American Idol 3, March 31: The Motown Factory Defect

Ryan Seacrest welcomes us.

Intro the judges.

Ryan introduces the contestants.

We get a recap of last night's performances, which you can read in detail right here.

Now for the dreaded group number. Actually, there’s no need to dread; their performance of the Ashford and Simpson written “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is quite good. They sound terrific, a vast improvement from last week! John Stevens looks utterly unmotivated. Considering his miserable night last night, the poor guy was probably up all night. I heard from a source that JPL’s family is worried too, but Jon Peter looks as at ease as we’ve seen him. Curious.

Hey, you can buy an American Idol meal at Subway! The moment I see American Idol girdles, I’m cashing in my chips. We’ve heard the product sponsors were many this year. Oy frigging vay.

Right to the results. Last night, I predicted the bottom three would be: Amy, John, and Camile. And going home would be John Stevens. Motown is clearly, clearly, not his genre. This was going to be his albatross from the beginning; it was up to him to find a way to deliver a passable performance. It didn’t happen.

Fantasia Barrino listens intently to the critiques Ryan repeats, but is not in the bottom three. No surprise to me.

Jon Peter Lewis puts on a brave face, but you can see the worry in his eyes. I think he knows he hasn’t put his best stuff out there. He’s not in the bottom three. He says a grateful thank you, I’m still not surprised.

Jasmine Trias looks poised and lovely as usual. She redeemed herself, and she knows it. She also knows the entire state of Hawaii is voting for her. She’s not in the bottom three. George and Amy share a nervous glance.

George Huff looks anxious; it’s just his way. Hell no, he’s not in the bottom three. Please!

Amy Adams looks somewhat resigned, and when she is announced in the bottom three, she is not surprised. Motown is not for her.

Jennifer Hudson has been there before, you can see in her face, it’s starting to make her a bit angry. She is in the bottom three, and gives a “here we go again” look, but struts to the stage with moxie. I’m surprised, but Jennifer is taking it better this time.

Diana DeGarmo listens to her critiques. The camera kept cutting to her while others were hearing their verdicts, but the look on her face could only be described as disinterest. This is a competition, but she really needs to look at bit more… warm. Once it’s her turn, her expression turns a bit grim. She’s not in the bottom three.

Camile Velasco looks absolutely pained midway through the critique rereading. “Get it over with” is the way I would personify it. In fact, she shifts her weight slightly as if she’s expecting to be in the bottom three and is preparing to stand. She is not. Me: surprised again. How many people are in Hawaii?

LaToya and John are left. Ryan reads LaToya’s critiques. She looks smashing tonight! Ryan reads John’s critiques, and LaToya takes his hand as Ryan starts (see, Diana needs to do THAT). John looks like the world’s little brother, he looks so vulnerable.

But, before we get to the news, we need a music video (does anyone need these videos?). “Life Is A Highway” is the song, and a Ford commercial is the purpose. I’m a bit nervous. This is such a bizarre pairing – LaToya who has been classy and poised and has delivered excellent performances throughout, and John who laid a big fat juicy egg. Someone get Tamyra on the phone, it may be happening again!