It was supposed to be Syesha’s night. After all, it was the axed Floridian’s last chance to shine on “American Idol” after a meteoric rise to third place that no one expected.
But here we are, the top two “American Idol” finalists decided after four intense months, and yet the buzz following Wednesday night’s elimination show centered not around the impending David showdown, or on the ouster of Syesha Mercado, but an over-the-top performance by an “Idol” winner from four years ago.
Fantasia, the passionate, raspy-voiced single mother from North Carolina, to this day is arguably the edgiest “Idol” winner ever (Taylor Hicks and his premature head of gray hair don’t count). Tonight, however, she truly outdid herself, bursting onto the stage with a head of fire engine red hair and three backup dancers and delivering a high-energy performance of her song “Bore Me.”
The performance immediately sparked a lively debate on the Web over whether Fantasia was back to her magnetic self or had completely lost her mind.
“I loved it…it was FUN and CRAAAAZZZY! I was up dancing!” wrote one fan on the “Idol” forums, while another said: “What was all the screaming about? That’s talent? She’s lost it.”
Many viewers commented on Simon Cowell’s slack-jawed stare during Fantasia’s performance, saying he couldn’t have made his feelings any clearer.
On YouTube, where several versions of the performance were posted following the show, one viewer panned the performance, but admitted to being unable stop watching the video.
“For some strange reason beyond my own comprehension I can’t stop watching the vid!!! It’s like deep down inside I want to punish myself for all the mistakes I did in my life by watching this freakshow!”
Isn’t that what reality TV is all about?
For more on the elimination show, click here.
Trackback
82 comments so far
i could not understand a word she was saying….even my closed caption couldn’t pick up the words…simon’s look was hillarious
- Posted by annI agree with simon, fantasia’s performance was out there. I couldnt believe that she was on national tv. I was almost embarrassed for her. I always liked her before, what has happened to her? Is it just me that didnt get it or what?
- Posted by kimberLove the pic of Simon Cowell. Us Brits, we’re so…. dour….
David
- Posted by Adsense StrategistThe Adsense Strategist
http://adsensestrategiesadsense.wordpres s.com
Idol audiences have gotten to be so old fashioned, caucasian, and middle of the road conservative. How else can you explain the best singers being voted off so early in the contest and Jason Castro making it to the top 5. Chikezie certainly should have been top 3.
Fantasia rocked! She did a 21st century Tina Turner and entertained the heck of people. Of course Simon wouldn’t understand it, but she’ll sell tickets to that show.
- Posted by tanmackWhat was wrong with the performance? I thought she did an excellent job entertaining the crowd. Music is not about singing anymore its about entertaining. Half of the people on the radio cant sing.
- Posted by tamFantasia looked like she was let loose from the jungle The screaming throughout the song was entertaining in a bad way.
- Posted by mdmfantasia is just fun to watch. she’s a compelling force that you can’t ignore. i loved watching her last night and even if i couln’t name that tune it was the livelist 4 minutes of this entire season on american idol. i love her no matter how messy and outta tune and outta step. the girl is on fire and knows how to put on a show. i was smiling the whole time she was up there. and when she left the stage the show went back to sleep!! thanks fantasia for bringing a little excitement back to the show, you are sorely missed.
- Posted by mariaGo Tasia!!!!
I’m not a big Fantasia fan and I loved this performance. The “critics” need to realize that Fantasia is no longer an American Idol contestant, she is a superstar now with an album and concerts that she has to pull off. Who would go to her concerts if she just stood there like and American Idol contestant? She has to stand out and make it interesting. There’s a difference between being a contestant and an entertainer. She actually reminded me of Tina Turner.
- Posted by petitelady[…] Source: We have a final two, but Fantasia dominates “Idol” buzz […]
- Posted by Video: Fantasia on American Idol 7 “Bore Me” 5-14-08 - Shallow NationFantastic. High energy, high soul, she was completely entertaining! I’m a 40 yo white guy, I loved it.
- Posted by ritethat was a hot mess. tina turner? Please! tina could dance and sing! it was bizarre. weird hair, a bad cat suit that made her look fat, the dance moves were crazy and the song! my god pick a good song. and what was with the guy in the balcony? It was terrible.
