A day late and a dollar short, AI3 went to the movies tonight. Even an appearance by the always manic Quentin Tarantino couldn't save the show from a flood of uninspiring, mediocre performances. As usual, it was up to Fantasia and LaToya to carry the evening, and they both did so in grand style. While the dueling divas were as good as we've ever seen them, the potential fun and energy of the soundtrack theme was ultimately unfulfilled. This night should have been a chance for the singers to take it up a notch, especially in light of last week's overall sub-par show; the realm of movie songs is so vast that there were virtually unlimited choices. Unfortunately, most contestants stuck to safe, slow ballads that, while occasionally powerful, lacked the verve we've come to expect from this group.
THE WINNERS
What else is there to say about Fantasia? From the very beginning, she's been the contestant to beat. Tonight, she proved again that she is a star. While I don't think Summertime was the best choice for her, she made the song her own. She separates herself from the rest of the pack because she is a born performer. While there are good singers and even great singers in this competition, Fantasia is the only one who, even before the contest is halfway over, is already a star.
The only AI3 finalist who could end up giving Fantasia a run for her money is LaToya London. After a few rough weeks, LaToya rejoined the front runners during last week's Elton John show. She cemented her standing in the number two spot tonight with a Broadway-worthy version of Somewhere. While she has the same diva-like aura of Fantasia, she's not quite as edgy, and that's why she'll likely end as the runner-up later this summer.
JPL was back in prime form tonight. His "dance moves" were toned down, but his vocals were spot on. Jon gave thousands of pre-teen girls exactly what they wanted, and it will show in the votes tomorrow night. He may have even topped his previous Elvis performance with his version of Jailhouse Rock. Granted, Simon is still baffled by his appeal, but, like it or not, America loves Jon Peter. In the end, he could wind up in the #3 or #4 position.
Article comments
1 - I
You're all wrong about George Huff's performance. The only judge to say what needed to be said there was Quentin. He kicked ass on that performance, and I for the life of me can't figure out what people didn't like except maybe the song itself.
2 - Scott Pepper
Song choice is a big part of how well any of the contestants perform--this was not the right song for George.
On top of that, he was off-key for the beginning of the song and did not have the energy he's shown in past weeks. Not a horrible performance, but not particuarly good either.
3 - IluvIdol
I think it's funny when Latoya and Fantasia did well singing in their element (Soul week...and perhaps Motown), both got tons of praise. Neither were criticized for simply doing well in what they know best. But when John Stevens gets to sing in his element, people take away credit by saying that he was in his element. The rest of America did not just sit back and yawn, like you did. They enjoyed an AWESOME performance where Stevens got to show off his stuff. Truly America enjoyed Fantasia, John Stevens, and Latoya last night.
It's a travesty that with last night's performances that ANYONE thinks JPL was a winner, especially over John Stevens. I think people don't want to admit that that the 3 top performances, in order, were:
1. Fantasia
2. John Stevens
3. Latoya
The fact you think JPL was a winner over John Stevens shows to the rest of us that you really hate Stevens, although you know he has a great "classic" voice, and you are worried that his fan base could eventually bump a Jennifer Hudson, or even Latoya.
You are entitled to like/dislike whomever, but JPL was a winner and John Stevens was in the middle? That sounds like a very biased review of the show. Thanks.
4 - boomcrashbaby
It's possible to not be too big a fan of classic music and still be able to see that John Stevens is NO Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, or Perry Como.
5 - Eric Olsen
I thought it was a good night, the best in a while, and no one was bad for a change. I agree Diana should be the one to go. I've never liked her all that much as a singer and I agree with Simon that she seems old at 16 - she looks odd too.
I don't like the song, but I agreed with QT that George did it pretty well. In fact I think QT got every one right.
Fantasia is clearly in the lead now - she really is something - although I didn't think it was THE all time performance that some did. I have liked some of her others better, but she is an astonishing talent. I really like LaToya and George too - the others all have fatal flaws, but Jennifer Hudson is coming on strong.
Like QT said, I am not a Stevens fan, but he did a nice job last night. Now he has TWO entire performances that don't suck drainwater.
JPL is a likeable guy who should be in musical comedy or something, not AI.
Thanks Scott!
6 - Scott Pepper
I think the best thing about the night was having Tarantino there as guest judge. He really livened things up and gave genuine constructive criticism, which the 3 regular judges seldom do.
7 - Eric Olsen
"Time to get funky, Fantasia"
8 - Scott Pepper
"You are the geekiest rock singer since Freddie and the Dreamers!"