American Idol Season 21, 12 Become 10 on Rock N' Roll Night

I decided that for Rock N' Roll night on American Idol I would not go through every performance because I did not find all of them memorable. At the end of the night before they picked the top ten, I narrowed it down to my top performances. 

Haven Madison sang Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi-- It's hard to believe how young Haven is, she has not plateaued. She seems to be someone who grows every week rather than standing still. She also hard to place in a box, she can do so many different genres of music. 

Colin Stough sang Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers-- What a great song choice for him. With a little more self belief and stage presence he could make it to the finals. The judges see him as a big star, I think he just has to believe that. 

We Ani sang Somethings Got a Hold on Me by Ella Fitzgerald-- She is so unique and probably the most confident singer and performer in this competition. This was such an inspired performance, I like that she did not hold anything back, that was fearless. 

Megan Danielle sang Angel from Montgomery by Bonnie Raitt-- Adam Lambert made a great point that I have to mention. He said that she is the reason a show like American Idol works, and he is completely right. There is something special about Megan's voice. I really felt this song, the way she emotes makes her such a strong competitor. 

Zachariah Smith sang Don't Bring Me Down by ELO-- He is the performer of the group. Every week he comes out and just brings it. He always picks the perfect songs for his voice, but he also is so engaging, his charisma draws me in every time. Lionel said you're entertaining and that is what half of this business is. 

Iam Tongi sang Bring it on Home to Me by Sam Cooke-- Amazing song choice, and I love the soul he injects into every performance. He is another voice, soul, and personality in this competition who is just so authentic and unique. I think he always picks the best songs for him. The audience was literally chanting for him when he was done singing. 

American Idol 2023 Top 10

Warren Peay
We Ani
Iam Tongi
Megan Danielle
Zachariah Smith
Haven Madison
Colin Stough
Oliver Steele
Tyson Venegas
Marybeth Byrd

American Idol Season 21: Lots of Shockers, 20 to 12

1SAFE! We Ani sang This is Me from The Greatest Showman-- We looks like a star, she is stunning and her voice is beautiful. She always makes such great song choices. 

Singing for Survival :'( Michael Williams sang Golden Hour by JVKE-- Wow, I am shocked that he is in this position. He has such a great voice, and he is such a star. 

Singing for Survival: Hannah Nicolaisen sang Royals by Lorde-- Also surprised Hannah is in the bottom. I want to know who America chose because this young woman is phenomenal. All the judges were standing. Lionel said you're a star. 

2SAFE! Warren Peay sang It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down-- Such a great artist and such a great song choice. I am so happy for Warren and excited to hear that he was chosen for the top 12. 

Singing for Survival: Mariah Faith sang If It Hadn't Been for Love by The Steeldrivers-- Luke felt song choice may have gotten her last night, but he thought that tonight was a perfect song choice. I agree. She sounded strong tonight. 

3SAFE! Haven Madison sang What If I Want it Now-- She sounded the best I have heard her sound. I've had my doubts about her, lots of them, and she sounded so sound. 

Singing for Survival:'(  Nailyah Serenity sang Alive by Sia-- This is the biggest shock of the night, she is so awesome, come through judges, come through! She is electrifying every time. Katy said you bring the soul to this show. 

Singing for Survival Paige Anne sang I Am Here by Pink!-- Lionel praised her ability to continue fighting and to come back. 

Singing for Survival:'( Matt Wilson sang For Tonight by Giveon-- Wow, I take it back, this shocks me the most. Matt is essential to this competition. His story cannot be over here. Luke said I love the smoothness of your voice, and I am sorry you're here. 

4SAFE! Tyson Venegas sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John and George Michael-- Tyson is always so uplifting and inspiring. 

5SAFE! Colin Stough sang Dancing On My Own by Robyn-- Glad Colin made it, and this is one of my fave songs. This may have been his breakthrough performance. 

6SAFE! Marybeth Byrd sang Cover Me Up by Jason Isbell-- Didn't love that song, but she was wonderful last night with her original song. I am so happy she made it to the top ten. 

Singing for Survival:'( Kaeyra sang If I Were Your Woman by Gladys Knight-- She is so good. I just don't understand why she didn't make it. A+!!! Katy said I hope you vote for her if she gets to sing next time. 

7SAFE! Oliver Steele sang You're Still the One by Shania Twain-- Oliver always makes cool song choices. I think he is very unique

Singing for Survival :'(  Olivia Soli sang God is a Woman by Ariana Grande-- This young woman should not be in this position. She blows me away every time and tonight was no exception. Luke said he couldn't even talk. 

8SAFE! Iam Tongi sang Stuck on You by Lionel Richie-- Lionel was really enjoying the performance. Iam is very deserving of this opportunity. 

9SAFE! Zachariah Smith sang Hold the Line by Toto-- He just has such an impactful voice, and his star quality and charisma is so present and real. This was s standout performance to me. I loved this. 

Singing for Survival :'( Lucy Love sand Radioactive by Imagine Dragons-- I love me some Lucy Love, she is so powerful. Love her voice, love her strength, love her story. Awesome song for her. Lionel said if I'm gonna bet on anybody, I'm gonna bet on you. 

