American Idol 15: Top 14 Performance Power Rankings

The Top 14 are about to perform tonight...wait, what's that? The judges can fast track anyone they unanimously want to automatically go into the Top 10? Cool! So tonight we only get 10 performances meaning those who didn't perform will get an automatic 10 points. And those four are Dalton Rapattoni, La'Porsha Renae, Olivia Rox, and Trent Harmon. So how did the other 10 do? Here's how!

#1) Mackenzie Bourg

“Roses” by Mackenzie Bourg

There’s a reason he got the pimp spot. And he’s performing his own song. It’s a bit strange that he wasn’t given a fast pass spot but it simply may have been so he could perform this song. If something happens where he doesn’t get voted in, I’d be shocked. It’s really only a fight for five spots. Mackenzie is in the top tier this season.

Score: 9.5

#2) Sonika Vaid

“I Surrender” by Celine Dion

Her nerves have been eliminated! Sonika’s voice is the reason why she’ll make the Top 10. But watching her is still a little hard. She’ll go through, it’s no question. But she needs to loosen up as a performer and stop with the ballads!

Score: 8.5

#3) Thomas Stringfellow

“Story of My Life” by One Direction

I really like him! He’s by far one of the most marketable contestants thus far. His voice isn’t the best but it fits him and his vibe. He has great potential but the one thing that he’ll have to fit against is how he fairs up against the similar contestants to him. He’ll likely split votes with Lee and Mackenzie so being at the top of that heap will be his test.

Score: 8

#4) Gianna Isabella

“I Put a Spell on You” by Annie Lennox 

Somehow in two weeks time, Gianna grew up. She feels a lot more grounded and comfortable performing on stage. Her vocals are still not perfect but this was a good vocal for her. Now that America has a voice in Gianna’s fate, we’ll see if she’s worth saving.

Score: 8

#5) Lee Jean

“Make It Rain” by Ed Sheeran

What’s interesting and telling about this performance is that this is the song choice that the judges criticized. And he’s back doing it again. I think that’s a sign of his immaturity and inability to take critique. That will be his downfall. Vocally, it was a solid performance but I worry that his attitude will be the reason he is booted from this competition.

Score: 8

#6) Manny Torres

“Master Blaster” by Stevie Wonder

Manny has a silky voice but his performance seemed a bit too calculated for my liking. He has an R&B vibe that makes him unique in this competition but is he star? This is a decent performance though he doesn’t really showcase his range.

Score: 7.5

#7) Avalon Young

“Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” by Chris Brown

I was high on her at the start of the competition. But I’m not sure I really know who she is. Rather I don’t think I understand what she’s selling. This performance she tried to engage the audience and it felt awkwardly forced. Her voice is fine and could be something different in the R&B world but the package is mishmash of too many styles.

Score: 7.5

#8) Tristan McIntosh

“What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flats

She wants to do country music??? Well that changes EVERYTHING. Her voice is far too soulful for the country music industry. Will her love for country music garner attention from the country music mafia? Absolutely but this performance is not selling her potential in that genre. 

Score: 6.5 

#9) Jenn Blosil

“True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

There’s only one thing we’ll be talking about and it’s the bedazzled eyebrows. Sorry but it’s the truth. She’s unique but this was just a bizarre twist that seemed to come out of nowhere. Vocally, it was a nice performance. But this one choice in appearance will be her make or break. And for me, I’m turned off.

Score: 6.5

#10) Jeneve Rose Mitchell

“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash

It is near impossible for me to watch and take her seriously. At least when Adam Lambert reinvented “Ring of Fire” it was interesting. This was just weird. What lyrically makes this song a ballad? Changing something to change does not work. She’s getting the country vote and it will send her through. But this is not going to be a fun season if she continues pulling this.

Score: 6

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 2 Power Rankings

What I love about doing preseason rankings is looking back, even a week in, and seeing how WRONG I was! Last week we said goodbye to King Darnell, king of the aqua dump. Was it a justified boot? It's still debatable. But Darnell leaving means we get more boneheadedness from Alecia! After one episode, here's how we stack up!

