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 18: The Top 9 Sing From Home

Team Blake: Joanna Serenko sang Lean on Me-- I feel like this song is a little overdone, especially in times like these. I do continue to be a fan of Joanna though. Nick said in many ways losing Joanna is his biggest regret. Blake says her voice floats like a butterfly. 

Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang I'll Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie-- I have to say I was not crazy about this performance at all. It was too dark for this time in the competition. Kelly calls him a great artist. 

Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang Love Me by Collin Raye-- Todd is a dark horse in this competition that is not such a dark horse anymore. There is something about him that's really appealing. I find myself wanting to route for him. Kelly said if I could sound like a man when I am singing, I would want your voice. Todd is emotional and Blake appreciates his emotion. 

Team Legend: Zan Fiskum sang Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello-- I loved her interpretation of that. I did find it a little high. Nick praised her arrangement and how she made it her own. John said she really puts the arrangements together herself. 

Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Home By Michael Buble-- I think this was his most humble performance to date. I genuinely liked this, and his vocals were spot on. Blake said I was zoned in, you took the melody and song and made it your own. I liked what you were doing on the guitar. Nick said you have made everything your own from day one and you have a clear path to the finale. 

Team Kelly: Megan Danielle sang What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts--One of my all time favorite songs. She did a beautiful job with it. I think I would have liked to see a little more dynamics, but she has such a unique tone. Kelly said thank you reminding me of how much I love to sing. Your voice is beautifully broken. 

Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder-- Oh my, she was so good tonight. This is a difficult song, and as John mentioned, she navigated through all the key changes so well. John said it's not an easy song, but you gave an all star performance. Nick said you came out swinging. 

This was one of your best performances yet. 

Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Because You Love Me by Celine Dion-- Wow, her voice was just amazing tonight. This is someone who has deserved a spot in the finals since day one. Her talent is unreal. Kelly said come to my Vegas show and sing that song live on my stage. Blake said if I ever get to play again, you are welcome to come sing with me. You are special to me, you bring so much joy and credibility with your talent. 

Team Legend: CammWess sang Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves-- Another strong performance from Camm. He is someone who like Toneisha has never missed once this season. He seemed genuinely connected to that song. John said you took us on a journey, your voice was honey butter. 

My picks for the finale in no order-- 

Todd

Allegra

Toneisha 

Tunderstorm

CammWess is going to edge out Joanna Serenko for the last spot

 

The Voice Season 18: The Top 17 Are Stronger

17 perform tonight, only 9 will move forward tomorrow.

Team Nick:

Thunderstorm Artis sang Summertime-- John thought Thunderstorm was magical. I have to say this was a little too lethargic for me. I thought it was interesting with the whistling but I didn't love it. I will be listening to see what everyone else does. At the beginning he was definitely finalist material and tonight I am not so sure.



Allegra Miles sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Blake said great job sis. Nick said Allegra you have been a force since day one. With this performance from your home, you owned it and brought it, this was your best performance. Oh my gosh! Allegra is exquisite, I literally had tears in my eyes listening to her. She is so moving and her tone is just so rich. This was a home run in my opinion.



Arei Moon sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- Nick said he loved the 90s influence she brought and said she killed it. Okay, I love Arei, but I feel like next to some other contestants she was out of her league. It wasn't karaoke but, at the same time, she didn't really make it her own.



Roderick Chambers sang Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- John said you go between your head voice and chest voice effortlessly. Nick said you needed to know where you were going to go every step of the way. I am excited to see what happens because I think this performance was going to blow up on Twitter. Roderick has been one of my personal favorites since the first time I heard him, and I am really hoping he has the opportunity to make it to the finals. I thought this was a great song choice for Roderick and he transitioned through this song with such ease.



Michael Williams sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Kelly said that was so cool, I love your look, and love your sound. I think you're the rock and roll vibe of this show. Nick said we picked this song, and Harry is a stylist with this vocal and set the bar high and you did great with this song. Michael was my pick for the four way knockout so I was thrilled to see him advance. Initially I was a little bored with this song choice but his vocals and his sincerity with each song he tackles turns me into a believer every time.



Team Legend:

Zan Fiskum sang Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan-- Kelly said that is the best version of that song I have ever heard. I do have to say, I like how she took that song and made it timeless. The song soared instead of dragged.



