American Idol: Who Will Be in the Finals?

Carrie Underwood Songbook:

Michael J Woodard sang Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood-- He was direct in his delivery, I wanted a little more attitude but in general I loved it.

Gabby Barrett sang Last Night by Carrie Underwood-- I loved Gabby singing this, she kept doing something where she was cutting off the ends of phrases. I wanted her to extend that. 

Cade Foehner sang Undo It by Carrie Underwood-- I understand why he chose that but I didn't think it was the best performance. I didn't feel he connected with the song at all.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang So Small by Carrie Underwood-- I did like this song for him, and he did seem connected to it. My only argument here was that his voice was very nasal.

Maddie Poppe sang I Told You So by Carrie Underwood-- I liked her rendition of this, very similar to Carrie's, clearly her voice is so unique. She continues to be the most consistent contestant

Mother's Day Tributes:

Gabby sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- Wow! Gabby did that song so well, she made it her own. I was shocked at how amazing she sounded.

Cade sang Simple Man by Lynard Skynard-- Now that was a song that he was connected to. That was real and raw and just perfect.

Michael sang Still I Rise by Yolanda Adams-- Such a moving performance, that was so powerful. His voice, I don't even know how to describe it. Lionel said you are anointed.

Caleb sang Stars in Alabama by Jamey Johnson-- The judges all commented on the uniqueness of his voice. So true, and this song was exactly the type of record he should be recording.

Maddie sang God Only Knows by The Beach Boys-- What a cool song choice! I love this, she made it so special.

Wow! Tough.... I think my top three is Michael, Gabby, and Cade

Well, I was 1 for 3! I have to say I am disappointed because Michael to me was the strongest performer in this competition. He was also the most consistent, never gave one bad or weak performance.

Cade.... with him, there hasn't been an authentic rocker that good on Idol since forever.

American Idol: The Top 7 Perform Songs from the Prince Songbook

Journee sang Kiss by Prince-- Good parts, but not her best.

Gabby Barrett sang I Hope You Dance by LeAnn Womack-- She sounded like a true country star.

Michael J Woodard sang I Would Die for You by Prince-- My fave Prince song, I loved this.

Cade Foehner sang Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel-- Did not like this interpretation, too dark, but like him.

Catie Turner sang Oops I Did it Again by Britney Spears-- Did not like this interpretation.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang Amazed by Lonestar-- This felt ordinary and predictable.

Maddie Poppe sang Nothing Compares to U by Prince-- Crazy good, I loved this.

Michael J Woodard sang My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion-- Absolutely stunning vocal, goosebumps! 

Cade Foehner sang Jungle Love by The Time-- This was a cool interpretation, strong vocals.

Gabby Barrett sang How Come You Don't Call Me by Prince-- Surprisingly soulful, loved this!

Jurnee sang Back at One by Brian McKnight-- I felt the song was personal to her.

Catie Turner sang Manic Monday by Prince-- Tiny bit awkward but she got through it. 

Maddie Poppe sang If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crowe-- Her vocal had such power behind it.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang When Doves Cry by Prince-- NOTHING ordinary about this performance! Way to turn it around!

My 5 (Prediction)--

Michael

Gabby 

Cade

Caleb

Maddie

American Idol: Who Made it to the Top 7?

Top 7 in no order....

Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Gabby Barrett

Michael J. Woodard

Cade Foehner

Maddie Poppe

Catie Turner

Jurnee

Wow, very interesting to me that the judges' choices from last week were the same people in the bottom four! That is kind of sad to me because Ada, Jurnee, Dennis, and Michelle are all phenomenal.

American Idol: It's Disney Night for the Top 10!

Maddie Poppe sang The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book-- Lionel said I hope you're having a lot of fun. Katy, dressed as Snow White, said I am so proud of you, I loved how you took on all those new notes. Luke said your voice feels timeless to me. I think I most align with Luke. I didn't love the song unfortunately but I do think Maddie's voice is timeless.

