American Idol 2020: The Top 20 are LIVE from Home

Kimmy Gabriella sang Leave me Lonely by Ariana Grande feat. Macy Gray-- I had never heard this song before. I actually think she sounded great. I did hear some nerves but she seemed to improve as the performance went on. The judges comments weren't really anything specific.

Jovin Webb sang With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker-- He sounds great. I can hear him performing a-capella and being amazing. This was a great song choice for him, and I see him as one of the strongest, most identifiable voices in the competition this year.  Lionel said his voice is "instant identity" and Katy said he has tons of texture in his voice.

Franklin Boone sang Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- This is a fave song of mine, a guilty pleasure of sorts. I did not like the arrangement of this. His voice didn't seem to soar the way I think it should have, probably not the best song choice either. Lionel said he was true to himself. Katy said she was tearing up... okay. Kinda weird.

Olivia Ximines sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I actually loved this performance. I did not think it was the best song choice for her but her personality and her sass really came out. She has a strong voice. Luke said she always "brings the show". Lionel called her a superstar.

Louis Knight sang If the World is Ending by JP Saxes feat. Julia Michaels-- I like his voice but I was distracted by his pronunciation and diction of the lyrics. He has a great falsetto. The song choice was good for him. Luke said it showed clear artistic direction. Lionel said incredible falsetto, and the cry in his voice is believable. Katy said great song choice, the message couldn't be more on point. He was a little bit nasally was her constructive feedback.

Makayla Phillips sang Greedy by Ariana Grande-- Loved this. This was one of my favorite so far. Song choice was perfection. To me, she could be the next Ariana Grande; she has the voice, she has the star power. Lionel said this was as professional as it could be. Katy didn't seem to be crazy about the song choice; she's bugging. That was an awesome song. Luke said you make hard stuff look really easy, you hit hard notes effortlessly.

Aliana Jester sang Run to You by Whitney Houston-- This was too old fashioned for me. Great background, very creative, but her voice was off. She needed to act a little younger. Of course the judges praised the performances.

Faith Bencel sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I liked this, but didn't love it. Lionel remarked on how she closed her eyes. Luke liked her rendition of the song. Katy noticed her improved vibrato. I was distracted by her closing her eyes and all the hand movements above her head, it was a little much. The song is a fave of mine but I think I prefer Bishop Brigg's version.

Nick Merico sang Hey There Delilah by The Plain White T's-- Hmmm, this did not do it for me. I didn't like this. I feel like the judges don't know how to give constructive feedback if it isn't rainbows and sunshine.

Lauren Spencer Smith sang Mama Knows Best by Jessie J.-- She had one of the stronger vocals of the night. This song is becoming a little overdone. I think I would have preferred to hear her singing something else. Katy said she continues growing, even during a quarantine. She looks and sounds great. Luke loved all the nuances in her voice.

Cyniah Elise sang Warrior by Demi Lovato-- Oh I take it back, the judges have criticism but for the wrong people. LOL. Luke and Katy both made comments about her not connecting. I thought the vocal was great, the song was appropriate, made she could have felt the song more. Overall though, great job!

Francisco Martin sang Teenage Dream by Katy Perry-- Wow! This was so good, what a risk singing a Katy Perry song live for Katy Perry. I think I liked this better than the Glee version. There is something sincere, genuine, and honest about Francisco when he performs. I really believed this performance on him. I don't see a Top Ten without him.

Sophia James sang Burning by Maggie Rogers-- She has a little bit of a different sound than her female counterparts in the competition. She has a warm voice. Katy called it pleasing to the ear. Luke said she is sneaky good. He thought that perhaps playing the keyboard distracted her.

Dewayne Crocker sang I Feel Bad by James Brown-- He picked a song that definitely worked with who he is as an artist; however, my only criticism would be that this is a song that needed more growl. It's almost like it needed to be dirtied up a little more. Luke thought it was a little too clicky, but the end note showed so much talent. Lionel echoed Luke's feedback as did Katy.

Dillon James sang Let it Be Me by Ray Lamontagne--  The song is so special, love it. I would have liked for him to connect with it a little bit more. His background was one of the more cool and authentic ones. Lionel loved his look and sound. Luke said cut a record, and go make the music you wanna make, you  have the steering wheel. Katy talked about Gaby Barrett having a number one country song and that this could be his future.

