So American Idol was on Sunday night and the Top 12 turned into the Top 9. America got it right. At the end of the night when it was time to send three people home-- I felt like the right people stayed. The contestants performed Oscar nominated songs. I am not going to go through every performance in depth but I will give you the highlights and the lowlights.
I love Grace, I'm such a huge fan, but Happy was an unexpected and incorrect song choice for her. She never gives a bad performance but I understood the judges feedback. They know her capabilities.
Ava August sang City of Stars, Ava was poised to go far in this competition but her song choice was either far too mature or lacked youth. As a result she was sent home.
Caleb Kennedy, at just 16, was so charming singing On the Road Again. The best thing about him is that he knows who he is as an artist and he stays in his lane. He will potentially go far in this competition.
Hunter Metts sang Falling Slowly which is one of my favorite movie songs. This is quite honestly the perfect song for him so kudos to Hunter for choosing the right song. This was so well done. Hunter is broken up because he got caught up in his emotions and forgot some lyrics at the end. I didn't even notice cause he was so good.
Madison Watkins was one of the judges wild cards last week. Madison can definitely sing and this Whitney song (Run to You) was no exception. However, the song felt very old fashioned, and the performance was pagenty. At the end of the night, Madison was sent home.
Chayce Beckham literally does no wrong in my book and singing Everything I Do (I Do it for You) was no exception. Lionel thought he stepped it up in the second half of the song and Luke said he is the front runner in this competition. Agree, agree!
Beane sang I've Had the Time of my Life and I thought this was a trainwreck. I understand that Beane is a little off beat, musical, and creative, but I didn't like this. I thought the arrangement was a mess, and he does not have the best vocal. He too was sent home at the end of the night and rightfully so, easy choice.
I think This is Me is overdone in singing competitions but Alyssa Wray's vocal was beautiful and understated. She is definitely someone who could fly under the radar in this. Lionel thought her performance was subtle and that she did a great job holding her best vocals til the end of the performance.
Deshawn Goncalves sang The Way We Were and yes it was definitely a little old fashioned and a classic song choice but I loved it. I thought it was powerful. Luke called the performance classy and beautiful.
Casey Bishop had one of the most powerful performances of the night singing Over the Rainbow. She did a different take that we saw Katharine McPhee do all those years ago but her spin on the song was genuine and classic. Katy called her the frontrunner.
Cassandra Coleman had a newer song choice; she sang The Writing's on the Wall. I felt like this was the perfect type of song for her voice. She poured her passion into this, it was not her best performance but it was passionate. Luke said she was amazing.
Willie Spence had the coveted final spot and or good reason. He took us all to church with his performance of Stand Up. Cynthia Erivo even sent a personalized message to Willie. Lionel said it was a religious experience and Katy said I am with you. Luke now is calling Willie the frontrunner. Make up your mind Luke.
Again, Ava, Madison, and Beane are all eliminated.
Alyssa Wray sang Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack/ The Fugees-- I didn't love this performance. This was a step down for me from last week. I wanted her to sing it more a la Lauryn Hill style. The judges of course gushed and loved it, but it felt a bit all over the place.
Graham DeFranco sang That's Life by Frank Sinatra-- For me, this was an improvement over last week. Arrangement is great, but if he wants to continue he'll need to show some personality. Luke told him to believe in himself being here. Lionel said love the swag and the attitude. Katy said you're an underdog, people wanna route for you.
Grace Kinstler sang Elastic Heart by Sia-- One of my favorites this season. She could win this thing! Wow, what an inspired vocal, it's like I heard the lyrics for the first time. Luke said she took Joss's notes from last week well and applied them. Lionel said, you have a voice to be reckoned with.
Alanis Sophia sang The Story by Brandi Carlile-- She had some little pitch issues in that performance. It started boring and then built up. Her dynamics are incredible. Katy said great song choice for your voice. Luke advises her to watch her breath on the lower notes.
Willie Spence sang Set Fire to the Rain by Adele-- Willie laying it all out there. Wow, amazing! He took that song to the next level. When he got to the chorus that was incredible what he did to change up the song. Lionel congratulated him and said great performance. Katy said you're possessed in a Godly way. Lionel believe God took control and compares him to the late great Luther Vandross.
Deshawn Goncalves sang Feeling Good by Nina Simone-- He stepped it up from last week. He looks alive, looks like he wants to be there. His voice was shining. I loved this, I believe. Katy said I see you, you have the confidence, bring out that personality and the artist in you. Luke said watching your growth is inspiring.
Wyatt Pike sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- This was an improvement over last week as well. Many of the contestans are stepping it up once they make it into the Top 16! Katy said you're an authentic singer/ songwriter. I believe in you, you're it. Luke said you're gonna be able to do music for the rest of your life.
