American Idol Season 23: The Top 10 Let Us Know "They Were Here"

Miranda Lambert is the mentor tonight, and the songbook is celebrating women in music. 

I do not like how John Foster was given the opening (that's a tough spot to be in for votes and seems he has had to do it a lot). 

John Foster sang Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt-- John revealed that Miranda was his first crush, and he has trouble looking in her eyes while she sings. John is true to his roots, I think this was a good song for him, but probably not the strongest song he could have chosen. I hope he gets through because he's genuinely one of my favorites. Carrie talked about his growth and said he has grown, perhaps, the most of anyone this season. Luke and Lionel talked about how he already has so many fans. 

Kolbi Jordan sang The Chain by Fleetwood Mac-- Miranda loved Kolbi's personality. Kolbi said she wanted to do this song because it would be unexpected. Everyone would be expecting her to do Aretha or Patti LaBelle. I thought she sounded great tonight. Luke loved the character of this performance and everything that she did. Carrie said this was a great moment for you, the outfit, the attitude, the song, perfect for you. 

Josh King sang Rolling in the Deep by Adele-- Miranda said Josh was quirky, cute, and all over the place. Wow! I loved that performance. All the judges were on their feet. That had everything-- the talent, the vocal, the emotion, performance quality. Lionel said you brought the audience in. Carrie said everyone is bringing their "A" game tonight, and you're no exception. Luke said he has the eye of the tiger. 

Breanna Nix sang Water Under the Bridge by Adele-- Breanna went in to her session with Miranda not knowing what song she wanted to sing. Miranda also talked to Breanna about bringing out some sass and they sang some of Miranda's song Gunpowder and Lead together. The judges were on their feet. I do think that this was a good performance for her and it was the right song. Carrie said everyone is trying something a little different tonight, you played the part of a diva and it worked. Luke said you had a nice groove and you have an incredible voice, it was well done. Lionel said you know how to get to a note. 

Canaan James Hill sang Love Wins by Carrie Underwood-- Miranda helped Canaan work through how nervous he was about singing something so far out of his comfort zone (not gospel). He was timid at the start of the song, but by the end we saw Canaan. Luke said you did a great job, we could see you second guessed yourself a little bit. Lionel said he loved the way Canaan interpreted the song. Carrie said Miranda was right, you can take the word love and replace it with God, that's how I think of it every time I sing it. 

(couldn't find the video)

Thunderstorm Artist sang When We Were Young by Adele-- Miranda loved Thunderstorm's energy. She appreciated that he related the song to himself. Like Miranda mentioned, I love how committed he is to making the song his own. It was beautiful, and I loved how he took her point about keeping his eyes open more so we could connect with him. The judges were on their feet again. Lionel said you made cool, cool. I'm so in love with what you just did. Carrie said I love when you sing these sweet love songs, it's my favorite for you. Luke said your ability to hold the room, you are amazingly crafty with how you deliver the songs. That was my favorite performance of yours. 

Slater Nalley sang Whoever's in New England by Reba McEntire-- Miranda gave Slater great tips about the key of the song. He went with the big note at the end! Miranda's advice was right on, the chorus was so strong. Carrie liked the song choice. Luke said you surprised me by picking that song and playing the guitar, and doing it all yourself. Lionel said what you did was understood how you got here, by being you.

 Jamal Roberts sang Undo It by Carrie Underwood-- Miranda did a great job of helping Jamal make the song more him. He sounded great, this was another unexpected performance, but it was so good. Luke said great job. Lionel said you're mesmerizing and I love it. 

Mattie Pruitt sang The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert-- Wow, Mattie picked a tough song. She had the courage to play her guitar and sing in front of Miranda. I could tell that was hard for her. She was really emotional towards the end. Lionel said we felt every moment of that performance. Carrie said that was really great. Luke said that was huge growth for you, and I'm glad Miranda leaned in on that with you. 

Gabby Samone sang I Was Here by Beyonce-- Miranda said she is one of those artists that you might know nothing about her but after you hear her sing, you know everything. That was such a beautiful performance and I could truly feel that she lived that song. Carrie said, wow, vote and Lionel echoed similar. Luke said to watch you from auditions to now is amazing.  