Arthur Gunn sang Lovin Machine by Wynonie Harris-- Arthur has the most recognizable voice and vibe in this top 20. He is so so unique. I adore that he gives every song and performance 110%. I would say he needs to remember to look in the camera. The song was a surprise for him. Luke said you are going to be a ginormous star.

Julia Gargano sang Human by Christina Perri-- Julia is enormously talented. I was a little bored with this performance. I hope people listening realize how talented she is and that they do vote for her. Luke says his brain is scrambled, and Lionel says she is a stylist.

Grace Leer sang Cry by Faith Hill-- This song really showcased her voice beautifully. She actually sounded quite a bit like Faith Hill. She got better as the performance went on. Katy said she played with those dynamics. She has a lot of the boxes checked to be a country star.

Just Sam sang I Believe by Fantasia-- Fantasia and this song is magic. Someone else singing it is a little cheesy. I also think that this song really undersold her voice. She is better than the best she could do this song. The judges compliment her growth. I agree she is inspiring, but I don't know that that is enough to get her to the top ten.

Jonny West sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- I think the judges liked him more than me. I thought he was okay, but clearly they think he is a star. Luke believes he can take his career wherever he wants. Lionel says he has it all.

Okay friends-- here's my top ten in no particular order--

Jovin Webb
Olivia Ximines
Makayla Phillips
Francisco Martin
Julia Gargano
Grace Leer
Louis Knight
Sophia James
Arthur Gunn
Dillon James

Honorable Mentions to-- Jonny, Lauren, and Cyniah

You can watch the Top 20 Performances HERE!

The Voice Season 18: The Knockouts Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Team Legend: Mandi Castillo sang Stand by Me by Ben E. King vs. Thunderstorm Artis sang Preach by John Legend-- I enjoy Mandi, she gave this song a little bit of a modern take, but her vocals weren't great to me. Thunderstorm, I have been a little put off by because he comes across as arrogant to me. However, tonight he was the better competitor to me. I love how relaxed his performance was. Nick said he loved both of them, both were four chair turns, but he would go with Thunderstorm. Kelly and Blake said that they would go with Mandi. 

John chose Mandi and Nick stole Thunderstorm

Team Nick: Arei Moon sang You Don't My Name by Alicia Keys vs. Jon Mullins sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- Arei's growth has been enormous. She connected so well with this song, it was perfect for her. I actually feel the same way about Jon's song. Kelly said both of you had range and were very physical when you sang. Blake said Jon really went for it. John said both of you had a lot of range. Nick said you took the challenge Jon and that was incredible. Arei you brought so much to the process. 

Nick chose Arei 

Team Kelly: Tayler Green vs. Micah Iverson sang Graveyard by Halsey-- Loved Micah's version of this song, dare I say, more than Halsey's version. It was so good. Tayler brought a really contemporary spin to a song that I at times find boring. She sounded more and more amazing as the song went on.  Blake said Tayler's song allowed her to soar more than Micah's did. John agreed and added that they both have incredible voices. Kelly said Micah's song was very difficult, and Tayler the song you chose is classic but you made it your own. 

Kelly chose Micah

Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Chandelier by Sia vs. Jacob Miller sang Better Now by Post Malone-- Allegra is absolutely captivating, her tone is something that is addictive to listen to. It seemed like she kept pushing herself and there was no limit to what she would do. I loved how Jacob took Better Now and stripped it down. Kelly said you both are fantastic. Blake said Jacob you're in such control of your voice, flawless, but I feel like Allegra is your chance to win The Voice this season. John said both of your were so good, I'd have a hard time picking. Nick said Jacob you are someone I'd love to work with, and Allegra you know how to thread a needle through a performance and I'm entranced. 

Nick chose Allegra 

Team Kelly chose  Mandi Thomas who sang My Church by Maren Morris

Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Diamond by Rihanna vs. Cedrice sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Cedrice was great, like James Taylor said, this is a real singer song and seemed almost made for her. Toneisha had a great performance as well, I wasn't wowed as much by her but maybe that's because she does what she does so effortlessly. Nick said Cedrice it's an honor to hear you sing, and Toneisha I get mad that I can't do what you can do. Nick said Toneisha you could win this show. Kelly thought both of them could be in the finale. Blake said Cedrice casts a spell, and Toneisha points where she wants the song to go. 

Blake chose Toneisha and Kelly stole Cedrice! 

