American Idol Season 23: Notes on The Top 5 As We Find Out Our 3 Finalists

Tonight's show was another Disney themed show. Lin Manuel Miranda continued to mentor the contestants. I think he did a great job, his advice was so thoughtful. I understand why he is so good at what he does and so well regarded.

Slater Nalley-- 
Song 1: You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story
Song 2: Born to be Wild from D3 The Mighty Ducks
Notes: I thought the first performance was so good. I mean honestly, both performances were good. Slater has become one of my favorites on the shoe. He and John are both so young but both understand their identity as artists. No matter what happens, this kid is going to be a star. He will be doing country music. Lionel said he has come such a long way in the competition. 

John Foster-- 
Song 1: The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book
Song 2: The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets
Notes: John has such a way about him. His style is laid back and authentic. There is not once in this competition where he has settled or deviated from who he is. He's always made thoughtful decisions about the songs he has chosen. Luke talked about his charm. Carrie talked about how she found a diamond in the rough with him; she needed to convince Lionel and Luke but she did it. 

Thunderstorm Artis-- 
Song 1: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
Song 2: Find Yourself from Cars
Notes: First song was everything! Thunderstorm is such an artist. Beyond that is the person that comes across to all of us. I love how the first song had a lullabye / storytelling feel to it. It was absolutely beautiful. Carrie talked about his ability to connect with people and said he is all heart. Luke said he deserves to be here and Lionel called him a vibe master. Literally any of these contestants could be top 3 (even Gabby, Mattie, and Josh who were voted off in the past two weeks could have been Top 3). This is such a talented group. 

Breanna Nix--
Song 1: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) from The Parent Trap 
Song 2: You'll Be In My Heart from Tarzan
Notes: Breanna is someone who has continued to improve as the competition has gone on. Week after week, she has shown growth and more of herself in the performances. I think this is what's moved her forward. Whereas, someone like Gabby was consistent from the beginning. In her first song, Carrie mentioned how she seemed unsure of herself at the beginning, but as the performance went on, her confidence grew. In the second song, Luke commented that her voice and presence was so strong. 

Jamal Roberts-- 
Song 1: Ain't No Mountain High Enough from Remember the Titans
Song 2: Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast
Notes: To me, this is the first time in the competition that I saw Jamal be somewhat human and struggle or not pick the best song. I also feel like because he is such a great singer, his performance quality needs to be there as well, and I think that's what Carrie was remarking about. I know Carrie got a lot of negative press for saying Jamal should have moved around some in the first performance, but I couldn't agree more. And for his second performance, the song choice did not make sense for him. It's not that it sounded bad, it just wasn't believable. 

Top 3 Are: 

John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Breanna Nix

Going Home: 
Slater Nalley
Thunderstorm Artis

  

American Idol Season 23: Disney Songs and Songs for Mama Take the Contestants from 7 to 5

Disney Songs: 

Lin Manuel Miranda is coaching the contestants this week.He's great, he gives them great advice on where to take the various songs. 

Gabby Samone sang How Far I'll Go from Moana-- Lin tells her this is a wordy song that is difficult to sing, he's right, but she navigates it beautifully. Carrie tells her that her voice is made for songs like that. Luke says he has never heard her deliver a more clear vocal. 

Jamal Roberts sang Go the Distance from Hercules-- What a great song choice for Jamal. Wow! It has some gospel roots/ nuances to it. He sounds great. Luke said you're always able to make it your own and challenge yourself. Lionel said typically people put on flashy clothes to compensate for something,  you put on flashy clothes and it gets bigger than that. 

Breanna Nix sang Reflection from Mulan-- This song matches Breanna perfectly. She is peaking at the right time, she's someone initially I thought would go home. She loved Lin's advice and thinks it will be her perfect performance. Luke felt she was in total control and that she picked the perfect song. Lionel loved her poise and grace. Carrie loved what she did with the song. 

John Foster sang Almost There from Princess and the Frog-- Lin asked him about his connection to the song and he said that the movie is set in his home state of Louisiana. I had my doubts, but this was a good choice for him, and he sounded great even though it was unlike anything he has done in the past. Lionel said that was amazing. Carrie said no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster. Luke said you have charisma. 

