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

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! 

American Idol 15: Top 25- Group 1 Results and Power Rankings

For the first time ever, former Idols performed a duet with the current contestants. And the result was a mixed bag. Selecting songs that they performed on the show or their own, the current singers were forced to sing songs that didn't always sit right. And for those who got lucky, it was a fantastic showcase of talent. Here's how this batch of 12 faired. 

#1) La’Porsha Renae (with Fantasia)

“Summertime” by George Gershwin

This is the one instance where starting with the Idol worked as it brought great anticipation for La’Porsha once she began singing. There's not much to say. It was a great performance. Dare I say La’Porsha beats Fantasia?

Score: 9

#2) Thomas Stringfellow (with Nick Fradiani)

“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

What a great song choice! It was what sealed Nick’s journey to the top. Thomas has a distinct voice and you either love it or hate it. And I happen to be a fan. This was a breakout performance for him. They played well off of one another. Say what you will, but something extraordinary has happened to Nick Fradiani since we first met him a year ago.

Score: 8.5

#3) Jordan Sasser (with Fantasia)

“I Believe” by Fantasia

Jordan was in his own world during his solo moments but he blended well with Fantasia when they sang as one. But again, this is her song and always will be. He really was the featured one in the pair.

Score: 8

#4) Gianna Isabella (with Nick Fradiani)

“Beautiful Life” by Nick Fradiani

This song was perfect for Nick. And shockingly, this worked wonders for Gianna. It helped redeemed her from her previous performance. So maybe this is just a great song. Playing in the harmonies was a smart choice for Gianna as it showed off her upper register. She was a bit pitchy but she had fun.

Score: 8

#5) Mackenzie Bourg (with Lauren Alaina)

“I Hope You Dance” by Leanne Womack

Ew song. Mackenzie's got a fine voice but this was not a good song for him to work with. Also, if Lauren was on the show now, she has a fighting chance to actually do well. Talk about growth! But we’re here for the little one, Mackenzie. And he’s a bit awkward in duet form. They were cute in their package but that's not what they were there to do.

Score: 7.5

#6) Jenna Renae (with Scotty McCreery)

“See You Tonight” by Scotty McCreery

Scotty done grow up! Due to the nature of the song, Jenna is forced to be the featured artist rather than showcase her in, you know, HER competition. When she does get her chance, it’s a bit pitchy. And that’s a shame.

Score: 7.5

#7) Jeneve Rose Mitchell (with Scotty McCreery)

“Gone” by Montgomery Gentry 

It’s a perfect pair for her. This is the style that she should be doing. But she’s just a little much for my liking. Can we talk about this outfit too? Who is dressing her?

Score: 7

#8) Stephany Negrete (with Ruben Studdard)

“Superstar” by The Carpenters

What a boring song. While it shows off her voice, it does nothing to redeem her from the previous performance. Such a shame.

Score: 6.5

#9) Emily Brooke (with Lauren Alaina)

“Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood

Lauren Alaina finally sounds like a legit singer! Emily is completely lost next to Lauren. She looks like a featured artist rather than a potential winner. Her voice is thin, and Lauren Alaina is not a powerhouse.

Score: 6.5

#10) Sonika Vaid (with Caleb Johnson)

“Skyfall” by Adele

I really hate this song. Compared to Adele, Sonika’s voice is underwhelming. When Caleb gets more love from the audience, it’s a bad sign for Sonika. Overall, a bad pairing that was simply boring and downright weird.

Score: 6

#11) James VII (with Caleb Johnson)

“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones

Woah hey there hair. Worst combo ever. Leatherman jacket? James' voice is very specific and not nearly as powerful as Caleb. And that’s not good when the camera pans into Caleb at the end and not him. 

Score: 6

#12) Avalon Young (with Ruben Studdard)

“Flying Without Wings” by Ruben Studdard

Well, the song has returned and Rub don’t sound so good on it. It’s likely in a different key? And I totally zoned out. This is Ruben’s song no matter what and Avalon is lost. When they harmonize, she’s great but solo, she fails miserably.

Score: 6

The judges have to save SEVEN and eliminate FIVE from this group. Leaving the competition are:

Emily Brooke

James VII

Jenna Renae

Jordan Sasser

Stepany Negrete

I'm pretty fine with most of these. Jordan had a great story so it's a shock that he's gone this soon. But for me, loosing Jenna is a travesty. After her performance of "My Church", I thought she'd be the country queen of the season. 

Power Rankings (after 2 performances)

#1) La’Porsha Renae- 18 points

#2) Thomas Stringfellow- 17 points

#3) Mackenzie Bourg- 15.5 points

#4) Gianna Isabella- 15 points

#5) Sonika Vaid- 13.5 points

#6) Avalon Young- 12.5 points

#7) Jeneve Rose Mitchell- 12 points

American Idol 15: Top 24 Group 1- Power Rankings

It's the farewell season of American Idol and I gotta admit, I'm a little sad! As if anyone is surprised, American Idol is changing up the formula to say good bye. This year, we get two rounds of 12 performers for the Top 24 where the JUDGES will determine who gets cut. It took them 15 seasons to finally institute this. Just imagine the people who never would have made the finals had this been in place years ago (I have a LONG list!). There are basically two performances each before the judges cut. First is the solo and then a duet with a former Idol. Unlike other shows, for American Idol, I give each contestant a score each week and will add them up as the season goes on. The criteria I look for is performance, song choice, and marketability. We're searching for America's next superstar so I need to know who they will be. These are the Power Rankings of Group 1 after the first night of competition.

