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.
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