10SAFE! Megan Danielle sang Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle-- I really hope this love gives her some self belief. She really has such a special voice.  

Singing for Survival :( Nutsa sang And I Am Telling You from Dreamgirls-- I hope she knocks this out of the park. She brought it home. Wow! 

First judges pick-- Lucy Love and  second pick is Nutsa

Wow, so many amazing artist going home. I am sad. :'( 

Shocking that so many great people went home. 

American Idol Season 21: From 26 to 20 and My Predictions for the Top 12

The Top 20 Tonight! 

Zachariah Smith sang I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner-- WOW! 19 years old. Come on! This kid is so not a gimmick. People had their doubts, he has proven all of them wrong. This was a great song for him, it is a different sound for him than usual. But I loved the presentation and the arrangement. Katy called him top ten material. Luke said I love how with every song you choose, you put your stamp on it. It's so true. 

Matt Wilson sang Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur-- Matt is one of my very faves this season. I didn't love this song choice for him, but I think he worked it out enough and added his own twist to the song. Katy said I loved seeing your joy, it's so effervescent. 

Nailyah Serenity sang Baby Love by Mother's Finest-- She has the look of a star and I love her strong vocal and retro sound. Her whole style is so swag. I loved her, what an electric performance, I am gonna say she is top ten material for sure. Lionel said that was amazing, your voice is right there. 

Warren Peay sang Up There Down Here by Zach Williams-- What a tremendous song choice for him. I loved that he shared more of his story. Katy talked about him being vulnerable, how she had her own experiences with alcohol as well and how we all just want to relate to each other and be connected. I love how he talked about God and his connection with the church and how that brought him to American Idol. What a beautiful story. Luke praised his song choice and his vocal. I just feel like he gives me such Chris Stapleton vibes and I love his authenticity to himself as an artist. 

Kaeyra sang Bruises by Lewis Capaldi-- What a gorgeous, star quality performance. Katy said that song choice and arrangement smacked me across the face. Katy said how are you not an artist yet? Luke said I loved the way you started on the piano. 

Mariah Faith sang Cry to Me by Solomon Burke from Dirty Dancing -- She has such a great sound. I feel like Katy is absolutely right, she has that Bonnie Raitt sound that just tugs at your heart strings but then there is this fun side as well that sometimes comes out. 

Iam Tongi sang The Winner Takes it All by ABBA-- One of the judges said it, but his voice is just timeless. Lionel said I had a lot to say but the audience said it for me. Katy said this is called the Iam Tongi show. Luke said God gave you the magic, enjoy it. 

Haven Madison sang Mean Girls by Leanna Crawford-- I love her sound and her image. I don't love this song, but she carved out some shining moments to showcase her vocals. Lionel said you are such a seasoned pro at 17. It is so exciting to watch where you are going. Well said Lionel! 

Oliver Steele sang Too Soon an Original Song-- What a risk to do an original song, such beautiful lyrics. Luke said 10 out of 10 on that one. Lionel said your dad was being a great dad, your talent is on fire, enjoy this ride. Katy said that was really great, we're so proud of you. 

Lucy Love sang Boulders an Original Song-- I am really in awe of her talent. That was a stunning and vulnerable performance. Lionel said you came into this world invisible, but you will leave this world as Lucy Love. Katy said you're the survivor of your story, you are going to thrive. Luke said I love the way you attack and you captured my heart, way to show up. 

Hannah Nicolaisen sang Somebody to Love by Queen-- I love her authenticity and how she is always confidently herself. Luke said way to show us another dynamic. Lionel admires her guts, and what you put on that stage is a demonstration that you believe in where you are mind and body and you have to have that naturally and you have that in spades. Katy compared her to a Jennifer Lawrence going from a tomboy to a sultry woman. 

Olivia Soli sang I Surrender by Celine Dion-- She sang the heck out of it. She challenges herself all the time which is what I really love about her. Lionel said you have so much confidence and power behind you. Katy said I am so glad America got this right. Keep playing the power card. 

Marybeth Byrd sang People Pleaser an Original Song-- Wow! All the original songs tonight. She is going to be a star, oh my goodness. Lionel loved her falsetto and story telling skills, and said she is going to be a star. Katy said you're a star. Luke said this was a big moment for you. 

Michael Williams sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I love how he turned that into a power ballad. What an awesome rendition of that song. Luke said you crushed that. Lionel said everyone came here as singer, you're turning into a real artist. 

Paige Anne sang Say Something by Great Big World-- I did not love the song for her. With that being said, I liked when she took it up a few octaves. It made the performance more interesting. Luke said you earned your spot, enjoy it. Lionel said this is not a consolation prize, this is exactly where you're meant to be. Katy said, we got it wrong, Jesus took the wheel.  

Nutsa sang Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton-- She always takes the judges notes well. I appreciate that about her. She sounded great tonight, she looked strong and regal. Lionel said she is the hardest worker and a force to be reckoned with. Katy said when I said no glitter, this is what I meant. Luke said you came from half way across the world and you have come so far. 