- Posted by nopeI totally loved Fantasia last night, too! Her natural and exuberant energy, her performing talent, her originality and stage presence. She was awesome crazy FUN!!! She made the show worth watching. Otherwise, it would have been one of the most boring Idol nights ever. I really think Fantasia saved the show last night and gave everybody a lesson of what a true Idol should be about. I enjoyed every second of her performance!
- Posted by MariangelaIt was hideous. Music SHOULD be about talent, not how “entertaining” one can be. I’d like to hear some quality vocals for a change. I never thought Fantasia could sing, and now I am sure of it.
- Posted by yuckDavid Cook has to win!He’s so tallented he can turn any song into his style of music!David A. on the other hand has to go!Not tallented at all.He’s way to limmited.and what he can do is awaful.
- Posted by ShannnonFantasia was HORRIBLE!!!! That was the most “NO TALENT” thing I have witnessed in years……It was like she was performing some sort of crazed VooDoo dance while screaming at the top of her lungs. Please, Idol producers……..NEVER AGAIN!
- Posted by DeeFantasia rocked last night! I don’t get what some of you are talking about. The song was so different and high energy and she never missed a beat! I’m tired of the same old cookie cutter singers. And yeah, who was that person in the balcony? Totally random.
- Posted by AJCShe is the next Tina Turner.
- Posted by Pammy wife and both love fantasia, but we looked at each other and said what is she singing, can she scream any loader, I had to hit the tivo fast forward it was so bad.
really that was the worst proformance I have ever seen her do.
- Posted by davidI thought she [Fantasia] looked like Nell Carter and sounded like James Brown.
- Posted by ElizabethWow, that was not dancing, nor singing. Yes she has put some songs together that were really good before, Why did this happen?
- Posted by ElaineAfter the previous nights snoozer of performances- I enjoyed Fantasia livening things up- it was by the far the best performance over this whole very boring season- stars and idols included.
- Posted by kojer1Good God, y’all! A female, 21st-century version of James Brown! Half the time I can’t understand the words, but her hips definitely don’t lie. Fantasia has always been my favorite Idol. She does what she does and is totally energy. I am in awe of her wild, crazy talent.
- Posted by SusanI thought is was a fantastic performance, Fantasia rocked. All I was doing afterwards was trying to find the song to pick up. Talk about showing the contestants how to perform and just be yourself, different, current and a pure diva!!!!!
- Posted by WaelI had to turn the channel, it was just too painful to watch. By doing so, I guess I missed Simon’s expression, I guess I should go to uTube and watch it for that. I too felt embarrased for her, the singing, the hair, that horrible outfit and the sleezy backup girls with flapping butt cheeks, man on man - it was bad.
- Posted by barbaraBTW, David COOK will win - he really rocks.
- Posted by barbaraWhat a piece of crap! It’s like she was possessed by demons. How anyone could compare her to Tina Turner is beyond me - Tina has talent - Fantasia’s performance was awful.
- Posted by BrendaLOL, Well, She is a star now!!!!!!!!!!
- Posted by Hip-Hop MusicShe looked like a chicken strutting around up there. And she only sang or screamed only half of the song, she was mostly jumping around and walking like a chicken. I am still suprised that they thought it was good enough to put on TV. It was terrible!
- Posted by AuzyPeople who criticizes other always means they which they could do it themselves, Fantasia performing was great, we have the right to look the way we want too.
- Posted by adeleI thought she was slammin’! Compellingly watchable, totally entertaining. She was awesome. Get over yourself, Simon. You may have a talen for picking talent, but even though you love to claim that you’ve had more #1’s than Elvis, you don’t actually DO anything musical.
- Posted by NettieHaters! Fantasia is definitely on her way to becoming a big R&B star…not necessarily the little mainstream pop star that so many of you expect AI winners to be. That was a hot performance. The song is going to definitely be a hit. She looked like she was channeling Tina Turner with a little twist of Patti LaBelle thrown in for good measure.
