American Idol 15: Top 8 Performance Power Rankings

What a week! This season we don't get the old school judges' save but they get to pick who, from the bottom, will be spared from departing. It was a bit of a surprising Bottom 3 as we saw Olivia Rox, Avalon Young, and Gianna Isabella sing for their life. In the end, Avalon was saved and Gianna and Olivia, who did receive a fast pass to the Top 10, were eliminated. Here is how the 10 performances faired. 

#1) Trent Harmon

“When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton

A bit of a shocking song choice for Trent but it works for him. It shows his range from Southern Hipster to charming crooner. This song sits well in his voice, despite those unique blips he brings. The kid’s got soul! 

Score: 9 

#2) Mackenzie Bourg

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

It’s a cool song to change up to an acoustic version but did it give Mackenzie his wow moment? Not quite. It was a cool moment. It was just too mellow to wow. That being said, it’s a version that would be put on the soundtrack of a Hollywood romcom. And that’s a sign that it’s a reinvention of a classic song.

Score: 8.5

#3) La’Porsha Renae

“Halo” by Beyonce

If ever there were a voice to sing this song, La’Porsha is it. But the outfit and the angel wings on the screen? TOO on point. Vocally, La’Porsha brings more of a gospel spin to the tune. It’s slowed down which kinda kills the momentum. It’s not her best performance by any stretch of the imagination. 

Score: 8.5

#4) Tristan McIntosh

“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill

Playing piano with the soulful rendition of a country song immediately likens her to Alicia Keys. It’s not shocking to say that this song has elevated her and brought back what we all fell in love with. This was her redeeming performance. Well done kid.

Score: 8.5

#5) Dalton Rapattoni

“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

This should have been a smart song choice for Dalton but the arrangement did not serve him well. It was creepy-spooky which fits his style but this was not a good display of what Dalton can bring. Sadly this performance didn’t quite go anywhere.

Score: 8

#6) Sonika Vaid

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

What an interesting song choice. I’m happy she’s finally doing an uptempo song but this may not be the right one for her voice. It was a little thin. Sonika is not a belter like Kelly and therefore it never reached its full potential.

Score: 7.5

#7) Gianna Isabella

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

She looks like she should be an American Idol. In four years. It’s a shame that the show is ending because this is just not her time. The song is too big for her voice at this moment in time. 

Score: 7.5

#8) Olivia Rox

“Trouble” by Pink

I like this song a lot and I think it’s a great choice for her. It allows Olivia have a bit of a punk side. That being said, her intro was very very weak. When she finally opens up, sure it was pitchy, but there was life and believability. I think this is a case of arrangement that hurt her performance. It was just too all over the place.

Score: 7.5

#9) Lee Jean

“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon

We claims that it’s different for him but honestly, it’s really in his wheelhouse. He’s very youthful overall. It almost feels like a kid performing on a kids show. There’s something missing in his package. Vocally, it was a very sweet rendition but there was absolutely no connection to the lyrics.

Score: 7

#10) Avalon Young

“Earned It” by The Weekend

She looks like a butchier Ariana Grande…which is a choice. I think Avalon is an acquired taste. Her performance is fine. Her voice is fine. But you have to be into her style and her nasally pitch to want it. I don’t think she earned it. 

Score: 7

Overall Power Rankings

#1) Trent Harmon- 28 points

#2) Dalton Rapattoni- 27.5 points

#2) La’Porsha Renae- 27.5 points

#4) Mackenzie Bourg- 26.5 points

#5) Sonika Vaid- 25 points

#6) Lee Jean- 22 points

#6) Tristan McIntosh- 22 points

#6) Avalon Young- 22 points

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 4 Power Rankings

Being cocky can get you booted from the game. Being overally cocky will get your alliance buddy booted from the game. Just ask Liz Markham. Dr. Obama was a loud mouth which assisted in Liz's ouster. It was certainly a viewer blindside due to how we thought her placement on the tribe. Does Debbie get the MVP of the episode? It's likely. Does that make her a strong contender for sole survivor? Not a chance. The top spots stay the same (though you could make a case for Jason to boost up due to getting, not finding, the Hidden Immunity Idol). The bottom? That's where the big shake ups happen. With a looming medivac about to come, will the leaving player change up the entire game? We shall see!

