Kaoh Rong

Kaoh Rong

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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. 

Friday, February 19, 2016

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

Thursday, February 18, 2016

American Idol 15: Top 24- Group 2 Power Rankings

My how things can change! Is it possible that the talent in Group 2 was immensely better than what we saw last week? Absolutely! Does that mean we'll lose some strong players this week simply by group placement? Yep! While the judges didn't seem so hot on everyone's performance, as a whole, this group dominated. Let's see where these 12 shape up before the duets! 

#1) Dalton Rapattoni


“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol

What a unique version of this song! Dalton is the glam rockstar of the season so of course I’m on board. Is he as strong as someone like Adam Lambert or even James Durbin? Absolutely not, but he’s got marketability, something the others didn't quite have. And that’s HUGE.

Score: 9

#2) Trent Harmon


“What Are You Listening To” by Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton has a unique style. Trent Harmon did his own thing with the song yet maintained the integrity of the song. Again, in he sea of guitar players in the competition, Trent needs to stand out. Thankfully, he may be one who’s on the very top. Trent has a alternative-country vibe, which could be unique in mainstream music. 

Score: 8.5

#3) Lee Jean


“Runaway” by Ed Sheeran 

Lee Jean may be one the most unique performers in the competition. Sure, he’s yet another guitar player but there’s diversity in his style. He picked a great song for his voice and has a knack for the stage. The only thing he’ll get in trouble with is his age. And attitude.

Score: 8

#4) Adam Lasher


“Black and Gold” by Sam Sparro

What an interesting choice of song! And I dig it! Except that Adam's shoes are gold and the rest of the outfit is black. So points lost for being on point. He has a soulful rock voice. I dig it. Sadly, he feels a tad too generic. Will that hurt him? Most likely.

Score: 8

#5) Tristan McIntosh


“Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood

Tristan has a purer voice than Carrie and did well on this performance. But she’s a very internal performer, which can be bad. That being said, she could be a good addition to this competition. I could see her being an underdog.

Score: 8

#6) Olivia Rox


“Confident” by Demi Lovato

This began as a stripped down interpretation that worked for Olivia. And then she tried to do the Demi thing. It may be me but it’s like baby Britney trying to be edgy. And it’s not quite working for me. She’s has an interesting quality to her voice but it’s not to my taste.

Score: 8

#7) Amelia Eisenhauer


“Wake Me Up” by Avicii 

Amelia gave a cool take on a great song. It was a bit slow to start but when it got into the breakdown, her grove came in. She doesn’t have a powerhouse voice but it’s different enough to stand out. Her upper register is actually her best quality. She just lacks the charm that will give her a large starting fan base.

Score: 7.5

#8) Kory Wheeler


“Let It Go” by James Bay

Kory's got a nice singer-songwriter voice. He worked the song well but it was nothing special compared to some of the rest of the competition. Playing the piano killed his performance vibes, as he couldn’t showcase his abilities. 

Score: 7.5

#9) Shelbie Z 


“Work Hard, Play Harder” by Gretchen Wilson

Shelbie Z, the former The Voice contestant, has a pretty decent country voice. There’s grit in her style an she certainly is having fun, but is it enough? She’s not quite a country darling. It was nothing special, sadly.

Score: 7

#10) Jenn Blosil


“Sorry” by Justin Bieber

Again with the piano! Jenn is certainly quirky and odd but she’s a little difficult to watch perform. Until she reached the chorus, it was a bit rough. She’s one of those people who has talent but not quite what an Idol should be.

Score: 7

#11) Manny Torres


“Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay

What a bizarre song choice? But Manny did something with it. Memorable? Not quite. Does he have what it takes to be an American Idol? It’s doubtful.

Score: 6.5

#12) CJ Johnson


“I’ll Be” Edwin McCain

I forgot who CJ Johnson was until he performed…Which is not a good sign. And then he picks literally the worst song ever. His voice is like many previous Idols. And sadly, that hurts his stock in hopes of finding the final Idol. He is a raspy verse of Nick Fradiani and can’t quite hit the glory note.

