Anyone who thought tonight's special hour-long episode would be stuffed with more content than filler was sorely disappointed. By the end of the first half hour, we'd seen clips from last night's show, heard reigning American Idol Ruben Studdard shill for his new album and upcoming tour, and sat through Ryan Seacrest's verbatim recap of the judge's comments on the performances of the eight wild card candidates. In short, the first half of the hour was nothing more than a pitch for ratings. I'd wager that if most of America had known the first finalist wouldn't even be selected until the second half, very few would have tuned in for the fluff.
Nonetheless, Randy Jackson managed to kick the content portion of the show off with a bang by selecting Jennifer Hudson as the first wild card. Randy's choice wasn't surprising, given that he made it abundantly clear last night that he thought Jennifer was the best of the bunch. Jennifer also had the somewhat notable distinction of kicking off the flower-accessory competition tonight with one pinned to her lapel.
Leah LaBelle had kicked it off last night in a nod to Jasmine Trias' trademark flower-in-hair, and it worked just as well for her as it did for Jennifer. For some inexplicable reason, she was Paula's selection to enter the Top 12. I guess we'll have to wait to see hear bawl again until she's booted out in one of the earlier rounds of the finals.
Simon followed up Paula's surprise choice with another unexpected decision: he picked George Huff to advance. After his performance last night, George seemed to be a shoo-in, but Simon had not been too keen on him previously. In fact, he even commented his choice was made on the basis of "who America wanted to see." George brought the house down again with a rendition of Lean on Me even more powerful than last night's star-making performance.
Article comments
1 - Doug
What kind of crack have you (and apparently the rest of America)been smoking? JPL was horrible. His "dancing" was more akin to an epileptic fit and his voice was absolutely horrible. If JPL lasts past the second elimination I will be shocked and chagrined.
2 - TDavid
My kids were rooting for Jon Peter Lewis (I guess for the comedy factor?). I was surprised he made the group of twelve cut, but not shocked. It's still early yet in the overall scheme of things.
And I'm still not convinced that this group is as good as last year's groug, which perhaps is a sign that AI is starting to run its course. Maybe America only has so much talent willing to subject itself to AI exploitation?
BTW, did it look like Ruben had gained some more weight? Or was that just the bloating effect of TV? Outstanding voice, but I worry about that guy having a heart attack. He has like the Chris Farley makeup, sans drinking and drug use (as far as we know anyway) for an entertainer.
3 - Scott Pepper
This bunch may not be as talented overall as last year's finalists, but I think they have the potential to be far more entertaining (which could be what Fox is banking on).
As for Ruben, I'm not sure if he looked any bigger, but he seemed almost immobile for his entire performance--that can't be good, right?
4 - D Allen
Although I'm familiar with previous winners, this is the first season I’m catching the show.
Despite his middle-of-the-road voice and goofy dancing (which I'm supposing was purposely a goofy early-Steve Martin routine than really trying dance), I rooted for JPL. Or, perhaps it was *because* of the voice and goofy dancing. He provides a much needed off-the-wall character to a show filled with sugary "made for Top 40 radio" bubblegum singers. If the show consisted of 12 Kelly Clarksons for the next 12 weeks, it'd become stale.
But I surmise he won't last beyond the next 2-3 weeks. Once they come across a "serious" theme, he won't have that same comedic edge.
Same for the really good red-head kid who sings the Dean Martin material. He'll be successful in that genre, and should someday release a CD. But I'm guessing he won't fit in the poppy-rocky material that will come down over the next few weeks.
Leah LaBelle couldn't carry a tune. Bring back the girl with the scooter.
5 - Scott Pepper
I've said it before and I'll say it again: the whole thing will come down to a battle betwen LaToya London and Fantasia Barrino. Everyone else is fighting for third place.