Slater Nalley sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King-- Slater is super excited about meeting Lin and calls him a legend. Lin encourages him to start the song quiet and let it build. It's great advice. Slater messes up a little but recovers well. Carrie said it was exciting to see his session with Lin. Luke said he recovered well. Lionel said you're a storyteller, use that voice more. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Remember Me from Coco-- I am glad that Mattie picked a song from a movie she really likes, it should give her a chance to connect. Lin calls her incredibly gifted. Luke says it is one of her favorite performances. Lionel thinks she's grown up, I do too, but is it too late? Carrie says this is why you are here. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas--  Lin says he was most excited to hear Thunderstorm. He wants him to not smile on the first verse. He says the first verse of the song is an accusation. That was great! Lin's advice was on point. Lionel said you are an amazing storyteller. Carrie said that was my favorite arrangement of the night, it was beautiful. Luke said you had me immersed in the moment. 

Mother's Day Dedications:

Breanna Nix sang Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina-- Wow!!! That was such a stunning performance and I love that song by Lauren Alaina. Carrie said I am going to cry my way through this, it was beautiful, the voice, the song, the moment. Luke loves this night, we love where you're trending at this point in the competition. Lionel said, once you hit the tear, you've got everyone in the room. 

Gabby Samone sang Home from The Wiz-- Oh my gosh! She's so good, she has to be on Broadway once all is said and done. She's amazing. I am such a Gabby fan!!! That made me emotional. Luke said that was my favorite performance you've done. It took tonight to a whole new level. Lionel said you sang that song like you were closing the show. Carrie said that was ridiculous, I am in awe. 

Slater Nalley sang Don't Think Twice It's Alright by Bob Dylan-- This was so perfect for him and so needed to keep him in the competition. It felt authentic and genuine. Loved his voice in this. Lionel said that's the way you bring out the surprise secret weapon, simplicity is king. Carrie said you seemed in your element. I listen to Dylan when I'm sad but you made me happy. Luke said you're an artist, your sound is so oidentifiable.  

Jamal Roberts sang A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- This was the perfect example of who Jamal is, his voice is a throwback but somehow he makes it current. Carrie said you proved why you are here. Luke said how good you are is humbling to me. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Those Kind of Women by Lauren Alaina-- Great song choice by Maddie. She does well when she picks songs that she relates to. Luke said she is getting more comfortable, and you're getting the "sass" and it's making me happy. He said this because she said Mister Luke I need to get some sass. Carrie said that was a great song choice for you. It seemed like you felt every word. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Out of the Blue (original song)-- I loved that Thunderstorm chose to do an original song, and it's perfect that it was about his wife for Mother's Day. The words are beautiful, it's always a risk to do an original song, but this was perfect. Lionel said you are about to turn your thunderstorm into a tornado. If you are writing those kinds of words you have a career. Carrie said, Thunderstorm, you are an artist. You've brought some amazing songs to us already. Luke said when I heard you were doing an original, I was like cool, I can't wait to hear this song. 

John Foster sang Believe by Brooks & Dunn-- That was such a touching and beautiful performance, I believed every word. This had a gospel like quality to it, I believe! Carrie said that was the perfect song choice. Luke said you keep surprising me every week. Lionel said what the heck are you doing? John said exactly what you told me to. You told me to find my voice. I have spent the whole competition doing that. Lionel said, I now believe you as an artist. 

And the results...

Top 5: Slater, Breanna, John, Jamal, Thunderstorm!

Wow, Gabby and Mattie are going home. 

Breanna is the last lady standing. 

 

American Idol: Did Dance Tunes and the Adele Songbook Impress?

The answer is, only about half way. The dance tunes were not great. Out of seven performances, only three of them were really memorable. Adele's Songbook faired a little bit better. 

Jack Blocker performed Long Tall Sally by Little Richard, it was such an authentically Jack performance.

 

Will Moseley's performance of Give Me Three Steps by Lynard Skynard was a win. I love how he continues to stay true to who he is as an artist. 

Lastly, I loved Emmy Russell singing Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon. She slightly changed up the song and made it her own. 

The Adela Songbook impressed me-- 

I did not think I would enjoy Jack performing One and Only, but it was amazing. It was practically a perfect song choice for him. 

