American Idol 3, March 24: Serious Business

Ryan Seacrest welcomes us. He says there were record-number ratings last night and votes (over 19 million!). He also says that someone’s life will be ruined tonight. Such glee when he says that.

Intro the judges.

Ryan introduces the contestants.

Recap of last night's performances, which you can read in detail right here. Moving along swiftly!

Now, Kimberley Locke with her number one single, “8th World Wonder.” Ryan said it debuted at number one, it actually was at 78 last week, but that’s a hell of a jump. [Editor’s Note: It appears that it might have debuted at #1 on the sales charts. We’ll know more in the next day or so when the full charts become available.] Kim looks great, and sounds incredible! Such incredible power and control in that voice. Not bad for third place!

Ryan asks the judges what they thought of Kimberley‘s performance (like it matters). Randy said she’s hot, she knows she’s got it going on. Paula offers her congratulations. Simon thinks she’ll make it through to next week! I wonder if Kimberley was thinking about the time Simon told her to lose weight? In your face!

Right to the results. No hour-long show tonight.

Last night, I predicted America would put Jennifer, Jasmine, and Camile in the bottom three. The males have fan bases that are too strong for them go yet. Yet. Jennifer, in response to last week, and Jasmine, based on prior performances, would be sent back to the couch, and Camile, who just never seemed to get quite settled, would no longer have the opportunity to do so.

John Stevens - not in the bottom 3

Fantasia Barrino - not in the bottom 3

Matt Rogers - Bottom 3

LaToya London - not in bottom 3

George Huff - not in the bottom 3

Jasmine Trias - not in the bottom 3

Jon Peter Lewis - not in the bottom 3

Camile Velasco - Bottom 3

Jennifer Hudson - not in the bottom 3 (I was worried about her)

Diana and Amy are left. Neither of them deserve to be. In fact, I had them both at the top of my rankings! This is a bad sign for Matt Rogers, but for both of these ladies, they must be wondering what happened.

With this heavy drama, we have to go to the “Love Shack.” It’s another Ford commercial. It manages to be less cheesy than last week, but cheesy nonetheless. John Stevens has a red fright wig. I’ll let that linger with you for a moment.

Yeah.

The last member of the Bottom 3 is… Diana DeGarmo? Really??? Diana has nailed two great performances in a row, Amy has one now. Wow.

Paula, are you surprised? She says she is, but all of them should feel proud. Paula says she is shocked that Diana is there after that note. Camile should focus on having fun. Matt has a wonderful smile, it’s silly to be told not to. Simon says he’s not surprised at the two girls, and Matt “absolutely blew it” with his choice of song. It could have been his week.

Ryan quickly sends Diana DeGarmo back to the couch. This must have been a bit of the Tamyra effect. Or her personality. She is so cutesy, one e-mailer said she should be in the Miss America pageant. I kind of understand. She needs a little edge. No one likes a goody two shoes. I’m not saying she has to punch Paula in the face, but dial it down a notch.

So, Matt Rogers is left with Camile Velasco. On merit, it should be Camile going. She was better last night, but her discomfort was still present, and as Simon said, if you don’t feel comfortable, the audience won’t either.

Leaving tonight is… Matt Rogers. Aw crap. I liked him, but I can’t say I’m terribly surprised. Matt gives a warm thank you to the judges and America. Then, after his funeral video, as he sings “Amazed” he converts some lyrics to mention Simon and sings to him. A ham to the end.

We have to prepare ourselves, there are lots of likeable people on that stage. We will see them leave because there can only be one winner. Lots of heartbreak.

As for Matt Rogers, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him. I don’t know about singing, but he’d be a natural for Best Damn Sports Show Period. They hired Caldwell, they’ll hire him! With that personality, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him working for Idol! They hired Holt, they’ll hire him.

Farewell and good luck, funny man.

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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