No tears from Jasmine but harsh critique from judges
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By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
There were no tears from Jasmine Trias after her three performances on "American Idol" last night. Only smiles.
There were, however, more harsh critiques from the judges and another ultimatum from the acerbic Simon Cowell.
Jasmine Trias
Fantasia Barrino
Diana DeGarmo
While all three regular judges and guest judge Clive Davis, a giant in the music industry, heaped praise on Fantasia Barrino and gave Diana DeGarmo such a strong thumbs-up on her final performance that Cowell said it lifted her into next week's showdown of the top two, Trias received tempered praise at best. Mostly, she received straightforward criticism from Cowell, who told her after her third performance she "absolutely" had to go.
None of which seemed to faze Trias, who broke into tears last week after receiving harsh critiques. And when she survived the cut and judge-favorite LaToya London was eliminated, Cowell later said he believed part of Trias' popularity was a sympathy vote for the tears. Last night, he even took a little dig at the voting process: After Barrino finished one of her songs, he quipped that he was going to be "tactical" and, with a wink, he said it was the worst thing he'd ever heard even if the other three judges raved.
Clearly, Cowell believes DeGarmo and Barrino should be next week's finalists — with Barrino the winner. A strong endorsement, yes, but similar feelings couldn't save London, the previous favorite, last week.
If anything, the harsh critiques are hardening Trias without affecting her infectious smile.
"She's feeling good," said her father, Rudy Trias Jr. "She thought she was going to be nervous, but she was relaxed. She was happy with her performances, and I'm feeling great about it."
Each contestant sang three songs. One was their choice, one a judge chose and one was chosen by Davis.
'American Idol'
Wearing a high ponytail with an aqua halter and black mini, Trias opened the show choosing "Saving All My Love for You," and drawing a lukewarm response, at best, from the judges.
"It was good," judge Randy Jackson said. "It was not great."
Paula Abdul tried to remain supportive: "It's a tough song to pick, especially in this point of the competition."
Davis said Trias "did real well with it, and you captured the tenderness in the end."
And from Cowell: "Sweet, but forgettable."
Abdul picked Trias' next song, "Mr. Melody."
"I love when you just let go ... I like you singing up-tempo songs," Abdul said.
"That was a better song for you," Jackson said.
Cowell: "I think everybody's thinking the same thing: So what?"
Song No. 3, Davis' choice, was "All by Myself."
"I felt no connection with any emotions," Jackson said.
"I feel like you did much better this time," Abdul said.
"It came off striking," said Davis.
Cowell called third strike: "For me, it has to end tonight."
Barrino's stature as the favorite was solidified by Cowell's remark after her final performance: "What does it say behind you?" he asked.
She was standing in front of the "American Idol" sign.