Emmy Russell did Water Under the Bridge which is one of my fave Adele songs. She is comfortable and intentional with her performance. 

Triston Harper displayed so much maturity with his performance of Easy on Me. I loved how he connected with the song and made it his own. 

Lastly, I need to shout out Abi Carter's performance of Hello. When she gets it right, she gets it right. 

Julia and McKenna were sent home. 

Jack, Will, Triston, Abi, and Emmy remain! What an amazingly solid top five, this is anyone's competition to win. 

American Idol Season 21: The Songbooks of Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran Stun

Warren Peay sang All I Really Want by Alanis Morissette-- I am actually not very familiar with this Alanis song. Alanis said she never imagined a version like this. Ed said his confidence shined. Luke said it is fun watching him grow. 

Zachariah Smith sang Ironic by Alanis Morissette-- Zachariah is by far my favorite, I look forward to his performances every week and this is my fave Alanis song so I was happy to hear he was singing this. Alanis was quite complimentary saying his voice is angelic and he moves beautifully. It was great to hear him sing something softer but still be able to use his rock voice for the chorus. 

Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele sang Photograph by Ed Sheeran-- These two artists are made to sing together. They should once this is all over. Their voices are just so complimentary. Ed loved the gentleness and soulfulness. Alanis loves the respect between them as well as their vulnerability. Luke loved the arrangement.  

Haven Madison sang You Learn by Alanis Morissette--  Wow! She is so young but it really comes across that she feels the song. Alanis called it gorgeous and said that she has that inside out music in her body. Ed called the chorus captivating. 

We Ani and Warren Peay sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran-- This is probably the most unusual pairing. I have to be honest, it is probably the weakest of the duets. Alanis said they showed their massive range, emotionally as well. 

Colin Stough sang Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette-- LOVED! This was awesome, I never could have imagined him singing an Alanis song and somehow he brought it to life. Ed loved how it rocked out in the end. 

Haven Madison and Zachariah Smith sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- This was so beautiful, these two both need to be top five in my opinion. Ed thought it was soulful and powerful and thinks they are both really talented. Alanis felt like it was born as a duet. Luke said I have smile cramps. 

Megan Danielle sang Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette-- Love how she slowed the song down and prettied it up. Ed said her timing is incredible. Luke said he loves watching Ed and Alanis react to seeing the contestants. Luke said you nailed that, magic. 

Iam Tongi sang Guardian by Alanis Morissette-- What a stunning performance. Alanis said the empathy in your voice is such a gift. Ed said I felt like you really connected with the song, really beautiful. Luke said great job, you always light the room up. 

We Ani sang Uninvited by Alanis Morissette-- That was a beautiful song choice for her, I wanted it to be less theatrical and more pop/ rock. Alanis said I wanted you to make it less perfect, because I wanted to believe you were singing it to somebody. Ed said I loved how you changed the arrangement, it was very powerful. Luke said it's so haunting and that was the best I ever heard it. 

Megan Danielle and Colin Stough sang Dive by Ed Sheeran-- Wow! Their voices are stunning together!! What the actual heck. I am loving this duet, and what a great song for them. Ed said whoever put you together was a genius. Megan said that they picked the song. This is such a privilege for me. Alanis said you were just connected and familial almost. Luke said that was a sweet moment.  

(I can't find this video but will post it when I find it, it was so good.)

Oliver Steele sang You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette-- Alanis gave him some feedback and said anger moves worlds. I loved that! What a brave and fierce performance. Alanis said she loved what he and his voice embraced tonight. Alanis said she is proud of him. Ed said he loved how it started. Luke said way to get in there and battle. 

My Top 5

Zachariah Smith

Haven Madison

Megan Danielle

Colin Stough

Oliver Steele

Actual Top 5 

Zachariah Smith

Megan Danielle

Iam Tongi

We Ani

Colin Stough

American Idol Season 21: After the Oscars Special

I didn't get to post this on Oscar night because the show ran so late that by the time American Idol was to be on I was asleep. There was some great talent that night, but there were three contestants in particular that I found worthy of getting to the live showcases. 