Who is going home? 

Predictions... Kolbi, Breanna, Mattie, maybe Slater. 

Top 8: 

Breanna
Mattie
Jamal
John
Josh
Gabby
Slater
Thunderstorm

Going home is Canaan and Kolbi 

Just realized all the platinum ticket winners are gone... Filo, Canaan, and Kolbi.    

American Idol: Season 23-- Idol Honors It's History and The Top Ten

What an amazing night on American Idol. I will admit the results were a little shocking. I loved that Carrie Underwood continues to honor her roots on American Idol. She was wearing the dress she wore when she won American Idol. Fantasia returned to mentor this year's class of American Idol contestants. She did an amazing job mentoring. I felt like she tapped into something deeply personal with everyone left in the top 12. I think it's because Fantasia is such a genuine person. She's evolved over the years and is someone who is comfortable in her own skin, but also deeply rooted in her faith to God. 

The theme of the night for contestant song choices was Iconic Idol Moments. 

Slater Nalley sang Angel from Montgomery by John Prine, he was inspired by Megan Danielle's performance. This was tried and true Slater. He sounded great, and he did great. Carrie said she can imagine what his first album would sound like. 

Che sang Dancing on my Own by Robyn, he was inspired by Colin Stough's performance. I loved this song for him, but it seems as though he is on borrowed time in this competition. He chooses the correct songs, and comes just to the point that he falls short of hitting them out of the park. 

Thunderstorm Artist sang House of the Rising Sun by The Animals, he was inspired by Hailey Reinhart's performance. Wow, this was a perfect song choice for him. I remember what a big moment this was for Hailey. The style of Thunderstorm and Hailey's voices are similar in that they both have that incredible rasp in their voice. Lionel said that Thunderstorm made it his own. 

Kolbi Jordan sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland, she was inspired by Kat McPhee's performance. That moment for Kat way back in time was monumental. In my opinion, she should have won the show that season. Kolbi changed certain parts of the song, but it was tasteful and still true to the original. Lionel called the performance divine, Carrie appreciated how she kept it simple, and. Luke said it was a supernova. 

Filo sang And I am Telling You (I'm Not Going) from Dreamgirls, he was inspired by Jennifer Hudson's performance. Filo easily could have oversang this, but I think he really took and appreciated Fantasia's notes. The point was not to recreate an iconic moment, but to have your own. That's exactly what he did, and Carrie noticed it. What a great performance for Filo. Luke said it was his fave Filo performance so far. Mine too! 

Mattie Pruitt sang Because of You by Kelly Clarkson-- Another performance that I just was not crazy about. I feel like she is a little out of her element. I want to see her feel the song more, it's almost like she's not connecting with the song. The judges gave her positive feedback. Carrie said her voice is so good, and Luke liked her confidence. 

Canaan James Hill sang Goodness of God by Cece Winans, he was inspired by Roman Collins performance with Cece last year on the finale. Canaan is going to be an amazing gospel singer. He always seems to know exactly who he is and exactly the right song to sing. Carrie thanked him for a beautiful performance and Luke said, everytime you perform, you baptize me.  

Gabby Samone sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway, she was inspired by Elliott Yamin's performance. Wow, that was so far back, and that was such a memorable performance by him. Gabby is just overwhelmingly talented. This was such a thoughtful and inspiring performance. Carrie said it was perfection, Luke said he was speechless, and Lionel was lost for words. 

Josh King sang All by Myself by Eric Carmen/ Celine Dion, he was inspired by Pia Toscano's performance. What was really cool here was that he tapped into something that was deeply personal. It is always hard to be so vulnerable in front of everyone. He talked about not having a lot of friends growing up and he's made so many friends on Idol. Also it was great to hear a guy sing this song since a guy wrote it. Obviously Celine made it famous. All of the judges appreciated his vulnerability and told him that with his American Idol family he will never be alone again. 

Breanna Nix sang Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey. She was inspired by Danny's performance. Breanna's niche really seems to be in Christian music, so this is a perfect match for her. Lionel said the show is divinely guided and she raised the bar. Carrie commends Fantasia for her work with the contestants. Luke says this is why she's here. 