Cassandra Coleman sang Wicked Game by Chris Issak-- She continues to be one of the most original in the competition. This version sounded different from when anyone else has sang it. Luke said look at the confidence. Lionel told her to not put her mind in front of her voice.
Caleb Kennedy sang Midnight Train to Memphis by Chris Stapleton-- Caleb's confidence is growing. This song or his delivery felt a little too mature for him. I would like to see more of his personality. Katy wants to know more about who he is. Luke likes that at just 16, he sticks to his guns.
Colin Jamieson sang Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- I really liked his rendition of this song. He seems to put a modern day spin on everything. I do think he needs to work on his breathing. Sometimes he takes breaths in weird place. I know Luke thinks he solved it-- it's improved but not solved. He also cut some words off. Katy thought he showed another side of himself.
Casey Bishop sang Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden-- Casey has quickly become one of my favorites. She is another who is so young but does not lack maturity when it comes to artistry. She slayed this performance, and proved we need a woman rocker on the radio now. Luke tells her she can sing anything. Katy calls her dangerous in this competition.
Madison Watkins sang Gavity by Sara Bareilles-- Madison was very emotional tonight. I think part of it was the night and part of it was the song. I connected with her tonight and I didn't last week. Katy said it is the best she has ever sounded, and Luke called her performance flawless.
Beane sang Searching for a Feeling by Thirdstory-- I can appreciate Beane being unapologetically himself cause we all should be but I didn't care much for this performance. His past few performances have not been connecting for me. Katy loves his risks and Luke calls him entertaining.
Hunter Metts sang Skinny Love by Bon Iver-- Actually loved this performance. His tone is so different, woah! He sang that so well. Luke said we got some angst, we heard you dig in. Lionel said it's called instant indentity. Katy said we got some growl, you showed us a little more of who you are.
Ava August sang 2002 by Ana Marie-- I am really happy that this sounded younger and more modern. She was great tonight. The tone in her voice is so round and full-- she's good! I want her to keep sounding less and less like t-swizzle (a.k.a. Taylor Swift). Lionel loved the break through she had. Katy said I thought it was a little too elegant last week. Luke said there is a way to balance that elegance and grace and still be true to being young.
Chayce Beckham sang Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley & The Wailers-- He just makes everything sound so cool. I don't think he needs to do anything big, he just simply needs to be Chayce. This was awesome and special the way it was. Katy said you are the artist and America sees that authenticity. Luke said the count off was so cool, can you email me about how to be cool. Lionel said you're indentifiable, you're just a real guy, and America has fallen in love with you.
My Top 12-- Grace, Alanis, Willie, Wyatt, Cassandra, Caleb, Colin, Casey, Madison, Hunter, Ava, Chayce
Sunday and Monday on American Idol the Top 24 performed solos as well as performing duets with well established artists. This year has such a high percentage of talented artists, and I said artists on purpose. They are not just singers but artists, this is a talented group. Twelve performed the first night and another twelve on night two. Four contestants from each night will be sent home next week. Here's my assessment of who I think should stay and go.
Part 1
Alanis Sophia sang Alive by Sia and did a duet with Jimmie Allen on the song Shallow by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper-- Alanis has a powerful voice and she's different. I see her genre as pop/ rock. There aren't a lot of female rockers today so that part of her appeals to me. Katy felt Alanis was perhaps overwhelmed by Jimmie's star presence. I mean that makes sense. She would be overwhelmed. I think I agree with Lionel-- that maybe there were nerves, but I do think she should move to the Top 16.
Cassandra Coleman sang Find Me by Sigma feat. Birdy and did a duet with Ryan Tedder on the song Apologize by OneRepublic-- Cassandra has a beautiful voice. She actually reminds me a lot of Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine. There is almost this ethereal quality to her vocals, stunning! The duet was perfection-- just so flawless by both of them. Lionel thought it was a great performance. Luke said she grows every time we see her. Katy said your voice is an otherworldly experience. This girl is made for the Top 16, and whatever else.
Alyssa Wray sang Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood and did a duet with Katharine McPhee on the song I'm Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston-- Okay, the ladies brought it Sunday night. I love Alyssa's confidence, there is so much joy in her solo. She is someone who comes across to me that she sings for the happiness of singing. Her duet with Katharine was so on point, and as Lionel pointed out, they complimented each other beautifully. Katy said it can get too polished and perfect, don't be afraid to get a little dirty with it. Luke spoke up Alyssa's star quality which I agree-- having her sing Whitney Houston really worked beautifully. Send her to the Top 16!
