American Idol Season 20 Is ALL the Hype: Introducing the Top 20

I am back! Wow, wow, wow!!! American Idol is so so so good this season. I am loving so many people. I am in agreement with who went home and I am going to make my predictions on the six people who go home tomorrow. The strength of these contestants is part of what inspired me to come back and write. I needed an outlet for my opinions and feelings and a place to be able to come to and talk about how amazing they are. 

Emyrson Flora opened the show with the song Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato-- her stage presence was amazing. She's 16, and super poised with amazing range. Lionel loved her attitude. Katy loved her presence. Luke said she is a superstar in the making. 

Country singer Mike Parker sang Chasing After You by Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd-- prior to last week, I was not sure if Mike was going to make it in this competition. He is so unique and I love how humble he is. In fact, the majority of these artists are. His voice has so much credibility and honesty. Katy said his voice is silky and smooth and Lionel called him a storyteller. 

Tristen Gressett sang Sacrifice by The Weeknd-- This was an interesting choice, I felt like we were flashing back to the 70s. Vocals were good, but not as strong as some others tonight. He did command the stage. Luke loved his energy but feels the song choice may have limited him or put him in a box. 

Sage sang Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac-- I absolutely love Sage and I loved this song for her. She is such a throw back in terms of vocal style. Lionel called the performance "masterful". Katy said she gave the song a whole new shape. 

Jay Copeland sang You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse-- I love this song, but I didn't feel moved for whatever reason. To me, this performance is unfortunately forgettable because I didn't feel much behind it. Katy says he built that house one piece at a time. Lionel felt he was living up to his  potential. I am feeling he is capable of more. 

Chayce Beckham performed his new song Doin' It Right-- great song

Nicolina Bozzo sang Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks-- Another performance I loved. Honestly started a little bumpy but she brought it right back. She is a great storyteller and really brought it in terms of dynamics with the song. Luke said she knows what she is doing as a vocalist. 

Jacob Moran sang Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder-- Jacob has experienced so much growth since first auditioning for Idol. It's pretty amazing. He changed that song up a lot. Lionel wanted him to hit more melody. Katy called him the best technical singer in the competition. He definitely has range but unsure I agree with that. Luke says he is so ready now. 

Huntergirl sang Heartbreak Down by Huntergirl-- This was amazing, inspiring, and I could literally hear this on the radio right now. I could hear her performing this on the CMAs. Katy calls her an artist and said she would put her money on her. Luke could hear her on country radio and Lionel said she is a natural. 

Elli Rowe sang Somewhere Only We Know by Keane-- Elli is sweet and she does have a great voice, but again, this performance got lost in the shuffle for me. I just don't find it memorable. Luke said her voice is pure and angellic. Lionel wants her to lean more into who she is. 

Dan Marshall sang Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks-- I was not a Dan fan before tonight! He totally turned me into a fan and believer. I loved this, and I found it so genuine and real. Lionel says he could take that on the road. Katy wasn't a fan before but she is now. Luke felt like he picked the right song. 

Ava Maybee sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- This is one of those songs that is so heartfelt so it needs to have so much emotion. And this did! This was so good; I believed her 100%. Katy felt she reinvented the song. Luke and Lionel both appreciated that she took a risk. 

Allegra Miles sang Free Fallin' by Tom Petty-- Allegra has been a fave voice of mine since back when she was on The Voice. She is the ultimate storyteller. The way she transformed this song and and took us on a journey, wow! Luke called it the performance of the night and said it was magical. Lionel said she threaded a needle and told us a story. Katy said she is a pro. 

Noah Thompson sang Falling by Harry Styles-- Ever since I saw Noah's audition I have been hooked. I am routing for him and he is so humble and so deserving-- not to mention the voice. The way he transformed this song was stunning and authentic. Lionel told him he has made it. Katy said he is a great human being and now he has his shot at this. 

Leah Marlene sang Heal by Tom Odell-- Her performance last week was very throw away. But this. This was special. This is arguably one of the best vocals of the night. Katy's jaw dropped and said she felt every ounce of Leah's pain. Lionel said this is the best "class" of contestants ever. I think I agree with him. 