#1) Anna (7)

Anna takes the top spot mainly because she formed, what appears to be, a super strong alliance. The Sorority Sisters if you will. Anna is smart and in control of Julia and Michele. She's also the one who will decide just which male will be their fourth. And perhaps fifth. As it sits now, Tai and Caleb have both been vetted. Both seem to be willing to play under Anna and the Sorority Sisters rules. Unless something drastic happens, Anna is Queen of the Beauty.

#2) Julia (1)

Julia is playing smart by being in the majority alliance but also taking a back seat in said alliance. While letting Anna do the dirty work, Julia can sit back and deflect for as long as she needs. Julia may appear young but she is playing like a vet.

#3) Michele (18)

Like Julia, being in the Sorority Sister alliance is a great game move. But Michele seems like the weakest of the three should a girl need to go. Personality wise Michele doesn't stand out as much as the other two. But give it time. My first boot prediction seems oh so wrong so I'm excited for Michele to shock me this season!

#4) Jason (15)

Let's clarify the situation. The artist formally known as Kyle is now being referred to as Jason. The man with two first names is now going by his last name. It's oh so confusing. But what's not confusing is his dominance on the Brawn tribe. Jason has figured out how to manipulate every member of his tribe, even Cydney, who should theoretically be on the outs. Jason needs to check his ego though as it seems it may get him in trouble.

#5) Neal (2)

Anna is running the Beauty. Jason the Brawn. And it appears Neal is running the youth of the Brain. The tribe is older by default but listening to Neal and the youngsters say they're gunning for the old folks is quite hilarious. Nevertheless, Neal has the numbers and that's all that matters. And he has a viable target in his sights. Neal, like Jason, needs to make sure he plays it cool before the ego takes over.

#6) Liz (3)

To clarify, we are calling her Liz and not Elisabeth. The Liz-Neal combo seems like a great pair. Like Julia, playing second fiddle for now is a perfect game move. Liz seems to have nothing to worry about at this point in the game. But we all know how fast this game can shift.

#7) Caleb (13)

Congratulations to Beast Mode Cowboy for defying expectations! The buffoonery of the former Big Brother houseguest is gone and Caleb is playing a strong game. He just needs to realize that the alliance is with the girls and he has to let them take control. A massive blow to his ego. Caleb has potential to go far, as long as he can handle the elements.

#8) Scot (14)

I'm not sold on Scot being a strong player just yet. I seem him as the dummy to Jason's ventriloquist. Scot is just too dumb to see it. Scot voted Darnell out because of one mistake. If that's his game plan, his end game has no shot as there's no strategy in that plan. I'm eager to see how Scot does moving forward. 

#9) Jennifer (4)

Jennifer, or Jenny, should be praised for handling her monster ear bug. If you ever had doubts about playing Survivor, that will sway you to never play. Jenny is resilient and loyal. She seems good with Jason and Scot but I could see her willing to make a move when the timing is right. If she can survive a bug in the ear, she can survive just about anything.

#10) Peter (10)

Peter, or President Obama as Debbie calls him, is in with the kids of the tribe. But don't call that safety just yet. He's not the top of the totem pole there. I don't really have a read on his game quite yet.

#11) Nick (17)

Life is Beautiful: The Nick Maiorano Story. Not nearly as douchey as his pregame video came off as, Nick saw the least amount of air time than any of the other Beauty tribe. With the Sorority Sisters having the upper hand and Tai or Caleb getting the coveted fourth spot, Nick looks like he could be in trouble. The only thing saving him is if he can convince everyone that Tai is trouble. 

#12) Aubry (16)

Poor Audry. Audry had a panic attack. On like day 2. That is not a good sign of things to come. While she's in the Kids Klub of the Brains tribe, she is absolutely the bottom of that team. Sure, she pulled it out in the puzzle to win immunity, it's the elements her alliance has to worry about.