Mike Jerel sang All My Life by K-Ci and Jo-Jo-- John said I loved your creativity and how you made it your own. He liked the runs he added and the chords. Oh boy, I loved Mike's blind audition and I don't think he has ever topped that. I wanted this to be stronger and more passionate.



Mandi Castillo sang Corre-- John said you make me so proud, you have a beautiful tone and verbrato and you're so humble. I did not care for that performance. It was a little lost on me, I feel like she had to do something at this stage of the competition that was more mainstream.



Camm Wess sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Kelly said Camm you are such a solid singer and artist. John said you nailed this song and knocked it out of the park, your tone is honey butter. John also shouted out the great Bill Withers who we recently lost.  Loved this performance, Camm's vocal tone is so good.





Team Kelly:

Megan Danielle sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- Kelly said you're so special, your tone, and how you can float through different genres. I know Demi probably heard that. She started off a little off key. Megan did improve as the song went on, and she ended really strong. She could go far if she gets past tonight.



Mandi Thomas sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- Kelly said she loves Mandi's vibe and that she can sing anything. I love Mandi but I didn't think that was very good. I don't think that song did a great job of showcasing all Mandi has to offer as a vocalist.



Micah Iverson sang Your Song by Elton John-- Blake said you go from a softer tone to these bigger notes, and I am happy for you man. Kelly said you're incredible, thanks for picking me. Micah was honestly one of the stronger contestants tonight. That Elton John song is not easy and he made it sound that way, gorgeous vocals from a technical standpoint.



Cedrice sang Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish-- You're so crazy cool, you don't need a show, you're a stand alone artist and human being. Cedrice remains very different, I adore her authenticity and originality. Her voice is amazing. Her vibe reminds me a little of Sade.



Team Blake:

Toneisha Harris sang Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- John said you are a phenomenal singer, so impressive. Blake said all right, yes! Yes! I think that's the best of the night so far. Kelly said if you need a backup singer call me. I loved this! She is one of the strongest vocalists on this show. Finalist material right there!



Joei Fulco sang Runaway by DelShannon-- Nick said your voice is so fun to listen to, so unique and so special. You owned this and made it special. Blake said I don't know why Nick didn't get you on his team. You have this buzz in your voice that is so unique. She flipped this song on it's side. She made it country, she made it blues, and she brought it to now. I loved this, she's got to move forward.



Joanna Serenko sang Rich Girl by Hall & Oates-- Kelly said that was a cool song choice for you and you have a captivating spirit. Blake said Joanna you didn't change the song too much but your voice is so different that it became your song. What I enjoy about Joanna is her soulfulness. I don't know who she reminds me of, maybe Paula Cole a little bit. She is so good.



Todd Tilghman sang Glory of Love by Peter Cetera-- Blake said that was incredible, you're one of my favorite artists I have worked with on the show, you're so fun to be around.  I thought that was going to be cheesy as all hell but that was amazing.



Top 9 (my predictions in no particular order)

Toneisha Harris
Allegra Miles
Roderick Chambers
Camm Wess
Megan Danielle
Cedrice
Todd Tilghman
Joanna Serenko
last spot-- toss up between-- Zan Fiskum, Michael Williams, and Joei Fulco

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: Some of "the Best" Battles

The Battles!

Battle advisors-- Blake had Bebe Rexha, Kelly had Dua Lipa, Nick had his two brothers Joe and Kevin Jonas, and John had Ella Mai

Team Blake: Joei Fulco vs. Todd Michael Hall sang The Best by Tina Turner-- The song was super cheese, but these two both have great vocals. Todd is probably one of my fave contestants from this season. Todd has an impressive voice, he sang the high harmony on this. Joei is great too. Blake picked Joei and saved Todd.

The spin on this season is that the 4 saves (1 from each team) will compete against each other and the fans will vote one through to the lives.