Jurnee sang How Far I'll Go from Moana-- I love how Jurnee connected with that song. It came from such an honest place. Katy said she seemed connected and strong. Luke said keep believing and dreaming, stay uplifted and positive. Lionel said you were singing from your heart and not your head.

Cade Foehner sang Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid-- I totally loved that! This is a completely different side of Cade. I am so used to hearing him sing big rock songs and this was so controlled. I loved this version of the song. Luke said with everything you're giving, you can bring the rock and roll genre back. Lionel said you have instant identity in spades. I love what you're doing. Katy said I feel like the only person in the room, and whoever she is, she's the luckiest. I didn't even know you had that in you.

Ada Vox sang Circle of Life from The Lion King-- Powerful song and I enjoyed seeing and hearing Ada's spin on the song. It was classy and strong. Lionel said it is so special to have you on this show. Katy said you embodied Ada Vox tonight.

Michelle Sussett sang Remember Me from Coco-- For me, that was her best vocal in this competition thus far. I think Idina's advice really helped her. I loved that she used her heritage and incorporated that into the song.  Katy said the sound was a priority for you tonight. You are a star, and no matter what happens, I am not going to forget you. Luke said you nailed it, you have shown us you are a singer. Lionel said your true identity just came through, I love that you owned who you are.

Gabby Barrett sang Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas-- Lionel said she has star quality! Simple as that, no need to mention anything more. I thought her performance was gentle but strong, heartfelt and technically flawless. This was so beautiful, she deserves to move forward in this competition.

Michael J. Woodard sang Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast-- So stunning, he had me in tears. This was truly so uplifting and heartfelt to watch. Oh my gosh, my heart feels so full. Lionel said I love you so much. Katy said my angel, you make my heart smile. You fit between a Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean. Luke said you've been magical, just be you buddy.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story-- This was the perfect song choice for him, exactly what I envisioned when I heard Disney night. I feel like I can definitely see him having a career in country music. Katy said it was the perfect choice for you, and friendly. Luke echoed Katy's sentiment. Lionel said that voice is so identifiable.

Catie Turner sang Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty-- I feel like Disney night and what it was all about fit Catie perfectly. Lionel said you are clear that dreams do come true. Katy said the growth and evolution has been magical. Luke said they stole my words.

Dennis Lorenzo sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King-- I wasn't sure about him doing this song, but this was so good. The vocal was on point. He was connected to song, the message; he drew from his own life experiences. Luke said you knocked it out of the park, you always do. Did Katy comment on his performance?

I have no idea who is going home or who should? This is crazy!

American Idol: The Top 14 Perform

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang Midnight Train to Memphis by Chris Stapleton-- I agree with Luke, I didn't the song was the best for him, but I think this was a good performance. Not great, I think he could do better, but I think as he evolves and settles, he will do better. Katy said I think you can't believe you're here. I'm blown away by your evolution. Luke said he loves him but wasn't crazy about the song. Lionel said the girls started screaming and you forgot about the song, grow into being you, it will come in time.

Michelle Sussett sang Friends by Marshmello and Anne Marie-- Michelle sold this performance, it's on the radio now but she put her own spin on it. I loved her vocals, I think she has actually improved so much. Luke said you became a pop star tonight, you carved out that lane even more. Lionel said its about owning your song and presentation, you owned it! You have us attitude. Katy said your song choice should have played to the at home viewers more. What is she talking about? I completely thought it played to everyone.



Marcio Donaldson sang It's a Miracle by Barry Manilow-- He definitely had fun and owned the performance. I didn't love the song choice for him. I wished he had chosen something that wasn't as dated. Lionel said keep developing, keep growing, you're on fire. Katy said you're inspiring so many people back home. Luke said I wasn't totally sold on the song choice, but good on you for showing us another style.



Mara Justine sang This is Me by Keala Settle-- Wow, she is super emotional throughout the whole performance. Her nerves are very surface tonight. Her voice is strong and I think the vocal was more controlled but she seemed on the verge of tears the whole time. Katy said you didn't arrive vocally til mid song, but you have grown in so many other ways. Luke said I wasn't totally emotionally invested in that performance. Lionel said at 16, what was I doing? You are bringing your inner strength forward in that performance.