Tyson Venegas sang 180 an Original Song-- That was so gutsy, especially coming from a 17 year old. I loved it and loved how he was playing on the piano. Tyson is just so talented. Katy said she understands him more from his original. Luke said delivering messages from the world and helping people, the way you're able to hold the room, far beyond your years. Lionel said being a singer/ songwriter, you can write your future. 

Megan Danielle sang Holy Water by We the Kingdom-- I felt her become more confident and I think this is a great song choice for her. Luke said it was the best he has heard her sound. 

Colin Stough sang Pretty Heart by Parker McCollum-- I love his humility and he does stay true to him at all times. I think the judges are right though. He has to push himself out of his comfort zone and grow. Lionel said you come on here every night and say I love my mama, you're doing great. Katy said you're always going to be authentic, I want you to push yourself and really shine. Luke said I know your every emotion going on in your head. Luke said you gotta give it to us all the time, you're a big star. 

We Ani sang Skyfall by Adele-- That was so good, she is such a strong and powerful singer, performer, and artist in this competition. Katy said I am shook by the results, and that song is so dramatic. I need a nap. Luke said you crush it every night. Lionel said I love you, the amount of talent you have is undeniable. 

**THIS IS A PREDICTION**

Here's my Top 12-- 

We Ani

Nailyah Serenity

Tyson Venegas

Michael Williams

Marybeth Byrd

Hannah Nicolaisen

Matt Wilson

Warren Peay

Kaeyra 

Olivia Soli

Iam Tongi

last spot is a toss up between Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith and maybe Oliver Steele gets in on that too. 

The Voice Season 23: The Knockouts are the Best Part

Loing Reba as the MEGA Mentor this season! She is really great with all the contestants.

Team Blake: Noivas sang I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Tasha Jessen sang Take me to Church by Hozier—Wow, Noivas is amazing. That was a full on performance, emotional, physical, and it gave me goose bumps. I loved the dynamics. I don’t know what to say. He is my Voice winner. Tasha sounded beautiful, just spot on with this Hozier song. It’s such a tough one to sing. Niall said Noivas you bring it every time, and Tasha, Hozier would be proud of that rendition. Chance said I’m a fan Noivas. Kelly said Tasha you shocked me, and Noivas everyone loves you. Blake said Noivas your talent shocks me, and Tasha how have you not already made it? Blake chose Noivas and Niall stole Tasha.

 

 

Team Kelly: Ali sang Best Part by Daniel Caesar and Marcos Covos sang Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood—Ali has a gorgeous voice, and this song just sat in the perfect part of her voice, all pocket. That was just stunning. Marcos has a great voice, I think he held back a bit. Niall said he loved the style Ali brings to the stage. Chance said you both have such control, and you gave memorable performances. Kelly chose Ali, I think this was the right choice, she gave such a moving performance.

 

 

Team Niall: Gina Miles sang Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye and Kate Cosentino sang Call Me by Blondie—I would give this to... wow, I thought I could pick but it’s a total toss up. Blake said Kate this was like the first time I’ve seen you. Gina every time you come out here, you’re great. Niall loves Kate’s jazz and rock vibe and playing the guitar, he said it reminded him of her audition. He said Gina, your thing has been self belief, and as you’ve gone on you have become more and more confident. Niall chose Gina 

 

Team Chance: Ray Uriel sang Lately by Stevie Wonder and Nariyella sang Bust Your Windows by Jasmine Sullivan—Kelly said was gonna go with Nariyella, but she flipped to Ray, same with Blake. Niall said Nariyella arguably has the best vocal in this competition. Chance said Nari from the beginning but Ray had the most compelling performance. I loved Nari’s attitude on that performance but I was feeling Ray from start to finish. That was incredible. Chance picked Ray 

 

Team Blake: Kylee Dayne sang All By Myself by Eric Carmen and Walker Wilson sang I Ain’t Living Long Like This by Waylon Jennings—Woah, Kylee just blew that out. Kelly said, what, where did that come from? Blake said that was my coaching, you’re welcome. Walker was great, and he gave a strong performance, but I would go with Kylee. Kelly liked the lane Walker was in, she loved how Kylee sang a Celine song with Mariah riffs. Blake said Kylee sang the hell out of that song and he had to pick her.  

 

Team Kelly: Cait Martin sang All the Man That I Need by Whitney Houston and Kala Banham sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls—Cait is another WOW, she’s just amazing. This whole performance was shades of Whitney. She sounds absolutely stunning. Her dynamics are on point. Kala sounds like an angel. I love how she made the song her own. Blake said he heard a lot of sharps in Cait’s performance, he’d go with Kala. Niall and Chance both said Cait smashed a Whitney song. Niall would go with Kala, Chance would go with Cait. Kelly said you’re both like ninjas; Cait you did a Whitney song, and Kala you are one of the most beautiful storytellers I have ever had the chance to work with. Kelly chose Cait. Kala has stolen by Blake and Chance, and Kala chose Chance.