#13) Tai (5)

Tai was on pace of having one of the strongest opening episodes ever. And then he pulled up trees to find the immunity idol and killed his position in the game. How will this hurt his placement? Tai needs to win everyone over. And fast.

#14) Joe (11)

Joe didn't do much in the first episode aside from falling into the Geriatric Group of the Brains tribe by default. Joe is spry. He's got a good head on him. But can he connect with the younger players of his tribe? He needs to separate from Debbie before she drags him down. 

#15) Cydney (8)

Why is Cydney this low? She's this low only because her dominant alliance partner was voted off. Yes, she ended up flipping in the revote but is she strong enough to be in with Jason and Scot? As long as she doesn't flip out for Darnell's boot, she could regain control of her position.

#16) Alecia (9)

There was so much history made in one single episode of Survivor. The first ear bug. The first tie vote for a first Tribal Council. The first player to forget to take the cap off of the voting pen. Congratulations Alecia, you made history! Alecia will be around for a very very long time because she is so horrible. She is getting a horrible edit, but as Dan Foley knows, the tape doesn't lie! It's easy to drag Alecia along as she's another number when you need it. Watch her goat her way to the top.

#17) Debbie (6)

Did you notice that every time they showed Debbie's name, they highlighted a different one of professions! Debbie is the female Coach. And it's already grating. Debbie is in deep trouble simply because she is so annoying. The Queen of the Fire can dish it but can she take it? I don't see that happening. 

American Idol 15: Top 14 Power Rankings

The fate of the contestants are now in America's hands...this is American Idol! That's what I imagine will be Ryan Seacrest's opening line tonight as we are granted the power to pick our Top 10. Overall, this is an interesting group of artists. As you remember from the past 2 weeks, I've been scoring the contestants two performances. This is how the Top 14 stack up. That being said, starting tonight, they will begin with zero points as this is a new round. From here on out, their scores will be added after each performance to compile the official power rankings. 

#1) Dalton Rapattoni

Dalton has been given a fantastic edit thus far. The producers clearly love him. The judges? They enjoy him. Dalton is keen on artistry, he has a great voice, and he's pretty to look at. No matter what the theme is, Dalton will likely put his stamp on any song he's given. And that will be his test. Will America approve of his reimaginings. Just remember what happened to Joey last year. She strayed too far and she got eliminated for it. Will Dalton be this year's Adam Lambert or Joey Cook? We'll find out soon!

#2) La’Porsha Renae

Girl's got pipes! La'Porsha has an eerily similar story to Fantasia. It's what we like to call a winner's edit. But artists like La'Porsha rarely fair too well on American Idol. She will likely get praise every week from the judges. Her test will be finding a strong fan base and offering a few uptempo songs within her ballads. She proved she can sing uptempo with "Proud Mary" so it's in her wheelhouse. I have high hopes for her but I could see her getting a way too early boot just because of the voting process.

#3) Trent Harmon

Trent's another one who's received a lot of good air time. He made history by performing solo in group round. He has the producers and judges on his side. As far as performer, Trent has a unique style and voice that can easily take him far. But with some younger teen-bait guys with guitars left in the competition, Trent has a great battle to fight.  

#4) Thomas Stringfellow

Speaking of one of those battles. No matter what, Thomas has secured the teen girl vote. He's adorable and actually has some talent. The thing that will likely hold him back is his youth. American Idol is stressful. It's an incredible journey but incredibly taxing. As we learned with the duet round, song choice will play a big factor for Thomas moving forward. He needs to continually pick songs that suit his voice and style.  

#5) Tristan McIntosh

Tristan is a dark horse for me. Sure she's young, but she performs older than her years. Her nerves will likely get her but if she can power through them, she's one of those performers who can easily slide deep into the competition. 