- Posted by Jahaii was cracking up watching her “performance”. I like different music too, but that was ridiculus! She was screaming, not singing, with a lisp from her braces. She looked and sounded terrible. Did anyone notice her dancers in the background with their butt cheeks hanging out of the bottom of their dresses when they danced. It is a family show after all. Simon’s face was priceless!!
- Posted by laurenTanmack wrote: “Idol audiences have gotten to be so old fashioned, caucasian, and middle of the road conservative.”
I’m not just old-fashioned; I’m old….I have to admit to being caucasian….and at my age, middle of the road is the safest place to be.
And I LOVED every second that Fantasia was on that stage. This season of Idol has been a snooze-fest. She came out like a bolt of electricity! The energy was sooo exciting.
The past couple of seasons have been so DULL and VAPID (Katherine McPhee anyone??) it’s no wonder Simon looked stunned. Poor baby just got woken up out if a two-year nap.
- Posted by TardisJockeyYes, her hair was a mess, and yes, there was a lot of jumping and screaming. But don’t you know it, I could not keep my eyes off that performance and watched it over and over. It was exhilerating. It was a PERFORMANCE, and it sure as heck entertained.
- Posted by SeanI LOVED Fantasia’s performance last night. Thank Goodness that someone came and breathed life into the most BORING Idol show in history. It has been a SNOOZEFEST ALL YEAR. These people don’t have HALF the talent as of last year. There was a competition! Fantasia shook things up, and I loved the dancers! You all are dissin’ her, and she’s going to the bank because she is a HELLUVA Entertainer and she’s Blessed whether you care for her or not. And Archuleta — ugh — he is plain vanilla. My vote’s for David COOK!
- Posted by YelothndrShe was FANTASTIC !!!!!
- Posted by Beth MonroeShe was HORRIBLE when she was on A.I. and she was even more HORRIBLE last night!! I couldn’t make out a word she said and her “dancing” if that’s what you want to call it was horrid. She looked like a rooster looking for a hen!!
- Posted by AmandaThat was the worst performance that I have ever seen. She sounded like a cat in heat. My close caption couldn’t even pick up the words…..Simon’s face said it all!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Posted by Non Fantasia FanFantasia and singer, star or talent in the same sentence is comical!
- Posted by MikeThat “performance” was pitiful! She couldn’t win a spot on AI today if her life depended on it!
She should be flipping burgers and stay off the stage.
She has absolutely NO TALENT!
That was the most horendous attempt at singing I have ever witnessed and Simon’s expression echoed MILLIONS of people who know crap when they hear/see it!
Well, it was certainly memorable. I have to agree with whoever said they can’t seem to stop watching it as I can’t seem to either. lol. I loved Simon’s face! Oh gosh, that was classic. Wonder what he would have said if he had been asked his opinion. “Fantasia, that was utterly atrocious! Pack your bags!” Me thinks he did not watch rehearsals. lol.
- Posted by amyOn a sidenote to whoever brought it up: Jason Castro made it to the top 4, not 5 (and I liked him). Everyone is entitled to their own style. And lets not bring race into this…it’s old, used, and it’s ridiculous in the face of all Fantasia’s (and others like her) success.
WOW! I was blown away by her performance! It was unbelievably great! It was too hip and out of the box for the old judges, but she blew the roof off!
- Posted by ChrisFantasia sang? Sorry, didn’t see that part. I did see her up there yelling in between her backup vocal group though. They sounded great!
Certainly it was interesting and strangely entertaining, but she didn’t sing, folks. The backup girls did and they danced and sang much better than she did.
- Posted by pjFantasia looked and acted like a giant rooster choking on some bad feed. But at least she wasn’t boring, which is more than can be said for the rest of the show.
- Posted by Steve in Caliwhy did America vote for Fantasia I do not know,,she cannot sing but she can sure SCREAM!!
