Thank God we didn't have to listen to Jon Peter Lewis sing "Copacabana." And what was up with the sound? Ryan looked like a bad actor in a B movie with the poorly spliced overdubs. With Barry Manilow in the house, most of the kids stepped it up once again. But have we been wrong about George Huff? Two bad weeks in a row and his stock continues to fall. Here's the order of how the final 7 performed last night, with odds of winning it all in May:
1. Jennifer Hudson
She gets better every performance. In the battle of the Black Divas, she takes the nod this week. Nice use of dynamics, starting slow and building to a climax fitting for her powerful set of pipes. She's toned down the facial expressions and has moved into a position to win this. "Weekend in New England" is perhaps Manilow's best song. Hudson nailed it.
Odds of winning: 5-1
2. LaToya London
Solid performance from one of the front-runners. She's consistent every week now. Thought she was a little over the top and had some pitch problems toward the end. Jennifer showed more passion and power. LaToya's got the vocals, the looks and the personality and has a good chance of winning it all. She needs to "bring it" every week and hope the fans agree.
Odds of winning: 3-1
3. Fantasia Barrino
Not her best performance. Fantasia is fantastic when she's sultry and mellow. Tough to follow her version of "Summertime" last week, which set the bar for this season. Her voice is so powerful that when she sings upbeat songs like "It's a Miracle," she comes across as preachy. Felt like I was sitting in the House of Blues at a gospel brunch. She's still the one to beat, but how does America choose between three Black Divas? It's going to come down to personality. Holding her baby? Yecch. This is "American Idol," not the presidential election.
Odds of winning: 2-1
4. Jasmine Trias (bottom 3)
Deflowered and delightful. Wonderful performance, perhaps her best. Clearly, she's singing for her life. Thought she hit every note with precision and liked how she stepped it up toward the end without overdoing it. Sang with spirit and oomph. Unfortunately, the bottom 3 is hard to avoid with the field narrowing down. She'll stick around at least another week.
Odds of winning: 50-1
5. Diana DeGarmo (bye, bye)
Very good. Not great. Thought she started almost too softly (I think her mike was turned on a few seconds into her song) but finished with a flourish. Manilow obviously did a nice job coaching her this week. She has a big voice and will grow into a fine singer. She's just not in the same league with the mettle. Could get the boot tonight.
Odds of winning: 75-1
6. John Stevens (bottom 3)
Is it my imagination or is this kid looking better each week? His tussled hair and boyish looks have drawn a fan base, which is keeping him in the competition. Thought he started well but sounded robotic in the middle and end. Tough song choice ("Mandy"), which requires a lot of emotion. Didn't really have it. Two decent performances in a row and (gulp) he actually had a better night than Mr. Huff. Kind of funny that he didn't know who Stan Laurel was.
Odds of winning: 125-1
7. George Huff
Another shaky performance. That's two in a row after vaulting himself into front-runner status. Thought he was flat throughout the song ("Trying to Get the Feeling Again") and hit some bad notes. I agree with Simon that he "made a mess of it." George needs to pick a great song next week and do his thing. When he's on, he's on. When he's off, he's really off. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in the bottom 3 tonight, but his fan base may keep him safe. It's just a matter of time. He really can't compete with the Black Divas.
Odds of winning: 15-1
Comments