#6) Olivia Rox

I'm not sold on Olivia Rox. Between the name and her overall style, there's something far too manufactured for me. She's trying way too hard to be something I don't think she is. It's like she's in stage one of the Miley Cyrus path to stardom. For now, we get the best of both worlds. A little sweet, a little edgy. Olivia's voice is decent. It's not as amazing as the judges have been saying. Olivia stands out in the pack of girls and could easily be this season's Jax. But can she win? I don't see it. 

#7) Mackenzie Bourg

Mackenzie suffered a fatal blow to his scores due to the duet. That being said, Mackenzie will certainly be in the final five or four simply due to the fact that he has a fan base from that other show he was on. Sure, it's been some time but if you watch his growth as an artist, Mackenzie has evolved into something wonderful. Again, Mackenzie will need to pick the right song for him. He will certainly go head to head with Thomas. But who will prevail?

#8) Gianna Isabella

She's a producer and J.Lo favorite simply due to the Brenda K. Starr factor. And that's all well and good but does America really like her? Nepotism goes a long way in this business and now that America has a voice, there are some people who will not reward her for it. Gianna needs to come out guns blazing or she could be the first person booted. 

#9) Lee Jean

This kid can be the whole package. He is cute, he has a nice voice, he is a musician. But the thing that will hold him back is his age. And that seems to be a common theme so far this season. I want Lee to do well but if I see him as someone who will give up if the judges pick on him.

#10) Jenn Blosil

Here's the thing about Jenn Blosil. Since we're losing four right off the bat, if the judges don't save her, I just don't see America getting on board. She's unique and stylistically like Joey. Only Joey stepped it up as she owned her quirkiness. Jenn is just awkward. While I want to see what she can do, and I certainly think there are others who are less deserving of a spot in the Top 10, Jenn is in danger. 

#11) Sonika Vaid

There is a purity in Sonika's voice. But there is also a timidness. And that is a major factor working against her. The business would kill for someone like her. But is she ready? I don't think so. Again, another contestant who is just a few years too young. I truly believe had the show not been cancelled, Sonika would have been asked to come back two or three seasons down the road when she's found herself. But with the music industry needing someone like her, this is her time to shine. 

#12) Manny Torres

I'm still in shock Manny was picked to get this far. Manny has all of the makings of a first boot contestant. I don't see the judges saving him and unless he has a huge fanbase, Manny has to hope for a miracle. Where does Manny fit in the music business? That's what this Top 14 performance will determine. If he picks the right song and the judges can see who he is, they'll probably praise him. If not, we'll all forget who he is in a week's time.

#13) Avalon Young

Avalon is a fine performer. She just bores me. I don't see a future superstar in her. (Watch me eat those words.) I mean the Cosby sweater alone makes me worried for her. Avalon does not have a powerhouse voice like some of her other competitors so she'll need something special to stand out. I just don't see what it can be. 

#14) Jeneve Rose Mitchell

John Stevens. Scott Savol. Sanjaya Malakar. Hollie Cavanagh. Lazaro Arbos. Caleb Johnson (whoops...). Daniel Seavy. These are just some of the names of former contestants who fit the gimmick bill and outstayed their welcome, forcing the real talent off the show. I expect Jeneve Rose Mitchell to be added to my list of Idols who made me scream because they're still on. Nothing against her personally, she seems like a lovely young girl. But if we're looking for the next superstar, the bookend to Kelly Clarkson, we're just not finding it in her. She is really the only true country artist left in the competition meaning the country music mafia will be throwing votes in her direction. I can already sense a revival of my Season 3 John Stevens forcing Jennifer Hudson out of the show mental breakdown. 

American Idol 15: Top 24 Group 2 Results and Power Rankings

We're back again with some Idol duets! Like last week, we had songs either performed by the returning Idol or songs that they made famous. How did this group do with the duet test? Let's take a look!

#1) Dalton Rapattoni (with Chris Daughtry)

“Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder

This kid’s got it. Perfect song and perfect duet partner. The energy on the stage was undeniable even if the arrangement was a bit odd. The only thing stopping Dalton is America. Let’s hope they believe in him as much as I do.

