American Idol 4, April 6: Truth Is, It’s Something of a Shocker

Ryan opens the show, warning it’s the last show for one of our contestants. He tells us that Fantasia is back and then introduces the judges. We learn that 32.8 million votes were cast, another record for a non-finale show, and the he introduces the finalists. Before we go any further, however, there is the obligatory review of the performances. We get to hear Carrie, Bo, and Vonzell again, and as well as some of the judges’ comments, including Paula’s giddy gushing over Constantine. Nadia’s clip ends the review.

Ryan tells us that we have voted for the song “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” to be the charity single but that the votes were close enough so that all three will be released on April 19.

Our “reigning American Idol” is up next. Fantasia appears at the top of the set with the spotlight shining from behind so as to completely obliterate her head. It doesn’t matter. She breaks into “Truth Is,” and then makes a nice segue into “I Believe.” She sings it for the final nine, really, and it feels different in this setting. Man, let me tell you, she’s got it going on. Towards the end of the song, she runs right over to the finalists, and points at each of them as she sings, “You gotta, you gotta, you gotta believe.” It was masterful.

When she is done, the finalists stand (Bo is bowing), the judges stand, the audience stands, and I stand with them. I have heard her sing this song a number of times, and each time she does it a little bit different and it always seems to fit the setting. It never fails to move me.

Ryan jokingly asks Randy if Fantasia is safe. She is. Ryan congratulates her for selling over a million copies of her album. Then he asks her if she has any advice for the finalists. “My advice is to just come out here and act ugly,” she says, grimacing. “Have a good time, y’all.” She tells them that even if they don’t make it, it is like a door opening for them. She says that everyone from last year has a record deal. “Take it a run with it. Get out here and act ugly.”

Ryan introduces Ruben and Kimberly Caldwell (though the camera only shows Ruben), who are sitting in the audience and then tries to get Fantasia to feed him the “after the break” line, but she muffs it. Go figure.

This week’s Ford commercial has the gang singing “Everybody Got Their Something.” I have to say, the commercials are a lot better this year. But, at this point, we really don’t care about the commercials, do we?

We return for results. Ryan starts with Nikko, who is sitting on the left side of the couch on the top row. He reads the judges’ comments, and then surprises everyone by telling Nikko that he is in the bottom three. The audience boos. Vonzell is next. She is smiling nervously during the reading. Another surprise. She is also in the bottom three (say what?). The audience boos louder. I am having a Jennifer Hudson flashback. “These are your votes, America,” Ryan says.

Scott is next. American voted, and he is in the bottom three as well. Again, the audience boos. After this interesting change-up, Ryan turns to the remaining six and asks Bo, “Are you shocked that you are not standing in the center of the stage?” Apparently Bo had been very nervous all day. Bo is slumped over, and says that he is more shocked about the three that are standing up there. He says that he could have done better at his performance and explains it wasn’t his “gendre.” No, you don’t say! He says he is stunned.

Ryan asks Anthony how he feels. Anthony says that he agrees with Simon’s assessment of his performance as being “hideous.” He thanks his fans. One of the three will be put out of his or her misery… after the break.

Before we find out who is spared, Ryan asks the judges what they think. Randy says he thinks America might be a little confused because two of them were great. Note, he says two. Paula is diplomatic, saying that they all are deserving of a contract. Simon still thinks this is a fair competition. He disagrees with Paula and says winning is important. Simon believes the public agrees with him.

Ryan turns his attention back to the threesome and says, “Scott, Nikko, stand right where you are.” Vonzell is safe. Scott hasn’t cracked a smile since this started.

Before the name is read, Ryan asks Nikko what happened to put him in this position. Nikko says that the theme was tough on all of them, and he feels blessed to be there. Then Ryan asks Scott if he expects to go home. “I just expect that whatever God has in store for me is what’s gonna happen,” he says. “I take my advice that Paula gave to me on a necklace that says to embrace your imperfections ‘cause none of us will ever be perfect. We all learn every day.” He says that he doesn’t look at this as a downfall. “Whatever will come is just another step,” he finishes. He’s definitely ready.

With that, Ryan has the results. “Scott, you are… safe.” Wow. I don’t think even Scott saw that one coming. Nikko puts his arms up and Ryan tells him he’s sorry to see him go. Nikko says, “You’re gonna see me again.” His “memorial” video airs, and Nikko takes it like a man. Nikko gets about ten seconds to sing us out and the show is over.

Whether you like Scott or not, you have to admit that he has some dedicated fans. They had to have voted their fingers raw last night to keep him going. Although I thought Anthony should have gone, once Scott got up there in the bottom three, I figured he was a goner. Three strikes and you’re out, Mr. Savol. You have another chance to show us something great. Now get to practicing! As for Nikko, well, he wasn’t going to win it, but I will really miss his style and positive vibe. It’s been real, kiddo. Good luck to you.

Donna Reynolds is an Assistant Editor for the RealityNewsOnline family of websites and a freelance writer based in Syracuse, NY. She is also the creator of “That’s Entertainment,” a weblog on syracuse.com. Whether you agree or disagree, Donna welcomes your comments, and you can email her at foxydonna@earthlink.net.

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