Christian Guardino sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Great song choice, totally fits Christian. He is such a strong spirit with an amazing voice. I do feel some of the notes felt like they were a bit much, but I think regardless he is moving on for now because he is talented. I think he should scale back on some of the embellishments he is adding to the songs. Katy said he was put on this planet to do something super powerful. 

Phillip Phillips sang Love Like That, it was great to see a more mature version of him on stage. 

Fritz Hager sang When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish-- I was not a Fritz fan. I am now. That performance was ridiculous. I loved how he changed the song to fit him, but we were still able to identify the song. The falsetto was exactly what Luke said, "damn boy". Lionel called it stellar, Katy said you'll never be misunderstood again. 

Katyrah Love sang Dream by Bishop Briggs-- What an improvement over last week. When I hear Katyrah sing I hear pieces of Whitney and Fantasia. She's gifted. Luke appreciates her energy and Katy hears shade of Whitney and has lots of great song suggestions for her. 

Cameron Whitcomb sang Changes by Black Sabbath-- Another great song choice tonight. Cameron is so different from the last round that I feel like I am seeing a completely new artist. I loved how much control he sang with and hope he takes Lionel's feedback. Lionel told him to stand still for two verses next time. Luke liked that he showed he is growing into a serious artist. 

Cadence Baker sang Train Wreck by James Arthur-- Cadence had a super special audition and I feel like she hasn't matched that since. I am waiting for her to have that moment. I hope she can hang in there and perform again. Luke felt she got back to the level she was at in her audition with this performance. 

Lady K sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- This was exactly the song for her. I liked how the judges pointed out that she did not oversing. There were a few people tonight who did this. She sounded amazing. This is exactly where she should be. Lady K just has all the star quality. I loved this. Lionel loved her spirit and Katy thought she was Rihanna. 

My Top 14 (in no particular order):

Emyrson Flora
Mike Parker
Sage
Nicolina Bozzo
Jacob Moran
Huntergirl
Dan Marshall
Ava Maybee
Allegra Miles
Noah Thompson
Leah Marlene
Fritz Hager
Lady K

Last spot is either Cadence Baker or Katyrah Love 

The Voice Season 15: The Battles --- Mercy, Not Good!

Team Kelly: Kimberli Joye vs. One Up sang Mercy by Shawn Mendes-- I loved how the guys voices blended together. Kimberli's voice at points seemed too strong. It's always odd when it's a duo versus one singer because at times the due can come across like a backup singer for the other vocalist. I would go with One Up. Jennifer said you wore me out.
Kelly chose Kimberli..... ehhh no!

So excited! Cee Lo is back as Adam's advisor!

Team Adam: Anthony Arya vs. Steve Memmolo sang Amie by Pure Prairie League-- I don't love the song choice. The performance was kind of forgettable to be honest. I wasn't feeling it. Blake said Steve stepped up on a song that was very much Anthony's wheelhouse. Adam feels Anthony has shown more growth but Steve is very seasoned. Why did J. Hud use a save?
Adam chose Steve, J. Hud saved Anthony

Team Adam: Jarred vs. Tyke sang Always a Woman-- Again, indifferent, who are these people? I didn't like either.
Adam chose Tyke

Team Blake: Mercedes Ferreira Dias vs. Chris Kroeze sang Back in The High Life by Steve Windwood-- Well, that was an abbreviated performance but I thought Chris won that. Mercedes sounded great with him, but I don't see her having as much star quality as Chris. I'd go with him. Adam praises Mercedes for being a returning contestant and turning a chair. Blake said Chris has a Chris Stapleton vibe.
Blake chose Chris

Team Blake: Rachel Messer vs. Katrina Cain sang Angel by Sara McLachlan-- This song was disposable for me. I felt it was too sleepy. I had a hard time figuring out who was the better vocalist. That being said, I would go with Katrina, I just think she had a stronger Blind Audition.
Blake chose Katrina

Team Jennifer: Mike Parker vs. Natasia Greycloud sang Gravity by John Mayer-- Mike improved so much since his blind audition. Kelly said you all sound unbelievable. Adam said Mike you were really good. You guys both made the song come to life. Jennifer had a hard time choosing, she said Jesus answers prayers.
Jennifer chose Mike, that was the right decision J. Hud! Kelly chose Natasia

The only ones I am looking forward to are Chris and Mike, maybe Natasia sneaks in there. Overall unimpressed with tonight, I don't think I have ever said that before.

