American Idol 3, May 19: You Almost Had It All

Ryan welcomes us, saying tonight is the last elimination. On this hour show, we will get performances from Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, and newly-signed 19 Records recording artist and former finalist, Tamyra Gray.

Intro the judges, looking rather stoic. Randy is bursting through his shirt for some reason. Intro the contestants, nervous as usual

The recap of last night’s show is next, read all about it right here! Strangely, I’ve gotten emails from people saying they have seen what I’ve been saying about Fantasia. A couple others insist that there is a conspiracy that Fantasia is being shoved down our throats. Three weeks ago, LaToya was supposedly being favored by the powers that be, the last two weeks there was a rumor that Diana was being pushed. Now, after a hot night, Fantasia is being forced on us.

Let me state my opinion for the record. There is no conspiracy. The votes are what the votes are. Oh, yes, they have been unbelievable this year, but that is our fault. Every time we don’t vote, this is what happens. Spare me the conspiracy.

Ryan asks the contestants if they think they have done enough to stay in the competition. Jasmine says all she does is do her best to each week. Fantasia says she has fun on the stage, and every week she tries to do something different. Diana says she gives 100% every night and hopefully, America agrees.

Tamyra Gray, wearing what appears to be a sequined doily, is here to perform “Star,” a song she wrote herself. We see images of “emotional moments” throughout the season. Those moments seem to “star” Matt Rogers and Jon Peter Lewis. Miss those guys. All of the former contestants are represented. It is nice to see them again. As for Tamyra, she was not on her game. A lot of hollering, the sort that says she was having trouble hearing herself, and as singers tend to do when that happens, they sing LOUDER. It’s rarely a good result. She has another song to sell some albums, let’s hope it goes better.

Ryan tells us that Idol is on in 30 countries, including the first and reigning Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian. In Guy’s package, he is credited with selling more albums in one week than anyone in Australian history. His album is quintuple platinum! Wow.

Ryan asks Guy what advice he would give to the new American Idol. He says to “take it all in” because he doesn’t want to forget a single moment. He performs his “Idol single” as it were, “Angels.” He has a nice voice, the song is an Idol song (oy vay). Nice job.

Ryan shows us footage of when Jasmine went home to Hawaii. It was nuts, there was a huge reception at the airport, a huge reception at her high school, it was Jasmine Trias Day, there was a torch lighting, she did interviews, had an autograph session. Seems like everything was packed with people. She has really struck a nerve! I gotta give it her. Jasmine looked utterly agog at the whole thing. To send her off, only 8,000 people showed up! I just envision all these people hitting redial on their phones, and it all makes sense – and makes me nervous.

Ryan reads Jasmine’s critiques. (Why is she first? Oh no. Oh God no. She’s going to be safe. I tried to vote for Fantasia for two straight hours and couldn‘t get through. I felt confident, but now… not so much!) Results? Later. (Whew!)

Ryan is joined by Tamyra, who tells us that she helped co-write the Idol single, “I Believe.” Tamyra’s album comes out Tuesday (and you can buy it here), and she is performing “Raindrops Will Fall.” Same song as a few weeks ago, but she has albums to sell. Sounds remixed a bit, and improved. Tamyra is her normal self again, she is just incredible.