WOW, what a night!! They really came back from a poor week last week, to remind everyone again that they DESERVE to be in this contest, and it DOES serve a purpose! Bravo, contestants!
There is a clear line drawn between the 8 final contestants. I'm not sure how to voice this opinion without possibly offending someone, so just let me quickly say that what I am ABOUT to say is in no way intended to offend or upset anyone. I am a die hard believer in all races and people being created equally, and I respect every person walking this planet the same as the next, regardless of any racial, religious, political, or ethnic backgrounds.
That being said, I feel there is a visible and vocal line drawn between the lighter skinned contestants, and the darker skinned contestants. George, Fantasia, LaToya, and Jennifer are just in a totally different league than Diana, John, JLP, and Jasmine. Don't get me wrong...Diana, Jasmine, John, and JLP ARE all good singers, but they do not come even close to being in the same catagory as the other 4. I really believe this competition is going to come down to the 4 outstanding darker complexioned contestants. Week after week this season, those four continue to improve and increase the competitive space between the 8 finalists. Honestly, if ANY of the four of them win, I'll be happy. All 4 deserve a recording contract, right here, right now.
I was pissed at the judges tonight for their comments to George on his performance. I thought he was WONDERFUL tonight. He did a fantastic job, took a song totally out of character, made it his own, and pulled it off beautifully. I was so mad I was ready to go to fox.com and suggest they add a new phone line...one to vote the judges OFF the damn show. Blargh.
I was also pleasantly surprised by Quentin (sp?) tonight. When I first heard he was going to be a guest judge, I asked myself "What the hell does a movie director/actor know about music and singing? Why wouldn't they choose a singing professional to guest judge?" Boy was I wrong. After tonight, I'd honestly be thrilled if they brought him on as a full time judge! He was full of superb comments, praise, constructive critisizm, and quite frankly, did an even better job than the other 3 judges. He made tonights show even better.
Fantasia...WOW! OMG what a performance! That girl never ceases to amaze and astound me with her vocal abilities. By far her best yet, and one of the best performances I have EVER seen in any season of American Idol! Jennifer continues to improve weekly, and put on another breath-taking performance tonight. What power she has. I don't think I've ever heard anyone pull off a Whitney song so well...especially considering how tough it is to even attempt Whitney in the first place! As I already stated, I disagree with the judges concerning George. I thought he was great tonight. And LaToya blew everyone away again this week. She is another one that continues to improve and make people take notice. A phenomenal four.
Tonight WAS one of the better performances I have seen from both John Stevens and John Peter Lewis, but still not good enough to carry them through to the end. John Stevens was better because he was able to do a song in his own genre, and that is where he tends to shine most. He is not verstile enough to pull off anything else, but when he can perform good old lounge classics, he really is quite good. John Peter Lewis seems to do better when he can put on a good fast paced, up-beat performance. He had a bit of a rock edge to him tonight, and it suited him well. He did a nice job with it. However, that sporadic funky chicken dance of his has GOT to go. Lord that boy has no rhythm.
As much as I love both Diana and Jasmine (they are both so damn cute and innocent and bubbly and sweet), I am afraid they both may have put the nails in their coffins tonight. Neither of them put on their best performances, and as tight as the competition was tonight, they NEEDED to be on top of their games. I am pretty sure we will be saying goodbye to one of them tomorrow.
Hmmm...I think that sums up my analysis for tonight...LOL
Mimi 😀