The Voice Season 15: God Bless the Blinds!

One Up sang Could It Be I'm Falling In Love The Spinners-- Adam and Jerome are good together. Adam is definitely the better singer, he's more consistent. Jerome does the highs and lows but he has some pitch issues. Kelly, Jenn, and Blake turn--- all last minute. Kelly is emotional and says love is limitless. Jenn joins them on stage to hug. Blake talks about coaching the Swan Brothers, and Adam endorses Blake.
One Up chose Kelly

Natalie Brady sang Barracuda by Heart--Her voice is killer, she has a genuine rock voice. Adam turned immediately and J. Hud turned towards the end. Adam said you are a phenomenal rock and roll singer, shame on you two for not turning, she is a 4 chair performance. If the Wilson sisters didn't like each other anymore and they needed a singer for Heart they'd call you.  J. Hud said your voice is like an oncoming train. Natalie said she has sung on Broadway and she's from Nashville, and has two kids. Blake said shame on Kelly for not turning.
Natalie chose Adam

Hannah Blaylock sang Baby Now That I've Found You by The Foundations -- Wow, she must be nervous because she is super pitchy. No one turned! She was good and she does have tons of potential. Hopefully she will get chosen for the comeback stage.

Mike Parker sang So Sick by Neyo-- I love how Mike persevered, he did not give up in his performance and as a result Jennifer turned at the last minute. She was the only one to turn. Kelly said you have a really great solid voice. Adam said that was one of my favorite moments of today. I have never seen anyone get so excited.
Jennifer chose Mike

Joey Green sang Baba O'Reily by The Who-- Loved his voice and loved his performance. He reminded me of a Billy Joe Armstrong from Green Day. Adam said there was a fearlessness in your voice. Joey said he is a country Americana artist. Blake and Jennifer turned. Blake said I would be honored to be your coach. Jenn said as long as you're passionate about what you're doing that's what matters. I would love to be your coach honey.
Joey chose Blake

Zaxai sang Come and Get Your Love by Redbone-- He has a clear voice, you can hear every word. The other thing I enjoyed about him is that his style is so throwback, he sounds like an old school R&B singer. So good! Kelly said your voice and your runs were so clear and beautiful. Jennifer said you seem like such a performer. He said you guys are my idols and my inspirations. Jennifer and Kelly turned and Jennifer blocked Kelly.
Jennifer chose Zakai

Erika Zade sang New Rules by Dua Lipa-- Not crazy about that performance at all, but I guess Kelly liked it. I just didn't like her rendition of the song, I felt like it was kind of all over the place. Jennifer said she appreciated her attitude but she was waiting for something else.
Kelly chose Erika

Jarred Matthew sang Tired of Being Alone by Al Green-- Jarred works for NASA and he enjoys singing because it makes him happy. His voice is limited, not a lot of range. Blake and Adam turned. I was okay with this, but wasn't feeling it 100%. Adam tells him his falsetto needs work, and he can help him with that.
Jarred chose Adam

Sam Robbins sang Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce-- He did have a beautiful voice! No one turned for him! I think it was too mellow, it didn't go anywhere. However, Sam did make it on Kelsea's comeback stage.

Edited Performances---
Colton Smith sang Alive by Sia-- Jennifer chose Colton

Kaley Hill sang Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac-- Blake chose Kaley


Finally.....
Kirk Jay sang God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts-- His voice is so strong and so clear. I was feeling his dynamics! I liked that when he sang, it very much came across that he was going somewhere with it, telling a story. Blake and Adam turned and then Kelly and Jennifer turned at the end. Adam said it sounded like Cee Lo Green singing a country song. Blake said I never thought of that and he went up and hugged Kirk. Adam said if you don't come to my team, I hope you go to Blake's team. Kirk said he is country til the day he dies. Kelly said he also had a Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight vibe. Adam said for the first time, I wanna see you on Blake's team. Blake said I just kissed Adam Levine. Jennifer said go with your heart honey.
Kirk said he definitely picks Blake

Mike Parker strikes me as a hard worker, he could be a dark horse in this competition.

And I loved Zaxai, Joey Green, and Kirk Jay-- they could all go far in this!