John Foster sang I Told You So by Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood. John was inspired by Randy and Carrie's performance and wanted to dedicate the performance to Carrie because she has been one of his top supporters. This was the perfect song for John and his voice sounded amazing. Carrie said you push yourself and I love watching you grow. Lionel says he is so proud. 

Jamal Roberts sang Heal by Tom Odell, he was inspired by Leah Marlene's performance. There is a reason Jamal sang last tonight, that was such an amazing performance. Lionel calls him divinely guided. It was so quiet when his performance finished you could hear a pin drop. He could win the whole thing. 

Che was eliminated and shockingly Filo! That was really surprising. 

The Top 10 is: 

John Foster
Josh King
Jamal Roberts
Mattie Pruitt
Thunderstorm Artis
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Canaan James Hill
Kolbi Jordan
Breanna Nix 

I cannot wait for Miranda Lambert to come in and mentor on Sunday and the all the performances are going to be about women in music. 

American Idol: Season 23, 14 Rock Out and Become 12

Carrie Underwood opened the show with a killer rendition of Alone by Heart just like she sang twenty years ago! 

Filo sang With a Little Help from My Friends by Joe Cocker-- Loved this rendition, masterful is the word I'd use I think. What a great song choice, he continues to just knock it out of the park. Carrie felt like he took an iconic song and make it his own. Luke said he could not say anything bad about that performance. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin-- She is lucky that she has such a great voice and still delivered the rasp because that song lacked the emotion it really needed. You have to have experienced "life" to sing that song. James Taylor (who mentored the contestants this week) said typically a woman, not a teenager sings that song. 

John Foster sang Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley-- This could have been super cheese or karaoke but it wasn't! He made an American Classic his own. Carrie said it was believable and he made the song his own. 

Desmond Roberts sang Jesus is Love by The Commodores-- I think Desmond is so talented but I think the song, was very challenging, and unfortunately, and Luke noted it, there were a lot of pitchy moments. I want him to stay in the competition, but this might be it for him. 

Jamal Roberts sang Shout by The Isley Brothers-- Jamal brings us to a party every time he takes the stage. This was inspired, genuine, and energetic. Carrie said it was the perfect song choice, Luke called it "smart", and Lionel called the performance "professional". 

Amanda Barise sang I Can't Help It by Michael Jackson-- I don't think this was the right song choice for her. I think she needed to sing more of a power ballad, especially since she has been vulnerable in this competition. The judges all thought she nailed it. 

Canaan James Hill sang Mary Don't You Weep by Aretha Franklin-- Great song choice, solid performance. The judges suggest he should try something out of his wheelhouse or box, and I don't know that I agree with that. I like that Canaan knows who he is. Carrie said she wants to see him do something unexpected at some point. 

Josh King sang The Longest Time by Billy Joel-- Another solid song choice suited to his style. This was awesome, I loved James Taylor's feedback. Carrie makes the comment that he knows who he is and what a great song choice that was (this reinforces what I was saying about Canaan). Luke called him charming and endearing. Lionel encouraged him to push himself because he has the talent. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Fire and Rain by James Taylor-- In theory, it was a good song choice. His voice sounded a little hoarse. Unsure if maybe he was dealing with being sick. The way he changed up the song to suit his style was really cool, and James Taylor complimented him on that. Luke said it had hints of James Taylor but a lot of him. I agree. He should stick around in the competition, but he needs to sharpen the vocals. 

Gabby Samone sang Saving All My Love by Whitney Houston-- Wow! She has turned me into a mega fan. I loved this performance. She sounded amazing. She did not copy Whitney. That was the ultimate tribute. Lionel called it phenomenal. 

Breanna Nix sang Open Arms by Journey-- This was a big improvement over Queen last week. I agree with the judges in that she might be overcomplicating things and overthinking. The performance started great and towards the end it started to get away from her. 

Kolbi Jordan sang You're All I Need to Get By by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye-- She was back in full force this week after a mediocre couple of weeks. This was a strong choice and told a lot about who she is as an artist. Luke felt everything was there and noted her confidence; he said you've arrived. Carrie said we are spoiled on this show, there is so much talent. 