Wyatt Pike sang Rubberband by Tate McRae and did a duet with Ben Rector on the song Brand New by Ben Rector-- The solo was a little underwhelming but I feel like that's his vibe. The song with Ben was great, they suit each other from a style standpoint. Lionel felt he owned the moment. Katy comments about him looking like he just rolled out of bed but being a complete star. He's a toss up, I think he might just slip into the Top 16.
Alana sang Blow Your Mind by Dua Lipa and did a duet with Brian McKnight on the song Back at One by Brian McKnight-- I love Alana's stage presence. She is really great with the way she plays to the crowd. Brian is a masterclass when it comes to singing. I felt him holding back some in the performance in order to accomodate and play to her strengths. Lionel told her to play more to her attitude. Katy said she needs to take a risk on some notes.
Anilee List sang My Future by Billie Eilish and did a duet with Joss Stone on the song Tell Me Something Good by Chaka Kahn and Rufus-- Her vocals on her duet were powerful but angellic. I love that she made the song have this declarative strength that it did not have before. This gave me tears. Her duet was so funky, I loved it. Katy said you took us to church and Luke said she is close to next level greatness. To think she took someone else's place in the Top 24 who couldn't stay. The Top 16 would literally not be complete without her.
Deshawn Gonclaves sang Forever Young by Bob Dylan and did a duet with Ryan Tedder on the song I Lived-- Deshawn has a technically strong voice. I would say his biggest challenge would be letting go more and allowing himself to really feel the music. He speaks about his childhood, I want that some emotion to come across when he sings. He played it a little too safe and it could cost him the Top 16.
Graham DeFranco sang Raye by John Splithoff and did a duet with Ben Rector on the song Love Like This by Ben Rector-- Graham reminds me of an indie artist named Josh Krajcik who was on The X Factor several years ago. He has a great voice, it's unique. His style is laid back back but it may be too laid back for purposes of this competition when there are so many strong contestants. Lionel says he has a great storytelling voice. Katy says she didn't feel connected to the first song at all. I don't think he is going to move forward to the Top 16.
Andrea Valles sang Lo Vas a Olivdar by Billie Eilish and Rosalia and did a duet with Brian McKnight on the song Careless Whisper by Wham-- I loved that she chose to sing in Spanish for her solo. On her second song, Brian McKnight is just such a strong artist that he made Andrea sound incredible. He brought the best qualities out of her. He's such a massive talent and still has one of the smoothest voices in the business. I think she is going to sneak right into the Top 16.
Cecil Ray sang Paint Me a Birmingham by Tracy Lawrence and did a duet with Jimmie Allen on the song Freedom is a Highway by Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley-- This was probably the weakest solo performance. With the duet Jimmie totally carried him. Katy said he is the underdog. Luke said you got swallowed up a little bit and you had some pitch problems. Lionel said your hand got stuck in your pocket, we need your attitude to be in it. America may give him another chance because of his talent in earlier rounds.
Willie Spence sang Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler and did a duet with Katharine McPhee on the song The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Boccelli-- Willie will never do any wrong with me but I wish he had not chosen such an old fashioned song like Wind Beneath My Wings. Now with his duet with Katharine-- he was amazing. The harmonizing and their voices together was perfect. Lionel said it was mesmerizing to watch. Top 16 is almost a lock for Willie.
Grace Kinstler sang Queen by Jessie J and did a duet with Joss Stone on the song Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips-- Completely a dark horse in this competition! She faced her fears on her solo, her confidence grew throughout the performance. These two were another amazing pairing. Joss once again is a perfect duet partner-- she brought so much goodness out of Grace's voice. Joss says save the good stuff for the end and she does. Luke says he loves watching Grace grow. Lionel said your voice quality and the way you carry yourself is a winning package. Katy said think about those timeless classic songs when you sing again. Girl is totally in the Top 16.
Part 1 Predictions:
Moving On to the Top 16: Alanis, Cassandra, Alyssa, Anilee, Andrea, Willie, Grace
Last Spot is going to be between Deshawn and Cecil
Going Home: Wyatt, Alana, Graham
Part 2
Jason Warrior sang Call Out My Name by The Weeknd and did a duet with P.J. Morton on the song How Deep is Your Love by The Bee Gees-- I don't think I was as excited and enthused as the judges were but I do think Jason, without question, did enough to move into the Top 16. I find him being a little theatrical at times. I want him to slow down and be himself. I want him to emote and react to the music. Katy said it was the best solo and duet performance so far (not too sure of that), Luke said he leaves it out there, and Lionel said he should give himself a pat on the back.
