Wacky guy fashion hits 'American Idol'

For years we’ve complained that the boys are boring and the girls over-the-top when it comes to fashion on "American Idol." Thursday night’s show turned that whole premise on its ear, and from a style standpoint, it was all rather entertaining.

Josh “JDA” Davila went full-throttle drag queen wearing a bondage-style harness top – bare in the back -- slit gaucho pants with sparkling seams and crystal-encrusted stilettos. Heavy theatrical makeup included a major dose of glitter and black eyeliner. And the hair, well, it was kind of “I Dream of Jeannie” meets “Shazzan,” with more glitter. JDA described the look to Ryan Seacrest as “simple.” Truth told, despite average vocals, the guy was fun to watch and as Keith Urban pointed out, “We are in Vegas.”

Chris Watson did a modern version of a Tom Jones jumpsuit – sleeveless, dappled with crystals, zipped low down and paired, (this was bad), with a matching headband tied around a pouf of hair. It was a really odd choice for his song -- the classic Otis Redding hit, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Nicki Minaj called him, “the prettiest man I’ve seen in my life.” Kooky Charlie Askew, who wants to “glorify weirdos,” got fashion tips from his pal JDA. Hence, the vintage brocade pants and ruffled lounge singer shirt (both in black) accessorized with a blinged out belt.

As for the rest of them? Devin Velez wore a shawl collar sweater, Elijah Liu’s red leather moto jacket had a popped collar and Kevin Harris sported two untied bow ties around his collar representing his two sons. Most of the other boys did denim.

But then along came Curtis Finch. We loved his song, but his maroon tuxedo jacket with leather inset was an absolutely horrible fit and did not look good with the yellow shirt and tie. The judges noted the lack of fashion prowess.Randy Jackson urged him to “keep it young,” adding that his voice was “dope but old fashioned.” Mariah Carey told him to loosen up a bit (puh-lease), undo his tie and relax.