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Kaoh Rong
Showing posts with label Dalton Rapattoni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dalton Rapattoni. Show all posts

Thursday, April 7, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 2 Performance Power Rankings

This is it folks! From Justin to Kelly to Trent to La'Porsha. Who will be the official bookend to the original Idol Kelly Clarkson? This may be one of the toughest finals in the history of the 15 seasons. In my book, it's a clear victory from Trent Harmon. But we all know that American Idol voters like to play games.

Round 1

#1) La’Porsha Renae


“Battles” by La’Porsha Renae

AGH! None of these songs are victory songs but this is the most radio worthy I suppose. The thing about this song is that’s very thin and forces some pitch problems in places. Is it a song that I want to listen to over and over again? Not really.

Score: 9

#2) Trent Harmon 


“Falling” by Trent Harmon

So Trent gets a bluesy rock song for his winner song. It’s got a JT vibe to it. It’s not “A Moment Like This” or “Home” which is strange. He does fine with it. It’s not very memorable so luckily this is only performance number 1 of the night.

Score: 9

#3) Dalton Rapattoni


“Strike a Match” by Dalton Rapattoni

Well it’s a song that is in his wheelhouse. It feels like it should be good but once again, it started off too low. The kid has some range but that has been a perpetual problem. Key and finding pitch. This was not a great way to go out but he’s got a future post Idol.

Score: 8

Round 2

#1) Trent Harmon

“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by Harold Melvin

It’s a risky song choice to give to Trent but this is opportunity to show his soul. It’s actually a perfect finale song. Trent has so much stylisitic range that every genre should be fighting for him. There’s a unique spark to him that makes him unique.

Score: 10

#2) La’Porsha Renae

“A House is Not a Home” by Dionne Warwick

She looks stunning. It fits the song well. Awful lyrics aside, La’Porsha brought her power to this ballad. I think it’s the song but it felt very underwhelming. Especially in comparison to Trent. She did fine but it’s not memorable at all.

Score: 9

Round 3

#1) Trent Harmon 

“Chandelier” by Sia

He can change his look, he can change his voice, and he’s incredible every time. This was a very reserved rendition of the song and it was simply stunning. As his columniation song, I think this was a fantastic way to say goodbye. A winner to me.

Score: 10

#2) La’Porsha Renae

“Diamonds” by Rihanna

It’s a song with soul and La’Porsha continues to elevate this song. She looks much better than she did compared to the last time she sang this song. Her annunciation was a bit Ariana Grande level but this performance was all about the vibrato.

Score: 10

Overall Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 141.5 points
#2) La’Porsha Renae- 136.5 points

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 3 Performance Power Rankings

Can you believe we're in our final week of American Idol? I'm in shock. This is a super tough final four but it was clearly between two. And as predicted, we had to say goodbye to Mackenzie Bourg. With only two rounds standing between them and the crown, do we have a clear final two? I think so! 

Round 1

#1) Mackenzie Bourg


“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

From a song perspective, it was a bit of a safe choice in the manner that it’s a perfect singer-songwriter song that will garner praise just for song alone. While we haven’t seen Mackeznie do a straight ballad in a while, it’s still too slow to push him over the edge. That being said, it was a vocally beautiful rendition. There were some new tones to his voice that came out in this performance. Mackenzie will be something when this competition is over.

Score: 9

#2) Trent Harmon


“Tennessee Whisky” by Chris Stapleton

Do I hate this song? I sure do! But this is a great song for Trent. This is a genuine performance that harkens back to his roots. I think it was a smart idea to pick this song to remind America that he can do it all. He can do rock, pop, blues, country, you name it. Did it resonate as much as last week? No way. Topping last week’s perfect performance is near impossible but it was a nice moment.

Score: 9

#3) La’Porsha Renae


“Glory” by Common & John Legend

She needed a power moment and this could be the song to do it. Did La’Porsha get her glory from “Glory”? It was fine. It was a fine vocal. It wasn’t anything special She didn’t have the oomph behind the song. She felt overwhelmed by the vocal.