#1) La’Porsha Renae

“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner

She’s got pipes! La’Porsha fits a type that has constantly been seen on this show (from Jennifer Hudson to LaKisha Jones to Candice Glover). But for whatever reason, we’re only seeing La'Porsha now. Put her in an earlier season and she would have had a great chance of winning. As she does now. Her personality is infectious. Her stage presence is fun.  And she has a daughter with giant headphones in the audience! This was a strong song choice for this round. We heard her potential in a song that was not a ballad. Smart move girly. 

Score: 9

#2) Jenna Renae

“My Church” by Maren Morris

PERFECT SONG SELECTION! Jenna rocked it OUT! If you know me you know how much I'm obsessed with this song and how great it is. She will be a star regardless of this show. This was a perfect showcase of talent and personality. There wasn’t much of a connection to the song but you can forgive it because you can see the potential in her. 

Score: 9

#3) Thomas Stringfellow

“Creep” by Radiohead

This kid IS special. Is he the winner? It’s too soon to say but he gave a performance that will be talked about. He will certainly win over the teen girls with his pure tenor and natural charm. Thomas is talented and picked a really great song for him. There was a connection that offered some flavor in his vocals. 

Score: 8.5

#4) Mackenzie Bourg

“Say Something” by Great Big World 

Mackenzie works the guitar and quirky factor. He's clearly grown since his time on that other singing show. He’s on a track to go pretty far. Mackenzie has the charm that will win the audience over, both male and female. Though he changed up the song, occasionally singing the harmony lines, I’m not sure this song was the best choice for this point in the competition. It shows off his songwriter vibes and his contemporary spin, but it just lacked the oomph. 

Score: 8

#5) Jordan Sasser

“All By Myself” by Celine Dion

Jordan Sasser isn’t afraid to take a risk in song choice. This is a diva song. He made it fit him. Was it the best performance we’ve seen so far? Certainly not. But when he hit that glory note, he proves he has potential. Oh and his daughter and the giant headphones? Can we talk about that? Because it lost me for a solid ten seconds. Not his fault but still. 

Score: 8

#6) Sonika Vaid

“Safe & Sound” by Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars

She has a pretty voice, no doubt about it, but is she too young? Perhaps. There’s a purity to Sonika's stage presence and would be an important person in the world of pop music. But I don’t think I know who she really is as an artist just yet. There's room to grow and she'll likely move to the next round but if she is one of those who picks ballad after ballad, she will get old fast.

Score: 7.5

#7) Gianna Isabella

“I Put a Spell on You” by Annie Lenox 

Well that’s an interesting song choice to start for the daughter of Brenda K. Starr (they've gotta stop reminding of that and let her be on her own). While it does showcase some personality, it doesn’t quite constitute a stand and sing performance. When she finally does move away from the mic stand, it feels forced. Gianna needs to work on her stage presence, first and foremost. 

Score: 7

#8) James VIII

“Love Lockdown” by Kanye West

Really? That’s your stage name? Regardless, it’s a very bold song choice that actually paid off. How does it rank in a landscape of other Idol reimaginings? Forgettable. Compared to similar artists like him still in the competition, James lacks that spark. But that's what I thought of Nick Fradiani and we all know what happened to him.

Score: 7

#9) Avalon Young

“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber

Avalon Young is not your typical female pop song. She’s a tomboy. And that’s unique. She has a distinctive voice. But what’s the market she is selling herself to? Who will be on the Avalon train? She’s a middle of the pack contestant that will likely get lost if she moves on. And picking Bieber? Not entirely sold on it. 

Score: 6.5

#10) Stephany Negrete

“Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J

Being the first performer of the night is never a good sign. Stephany has a marketable voice but this was a pitiful song choice. It shows off her personality but doesn’t showcase her range properly. There was just some sort of disconnect in the performance. And it's a shame because it will likely knock her out of the competition.

Score: 6.5

#11) Emily Brooke

“I Am Invincible” by Cassadee Pope

Ok, Emily probably gave the worst performance of the night but I just see her having more potential than my #12. She started off way too low and in the wrong key. And that is detrimental. Her voice is way too thin for this song. It's clear Emily wants to do country rock but I don’t think that’s who she really is. This was a pitchy performance and stood out in all the wrong ways. 

Score: 5.5

#12) Jeneve Rose Mitchell

“Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

I’m just not a fan. And I have a sad feeling that is going to be a theme for a very long time this season for her. On a show where you’re searching for the next American Idol, she’s just not selling it. Jeneve is unique, sure, but where does she go from here? Especially after this song selection. If she wants to be a country star, doing Sarah McLachlan on the harp is just confusing. It's sad that she is the gimmick contestant that will likely force the better competitors off the show.

Score: 5