In no particular order-- 

Hannah Nicolaisen sang To Make Me Feel Your Love by Bob Dylan-- this young woman just started singing a few months ago, her ability is immense. Katy said, I don't think you even realize what you have. Lionel told Hannah that a unique voice like hers is what they pray for. Luke told her she is born to sing. 

Tripp Taylor sang I Believe it to My Soul by Ray Charles-- WOW! This young man is a complete throwback to a time long before himself. He seems to have such ease when he sings and his rasp is so cool. Luke appreciates how he attacks the mic. Katy said he has the "it" factor. Lionel praises his stage presence. 

Colt Glover sang Rock Salt and Nails by Flatt & Scruggs-- Colt has a great country voice, a cool vibe, and he comes across as so humble. He was nervous but his authenticity made up for it. Katy said he is the best country singer that they have seen so far and said he was top ten worthy. Luke said he was happy that Colt was there with them. Lionel said that they are going to teach him what to do with his hands. 

**Let's see how I do, but I think these three are great talents! 

American Idol: The Top 7 Sing Disney and Songs for their Moms

The top seven were decided on Sunday night on American Idol, and I was a little discouraged with the results. Two ladies and five guys ended up being chosen. I just think there were some people that moved forward that maybe should not have-- Dillon James had not been great for several weeks. Jonny West--- I know the judges are sold but I'm not.

Last night's performances came in two rounds. Round one was Disney songs and round two was songs inspired by mom in honor of Mother's Day. The Disney round was king of lame to be honest. I love Disney songs, but I am kind of tired of the shameless Disney plugs every two seconds on ABC. The second round for me is what sold me on several of these artists. The song choices were thoughtful and heartfelt.

Arthur Gunn-- sang Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid and Hey Ma by Bon Iver-- First performance was sound, not great, but safe. Second performance bled authenticity. I do think he is going to make the top five, he just sounds unlike anyone else. Forget the Phillip Phillips comparisons. Arthur sounds like no one else.



Just Sam-- sang A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes by Cinderella and I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera-- I was not into either performance. Every week I hear her she sounds good, but she does not seem to connect with the songs or emote in any way. I think she is in danger of going home next week.

Jonny West-- sang Almost There from The Princess and the Frog and Amazing Grace-- I full expected him to go home this week, but I am glad he didn't. This week I saw so much from him. His performances felt inspired, he connected to the songs, and was true to himself as an artist. I believe he will stick around.

Louis Knight-- sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King and You've Got a Friend by James Taylor and Carole King-- This was probably his weakest couple of performances in a while. I felt like he lost focus and was off pitch, especially in the first performance. He improved on the second performance and it should be enough for him to go through because a couple of people were a little bit weaker than he was.

Julia Gargano-- sang Beauty and the Beast and Sweetest Devotion by Adele-- Julia has not missed a beat in this competition. She has been one of the strongest performers and vocalists from day one. Her first performance this week was a miss for me. Her vocals were too low, it needed to be in a different key. The second performance was her ticket into the finale. It was one of the best performances of the night.



Francisco Martin-- sang You're in My Heart from Tarzan and River by Leon Bridges-- Francisco has by far been my favorite contestant this season and this was his best performances to date. He has not taken one wrong turn. Both of his performances were equally amazing. He has a sincerity that comes through every time he sings. He also shines as a storyteller because he believes fully in what he is singing about.



Dillon James-- sang Our Town from Cars and Hang On Hang On by Amos Lee-- This is so hard because a couple weeks ago, I felt like he should have gone home for losing his authenticity. Now I feel like he's grown, but is it enough? Is it fair for him to stay around when others have been more consistent throughout the competition than he has? He regrouped without question and got his authenticity back.

My top 5:

Francisco (potential winner)
Julia (potential winner)
Jonny
Arthur (potential winner)
last spot is between Louis and Dillon

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/americanidol

**My top three performances of the night are posted.

America Idol 2018: The Top 24 Compete for the Top 14, First Half

Dominique sang Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn-- I was initially bored with this performance, but he really turned up the energy and the funk. His vocals were, no question, on point. He really brought it. Katy said WOW, backwards and forwards. Lionel said there's the opening act and there's the star attraction and you are the star attraction. Luke said you showed a different side of yourself tonight.