Score: 8.5

#4) Dalton Rapattoni


“Calling You” by Blue October 

A shocker. A midtempo song. It’s certainly a song that is in his wheelhouse and it’s a great vocal but it’s not anything special. Dalton knows who he is as an artist. He wants to do alt rock. And you have to commend him for knowing his style. It was a bit rough around the edges pitch wise. But this is a competition. This is not getting him into the finale.

Score: 8


Round 2

#1) Trent Harmon 

“Drink You Away” by Justin Timberlake

It’s actually a shock that this is the first Justin Timberlake song in Idol history! But it’s a great one to do! Trent KILLED it. The kid has layers. He’s got depth. Give him any style and he’ll be able to do something with it. I just can’t see him losing at this point. 

Score: 10 

#2) Dalton Rapattoni

“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Sprinsteen

Dear Scott. I highly judge your song choice. You want Dalton to rock, give him something to rock to! Of course there is a Dalton-edge to the song. It’s melodic. We hear the words. And that’s all well and good but it didn’t give him a moment. Yeah because put a super rock spin after the chorus! And it was epic! Was it finale worthy? Eh. 

Score: 9

#3) La’Porsha Renae

“Stay With Me” Lorraine Ellison

From a song perspective, it’s not a super well known song so that could have been a song sabotage. La’Porsha brought a smokiness to the song and she sounded pretty good on it. Her vibrato was a cool addition. Was this an Idol moment? Not really. It was generic. Good but generic.

Score: 9


Round 3

#1) La’Porsha Renae

“Hello” by Adele

Hello? Finale? Can you hear me? I think La’Porsha just sealed her fate to fight Trent for the final American Idol title. Love or hate Adele, it’s a great number. Hearing La’Porsha’s soul in this number was stunning. It was a really great performance.

Score: 9.5

#2) Trent Harmon

“Waiting Game” by Parson James

Who? What is this song? Is Parson James like Parson Brown? I digress. With a song that’s not well known it gave Trent an opportunity to make it his own. It was a stunning performance. In one night, Trent brought country, r&b, and pop. He went deep. Was the season rigged? Well, great debaters will have to determine whether his “group number” in Hollywood week was fair but nevertheless this kid should win.

Score: 9

#3) Dalton Rapattoni

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears

Judges! I call sabotage! Why the hell would you pick this song for him? There’s nothing to do with it! Dalton did all he could with it by putting an alternative spin on the 80s hit. But it was just far too low for him. This won’t cost him a place in the finale but it’s sad that this will be the song that he says goodbye with.

Score: 8.5


Overall Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 112.5 points
#2) La’Porsha Renae- 108.5 points
#3) Dalton Rapattoni- 105.5 points

Thursday, March 31, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 4 Performance Power Rankings

Guys, it's getting very close to the end. And it's quite sad! But I have to say American Idol seems to be going out with a bang! It's a very strong final four, though a clear cut winner seems to have emerged last week! Can Trent maintain the momentum and take the crown or will La'Porsha or the boys knock him off the top spot? Here's a look at last week's exciting performances! 

Round 1

#1) Trent Harmon


“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top

Well, Trent plus ZZ Top? What a strange combo. Never would I pair these two. But Trent but a swamp rock vibe to the song and it’s quite incredible. This is a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Well done Mr. Harmon. This is your game to lose. 

Score: 10

#2) Mackenzie Bourg



“I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick

The song choice and the Mackenzie style combo was predictable. You know he was gonna acoustify it. Did it work? Absolutely! What was an angsty lyric was given heart and passion. It’s one of those arrangements that you can completely hear on a movie soundtrack. Mackenzie has a great tone and star power. Any other season he wins, he just has stiff competition this go around.