Che Chesterman sang It's a Man's World by James Brown-- Hmmm, I liked this performance but I didn't love it. I have heard many great renditions of this song and this was good not great. Carrie mentioned something like this as well, that she wanted him to rock out and take it to the next level. I agree, couldn't agree more. 

Slater Nalley sang Your Song by Elton John-- It was cool for him to do a country version of this song. He's unique, definitely an old soul. Carrie said it was a great song choice and I liked seeing you get emotional with James Taylor. Luke said the fact that you're 18 and this cool, makes me mad. The vibe of that song puts you in the right light, you have the maturity to deliver that at your age. Lionel urged people to vote. 

Desmond and Amanda were sent home. 

I am thinking Breanna and Che could be next to go, maybe even Thunderstorm. The Top 10 are announced tonight and Fantasia mentors. 

American Idol Season 23: We're Down to 14!

These were my predictions-- 

Caanan James Hill
**Desmond Roberts
Filo
**Josh King
Thunderstorm Artis
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt
Breanna Nix
*Victor Solomon
*Isaiah Misailegalu
Gabby Samone
Slater Nalley
Jamal Roberts
Kolbi Jordan

The * are the ones I was wrong about that did not make it. 
** Are Judge's Saves. 

**Amanda Barise and **Che made the Top 14. 

These six were eliminated: 

Olivier Bergeron
Baylee Littrell
Isaiah Misailegalu
Drew Ryn
Victor Solomon
Zaylie Windsor

Notable performances: 

Filo gave a stunning rendition of Skyfall by Adele. It was definitely "Top 14" worthy.

John Foster was in amazing voice singing Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn. 

Some many have thought Josh King was cheesy singing Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley but I think this performance saved his life.  

Mattie Pruitt is going to be a dark horse in this competition, mark my words, she sounded stunning on the piano singing In the Stars by Idol Alum Benson Boone.

Caanan continued to "take us to church" singing Stand by Donnie McClurkin, I feel like he will be a finalist. 

Che's selection of Jealous Guy by John Lennon was appropriate and punched his ticket to the Top 14.

Also notable, Baylie Littrell put together arguably his strongest performance, he sang All of Me by John Legend. He worked on vocals and stage presence. Unfortunately, it was enough to propel him to the next round, but I feel like if there had been one more "save" to give out, it would have gone to him. I am curious to see what he'll do next. 

Desmond Roberts sang Titanium by Sia and proved why he never should have had to be a Judges Save in the first place. He is arguably the most musical member of this year's Idol class. 

Try a Little Tenderness was Jamal Roberts' choice, and it was so perfect. Once again, he made the song his own, and it was solid and proof he needs to be here. 

Don't Rain On My Parade was perhaps a self indulgent choice for Gabby Samone, but I will give it to her, the timing could not have been better. And she talked the talk but she also walked the walk. Amazing performance, she's converted me, I'm a believer. 

Amanda Barise sang her butt off on Ain't No Way by Aretha Franklin and girl single handedly saved herself in this competition. 

These were misses for me.... 

Kolbi Jordan's song choice of I'm Every Woman by Chaka Kahn was cliche and a little off. I don't see her sticking around for the duration. 

Isaiah's song choice of Sleepwalker by Sammy Johnson was sleepy, and someone who could have moved on got left behind on a weak song choice. 

Drew Ryn sang A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga. I am a HUGE fan of Drew, but this competition sucked out her confidence and level headedness, and after sitting down on the job, she was sent packing. 

Olivier Bergeron sang It's Not my Time, the song said it all. The vocal fell flat. 

Thank goodness we did not vote after these performances because Brianna Nix who made it through for her performance of Up to the Mountain, arguably one of my fave performances on Sunday night sang Show Must Go On by Queen. Let's just say the performance was a mess, and the band completely drowned her out. 

Zaylie Windsor was totally off pitch and seemed nervous singing Into You by Paramore. 

Victor Solomon's rendition of Staying Alive did not help him stay in the competition. The arrangement was a mess and sadly so was the outfit. 