Garrett Jacobs sang Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips-- I actually like this song choice for him, and he seemed to enjoy himself on the stage. My only argument with Garrett is that he has to work on his vocals cause he's not the best vocalist on the show which means he has to work extra hard to sell himself in different ways. Luke said he was the first performer to look truly comfortable tonight. Lionel praised his growth and development. Katy said she agrees with Luke.

Ada Vox sang The Show Must Go On by Queen-- I actually didn't love this. I liked the vocal but it was a little too dramatic. Katy's comments are off tonight, she says this is the first performance where she felt like someone showed up.

Catie Turner sang Take me to Church by Hozier-- This is disastrous for me. I don't like the song, her pitch is all over the place. Lionel and Katy are standing. Someone is tone deaf, and it's not me. Luke said you can win this thing. Lionel said you're authentic to yourself, there's nothing else like you. Katy said that she wants to sing with Catie someday.

Cade Foehner sang Black Magic Woman by Santana-- There's something about Cade that oozes authenticity. Loved his song choice, the guitar, the whole bit; he was so comfortable on stage. Lionel said you are the complete package. Luke says my wife loves you. Katy says my mom is really obsessed with you and she goes up on stage and gets a lock of Cade's hair for her.



Dennis Lorenzo sang In My Blood by Shawn Mendes-- I love that he chose a popular contemporary song. I could see Dennis doing this song right now. The beginning was a little slow but when he hit the chorus of the song, he really came alive, and all his passion came out. What a real and raw performance, and it says "raw" on the back of this jacket. Lionel felt that Dennis broke through tonight and now has to take it to the next level. Katy thought it was a shaky start but she became a believer. She also talked about how Dennis has so many sides to him and compared him to Chris Cornell. Luke said that was amazing.



Maddie Poppe sang Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel-- I loved this, her vocal was truly timeless. There was such an attention to detail, the way she phrased and her vocal nuances. The judges hug at the end of her performance. Katy said you have incredible musical taste. Luke said he prays that everyone watching feels what he feels right now. He said she is so seasoned and such a pro, I agree. Lionel said we're not a business of singers, we're a business of stylists. Lionel said you may be a winner on American Idol. Katy said she thought that she was listening to Joni Mitchell.



Jurnee sang Bang Bang by Jesse J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj-- I don't think this was the best song for her to do, but I do applaud her effortlessness. She truly makes everything seem easy in terms of singing and performing. Luke said thank you for showing us another element and another side of you. Lionel said that Jurnee is really bringing it. Amy said I see you as an artist now.



Jonny Brenns sang This is Gospel by Panic at the Disco-- This song is ambitious. I think it's a little bit bigger than he is, but the performance is still fun, he's enjoying what he's doing and that makes everyone feel that way also. Lionel said when you love what you do, it's infectious. Katy said I want to hear you sing more, you've grown so much. Luke said you came in here as this loungy sultry singer, and you go after it.



Michael J Woodard sang Titanium by Sia-- WOW! All the judges are on their feet, as they should be. That performance was absolutely captivating, gorgeous. Katy said I am going to tell Sia, I met a star today who sang your song incredibly. Luke said I have felt in my heart since day one that people are going to love you. Lionel said I keep waiting to see what you do next, you are a star my friend. He thanked the judges for telling him to stay himself.



Gabby Barrett sang The Climb by Miley Cyrus-- Gabby is my fave female vocalist in this competition. She presents as so confident and strong. She knows exactly who she is as an artist. I love that her singing this was not a karaoke of the original song, she put her own signature on it. Luke said that was my favorite vocal of the night, for the first time, I feel like you're not playing around. Katy said you sounded like a star, I was really impressed. Lionel said there are things in this business that are magical and we are watching one of those moments, a star is born.