- Posted by maryFantasia! Fantasia! Fantasia! I am definitely an adamant fan of hers. But last night, I promise you I couldn’t understand a word she was saying. My husband has never been a fan, but I always have and last night I was just disappointed at what I saw and heard! Her hair was a mess, too much makeup, her whole appearance was just a hot, hot, mess! And when I saw Simon’s face I could see he was thinking like millions of others. What is she doing and what has happened to Fantasia? It’s like she’s going through a really bad time or something. But out of all the performances I’ve witnessed, this just didn’t work for me. But I will still always be a fan of Fantasia’s.
- Posted by PatI stayed up late so I could watch Fantasia over and over on Tivo. She was an AFRICAN DANCE GODDESS!!! Tina Turner would be thrilled and flattered to have Fantasia’s performance compared to hers. The musical complexity even reminded me of Frank Zappa’s virtuosity during his live concerts. What I could catch from the words was a song about finally dumping her ladies’ man abusive boyfriend, a total F.U.! The unidentifiable man in black singing from the balcony was no Romeo. He the archetype ladies man that she turned her back on and said, “You BORE ME!” So if you were looking for white bread elevator music for Leo and Kate, you are on the wrong ship. Personally, I thought Cowell’s face was more an expression of drop jawed amazement at Fantasia’s performance. Don’t forget, he named her as his favorite American Idol a few shows back. FANTASTIC FANTASIA!!!!!
- Posted by LaurieJudging from the look on Simon’s face, I don’t think Fantasia will be invited back anytime soon. I will say that it was the most exciting moment of last night’s show which was a borefest.
- Posted by G-moneyFantasia brought LIFE to that Godforsaken stage! I applaud her for that. It was a very entertaining performance.
- Posted by A.I loved her!! I didn’t understand every word either but I don’t think they were meant to be. The energy, the moves, her presence - it was all so intense that I am sure I had the same face that Simon did. I think y’all are misinterpreting his reaction to be honest. There was never a moment in which she let the energy drop! Fantasia really did liven up the show regardless if the performance is your cup of tea or not. Fantasia will always be my favorite Idol and she will have a long career. God Bless ‘Tasia!
- Posted by DavioFantasia was absolutely BLAZING! She is a force of nature! She is taking no prisoners! I liked her before, but now I’m in love!
- Posted by skylightsShe was amazing — the name Tina Turner also came into my head, as well! You go, go, go, girl!
Simon has to realize that singers aren’t all just pretty song birds. Fantasia represents a wonderful brash American form of crazy showmanship. (show womanship?)
Hey, I couldn’t understand all the words either, but it was the most fun moment of the night!
- Posted by sfrunner70Fantasia was amazing last night on Idol. She rocked the house - took over the stage and she didn’t miss a note or a dance step. The most amazing thing I have seen since her performance at the Tony Awards. She was as red hot as her hair.
- Posted by Mary AnneI watch American Idol because my mother is visiting and she likes to watch it. I grew up in the 70’s and my favorite artists were the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, Guy Clark and Carly Simon — very diverse to say the least. I don’t know alot about Fantasia but I know talent when I see it. This lady is a pure entertainer! I was mesmerized. Keep doing what you’re
- Posted by Celiadoing Fantasia . . . not everyone will “get you,” but your unique gifts are noticed and appreciated by many of us!
Sad as it is I always knew performance “enhancing” drugs would one day find there way to the Idol stage. More shocking is that it wasn’t Paula who brought them there!
- Posted by TGOOOmIT WAS A HORRIBLE PERFORMANCE. COULD NOT UNDERSTAND ONE WORD SHE SANG/SHOUTED. HER DANCING WAS OVER THE TOP. THE BEST THING OF ALL WAS SIMOS FACE, THAT WAS PRICELESS AND WORTH A MILLION JUST TO SEE HIS FACE.
- Posted by sueWHAT WAS SHE THINKING!!!!!
As much as I never cared for the girl or any of her music, I thought it was a great performance. I just bought my first Fantasia song. The beat was great and even though I couldn’t understand a thing she was singing, how many songs can you actually understand anyways. As a 44 yr old white male growing up listening to Led Zep, Pink Floyd and the likes, what in the hell were any of them singing about? She entertained, and that’s what it’s all about. ENTERTAINING!
