American Idol 4, February 9: Group Dynamics and Other Odious Beasts

Mario Vasquez, Jamar Jefferson (one of the "money" twins), and Anwar Robinson, give a spirited "Sugar Pie Honeybunch," which is a bit over the top for me, but the judges genuinely seem to enjoy it, yes all around!

The choreography-challenged trio of Janay Castine, Gina McFadden, and Natalie Weiss take their shot at "Mr. Postman." All three girls are singing well and trying their damnedest, but Simon says he sees no sparkle, other than around Janay’s neck. In spite of that, Janay is a solid yes. Gina is a split decision, but a yes. For Natalie, Simon says, "it didn’t go your way." Natalie says thank you and is gone before Simon finishes his short sentence. She calls "Ryan" and tells him she was cut. Poor thing.

Now the previously miserable trio of Matt Meyers, Danny Steward, and Scott Savol are due on stage. Scott tells us, scarily, "I’m ‘bout to blaze this thing, man!" (I feel compelled to call 911! I thought he was going to burn down the theater!) As they perform "Sugar Pie" (I’m getting sick of this song), Matt Meyes stumbles on his lyrics, Danny Steward picks up the ball and runs with it, and Scott does, in fact, blaze it! Yes for Danny and Scott, but sadly, Matt and his lucky teddy bear are headed home. Danny is effusive with praise for his teammates.

And, now, for something completely ridiculous, Aaron Kelly, Lamar Jefferson (the other half of the "money twins"), and Timothy Sauer, bring us... you guessed it, "Sugar Pie" (I’m gonna hear this song in my sleep!). Aaron is off-key and rolling his head around like he forgot his Ritalin. Lamar flubs his lyrics, even mumbling "I messed up" (even if you do, never show it!) and Timothy is like Marilyn Munster, made stranger for his inclusion with this group. Simon gives them a severe tongue-lashing, telling them they looked like fools. Lamar offers that they were having fun, and Simon tells him to enter another competition where that’s called for. Decision time – a decision Paula does not like. Someone is going home who she really wants to keep. It worked with Dezmond, but the going is tougher this time. Paula accuses Simon of writing a yes, but saying no. Simon denies it. Paula calls over Nigel Lythgoe (executive producer).

Ryan, in his best on-the-scene reporter whisper, says this has never happened before! Paula starts saying something to Nigel when Simon, red with anger, demands she "say it to my face!" Paula says she had to face Nigel because he was behind her. (True!) She then asks Nigel to come to the front (and it has become ridiculous). Paula says Simon can’t stand someone. (Is that your argument?) Nigel explains patiently that it’s still two to one. Paula looks resigned. Timothy Sauer is a yes, in a split decision. Aaron appears to be a unanimous no. Lamar (who I think the argument was about, and they call "Delmar" because I think the twins are "Delmar Jamar" and "Delmar Lamar") is also a no. Jamar is shocked. So is Lamar.

Simon offers Paula a make-up hug, as the contestants awwww. Of course, he makes stabbing motions at her neck as he hugs her.

The Zisa trio are still trying to hammer out those lyrics. Their positivity: unblemished.

It’s Jaclyn Crum’s turn with her trio. Considering her mother was in the hospital (confirmed with food poisoning), they haven’t had much time to rehearse. But Jaclyn, Rashida Johnson, and Faith Greenwood aren’t all bad. Jaclyn is as powerful as ever, reminding me a touch of Diana DeGarmo. Rashida is still battling that cold, but she is really good at using what voice she has left effectively. Faith is a bit weak in my estimation. Their "Sugar Pie" done, Faith addresses the judges. She tells them that Jaclyn’s mother was in the hospital and they only had today to work, so please, a little slack. Paula says they were great, so great, they are all returning tomorrow!

Not so true for an unnamed trio, one guy whose "Sugar Pie" he murders to the point of singing he "loves himself." Out.

Finally, time for the Zisa trio. The lyrics do not come as promised (they sing so few of them, I couldn’t tell you what it was really, not that it matters, so don’t email me). All three struggle mightily. Zisa, Kurtis Parks, and Jamie Paul Koehler look doomed. Randy says they sang so little, he has nothing to say. Michael says they took a risk with the song, because almost nobody else chose it. (What a perfect answer.) Simon says he feels sorry for them because they were conquered by a song and the judges liked all three of them yesterday, and he’s disappointed. So, he’s going to make a group judgment since they are all "in the same boat."

They are getting one more chance.

The trio can’t believe their ears. Kurtis is whooping loudly and jumping up and down. Jamie has literally burst into tears, which ignites some from John. They talk to Ryan, who asks why they think they were given a break. John says because they took a risk. Kurtis thinks the judges "saw something." Jamie is just relieved because he thought he let his team, and himself, down. But they live to sing another day.

So, the 96 are reduced to 72. These include Carrie Underwood, David Brown, Angel Hicks (the music teacher who came for her student, but she made it, he didn’t), Anthony Fedorov, Lindsay Cardinale, and others who weren’t featured today.

More tests ahead. Who will survive?

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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