "hot" into her voice tonight. A natural Country singin' darlin' she sang Dixie Chick's "Sin Wagon."

Randy dug it. He agrees "You should be singing country music."

Paula said she chose a song that could be released tomorrow and it would immediately hit the top of the Country charts.

Simon, who admits doesn't understand this music, was speechless about her performance. He said, "I honestly, for once, don't have a clue what to say."

Celebrating the world of country, here is a sample set of one American family's top two-or-three:

Six year-old female, "I vote for Matt Rogers and the pen salesman! I don't have three. Matt has been my favorite from the beginning."

Eight year-old female, "I thought they all were great. But if I have to pick: Amy Adams, John Stevens and Matt Rogers. And I have to add 'JPL.' While it was Matt Rogers best night, I think he has the best connection with the crowd. I hope he gets to keep going."

Nineteen year-old female, "Amy Adams and La Toya London get my vote."

Forty-three year-old female, "Singing country, those who brought it home for me were: Oakland-girl, La Toya London and Country-natural, Amy Adams."

Forty-four year-old male, "My favorites of the night were La Toya London, George Huff and Amy Adams. The more I see of George Huff, the more I have the feeling that he may be able to win this. Frankly, I think it may come down to La Toya, George and Fantasia."

All of us are also rooting for the Hawaiian beauties. While both Camile and Jasmine looked stunning their performances didn't win us over.

For back-stage video clips, go to: IdolonFox.com

Tune into Fox tonight at 8:30pm/7:30c for the "live results show" when 11 contestants will become 10.

Inspire & Be Inspired (tm)

~Jennifer King

P.S. Would you like to hear last night's songs performed by the orginal artists? Check out our iTunes-enabled American Idol song list.

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