In an emotional, often awkward show, the first four "American Idol" semifinalists were eliminated Wednesday, leaving 20 vying for the coveted final 12. But before we look ahead, here are some last words from those who are departing ...
Melinda Lira
The 19-year-old from Hanford, California, impressed Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul with Celine Dion's "Power of Love," but Simon Cowell had "seen performances like this on other shows." America agreed and eliminated Lira, who clearly showed her devastation as she stood speechless for several seconds before suggesting that she was at a disadvantage because she had little screen time during the prior rounds.
MTV: Did you intend on being so honest with your emotions and opinions if your name was called?
Lira: I didn't script anything. I just went with it. But I reacted the way I wanted to. I'm not afraid to say what I feel when I feel it. And people have been waiting to say what I said. I just didn't expect it. I was feeling positive about my performance and was really excited to come back and do a faster song.
MTV: Would you ever try it again?
Lira: No, no, no, no, no. I mean, "American Idol" gave me what I wanted. I'm not disappointed. It's an experience I'll take with me the rest of my life.
MTV: What's next for you?
Lira: When you wake up every morning thinking about singing, then that's what you're supposed to be doing. I've already gotten a lot of offers. This gave me the exposure I needed.
 |
||
 |
||
|
Complete 'Idol' Coverage | |
Jared Yates
The 18-year-old from Danville, Illinois, sang "How Could I" from his favorite artist, Marc Anthony, but the judges were unfamiliar with the tune and not impressed with his performance. "That was like some ghastly audition of a boy band, and the boy band didn't pick you," Simon said. In the end, Yates was the first guy eliminated.
MTV: Do you regret your choice of song?
Yates: I was eliminated, so I do now. They only gave us like 100 songs to choose from and there were a lot that had parts I could sing really well, but it was hard to find one that I could sing good all the way through.
MTV: Why do you think Simon had nothing to say after you were eliminated?
Yates: I don't know. Simon was the most supportive up until we went live. So that really hurt. That he had nothing to say was a slap in the face.
MTV: What's next for you?
Yates: I'm going to get back into music as soon as I get back and hopefully find a record deal. Actually, hopefully one will find me.
Sarah Mather
The judges wanted upbeat, and Mather gave it to them with the Motown classic "Get Ready," but Simon called it clumsy and forgettable and Paula thought the song was better fit for a chorus and not for showcasing one voice. The 22-year-old from Wilmington, North Carolina, was the second woman eliminated.
MTV: Do you regret your choice of song?
Mather: It's all about getting it cleared. There's a very small number of songs and I don't think people in the public understand that. I wanted to do something upbeat and I felt like I did a good performance. It didn't show off my range and I didn't have any good feedback from the judges, but I did the best I could.
MTV: Were you bothered by the way contestants were eliminated?
Mather: The way they eliminated Judd was harsh. That was real shocking. It's a TV show and they like to see emotion and that comes with the deal. I knew what I was signing up for.
MTV: What's next for you?
Mather: I'm going to New York. I'm just going to try and get some things going for me. I sing in a cover band and I love them, but now it's time for me to pursue my own career.
Judd Harris
"You're a definite entertainer, I think a lot of girls will vote for you," Simon said of Harris' rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band." Apparently, though, not enough did, and the 27-year-old from New York had the second fewest votes of the guys. And as if being eliminated weren't enough, Ryan Seacrest made it seem like Harris was safe and then surprised him with the news.
MTV: Were you upset with how you were eliminated?
Harris: It was awful. I had no idea it was coming, it was like a laser beam through the heart, but how they carried it out doesn't change the outcome of it, so I've been able to come to terms with it. We all knew what we were getting into. It is a TV show. I can't blame them for making the most entertaining show they can. ... Ryan never said we were safe, but he moved on so I thought we were safe, but in the back of my mind, I was not so sure. Still, nothing could have prepared me for that.
MTV: Did you consult anyone with your song choice?
Harris: Everybody uses their own judgment when it comes to song selection. It's important for the production staff that we make our own decisions because they're looking for someone who makes the right decisions. I talked to my brother a lot because he's a musician and has a band in the city, as I do, and has always been a musical mentor of mine.
MTV: Tell us about your band and what's next for you?
Harris: My band is called Visible From Space, and we do funk rock. [The] first order of business when I get back to New York is to get our songs tight and ready to go because I'm hoping there will be opportunities for us to get out there and maybe sign a record deal as a band. And I'm open to acting or modeling or anything that might come my way.
Comments