Score: 9

#3) La’Porsa Renae


“Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi

I feel like La’Porsha picked this song because it was used many seasons ago and her knowledge of classic rock may be limited. That being said, she did a mighty fine job with the Bon Jovi classic. From a performance standpoint, she seemed a bit uncomfortable. This was by far not one of her best moments, which is scary this late in the competition. 

Score: 8.5

#4) Dalton Rapattoni 


“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys

Danger Will Robinson! Another midtempo song for Dalton. This is a song that would allow his voice and heart to shine. Did it pay off? This late in the game, I don’t think it was a moment maker. It was very sweet and heartfelt but this was not what he needed in this moment. And it’s a same.

Score: 8.5


Round 2

#1) Trent Harmon

“Chandelier” by Sia

Oh what a big song! Trent just went from contender to superstar. Trent brought a new side to him with this pop style. We got to hear the purity of his voice in a way we have never seen before. I don’t remember another contestant having such an incredibly perfect night this late in the game. This could have been his song. This was his moment.

Score: 10

#2) La’Porsha Renae

“Elastic Heart” by Sia

This was an excellent song choice for La’Porsha. It’s a stunning lyric. There was a genuine connection from artist to song. She truly made this song her own. I still think she’s a bit rigid in performance but you cannot deny the extraordinary instrument La’Porsha has. 

Score: 9

#3) Mackenzie Bourg

“Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia

This song is a vocal rollercoaster and is synonymous with Sia. Again, it’s been Mackenziefied. And that’s all well and good. He is a singer-songwriter. But it was a bit eh. I’d listen to it on repeat but he’s not making a case to make the finals. And that makes me incredibly sad.
Score: 8.5

#4) Dalton Rapattoni

“Bird Set Free” by Sia

First, let’s talk about that jacket. Did someone drop paint on it? Second, song choice. Not the best. Like Mackenzie, it’s very predictable. Vocally, Dalton set himself free which was nice to see. But this was not a strong vocal. There was personality but it didn’t do much for him. And the background vocals hurt him a tad. It’s shame that he’s not finding a moment in the latter part of the game.

Score: 8

Overall Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 84.5 points
#2) La’Porsha Renae- 81.5 points
#3) Dalton Rapattoni- 80 points
#4) Mackenzie Bourg- 79 points

Thursday, March 24, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 5 Performance Power Rankings

Tonight we saw the end of the Judges Save meaning we will officially decide who makes the Top 4. There is a clear front-runner who should be eliminated. And that's Sonika. She's been in the bottom so much it makes sense. But hey, it's American Idol, anything could happen! Here's a look at last week's performances and let's just say it was unpredictable! 

Round 1

#1) Mackenzie Bourg


“Wild World” by Cat Stevens 

A very very strange song choice for Mackenzie. Because it’s a bit of an older song, Mackenzie was able to put a modern spin on it. Again, not a moment making song but it was a strong performance for him. In fact, it reinvented the song. 

Score: 9.5

#2) Dalton Rapattoni


“Numb” by Linkin Park

Well I haven’t heard this song on this show before! Off the bat, the production value was on point. Can we talk about the green live projection? It was amazing! I think this was a great song choice for him as it is in his wheelhouse and Dalton was still able to change it up by putting himself in it. The only downfall the song provided is it didn’t give him a moment. It was like a mid concert song. It got lost.

Score: 9

#3) La’Porsha Renae


“Ready for Love” by India.Arie

La’Porsha kept it simple by staying seated and allowing her vocals do the work. It’s not a super well-known song so she didn’t have to fight against India.Arie for mimicking. That being said, it was a tad pitchy in her screechy section. It was a very understated performance.

Score: 9

#4) Tristan McIntosh


“Independence Day” by Martina McBride

A safe song choice but by playing it on piano continues to confuse me in defining who Tristan is. Again, I’m getting Alicia Keys vibes. Yes, you can be a crossover artist but Tristan is way too young to decide that. America is expecting her to sing these booming songs but playing it on piano killed her performance. We didn’t get to see her move. Vocally, this was by far Tristan’s strongest performance.