4 Way Knockout-- Todd Michael Hall sang Somebody to Love by OneRepublic , Nelson Cade III sang Best Part by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R., Michael Williams sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott, Samantha Howell sang You Are Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson 

About each of their contestants-- 

Todd: Blake said your range is stupid

Nelson: John said when I watch you I am watching someone who truly loves music

Michael: Nick said Michael that is the best you have ever sounded

Samantha: Kelly said you sounded so beautiful 

My pick is Michael from Team Nick -- he had by far the best and strongest performance and I hope everyone goes to vote for him! 

Tonight was impressive--- I will be watching so many people in the lives-- Michael Williams has to get through but I believe he could continue to have enormous growth. I will be watching Arei and Allegra; they are both amazing. Thunderstorm has a quiet confidence as does Cedrice-- they could come up big. 

The Voice Season 18: The Knockouts Say Something

Team Blake: Levi Watkins sang Ain't Living Long Like This by Waylon Jennings vs. Joei Fulco sang When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt-- Wow, these two were very well matched. I honestly enjoyed both of them and wish Blake had been able to keep them both. Levi is talented beyond his years, at 14, to have that type of professionalism on stage, crazy! Joei seems to improve every time. I love the rasp in her voice, it's really cool. Both John and Kelly would pick Levi; John called his performance "perfect". Nick would pick Joei. 
Black ended up choosing Joei --- I was surprised that no one stole Levi, he was just so good. 

Team Kelly: Cammwess sang Say Something by A Great Big World vs. Megan Danielle sang Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson-- Camm's performance was shocking! He was so so good. Megan has improved so much-- her growth, this was honestly her best performance. Both contestants were very emotionally connected to their songs. Blake said that they both stepped out and had moments. He would pick Camm. John called Camm's performance a tour de force. Kelly said she cried during both of their performances. Kelly said her pick would be strategic. 
Kelly chose Megan and Nick and John stole Camm and Camm opted to return to Team Legend



Team Legend: Darious Lyles sang Me and Mrs. Jones vs. Mike Jerel sang Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars-- This I thought was a major injustice because John ended up picking Mike who I absolutely loved in the blinds, but he really fell flat in this performance. Darious was amazing, and John ended up choosing Mike sending Darious home because he did not get a steal. All the coaches seemed to mention that they would choose Darious. 
John chose Mike-- I hope Mike brings it in the next round!

Team Nick: Roderick Chambers sang Redbone by Childish Gambino vs. Tate Brusa sang The Scientist by Coldplay-- Roderick seems to improve with each performance. He is perfecting his falsetto. Tate has great artistry for someone who is only 16. There were some off notes though, so I would pick Roderick personally.He is much more polished at this stage of the competition. Blake thought this would be a tough choice whereas John leaned more towards Roderick. 
Nick chose Roderick 



Team Blake: Cam Spinks sang Rumor by Lee Brice vs. Todd Tilghman sang Anymore by Travis Tritt-- I think Todd is great, and he is definitely my choice. What I would say though is that the song was okay but didn't do him the justice I think he deserves. Cam had some pitch issues that were obvious. Nick compared Todd's voice to his dad and said he'd like to write songs for Cam and sees him becoming a big star. Yet he would choose Todd. Kelly said she loved Todd's song choice. 
Blake chose Todd

Team Legend: Joanna Serenko sang Angel from Montgomery by John Prine vs. Zan Fiskum sang The Story by Brandi Carlile-- Joanna is just incredible. She gave that song such a contemporary feel, I could hear her singing that on the radio right now. She sings with great expression and her voice resonates. Zan was great too, and this song was gorgeous on her. I would have to go with Joanna though. I just felt her more. Nick said he regrets letting Joanna go. Kelly said Joanna's voice is very pure, and Zan you have such a freedom when you sing. Blake said he learned so much more about Joanna today because there was nothing to hide behind. Blake said Zan is a good combination of a singer and an artist. 
John chose Zan and Nick and Blake stole Joanna and she decided to go with Team Blake 




My picks: Joanna, Zan, Cammwess, and Roderick! Mike has a lot to prove going forward, and Joei is definitely a dark horse in this. 

Quote of the night-- Blake: "I love that as a 43-year-old man, a girl left Nick Jonas for me."

The Voice Season 18: Battles Come to a Close With Mixed Bag in Terms of Performances

Once again, was not super impressed with the Battles this week.