- Posted by DeanOne more thing, after two weeks of Beatles, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Neal Diamond and the crappy song selections by the producers, I mean who in the hell are they trying to appeal to? Have the producers forgot who their fan base is? They need more stuff like Fantasia and up to date music. There is a reason why Artists don’t make music like they did in the sixties anymore, no one buying music likes that crap. Remember last season with Hermans Hermits, give me a break! Obviously Simon had something to do with that. This is the USA, sign American Artists songs!
- Posted by DeanI loved fantasia when she was an idol contestant, but last night’s performance was just wierd. It just goes to show that you can take the girl out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of the girl. However, I have to admit I kept rewinding to watch it over and over like slowing down to stare at a car wreck.
- Posted by KimWOW!! FANTASIA!! WOW!! YOU’RE SMOKIN’ SIZZIN’ SMACKIN’ HAWT!!
- Posted by Accidental TouristFantasia was outrageous and totally entertaining. A female James Brown. I smiled the whole time she was up there. You don’t have to love her, or her singing, to appreciate such an energized show. This is HOLLYWOOD, not classic opera. Only the priggish and non-funloving would have not been entertained. WTG Fantasia, you keep being yourself!
- Posted by hamijHell, that was awful! I liked her when she was on Idol, but I had no clue what she was singing, really. I think Simon’s face said it all. He must’ve been thinking, “THAT won this show?!”
- Posted by SarahI’m in the LOVED IT category! I watched it back three times. I loved her dancing, and the backup girls! It was way more entertaining to watch than this season’s contestants are.
- Posted by Tiffanyhey y’all!!!! The only time that I got so excited over Idol this season was Fantasia’s performance. My entire family was so blown away and I must say that she really made a big impression. That was the most awesome performance ever by an Idol!!!! Period. She may not be skinny and pretty and not a Mariah Carey but her big personality on stage made her a true star. She made a very sincere performance and the energy that she put into it made every viewer so important and special. She made me feel so good after her performance that I wanted more from Fantasia. Now that’s the show…. not all the mediocre craziness that’s happening so much lately with the not so talented idol contestants. This season actually made me look dumb.. still curious who’s gonna win… but I can only hope and pray that the deserving contestant wins! More Fantasia please!!!
- Posted by Luisa MarshallThank God for Fantasia. Always watchable, entertaining and never boring
- Posted by Daniel LimThat was one great performance. Those that didn’t get it. Too bad, because that was homeage to James Brown, reminicent of Janis Joplin. So refreshing not to have the same cookie cutter performer . I was totally entertained , we haven’t had that in a long time. Long live James Brown!!
- Posted by caroleFantasia and I have alot in common. She has and always will be my girl no matter what. There is nothing wrong with trying new things. Simmon was looking like that because he probaly was shocked by her hair color. He was expecting a more touching performance from Fantasia. He really believes in her. Fantasia keep up the good work, reguardless of what folk think of you! You got money now, use it how you see fit.
- Posted by Jada HowardFantasia did not sing, she screamed/mumbled every so often. Her back-up singers should have won IDOL.
That had to be the worst performance on American Idol ever!
Actually Fantasia has always had the most grating voice, and her win - well!!
Syesha, Carly and every girl/guy in the top 10 for the last 2 years YOU all walk on this rubbish.
- Posted by coralie broadhurstFantastia’s dreadful performance of “Summertime”, won her IDOL. What a shame so many American’s have not seen/heard this classic, actually sung, NOT screamed.
How come everyone says “I agree with Simon”…we don’t know what he was thinking. They caught some shots of him with a weird face…but they also showed a clip of him smiling and clapping at the end of the performance. I think this whole “Simon” looks disgusted…is just for what it is…to get everyone talking.
- Posted by papahAwesome performance. You bashers ‘don’t get it’ as stated above. Simon loved it. You should love it.
- Posted by AveryzHey, I totally agree with papah! In fact, wind back your tape to where Fantasia is working the audience and she passes near Simon. There’s a shot of the side of his head and you can see his bulging, smiling face cheeks. Jeez, can we form our own opinion whether or not Simon approves anyway? The producers got their money shot, I’m telling you.