Score: 8.5

#5) Sonika Vaid


“Let It Go” by Demi Lovato

Well, maybe we should credit Idina Menzel on this but that’s not very poppy. This song was a daring choice because of how notorious it is. This will either be Sonika’s make or break moment of the competition. It started off incredibly low which was scary. When she moved into the bridge it put her into a great vocal spot. And then she did a bizarre cut of the song that is bound to make little girls across America incredibly confused. Will this help Sonika get into the Top 4? Likely not. 

Score: 8.5

#6) Trent Harmon


“Counting Stars” by One Replic

Right off the bat, Trent delivers an odd tone to the song. Why? Because this is not the right song for him at all. It’s a lyrically complicated song so it doesn’t really give him an opportunity to do much with it. As far as a performance, he stayed behind the mic but kept it active. Pretending that America chose the song for him, they failed him.

Score: 8

Round 2

#1) Dalton Rapattoni

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkle 

What a bold song choice! There is an instant darkness in Dalton’s performance. For those who are purists, you will hate this performance. But for those of us who appreciate a good reimagining, Dalton succeeded. This performance has the potential to go down in American Idol history. In fifteen seasons, I’d put it in my top 50 best performances.

Score: 10

#2) Trent Harmon

“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd 

If you’re looking for a song that fits Trent perfectly, this is it. Gritty Sourthern-fried rock! It not only fits his voice, but it draws back to the artist that he truly is. And it brings the hat back! There is a lot of heart in this performance and while it may not have been soaring, this was Trent’s moment. This should catapult him into the finale. 

Score: 10

#3) La’Porsha Renae

“No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige

Song choice on point. La’Porsha brought soul to this performance. There was emotion in her song, but how genuine was it? From a performance perspective, the bopping was a bit tedious. I can’t say it was her best performance. I think the judges were into it more than I was. It was fine. And predictable.

Score: 9

#4) Mackenzie Bourg

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

A song that’s been done to death, Mackenzie managed to make this song his own. Again, it’s a very subtle performance. It didn’t have power behind it. What he did do with it was he brought a strong interpretation of the lyric. 

Score: 8.5

#5) Sonika Vaid

“Clarity” by Zedd ft. Foxes

Well, this was not a great song choice. And it’s a shame because this needed to be Sonika’s moment to put herself in the Top 4. With this performance, I don’t see that happening. She’s not nearly as strong as the boys or La’Porsha. In any other season or perhaps in a future season, Sonika could make it far. This is such a strong season of individuals that Sonika is done. And it’s a shame because she finally went uptempo.

Score: 8.5

Overall Power Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 64.5 points
#2) La'Porsha Renae- 64 points
#3) Dalton Rapattoni- 63.5 points
#4) Mackenzie Bourg- 61.5 points
#5) Sonika Vaid- 57.5 points

Thursday, March 17, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 6 Performance Power Rankings

In this final and abbreviated season, we lost another two to leave us with six. The theme of the night was questionable. Most performed songs? Did we really want that? No. Sure, it's nice to mention some of these songs in passing but the thing about the show is finding new moments with new songs. Alas. We were also given a duet round which, to say the least, was not a strong point for some. And that may be due to the producers picking some awful songs. In the end we said goodbye to Lee Jean and Avalon Young, both of whom deserved to go at this time. While they may not be the best ever, this is truly one of the first times in 15 seasons where almost any of the remaining singers could conceivably win. So who will we say goodby to next week!

Duets

#1) La’Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon 


“See Again” by Wiz Kalifa ft. Charlie Puth

Is this a precursor to the finals? It’s possible! La’Porsha and Trent doing a duet on an R&B hit? On paper it sound kinda scary but these two prove their worth as individuals and artists who could have long careers. Sure, it turned into a riff-off and it was a bit too slow for my taste but overall, these two sounded great together.