Madison Watkins sang Holy by Justin Bieber and did a duet with Tori Kelly on the song Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder-- Unfortunately, one of the weaker performances of the group. I don't think it was the right song choice for her. On the duet, Tori really overshadowed her, and it was pretty clear. I would say she does continue to grow. Luke says she is a "natural entertainer". There is a chance based on how everyone else did that she could sneak into the Top 16.
Beane sang Don't Stop Now by Dua Lipa and did a duet with Josh Groban on the song Angels by Robbie Williams-- Another performance I wasn't too crazy about. I didn't like this version of Dua Lipa's song. Katy loves his artistry but I feel like Josh Groban pulled him across the finish line. I am going to say he doesn't make the Top 16.
Hannah Everhart sang I Was Wrong by Chris Stapleton and did a duet with Jason Aldean on the song She's Country-- This is probably the overall weakest performance between both nights. Hannah is an extreme talent but there were way too many pitch issues throught both performances. I don't feel the judges were watching the same performances based on their comments.
Mary Jo Young sang Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran and did a duet with Jewel on the song Foolish Games-- Actually loved this performance, didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Jewel brought out the best in both contestants that she worked with. Luke thought she had star quality. Katy said she is becoming a star. She should be in the Top 16.
Chayce Beckham sang Afterglow by Ed Sheeran and did a duet with Brandon Boyd on the song Drive by Incubus-- This was one of my favorite and most authentic performances of this round for sure. Luke compared him to Bruce Springsteen and I agree. He sounded amazing. He and Brandon Boyd really seemed to be such a good match. I am obsessed with the rasp in Chayce's voice. Lionel said Chayce's voice is magical and indentifiable. Katy said Chayce reminds him of Alejandro ( I don't see that ). Cannot wait to see him in Top 16.
Colin Jamieson sang Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars and did a duet with Tori Kelly on the song Hollow-- Another favorite of mine. Colin is so different, and 100% knows who he is. He has this comfortaility on stage that cannot be taught. I love how he can sing any type of song. He and Tori brought out the best in each other, that's exactly what a duet is about. I think she was as happy as he was with what they accomplished. Katy said he sings like he plays 300 shows a year. I think he has character and I think he's in the Top 16.
Liahona Olayan sang Just Friends by Audrey Mika and did a duet with PJ Morton on the song Say So by PJ Morton featuring JoJo-- This was a disaster for me. She sold it as best she could but it was pitchy all over the place. Her confidence was there but the notes were not. The judges believe in her and treat her like a prodigy but I see her as more of a folksy songwriter than a pop star. The judges still say she is super talented and all the things. I don't think she is moving in to the Top 16.
Ava August sang Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo and did a duet with Josh Groban on the song Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell-- I think Ava is on to something. Wish she had chosen a different solo song as I think Drivers License is completely overplayed, but I get it, she's young. I want her to be herself more, not try to mimic other pop stars out there (at times she feels like Taylor Swift and I don't want her to, mainly because I think TayTay is overrated). She has a cool tone, I love the haunting sound of her voice, and her performance with Josh was moving. Lionel calls her an old soul. I could not agree more. Top 16 here she comes!
Caleb Kennedy sang Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers and did a duet with Jason Aldean on the song Fly Over States-- Caleb has a good chance of making the Top 16, he isn't the best but there were a lot of other contestants that were all over the place and that bumps him up. I think he has some minor timing issues and little pitch issues here and there. These are all easy fixes though for someone like him. Jason Aldean gave him great advice-- "stay in the pocket". I liked him personally and I believe in him as a country artist. Luke liked him going outside of his comfort zone. I will be interested in seeing what he does next.
Hunter Metts sang Chandelier by Sia and did a duet with Jewel on the song Who Will Save Your Soul-- Awesome song choices I would say he is being way too careful and too tentative. It's almost like he is a little scared and not completely confident. He has a different sound which could take him far. He's on the fence too in terms of the Top 16 in my opinion. Jewel is doing her best to drag the good stuff out of him in their duet performance. Lionel said he is a "stylist" but needs more confidence, Katy saw some fear. Lionel always has on point comments.
Casey Bishop sang Decode by Paramore and did a duet with Brandon Boyd on the song Wish You Were Here by Incubus-- Love that she is young and a rocker! Paramore is one of my favorite groups and she knocked this out of the park. Brandon gives her great advice, "find your super hero stance". She did great but it felt like she could have given more, almost like we were waiting for this big moment. Katy said she needed to go bigger and I think, in this case, Katy was right. She is so good and so different though that she is going to move on without question.
Part 2 Predictions:
Moving On to the Top 16: Jason, Mary Jo, Chayce, Colin, Ava, Caleb, Casey
Last Spot is going to be between Madison and Hunter
