Fame, Episode 9: The Final Four

The show opens with the contestants talking about how shocked they were that Alex got cut last week. Allyson really thought she was gone and couldn’t believe it. Serena and Brandon were both shocked, but Alex tells us “this is not the end.” Justin thinks he is still going to make it. The spoiler’s night was spoiled, and tonight, America makes its biggest cut yet. Three will go home and four will go on to the finals. Can you stand it?

Joey introduces Debbie who has “new” diva hair and a dress that is just barely there! She is so excited she can hardly speak, or at least not correctly. Out come Allyson, Shannon, Serena (great new hairdo), Harlemm, Moy (she’s got new hair too!), Brandon, and Tyce. The finalists are all done up tonight, suits for the guys and sequins for the girls. Good night for the hairdresser too! It’s a big night for everyone tonight, we are reminded. We are introduced to the judges quickly and are forewarned that they will have a few words at the end of the show.

Each of the contestants talk nice about the others and we see some clips. Allyson is impressed by Brandon and he likes her too. Serena loves Harlemm but Harlemm admires Tyce’s dancing. Moy thinks the top three are Serena, Harlemm, and… well, she obviously thinks she should be in it too, but doesn’t want to say. We go to break with promises of excitement yet to come.

Back from the commercial, Joey introduces us to Ricky Miner and the Fame band. They have done a great job. I have enjoyed the live element in this show and American Idol should make a note of this.

Now for the group number. Performing a medley of Motown hits, the girls in ultra-short sequined dresses start out with “Baby Love” and are joined by the guys in dark suits who slide into “I Can’t Help Myself.” Their singing is still weak, but they all look great. “Stop in the Name of Love” is next, and the girls strut while the guys hop in and sing “I Can’t Get Next to You.” Dancing definitely does great things for the ladies’ legs! Harlemm starts out “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and Tyce tries to show us that he really can “sang.” I keep thinking about the Idols and how much better their Motown medley was. Oh well. They finish up with a Fame flourish and a hoot from Debbie, who tells Diana Ross (who she knows is watching?), “That one was for you.”

Back from commercial, the finalists are onstage and (after the obligatory drumbeats) the first performer to move on is Serena, who sings “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” the Whitney Houston classic. She looks great in a black sequined top and pants, but there is something a little off with her tonight. She is oversinging it and… I don’t know; she’s good, but still, I think she is capable of better. She dances more this week and definitely has the stage presence going on, though. I love watching her family. Just seeing them smiling and dancing along with her always makes me feel good. Debbie points out Serena’s new hairdo and Serena says it’s a “major transition” and she does look great. Debbie tells us that Serena is going to tell us what fame means for her, but really all she says is that she loves doing this and it makes her feel good.

Back from the break, six remain. Joey reads their names (again) and Brandon gets a big cheer. One will move forward and one will go home. Allyson’s name is called. Joey is sorry. She’s going home. She says that’s OK and Debbie reminds Allyson that when she was younger, a teacher told her she wouldn’t make it in the business. She asks her how it feels to have gotten this far in the competition. Allyson is happy and says it’s been the best time in her life. She thanks everyone in Staten Island who helped her and waves to her mom and family.

The second performer who is going on is – boom, boom – Harlemm Lee. He is doing Madonna’s “Vogue.” Starting out on the floor, in darkness, he rises up with the music. As the beat picks up, the lights come up and he gets into the groove. He’s barefoot tonight in a rather interesting karate-type outfit. He scats and he raps (“I may be short, I may be bald, I’m 35 years old but I’m beautiful”) and finally strikes a pose! I love this guy. Awesome performance! Joey asks him if he is ever disappointed with a performance and Harlemm tells us he is always critical and that he loves to take risks. “Whoever thought a short, bald guy would do ‘Vogue’ by Madonna?” he asks. He wants to make everyone happy and entertain. You are sure doing that, sir.

We see a clip of Harlemm talking about fame. He doesn’t think about the material things that come with celebrity. Being onstage is his payoff. Fame is scary for him but he is ready to pay the price for it.

Back from another commercial, Joey reminds us (again) that it is our last chance to vote. Only two will move on to the final round. He introduces them yet again. Hey, Joey, we’re not morons; we know who they are! Joey calls Moy’s name; he’s sorry, but she is going home. Debbie says she is beautiful and asks her how she felt about her performance last week. Moy was confused by the judges’ opinions but shrugs it off. She is disappointed though and so am I. I really expected a lot more from her and I am actually feeling a little emotion here.