The contestants with videos posted are my top 10.

I think unfortunately, Caleb, Garrett, Ada, and Catie are going home.

American Idol 2018, The Second Half of the Top 24 Perform

Amelia Hammer Harris sang Believer by Imagine Dragons-- Song choice did not excite me nor did her vocals. Katy says she enjoyed it, but wants to see other sides of her. Lionel said the opposite, that he enjoys seeing different sides of her. Luke felt that she faltered in the beginning.

Garrett Jacobs sang Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes-- In theory this should have been a great performance. I loved that he went out there with the guitar but the vocals were strained at best. He has personality in spades but he needs to work on his vocals. Although American Idol is search for a superstar they still need to be able to sing. Lionel advised him to focus on the singing. When he lacks focus, his pitch is off. Luke says he is not the best singer in the competition but he is a heartthrob.

Maddie Poppe sang Brand New Key by Melanie-- Nice vocals, I love the inflections and tone in her voice. However, I cannot stand this song! Katy calls her a star. Lionel believes she is the complete package.

Ada Vox sang Feeling Good by Nina Simone-- She sounded better than anyone else tonight! What a brave performance, the vocals were strong and this song choice was awesome. Katy says you're here to win. Lionel calls her talent grand and says she is a force to be reckoned with. 

Caleb Hutchinson sang Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett-- This was a good performance, but not his best in my opinion. I think at times, his performances can sound very karaoke. The judges commented on his clear identity, and timelessness.

Effie Passero sang Barracuda by Heart-- Her vocals were a little off, this was an odd song choice too. Her voice cracked near the end. Luke didn't think she commanded the stage but has one of the best voices in the competition. Lionel sees her growth.

Alyssa Raghu sang Stay by Rihanna-- Impressed me more than most people tonight. My fave performance of the night has still been Ada Vox but this is a close second. Luke said, "you didn't have me til tonight". Katy said her tone separates her.

Marcio Donaldson sang Inseparable by Natalie Cole-- The best pure vocal performance, his technique is just flawless. Standing ovation by the judges, totally deserved. That was just so beautiful, and Marcio is in tears. Lionel said Natalie was watching you on that song. Katy said I love you so much and I am so impressed with you, so proud of you, you are growing so far. Take on the posture of your power, you've got it. Luke called him a survivor, you delivered a world class performance.

Mara Justine sang Run to You by Whitney Houston-- Awesome job! She took the notes, she stood still. She delivered an unreal vocal performance. Luke said you just showed a whole other side of what you can do. Katy called her versatile, you've taken our advice and applied it. It's so nice to see something that is so much in it's original state. Lionel said he used to run back and forth on the stage and then someone gave him the advice to stand still and when he did, the people came to him.

Jurnee sang Flashlight by Jessie J-- Beautiful song choice that matched her vocal ability. It's so effortless. Katy said you're so good and you felt parts of that song, but sing me something that brings me to my knees. Lionel said you're talented beyond your age. Luke said she makes it look effortless. Katy said she was given some advice one, and it was the longest journey you'll ever take is from your head to your heart, connect them.

Shannon O'Hara sang All I Ask by Adele-- Shannon's voice is timeless, what a beautiful delivery. Lionel thought she did great. Luke said you've always delivered since the first time we saw you. You're growing. Katy loved the song choice, be you, you're versatile. We need to see more identity and individuality with everyone.

Ron Bultongez sang Dancing on My Own by Robyn-- Ron is singing one of my fave songs by one of the most underrated artists of all time. Love this. Strong delivery, he was feeling that and so was I. Luke said what I love about your voice is that I feel your hurt and pain. It's the best we've heard you from top to bottom on a song. Lionel said you prove to us that you want this badly. Katy said you're so intelligent and I feel it with your song choice and delivery. You belong here.

My Predictions:
Who is moving forward?

Marcio Donaldson
Mara Justine
Jurnee
Shannon O'Hara
Alyssa Raghu
Ada Vox
Ron Bultongez or Garrett Jacobs