Tommy Hilfiger tranforms Erika Van Pelt, can't help Philip Phillips on 'American Idol'

He's worked with artists from Britney Spears to the Rolling Stones. So when it was announced Hilfiger had been named "image adviser" for "American Idol," many were curious to see what he could do to amp up the contestants' looks.

Hilfiger started off with DeAndre Brackensick and right away, told him to let his hair down, saying, "Who has that hair? Nobody else has that hair." As for his outfit, the designer said they didn't want to do "too much." "We want to give you a look ... a look that enhances the look that you've got already," Hilfiger said. The result wasn't anything exciting, much like his performance of Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young." Some tight, black jeans and a black leather jacket with what looked like a sleeveless, white leather vest layered on top. I didn't get the point of the shades hanging off his V-neck tee. But he did look comfortable in the clothes. And he did listen to Hilfiger and kept the curls loose.

And boy, what a change! She was practically unrecognizable. She got a sleek, jet black, short cut -- and an all-black outfit to match. It was a huge transformation. She looks a lot more polished and put together. Her cropped leather jacket with colorful crystals on the lapels and the skinny, black jeans were figure-flattering and trendy. It seemed Erika's new look gave her even more confidence. She sounded great and got kudos from the judges on her performance and her style. Seems like Hilfiger was spot on with his advice for Erika.

Who knew -- country singer Skylar Laine is a big Diddy fan! She acted downright giddy over Diddy when she met him. And she also said she was "really excited to work with one of the biggest designers in the world." First thing Hilfiger noticed about Skylar, of course, were her boots. He said he wants to "evolve" her look without abandoning the boot idea ... he wants to "celebrate" country-western because it's a big part of America, and he wants to make it a little more glamorous. He put her in a cropped leather jacket and a snakeskin print tunic over black leggings ... but what? No boots? She had a pair of black, high-heel pumps on instead. But she looked cute and her outfit was age-appropriate and on trend. Not sure about the earrings ... maybe there was a two-for-one-sale or something, but they look very similar to the long, silver dangling ones Erika had on earlier.

When it was Elise Testone's turn with Hilfiger, one of the first observations he made was that she's all "layered up" and "hiding her body." The designer said that's a big no-no. I think a bigger no-no was the woolly cap she was wearing when she met with Diddy, but that's another story. Once they got down to business, and Hilfiger found out she likes the look of the '60s and '70s, the designer suggested high-waisted bell-bottoms (and that's not surprising since he got his start in the business selling bell-bottoms). Elise said she was really excited Hilfiger "kind of got her" and the designer said he hoped there would be transformation from head to toe. But once again, like with the boots he suggested for Skylar, the bell-bottoms are nowhere to be seen. Instead, she hit the stage in a merlot-colored, deep-V, maxi dress with a long, sleeveless, chiffon vest and it suited her. She looked good, but not what everyone was expecting after the consultation.

But yet, when it comes time for the performance, there's Phillip, wearing all gray! The crowd, and the judges, don't seem to care much about his look after he's done. They won't stop clapping and cheering. As Lopez told him "You are who you are and you have to be who you are. And that's it." Steven Tyler says "I'm glad you are wearing gray," and then tries to help him out by throwing him one of his glittery scarves to wear. Hilarious!

After the break, it was Heejun Han's turn. When asked about whose style he admires he responded Michael Bolton. Oh, boy. When he shows up on stage, he is sort of channeling Bolton in a tux but then ... he ripped off the jacket and shirt and started prancing around to "My Life" in a bright red, button down shirt with a colorful T-shirt layered over it. Yes, Heejun took Hilfiger's advice and went with his own style.

As for the judges: Steven Tyler was all about the stripes with a black and white pinstriped jacket topping a black and white striped shirt. Randy Jackson donned a black jacket and went for some color with a black shirt accented by a colorful polka-dot-like pattern.

And looking positively understated on Wednesday night's show ... J.Lo. She kept it simple and classy in a tight knee-length leather skirt and black body suit, both by designer Maria Lucia Hohan, paired with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, and her standard amount of bling [Norman Silverman earrings and a Hermes cuff]. Maybe after hearing Hilfiger say Jessica is hot on her [Louboutin] heels as a contender for fashion-icon status, Lopez will be back to her usual flashy style next time.