'American Idol' Down to Final Vote
Posted on: Wednesday, 26 May 2004, 06:00 CDT
NEW YORK - Powerhouse Fantasia Barrino would seem a sure thing to win the third season of "American Idol" Wednesday night. But America has sent singers packing for reasons that seem to extend beyond talent, so perky Diana DeGarmo could capture the TV talent show prize.
The judging trio of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell practically crowned Barrino the winner after she finished the last of her three songs on Tuesday. DeGarmo seriously strayed off-key during her last song, and the judges were equally candid in telling her she'd blown it.
"I think you had one last chance to come and nail this competition, and I don't think you did," Cowell told the 16-year-old from Snellville, Ga.
But the judges don't decide the winner - America does, through phone and text-message votes.
Jasmine Trias made it to the top three in the Fox singing competition, even though fellow finalists Jennifer Hudson and La Toya London were stronger singers. Theories abounded as to why, from racism (Hudson and London are black) to personality (Trias is sunny and warm, London is not).
Jammed phone lines also have been a problem in allowing the millions of "Idol" faithful to make their voices heard. Fox hoped to remedy that by leaving the lines open Tuesday night for four hours - twice as long as usual - and by giving three different phone numbers for each finalist.
Thousands of people were expected at viewing parties at the Greensboro Coliseum near the 19-year-old Barrino's hometown of High Point, N.C., and at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, where DeGarmo's supporters were gathering.
The last one standing receives a recording contract and instant fame. On Tuesday night, Barrino and DeGarmo each tried out the song the winner will record: "I Believe," written by Tamyra Gray, an "American Idol" contestant from season one.
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On the Net:
http://www.idolonfox.com
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