Score: 9

#2) Mackenzie Bourg and Dalton Rapatoni


“I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys

I wish Mackenzie didn’t play guitar on this because it hurt the vibe of the duet. But when they came together and sang in harmony, it was stunning. Yes, the song was a bit weird but they are both incredible vocalists. I wish this song did more for them because they are better artists than this performance. 

Score: 8

#3) Lee Jean and Tristan McIntosh


“I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

My eyes got big when I heard this was the song. Giving the teens one of the greatest love songs ever is just a dumb idea. But they actually did a fine job with it. Lee is not the best when it comes to harmonizing. It’s clear Tristan was on the harmony with Lee on the melody and Lee just messed it up. Tristan was the clear stand out on this but Lee really pulled her down.

Score: 8

#4) Avalon Young and Sonika Vaid


“Rise Up” by Andra Day

I don’t know this song well. Does it fit Sonika? Yes. Avalon? Absolutely not. They made it work with one big exception. They didn’t look like they were collaborating together. And that’s due to the drastically different looks. I just don’t buy what Avalon is selling. And it’s sad that it hurt Sonika. It’s sad to say but these two looked like a bad High School Talent Show.

Score: 7.5


Solo

#1) Trent Harmon


“Stand By Me” Ben E. King

Trent is moving away from the country crooner to become a full-fledged crooner. It was a pretty solid performance proving that he has versatility. The kid’s got range. From a performance aspect it was a bit odd but his vocal was astonishing. 

Score: 9.5

#2) La’Porsa Renae


“Come Together” by The Beatles

La’Porsha put the groove in The Beatles! There is so much soul in this song! I’m so glad she’s not doing another ballad. This really is a perfect song for her. The one thing that I don’t love about her performance is the outfit. It’s not flattering at all. Appearance is important. I’ve been on Avalon for it. Whether she’s comfortable in the outfit or not, it doesn’t show who she is.

Score: 9.5

#3) Dalton Rapattoni


“Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles

This is brazen song choice. This song has been reimagined many times on this show and no one has done it quite like David Cook. Dalton’s rendition is good. It’s not David Cook’s. This performance proved his showmanship and artistry but it was not a vocal showcase until he went for it in the finale choruses. I wish he had a stronger song that really defined his voice. 

Score: 9

#4) Mackenzie Bourg


“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Crocker

I don’t love this song choice. But Mackenzie managed to do something beautiful with it. It was a very melodic performance. Understated. It proved that he can go beyond the singer-songwriter realm. I think this may have been his make or break performance. If America likes it, he will move on other wise we may be saying goodbye to him prematurely. 

Score: 9

#5) Tristan McIntosh


“A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride

Tristan is back into the country thing but this time she is singing a song that is a little closer to her style. Song selection is key and finally Tristan found something in her wheelhouse. The arrangement needed to be brought up into a slightly higher key as it started a little low but when she hit the chorus, Tristan soared. This is her breakout moment.

Score: 9

#6) Sonika Vaid


“I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston

This is a BIG song. A big song for a petite girl. She looked the part. Her vocals were right. But does she have the star power to make it past next week? I really don’t think so. She’s no Whitney. And there have been many who sang this song better. And in a higher key. Sonika did a fine job but she was rightly in the bottom 3.

Score: 8

#7) Avalon Young


“P.Y.T.” by Michael Jackson

I’m gonna hate you, pretty young thing. Avalon, I get you have a love for this R&B style. But this song made no sense for you. Going back to Harry’s lyric analysis, this song is insanely uncomfortable. Vocally, the song did nothing but become a hinderance. The arrangement didn’t suit her. This was a show killer.

Score: 6.5

#8) Lee Jean



“Let It Be” by The Beatles

I just had visions of the movie “Across the Universe”. And that rendition is perfect. Lee’s? Far from perfect. It was an incredibly shaky performance with very little connection to the song. The song is beautiful but it is not something that works for his voice. And it’s a shame that this will be his farewell song.