These were neutral performances, the song choices could have been better: 

Thunderstorm Artis sang I Love You by Billie Eilish, he seemed out of his element without his guitar. 

Slater Nalley sang This Ain't It by Jason Isbell, great artist, but this song did nothing for him. 

And Once Again, The Top 14 Are: 

Kolbi Jordan
Thunderstorm Artis
Filo
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt
Caanan James Hill
Brianna Nix
Jamal Roberts
Slater Nalley
Gabby Samone
Josh King – WILDCARD
CHÉ Chesterman – WILDCARD
Desmond Roberts – WILDCARD
Amanda Barise – WILDCARD

 

 

American Idol Season 23: The Top 24 Become The Top 20, Who will make the top 14?

Caanan James Hill sang Better Days Are Coming-- The epitome of what this whole night of performances is all about. He sounded amazing as always. 

Drew Ryn sang Yellow by Coldplay-- Unsure how this is a religious or faith based song. She seemed nervous on this performance. 

Desmond Roberts sang Worship by John Batiste-- That was such an impressive performance. So amazing, everything about that was at another level. Carrie mentioned how it switched gears a lot and I totally agree. 

Filo sang Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel-- This was a masterclass, great performance by Filo. 

Josh King sang You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker-- Loved this performance, he is coming in to his own in this competition. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Reckless Love by Cory Asbury-- I loved the message of the song, and his performance was solid. He definitely has an identifiable style. 

Amanda Barise sang If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys-- Loved how she made it her own, but I was a little lost with the relevance. 

John Foster sang Tell That Angel I Love Her (Original Song)-- This was such a beautiful performance and really stood out. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Rescue by Lauren Daigle-- I loved the rasp in her voice, at the end of 16, she has such maturity. I see her in this competition for a while. 

Olivier Bergeron sang Stay by Mikky Ekko-- I liked this performance, but he seems like he is too in his shell or holding back. I'm unsure he will advance. 

Kyana Fanene and Grayson Torrance are both eliminated. 

Breanna Nix sang Up To The Mountain by Patty Griffin-- What an amazing performance, this girl has the goods for sure. 

Victor Solomon sang For Every Mountain by Kurt Carr-- There is something about how Victor performs, he customizes everything to himself and delivers with so much passion and conviction.

Baylee Littrell sang Gone Without Goodbye-- I feel like this is one of the first times I really heard Baylee. He was obviously connected to this song (his dad wrote and recorded it). Huge improvement over last week. 

Isaiah Misailegalu sang Give You Blue by Allen Stone-- Loved this so much, he was so in the zone, it was the perfect song choice with the perfect vocal. 

Gabby Samone sang I Am Changing from Dreamgirls-- I wanted to not like her, but she has turned in a string of solid performances that are undeniable. She's a keeper. 

Slater Nalley sang Soulshine by The Allman Brothers-- One of my faves in the competition, this was a great song choice that complimented Slater so well. 

Zaylie Windsor sang Silver Spring by Fleetwood Mac-- This was a miss for me, I don't see her making it to the top 14, there wasn't enough confidence in the delivery. 

Jamal Roberts sang Forever by Jason Nelson-- Jamal took this performance to another level. This was one of the strongest performances of the night, probably of the season. Luke said, you've got the magic, and he called it current yet old school. 

Che sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley-- This is one of my favorite songs. Che interpreted it so beautifully. 

And the final spot goes to Platinum ticket winner Kolbi Jordan. 

Kolbi sang Amazing Grace-- I had major doubts about Kolbi advancing after last week. I genuinely thought her performance and vocal was a mess. It was very shouty. This performance was redemption though. She did great. 

MKY (Mikey Jimenez) and Penny Samar are eliminated. I wanted Mikey to stick around longer because he was really giving me Ritchie Valens and Frankie J vibes. I believe we will see more from him. 

My picks for the Top 14 (in no particular order)--

Caanan James Hill 
Desmond Roberts
Filo 
Josh King 
Thunderstorm Artis
John Foster
Mattie Pruitt 
Breanna Nix 
Victor Solomon
Isaiah Misailegalu
Gabby Samone
Slater Nalley
Jamal Roberts
Kolbi Jordan