Score: 6

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Pre-Season Power Rankings




Survivor 32 is upon us which means its time to rank our 18 Survivors competing for the million dollar prize. Though filmed before Survivor: Cambodia, this season returns to Cambodia and finds us returning to the theme of Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty. Will this be a repeat of the original B vs. B vs. B and be as epic as Cagayan or will we find ourselves in the post All-Star slump like Nicaragua? We'll soon find out! But let's meet our players and see where they rank in my pre-season power ranking. These positions are based on the preview video from CBS, the contestant bios on CBS.com, and virtually the history of the game. 

#1) Julia Sokolowski 


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 19
Current Residence: Boston, MA
Occupation: College Student

GO BU! I have to cheer on the girl who represents my school! Julia is the youngest member of the cast but don’t let that be a knock on her. I think it can easily work to her advantage if she plays her cards right. I can see her playing the young, pretty, and naïve card and flipping it when she needs to. Even at age 19, Julia has life experience. She’s an old soul. She seems to be one of the many super fans on this season which may allow her to blend in and potentially form bonds. She mentions she’s like Natalie Tenerelli and Andrea Boehlke (among others). I think she fits that mold, but unlike those two, I see end game potential in her first go around. Both Natalie and Andrea went far in the game, I think Julia has the full package to actually seal the deal. 

Prediction: Winner

#2) Neal Gottlieb


Tribe: Brains
Age: 38
Current Residence: Sausalito, CA
Occupation: Ice Cream Entrepreneur 

At first glance, you think he’s got no shot, but I think there’s potential in Neal. He’s nerdy, sure, but he is on the Brains tribe. Neal has Spencer vibes, but unlike the Young Lad, Neal has life experience. And self-awareness. I mean he calls himself incorrigible. Neal’s success will have much to do with where he places himself initially on the tribe. He can easily allow Peter and Joe to play the alpha male role while still maintaining the strength card should they go to Tribal Council. Neal does have a personality that could take some getting used to but compared to some of his tribemates, Neal seems mellow. I’m high on Neal. And not just cuz I want him to give me some free ice cream!

Prediction: Finals

#3) Elisabeth Markham


Tribe: Brains
Age: 27
Current Residence: New York, NY
Occupation: Quantitative Strategist

Elisabeth, or Liz as she will also be known as, is a natural born genius. She’s studied game theory. You look at her and she’s unassuming. She has the ability to fly under the radar yet be an epic strategist. If Liz can establish a strong alliance, she will be a key player. She seems to have strength, which will work to her advantage. Liz may be one of those people who would fit in all three categories in the ven diagram of Brains, Brawn, and Beauty. 

Prediction: Finals

#4) Jennifer Lanzetti


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 38
Current Residence: Salt Lake City, Utah
Occupation: Contractor

It’s very likely that Jennifer doesn’t really know the game of Survivor outside the singular season she seemed to have watched. She relates herself to Survivor One World winner Kim Spradlin and has a connection to that season through her friend Jonas. But Jennifer certainly seems like the person who can learn on the fly. She has muscles, she is a fighter, and she is an all-around bad ass. What will hurt her game? Her dislike of weather. Perhaps she forgot that she’s playing a game outdoors. Either way, miss Semper Gumby (her way of saying she’s always flexible) needs to position herself in the right place on the Brawn tribe so she’s not the older lady that gets cut early. 

Prediction: Merge

#5) Tai Trang


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 51
Current Residence: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Gardener

Tai Trang! This man will be known by his first and last name. And that’s awesome. At first glance, Tai Trang is the outcast of the Beauty tribe. There is certainly no one like him. But beauty isn’t always on the outside. Tai Trang is one of those people who is probably beautiful on the inside. And that will take him far…until he gets cut in the end because if he sees a final, he wins. Hands down. He’s a gay gardener. He likes to climb trees. And he thinks he’s a mix of Spencer Bledsoe and Bob Crowley. He’s amazing! Will he be a Bob and find a long Survivor life of more like the anomaly that is Cao Boi? We’ll find out soon but nevertheless, Tai Trang has found himself in Survivor history. 