Team Kelly: Chelle vs. Anaya Cheyenne sang Scared to be Lonely by Dua Lipa-- The song is a bit mature being that they are both so young. However, it showed how advanced Anaya is, she did a great job with this song. Anaya has a mature voice, she reminds me a little bit of Normani.
Kelly chose Anaya

Team Nick: Joanna Serenko vs. Roderick Chambers sang When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish-- Definitely the battle of the night. This was amazing, and I am so glad that both of them got picked; however, I am so shocked that Nick did not save Joanna. Joanna was a four chair turn and she was amazing. Her vocals are always stunning, and she really pushes whoever she is singing with to come up to her level. Roderick is a surprise! I definitely did not expect him to be at that level, but I think he studied hard and Joanna brought out amazing things from him. I also have to give props to Nick because the arrangement was gorgeous and helped them to compliment each other. Nick chose Roderick and John stole Joanna



Team John: Mike Jerel vs. Zach Day sang Adorn by Miguel-- I loved this as well! It didn't feel like a battle, it felt like a duet which was the beautiful thing about it. They supported one another and pushed each other, and both of them, as Nick said, were so confident. Kelly said Zach, I don't expect the sound to come out of you, and Mike you're fearless. Blake said you have to go with who is more in the lane that you want to go with your team. John chose Mike




Team Blake: Jamal Corrie vs. Levi Watkins sang Counting Stars by One Republic-- I wasn't too crazy about song selection here. They were well matched but I thought the performance lacked connection to the song. Blake chose Levi

Team Nick: Allegra Miles vs. Michael Williams sang How Will  I Know by Whitney Houston-- I was obsessed with the arrangement on this. Nick did a great job. You can tell Michael definitely worked hard on cleaning things up a little bit and being more precise with his vocals. Allegra's tone is ridiculous; she is so unique. These two clearly formed a bond, a friendship; even the phrasing in this performance is simply so cool. Kelly said Michael you came in strong, you have a magnificent voice. Allegra, I am in love with your voice, said Kelly. Blake said congratulations on a killer performance. Michael you're a great singer, and Allegra not often someone like you comes along. John said I got some Nick vibes from you Michael, and Allegra the singers who really connect in this world have special tones like yours. Nick chose Allegra and saved Michael



Oh my gosh! Faves of the night-- Allegra, Michael, Joanna, and Roderick

Honorable mention to Mike J. and Zach

The Voice Season 18: Lately I'm Digging the Blinds

Episode 3

There weren't a lot of highlights but I sure did love Thunderstorm's vocals, his attitude not so much. I loved Samuel and Jamal, they could grow a lot in this competition. Allegra and Samantha come with some cool singer/ songwriter vibes, and if they study hard, they have a chance in the competition.

Allegra Miles sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- Allegra has a mature voice. she is only 16 and has great tone and control. Kelly turns towards the beginning and Nick towards the end. John regrets not turning. Kelly compares Allegra to Brynn Cartelli who she coached to a win in Season 14. Allegra says she is a big fan of Kelly's. Nick says he comes from a musical family and wrote his first song at 12 just like Allegra. At the end though, Allegra chooses Nick.

Cammwess sang Earned It by The Weeknd-- Camm had John and Blake turning for him. I liked Camm's runs, there are just so many interesting parts of his voice. His transitions are effortless. Blake basically conceded and said he knew Camm was going to pick John but he turned in respect for his talent. Camm did choose John

Joei Fulco made it to Team Blake
Sara Collins chose Team Kelly

Samantha Howell sang Take it on the Run by REO Speedwagon-- There's lots of great potential here. I don't think I would have wasted a block (ahem, Kelly). However, I think Samantha is somewhat old fashioned in her approach. I think the right coach could give her some edge. It's a good thing Kelly Clarkson landed her. Kelly turned, blocked Blake, Nick turned, and Samantha chose Kelly.

Jamal Corrie sang Be Alright by Dean Lewis-- I actually felt like Jamal was much better than the coaches thought. Blake was the only one who turned for him and I think some of them are going to regret that. The issues he had were minor and with good coaching are easily fixable.

Samuel Wilco sang Lately by Stevie Wonder-- Impressive out of the gate. I agree with Kelly, and Nick-- this is such a great song, it is definitely a storyteller song. The message means something. Kelly and Nick turn. Samuel says his wife got him into the Voice, and he loves Kelly and everything she does with her artists but his kids love Nick. As a result, Samuel chooses Nick.




Thunderstorm Artis sang Blackbird by The Beatles-- 4 chair turn and standing ovation-- well deserved. I like this kid, he comes off as a little bit arrogant. I feel like he could stand to be a little more humble. Other people have been on the show with as great of a blind audition as his. Kelly said we're aware of what's standing on stage right now, and it's someone who could win this competition. Blake said I want to talk about your control, your performance was that in control and that in the pocket that it sounded recorded. John said I am notoriously stingy for turning around, but when I do, I turn quickly. No surprise, Thunderstorm chose Team Legend.