Team Nick: Arei Moon vs. Samuel Wilco sang Missing You by John Waite-- Surprising song choice for these two that left me feeling kind of bored. I was more impressed with Samuel in the blinds but here I give the slight edge to Arei.
Nick chose Arei

Team Kelly:Megan Danielle vs. Samantha Howell sang Top of the World by Patty Griffin-- I am definitely a Patty Griffin fan but I did not love this song choice. Samantha was under pitch for most of the performance. Megan's vocals were full of grit and range and there was this real fullness. I have to say overall I was more impressed with Megan. Blake called Megan the shocker in this performance and said her voice is unbelievable and he can't believe he didn't turn for her. He said Kelly stole his dream in having Samantha on his team as she blocked Blake.
Kelly chose Megan and saved Samantha

Team Blake: Jon Mullins vs. Tod Tilghman sang Ghost in this House by Allison Krauss-- One of the better song choices tonight and this sounded like a duet. I loved both of these guys! Jon is more soulful whereas Tod has this undeniable roundness to his voice. I honestly thought both were great. Nick and John gave the edge to Jon whereas Kelly thought it was pretty even.
Blake chose Tod and Nick stole Jon. They both deserved to move forward.



Team Legend: Brittney Allen vs. Zan Fiskum sang Closer to Fine by The Indigo Girls-- Zan won this battle-- she had more experience and more confidence. I will say that I think the song choice did neither contestant justice, but Zan's confidence pushed her through. 
John chose Zan

Team Kelly: Mandi Thomas vs. Sara Collins sang My Baby Loves Me by Martina McBride-- Great song choice! This song really complimented both ladies. I think both of them had some pitch issues, probably just nerves. Blake agreed that there were some pitch issues. Nick said Sara's voice is great for recording; he said Mandi sold the performance for him. Overall performance, Mandi was stronger. 
Kelly chose Mandi

Montaged performances--- 

• Jules vs Tayler Green – Water Under the Bridge by Adele – Team Kelly Clarkson – Kelly picks Tayler

• Jacob Miller vs Kevin Farris – Lights Up by Harry Styles – Team Nick Jonas – Nick picks Jacob

Team Legend: Cedrice vs. Thunderstorm Artis sang Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko-- I like both of these artists. I will admit, I think Thunderstorm is a little overly confident, borderline cocky. Cedrice is absolutely captivating, her voice, her look. I cannot stop listening and looking. Blake said between the two of them he would pick Thunderstorm because he dominated. 

John chose Thunderstorm, and Black stole Cedrice saying she is on a different plane, and although this may be seen as an odd pairing, he believes it will make for some memorable moments on the show. 

 

Two strong battles tonight--- Jon and Tod, and Thunderstorm and Cedrice. Tayler and Megan are my dark horses tonight. 

The Voice Season 18: The Battles Come Together for One Pairing

Need to be honest--- this week's battle rounds were unbelievably boring and not great. I don't want to be mean so I will leave it at that. After all the impressive performances from the prior week this was disappointing. The last pairing was the only one with any real potential.

Team Blake: Jacob Daniel Murphy vs. Toneisha Harris sang Good as Hell By Lizzo-- Song selection catered to Toneisha yet Jacob was still shining. Blake chose Toneisha and Jacob went home.

Team Kelly: Micah Iverson vs. Gigi Hess sang Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi-- Boring song selection. Gigi gets eliminated and the only guy on Team Kelly moves forward. She believes he can make it to the finale.

Team Legend: Cammwess vs. Mandi Castillo sang Senorita by Camilla Cabello and Shawn Mendes-- There was no chemistry here, both great vocalists but nothing drew me to this performance. John of course chose 4 chair turn Mandi to move forward and Kelly stole Cammwess bringing another guy to her team!

Team Blake: Cam Spinks vs. Kailey Abel sang What Ifs by Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina-- This was not great either, neither vocalist stood out for me. Blake chose Cam

Team Nick: Anders Drerup vs. Tate Brusa sang Circles by Post Malone-- This wasn't a good pairing. Their voices didn't really match well together. Nick chose Tate

Team Legend: Darious Lyles vs. Nelson Cade III sang Come Together by The Beatles-- Perhaps the only battle worth listening to and seeing for this episode. These two were well matched and truly made this a battle. The coaches are split on who they would pick. John felt Darious took command of the performance so he picked him but saved Nelson! They both deserved to move forward. These two will be around for a while.