Score: 6

Overall Power Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 46.5 points
#2) La’Porsha Renae- 46 points
#3) Dalton Rapattoni- 44.5 points
#4) Mackenzie Bourg- 43.5 points
#5) Sonika Vaid- 40.5 points
#6) Tristan McIntosh- 39 points

Thursday, March 3, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 10 Performance Power Rankings

Last week, American Idol 15 revealed the Top 10! We said goodbye to Jenn Blosil, Jeneve Rose Mitchell, Manny Torres, and Thomas Stringfellow. I'm devastated to see Thomas go, but as I predicted, he would be in direct competition with Lee and Mackenzie. With 2 going home tonight, here's how the Top 10 did! 

#1) Dalton Rapattoni


“Hey, There Delilah” by Plain White T’s

A rock version of one of the worst songs ever written. Yet Dalton pulled it off! This kid has star power. He has the potential to be big if America lets him. I'm pulling for him to win.

Score: 9.5

#2) La’Porsha Renae


“Diamonds” by Rihanna

Well La'Porsha certainly is shining bright with all those diamonds. The purity of her voice with the lyrics made this a memorable performance. She’s a dynamic performer who can literally sing anything. That being said, those vocal runs didn’t work for me. 

Score: 9

#3) Sonika Vaid


“Bing Me to Life” by Evanescence

So she’s finally changing things up and it’s working. A power ballad! We finally see LIFE in this girl. It’s not the most vocally perfect performance but there is a fire inside Sonika. And it’s great to see.

Score: 9

#4) Trent Harmon


“Like I Can” by Sam Smith

Way to change up the melodic sounds of Sam Smith! This was a pretty solid performance sans guitar for Trent. When he reached for the higher notes it didn’t quite work but overall, this was a good performance for someone who’s in it to win it.

Score: 9

#5) Mackenzie Bourg


“I See Fire” by Ed Sheerhan
These kids love Ed Sheerhan! It’s fine to emulate him as that’s the style you’re trying to do but perhaps finding something to put your own stamp on will be helpful. That being said, it was a pretty performance for Mackenzie. He has a charm about him on stage that will help him on this journey.

Score: 8.5

#6) Olivia Rox


“Unconditionally” by Katy Perry
Interesting song choice for Olivia. Starts very melodic and boring and then we get her breakdown. It’s becoming predictable. She’s got a fine voice but it wasn’t amazing.

Score: 7.5

#7) Avalon Young


“Stitches” by Shawn Mendes

Picking a current song is a smart choice but the arrangement is weird. I still don’t think I quite understand what Avalon is trying to sell. Her voice is just not powerful or unique enough to win.

Score: 7.5

#8) Lee Jean


“Skinny Love” by Bon Iver

Why are you picking this song? It’s not a memorable song or performance. Sure, it shows that Lee can be a singer-songwriter type but the song choice did not suit him whatsoever. There’s not personality in this performance.

Score: 7

#9) Tristan McIntosh


“Nothin’ Like You” by Dan + Shay

This is really upsetting. Tristan had this great potential and once she went the country route everything went to hell. You can’t take away that she wants to sing this style of music but vocally it doesn’t fit her. She’s too powerful for the quick lyrics of country music.

Score: 7

#10) Gianna Isabel


“Listen” by Beyonce

I’m over this song. No one is ever going to sing it like Beyonce. But Gianna looks great in that dress. She is never in the right key! She tried to go big but it did not pay off for her at all.

Score: 6.5

Overall Power Rankings

#1) Dalton Rapattoni- 19.5 points
#2) La’Porsha Renae- 19 points
#2) Trent Harmon- 19 points
#4) Mackenzie Bourg- 18 points
#5) Olivia Rox- 17.5 points
#5) Sonika Vaid- 17.5 points
#7) Lee Jean- 15 points
#7) Avalon Young- 15 points
#9) Gianna Isabella- 14.5 points
#10) Tristan McIntosh- 13.5 points

Thursday, February 25, 2016

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