Score: 9

#2) Trent Harmon (with Jordin Sparks)

“To Love Somebody” by Bee Gees 

This was a very interesting song for Trent at this point in the competition yet when he came out, he proved he’s got a range of musical style. Does he look a little intense when he sings compared to Jordin? Absolutely. But he’s got great qualities about him.

Score: 9

#3) Tristan McIntosh (with Kellie Pickler)

“Best Days of Your Life” by Kellie Pickler

As Randy Jackson used to say, Tristan is in it to win it! She has a lovely voice and this may have been her break out moment. I see a spark in her that reminds me of someone like Jordin Sparks. Her battle now is going to be picking the right songs. 

Score: 9

#4) Amelia Eisenhauer (with Kellie Pickler)

“Suds in the Bucket” by Sara Evans

Amelia playing the violin! Amelia and Kellie play off of one another quite well. There’s so much more personality from Amelia in this performance. It’s insane how one performance can change someone.

Score: 8.5

#5) Olivia Rox (with David Cook)

“Light On” by David Cook

An incredible song. It’s a gritty song. Despite being so bubbly, somehow Olivia rocked the song. This was a good song for her range. From a performance perspective, she was very reserved and that may be due to David stuck on the guitar.

Score: 8

#6) Shelbie Z (with Constantine Maroulis)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Oh no. Oh no no no. Why! Why Shelbie! Why! This is musical suicide. Sure, she sounded great on it but this is not who she is. At all. 

Score: 8

#7) Jenn Blosil (with Constantine Maroulis)

“My Funny Valentine” by Frank Sinatra

I was scared at first. What would this combo on this song do? When Jenn started, I finally saw her potential. She’s a quirky singer. With Constantine doing more of a Broadway style on the song, it helped elevate Jenn. 

Score: 8

#8) Lee Jean (with Chris Daughtry) 

“Home” by Daughtry 

This was a good pair on paper but Lee’s voice is so youthful compared to Chris Daughtry. I feel bad because you can tell that they had to adjust the performance to fit one another. And it didn’t quite work.

Score: 7

#9) Kory Wheeler (with Haley Reinhart)

“Benny and the Jets” by Elton John

What a suicidal song choice for Kory to sing with Haley. Not to take anything away from Haley, but her voice is so specific, doing a duet with her is not easy. And this is an iconic song she had on the show. Really no hope for Kory. While I do appreciate the lounge aspect of the performance, this was her moment, not his.

Score: 7

#10) Adam Lasher (with Haley Reinhart)

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley 

A very intimate performance. Haley has truly grown since her time on the show. They blended well but the tempo needed to be picked up greatly. Adam looked a tad uncomfortable. Is he a ballad guy? I don’t think so. 

Score: 6.5

#11) Manny Torres (with Jordin Sparks)

“No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

Manny’s got soul! Jordin seemed to be looking for air though. But when they sang together something didn’t work. I think he brought it too low which didn’t quite resonate with his voice. Also, the height difference? No bueno. 

Score: 6.5

#12) CJ Johnson (with David Cook)

“The World I Know” by Collective Soul

There’s something about CJ that just doesn’t work. He’s forgettable. While this performance was better than the previous one, there’s just nothing that sets him apart. What worked in this duet is that CJ took the lead with David as the counter. Sadly, it was just a boring performance.

Score: 6.5


And the eliminated contestants from Group 2 are...

Adam Lasher

Amelia Eisenhauer

CJ Johnson

Kory Wheeler

Shelbie Z

I got nearly all of these correct with the exception of swapping Manny for Amelia. Which is a shame to think that Jeneve takes a spot away from Amelia. 

Power Rankings (after 2 performances)

#1) Dalton Rapattoni- 18 points

#2) Trent Harmon- 17.5 points

#3) Tristan McIntosh- 17 points

#4) Olivia Rox- 16 points

#5) Lee Jean- 15 points

#6) Jenn Blosil- 15 points

#7) Manny Torres- 13 points