- Posted by EllieFantasia was amazing. Made me think of James Brown - same kind of raw energy.
- Posted by lisaThe viewers got what they deserve. Just because you can scream or hold a note for 10 minutes does not mean you are a great singer.
- Posted by BenI LOVE FANTASIA…..
- Posted by cd hudsonSHE IS BETTER THAN 2 FINALIST…
I keep telling people she reminds me of chris tucker in drag. Like his role in that movie with bruce willis called the fith element I think. That performsnce on Idol just reinforced my thoughts
- Posted by bmrFantasia singing??????? o my God, this girl scared the daylights out of me and my husband, running around the stage like she was possessed and screaming on top of her lungs, please —never again
- Posted by Yola94I don’t even watch AI anymore so I had no idea about Fantasia’s amazing performance! I was just pondering on why I stopped watching the show–it just hasn’t been the same since Fantasia won. She really set the bar high as far as the type of TRUE entertainment Americans are yearning for.
When they announced this year’s finalists, I shut off the TV in disgust. Nowadays, it’s all about looks and teenie boppers. Talent is simply an afterthought. Not to mention, the producers continue to place weak minority contenders on to soften the competition.
Anyway, thanks for posting the link
- Posted by SoniaUnfortunately I was out of town and missed A.I. and only found out 3 days later that Fantasia was on the show. I happen to catch the look on Simon’s face and wondered what the song sounded like, or did she perform some lewd act or what. I read comments, and most of them were great and I finally googled the performance. I agree with one writer that Fantasia is not on A.I., she is a singer and performer. She’s always performed with zest, and since she’s doing what she’s always loved to do, she makes sure she entertains. True, some of James Brown’s words you couldn’t understand, but he was definitely “Godfather of Soul”. Tina Turner and her dancers were energetic as well. I love Fantasia and while watching the performance I had to say “You Go Girl”.
- Posted by Berlena StatonI LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE…MAN FANTASIA IS HOTT!!! SHE IS ONE OF THE BEST… AND I AM SHOCKED AND IN DISBELIEF AT THE AMOUNT OF HATERS….YA’LL NEED TO REALIZE THAT THIS GIRL IS BLESSED AND ANNOITED..SHE WILL STILL BE HERE TOMORROW DOING HER THING WHILE ALL YOU HATERS ARE SPEAKING THE SAME HATE….. SIMON,,, ITS TIME FOR YOU TO SIT DOWN ANYWAY,,,, FANTASIA MADE ME EVEN WATCH IDOL…. IT TOTALLY SUCKS NOW… WHEN I SAW HER DOING HER THING I WAS GLUED TO THE SCREEN… SHE WORKED IT OUT AND I AM LOOKING FOR MORE OF THAT. GOOD JOB TASIA….
- Posted by JacobFantasia has lost her singing ability. Now all she can do is scream/shake her booty and hire backup singers as the main singing component. Call her a performer and NOT as a singer.
- Posted by DaveDAVE,,,That has got to be the most stupid comment ever….She can’t sing?? What…In fact..what the hell? Fantasia is the best singer of “her” generation. So you “think” she had a bad performance, so now, all of a sudden the girl can’t sing… Thats phony and so are you! recognize!!
- Posted by DaveI heard so much about Fantasia’s performance that I had to find in on line. Question, what was wrong with her performance? The girl ROCKED! While her hair was strange, in color; we must be mindful that this lady is a SUPERSTAR! She no longer has to adhere to the American Idol rules, or our narrow perceptions. Interesting enough, there is a saying, those that can’t, criticize. When was the last time any of you critical folk sold out auditoriums? Chill out everyone. If we were all to be alike, we would be. Fantasia is an entertainer. Check her out the next time she is in your area.
- Posted by Denise WilliamsFantasia Cannot sing! She sounds like a deaf person whose having a cesiure. Or a duck with a mouth full of salty crakers. The ONLY reason she won AI was because of the color of her skin. Its called reverse racism. People for some reason are scared to disagree with black people. It would be like letting a legless man win a foot race, just because he’s disabled. Come on people grow a bakebone!
- Posted by SoIam