Prediction: Merge

#6) Debbie Wanner



Tribe: Brain
Age: 49
Current Residence: Reading, PA
Occupation: Chemist

Who is this woman and why is she wearing a tiger-faced bathing suit!? Debbie Wanner is a personality. And that could work against her. With age also a factor, Debbie has all the makings of an early-boot but Debbie Wanner, maybe another candidate for the first and last name recognition, is smart and strong. She easily could have found herself with the Brawns but she’s with an overall strong Brains tribe. Like Neal, Debbie has a strong personality. She will rub someone the wrong way. She just needs to make sure it’s someone who’s in the minority. One bad move and Debbie is gone. 

Prediction: Merge

#7) Anna Khait


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 26
Current Residence: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Pro Poker Player

Anna is another one of those who fits multiple tribe potential. As a poker player, you would have thought she’d be put on the Brains tribe, like Garret was in Cagayan. But Anna is clear that she uses her sex appeal when it comes to poker and that’s why she’s with the Beauty Tribe. Anna will likely be the strategist of the tribe. If she aligns herself with the right people, namely the girls and Tai Trang, Anna can move her way to the top. But the moment she becomes vulnerable and her game play is exposed, Anna is a giant target. Poker players have never faired well on Survivor. Leave it to Anna to be the one to break the tradition.

Prediction: Merge

#8) Cydney Gillon


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 23
Current Residence: Douglasville, GA
Occupation: Body Builder

Cydney is the reason why the Brawn tribe exists. Just look at her! She’s a body builder who seems to be smart. She’s got a bit of a potty mouth but the thing that really makes me wonder about Cydney is her admission to having alter egos. Are we talking about alter egos in the vein of Austin’s Judas on Big Brother 17? Lets hope not. If Storm comes out, it may end up being worse than the conditions in Cambodia. I like Cydney in the respect that she has strength and will be an asset to the tribe to start. What I’m afraid of is how she plays with others. And if she doesn’t get a hold of her Branch chain amino acid supplements will her muscles disappear? Cydney will be a goat until the tribe realizes she can go on an Individual Immunity run that will lead her to the end.

Prediction: Merge

#9) Alecia Holden


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 24
Current Residence: Dallas, TX
Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Here’s the thing about Alecia. I go back and forth on her. But I see the women of the Brawn tribe dominating. If I’m wrong there, Alecia will be the first out from the Brawns. Compared to some of the others on the tribe, Alecia doesn’t quite fit the profile of brawn but she is a tomboy who’s dad is a boxing promoter. So that counts, right? She seems fearless which could be code for a big mouth. Also she has piercings in her tattoos. Which is gross. I still wouldn’t be shocked if Alecia does end up being the first Brawn boot.

Prediction: Merge

#10) Peter Baggenstos


Tribe: Brains
Age: 34
Current Residence: Minneapolis, MN
Occupation: ER Doctor

Hail to the chief! No, this is not President Barack Obama. Peter has nice guy appeal but he does have a slight ego. He’s a doctor which could come in handy, should they need it. Peter is on an overall strong tribe which is why I see him going this far. There will be a battle for Alpha Male though. And that could polarize the tribe. And Peter seemed to forget about rule number one when it comes to being on Survivor: PRACTICE FIRE. He better not tell anyone he doesn’t know how to start a fire or find himself in a fire making competition. Stick to the shelter and Peter’s in the clear.

Prediction: Merge

#11) Joseph Del Campo


Tribe: Brains
Age: 72
Current Residence: Vero Beach, FL
Occupation: Former FBI Agent

We have not seen this type of player since Rudy Boesch in Borneo. And that’s so exciting. Until he admits his age, never would you believe this man to be 72 years old. And that will work to his advantage. He seems like a strong person, both of strength and will. How will that fair with a tribe comprised of younger players? We’ll find out. But in a three tribe format, keeping Joe around is a necessity. Unless he rubs people the wrong way. He claims he’s a private investigator but looks can be deceiving. And that I think that’s the theme of his game. I wish Joe well, he seems like he could be a fan favorite. I just worry that in a game of alliances, Joe may not fit in.

