After an extensive investigation (using my yahoo search engine), I still do not know the cause of Paula Abdul's mysterious bandaged finger. Was it the product of a manicure malfunction? Or is it an elaborate disguise to hide a missing right index finger which was inadvertently bitten off by her cat??? hmmmm... whatever~
Being the ninth week in the competition, we're left with four contestants performing two songs each. Frankly speaking, I wasnt really looking forward to disco week at all; however, it did give me the opportunity to see Donna Summer in the flesh. She might have been the disco Diva but I didnt think she was ever that popular here in this part of the world. Evidently, my mom mistakenly thought she was Tina Turner... :p
Jasmine Trias
1. Everlasting Love - This started off fine but quickly became something short of horrific. Clay's version from last season was tons better~! On the plus side, jasmine ditched her jeans and looked skanky-er than ever in a body-hugging black dress. Have I mentioned before that she resembles Kelly Hu?? Well, she does!!
2. It's Raining Men - I much prefer Kimberley Locke's take of this weathergirls classic. Although slightly more tolerable than her previous performance, it validated once and for all, Jasmine's inability to sing fast-paced or energetic numbers. She could pull the high notes alright; but everything else falls flat.
Latoya London
1. Love You Inside Out - Latoya, as usual, was effortless but the song itself was uninspiring and boring. What could you expect from a BeeGees Disco classic anyway? But wait, could it be that Ms London herself, is the only boring entity here???
2. Don't Leave Me This Way - The opening bars of this song made me recall of Moulin Rouge instantly; however, the familiar chorus, which was phenomenally done, was reminiscent of bygone campy saturday nights in a gay bar. Muahahahaha. This performance was certainly more happening than the previous one but I cant help thinking there was something affected about the whole thing. Question: WHy is it that Latoya's smooth vocals, always make me think of hot cocoa??
Fantasia Barrino
1. Knock On Wood - I didnt really like this performance. Must be because it reminded me too much of that singlish phrase "touch wood", which was so over-used during my secondary school days by my cheena friends. Whatever the case, Fantasia was her usual distinctive self and there's no denying the star quality of this lady.
2. Holding Out For A Hero - Contrary to whatever the judges had said, I thought this was a brilliant rendition and definitely the best for the night. It might be a deviation from Fantasia's usual style but I felt that it was a welcome change; Latoya may have the advantage of versatility but Fantasia could make any song her own.
Diana Degarmo
1. This Is It - A new Farrah Fawcett hairdo with lighter highlights had certainly made a whole lotta difference. However, that flower-printed flowy thingy (aka. dress) did not successfully hide her.. erm.. curves. ;p This was a typical Diana performance to me; high notes, long notes and lung power all the way. Nothing special here.
2. No More Tears - Diana managed to top her first performance with this one; the breath-control on this girl is nothing short of amazing! nevertheless, I thought the judges' comments were overrated somehow. And why does Diana always sound like she's got a cold when she's singing slowly (i.e not shouting)??
Except for a couple of performances, I thought Disco Night wasnt as exciting as it should have been. To have Simon dishing out his critiques first before the others was sort of boring because Randy ended up shamelessly agreeing to whatever the former had said. Poor Jasmine looks set to get the boot this week but at this point, anything can happen so I wouldnt start counting the chickens before they're hatched yet. I must admit though, this season of AI isnt as thrilling as last season's. Perhaps the novelty has worn off...