Layla Spring sang A Broken Wing by Martina McBride-- I think the song was too old for her. I would have preferred for her to pick something more fun and more her age. One thing I notice a lot about her is that she looks and acts a lot older than she is. Katy is impressed with her growth and Luke says her personality is infectious. That is certainly an accurate comment from Luke. She reminds me a lot of Kellie Pickler.

Catie Turner sang Call Me by Blondie-- Bobby told her to pick songs that leave an impression on people. I think the song was a good fit for her, and I liked how she had fun with it. There were pitch issues at certain points. The judges certainly seemed to be enjoying it as they were all up on their feet. Luke said I couldn't quit watching you. Lionel said you make people believe in who you are, you did a great job.

Dennis Lorenzo sang Rude by Magik-- I liked that he didn't play up the reggae part of the song and made it his own. I would have liked something that showed his vocal abilities more cause he's so talented. Katy thought he did play up the reggae part. She said this was not a song that would show your vocal talent. Lionel basically said the same. Luke said I love your stage presence, I believe you're a natural star.

Michelle Susset sang If I Were a Boy by Beyonce-- There were some pitch issues to be totally honest. Michelle, to me, is the biggest star in this competition, I see her being a triple threat like J. Lo. I loved how she made this song her own, forgot all about the Beyonce version and I love how she brought her culture into it. Lionel said she came out and had great stage presence. Katy said her being able to sing in Spanish is her ace . Luke said you have a unique tone in her voice.

Michael J. Woodard sang Golden Slumbers by The Beatles-- Michael is heaven sent, he was clearly meant to be here. I love that he is so well rounded stylistically and vocally, it's pretty amazing. Luke said what I love about you is you let all your emotions show. Katy said you're so chosen, you are meant to be here. Lionel said you're spectacular in terms of showing your ability and the quality of what you're giving us is so special.

Trevor McBane sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- I love the dirt in his voice, the gravel, and the rasp. This song really suits him. He seemed to be very connected with the song, there was a lot of emotion coming from him. Luke said you're making us believe, but release those reigns and turn the horses loose. 

Jonny Brenns sang Georgia by Vance Joy-- I have loved Jonny since I first saw him in the auditions. This was a great performance, once again, very connected to the song, lots of emotion. The range was good, I liked his falsetto. Lionel said it went from the shy guy to the sexy guy. He said that Jonny reminds him of himself. Katy said your song choice was so dead on and perfect. Luke said you're a big star but you don't all the way know it yet. You have such a smooth voice.

Kay Kay sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Great song choice, it was pitchy at points, but for the most part, she turned in a strong performance. Luke said you were just born as a star, and you look like a star. Katy said tonight the full package finally arrived.

Brandon Diaz sang Hello by Lionel Ritchie-- That was a tough song choice, but I am not sure if he pulled it off or not. The ending was very convincing but overall there were some pitch issues. Katy said you're so brave. She said it was a blessing and a curse, and he landed somewhere in the middle. Lionel said he was nervous for him while he was singing.

Gabby Barrett sang My Church by Maren Morris-- I loved the personality and attitude she gave on stage. This was such an awesome choice on song, loved this. Lionel said I have never in my life watched a person get the end of the song and blow me away. Give me a little more personality half way through, continue on your journey. Katy said that was super cool, it went from 0-100 real quick. Luke said we're looking for the shine, the sparkle, and the it factor.

Cade Foehner sang All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix-- This was the most authentic performance of the night. Cade is a total star. He dared to go with Hendrix and he lived up to it. WOW! Katy said you sure are a minister and you can preach to me anytime you want. Luke said Cade we love you buddy. Katy said whether America chooses you or not, you're a star, keep shining honey. Lionel said you bring the attitude and the personality, you bring it all.

My predictions---

Who is moving forward? (7 people)

Cade Foehner
Gabby Barrett
Dominique
Michelle Susset
Michael J. Woodard
Jonny Brenns
toss up between Dennis Lorenzo and Catie Turner

Who is going home? (5 people)

Brandon Diaz
Layla Spring
Trevor McBane
Kay Kay
toss up between Dennis Lorenzo and Catie Turner