Prediction: Merge

#12) Darnell Hamilton 


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 27
Current Residence: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Postal Worker

Brawn?! Really? There must be something we don’t know wen it comes to Darnell. I think Darnell may have some social skills that will hold him back. And that’s not good. Hopefully he won’t be Postman 2.0. He seems to be a fan of Survivor but he needs to be aware of his placement on the tribe and contribute immediately or he will find himself victim of an early boot. 

Prediction: Pre Merge

#13) Caleb Reynolds


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 28
Current Residence: Hopkinsville, KY
Occupation: Army Veteran

BEASTMODE COWBOY! Do I need to write anything else? If you know Caleb from Big Brother, his ego will play a major factor in what happens to him on Survivor. Caleb is a personality. Sure, he went pretty far on Big Brother but he was completely unaware of what was going on. He can’t play that game on Survivor. He will be a natural target. And he needs to deflect that immediately. He also needs to not prey on the pretty ladies of the tribe. But that’s likely gonna happen anyway.

Prediction: Pre Merge


#14) Scot Pollard


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 40
Current Residence: Carmel, IN
Occupation: Former NBA Champion

Scot Pollard is INTENSE. If you know who he is then you know his style on the court. And it sounds like he’ll play the same way. Being ruthless is a choice. It’s worked for very few in this game. If he’s not afraid of integrity, then go play hard NBA man. Like Caleb, Scot has a natural target on his back. And I do think it’s a smart move to acknowledge it and not cover it up. But Scot will face the same fate as Cliff Robinson. It’s inevitable. 

Prediction: Pre Merge 

#15) Kyle Jason


Tribe: Brawn
Age: 31
Current Residence: Detroit, MI
Occupation: Bounty Hunter

I feel like Kyle is on because everyone loves Star Wars and want to see what the real life version of Boba Fett is like. Ok, that’s likely not true. I’m not a Kyle fan in the sense that his type has been on here before and they have not done well. Like Zane and Matt Bischoff, Kyle is going to fall victim to appearance. Can he overcome this by forming a strong alliance? Sure. But I don’t know who will bond with him.

Prediction: Pre Merge

#16) Aubrey Bracco


Tribe: Brains
Age: 29
Current Residence: Cambridge, MA
Occupation: Social Media Marketer 

Aubrey is the leader of the elves. She is also like the lovechild of Cochran and Sophie, two of my least favorite players ever. So Aubrey is striking out in my book. I think Aubrey is on an extremely strong tribe. She’s a quirky nerd. She’s sociable. But what will she provide? Besides a love for Harry Potter. I think Aubrey is someone I would hang out with in real life. But in the game of Survivor? She’s a liability.

Prediction: Pre Merge

#17) Nick Maiorano


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 30
Current Residence: Redonda Beach, CA
Occupation: Personal Trainer

Is this guy for real is this all a façade? He’s a grade A douchebag and is likely an easy early boot. He’s a former RHAP blogger. He knows the game of Survivor. He’s cocky. He’s self-involved. But perhaps if he sets himself up as a villain, it’s his ticket to go far. Nick will either bond with Caleb or do battle. And I think Caleb is a little more suave than Nick and will sway the ladies. 

Prediction: Pre Merge 

#18) Michele Fitzgerald


Tribe: Beauty
Age: 24
Current Residence: Freehold, NJ
Occupation: Bartender

Someone’s got to be the first to go. And she is someone I’ve already forgotten existed. Jersey pride aside, Michele is a typical first boot. I think she’ll fit the bill and be gone early. If not the first, the first to go from the Beauty tribe. 

Prediction: Pre Merge

So there you have it! How accurate will I be? Keep checking back each week to see how the Power Rankings shake up!