#1) Anna (1)

Anna hasn't really done much to change her placement. Unless a big shake up happens, her journey to victory is safe.

#2) Jason (2)

Jason, Jason, Jason. He is getting a very polarizing edit. You either love him or hate him. I'm on the latter side. His intensity is a bit too much for me. But with the idol, he has great positioning. Will he use it properly or as a scare tactic? That's the big question.

#3) Julia (3)

We didn't really see much from Julia again but Sorority Sister is in a great position. Again, shake up will be her only downfall. 

#4) Michele (4)

Another week, another time I say, see above.

#5) Neal (5)

Neal secured his spot as the biggest Brain. Peter is the logical next boot should Brains go to Tribal but Neal could use him as a prop. Neal has trust in the majority of the tribe. The others? Not so much. 

#6) Tai (8)

Tai Trang is so loved that anytime you see him get sad, your heart melts. His tribute to the chickens was just, I can't. By finding the Hidden Immunity Idol and keeping it a secret, Tai falls right behind the Sorority Sisters. It's not likely he'll be voted out so expect him to look for another person with the idol to make it a super idol.

#7) Caleb (6)

Caleb is dominating the challenges. Caleb is a strong asset. With the Sorority Sisters coming to Caleb to join their numbers, it looks like Nick is the odd man out. But will Caleb be ok losing another alpha? 

#8) Aubry (12)

Here's the thing about Aubry. I don't see her winning. In fact, I don't see her doing much of anything. Aubry was granted the gift of not having an ego. Had the Brains been smart, they would have banded together to vote her or Debbie out. But she is still here and her number one is Neal. With him on her side, Aubry is in fine positioning. Should she lose him, she's immediately gone. 

#9) Scot (10)

Scot is either the best sidekick or the biggest, clueless moron. Scot may think he has a chance of Jason using the idol on him. It will NEVER happen. 

#10) Debbie (16)

How the hell did Debbie get this big of a jump? Who the hell knows. But Debbie was a rock star last week. Will the star last or fade out? I'm thinking the latter. But Debbie is flexible and willing to play.

#11) Cydney (13)

Cydney made an incredible move by taking the idol information and giving it to Jason. She has proven her trust and loyalty to Jason and Scot, forcing them to keep her and not the goat, Alecia. Cydney should be safe should Brawn find themselves at Tribal. But what she should really hope for is a tribal shakeup where she can be a swing vote.

#12) Joe (15)

Joe hasn't really proven his game play just yet. What he's shown is that he will be loyal and do what he's told. That's not a winner. Joe needs to find a time to make his own move and not do someone else's bidding. 

#13) Nick (11)

Oh Nick. You should be happy you're not the biggest douchebag. Give that crown this week to Peter. But expect to get it back. Nick is the bottom of Beauty. He needs to pray Beauty stays away from Tribal or he is out.

#14) Alecia (14)

Blondie. C'mon! What the hell were you thinking! KEEP THE CLUE TO YOURSELF! Sure, I understand why she wanted to bring a buddy but did she really think she could trust her biggest competition? Alecia is a goner if she doesn't see a tribal swap.

#15) Peter (7)

Peter. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Does he truly think he has any shot at winning now? Being cocky is one thing but that Tribal verbal spewage was horrendous. He needs to figure out a way to be used, and be willing to be a number, because he is no longer a contender. 

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

Survivor Kaoh Rong: Episode 3 Power Rankings

What was a surefire elimination led to one of the most epic Tribal Council meltdowns ever! Jennifer Lanzetti set herself up in such a great position and somehow she imploded, meaning Blondie herself was saved. Episode 2 provided some fascinating tribal shakeups and budding bromances. Let's see how the remaining 16 rank. 

#1) Anna (1)

Anna said very little last week. Which is a very good sign as her impact on the game isn't ready for a story. While it's easy to want to put one of her other Sorority Sisters in the top spot due to their facetime, Anna's first episode was bigger than the other two's second.

#2) Jason (4)

Jason is a polarizing character. He's being set up to be a diabolical villain. But the question is whether he's a successful villain or one that will burn while we all watch and laugh. Jason has complete control of his Brawn tribe. And thankfully, the remaining three aren't smart enough to team up and vote him out.

#3) Julia (2)

Julia did a whole lot of nothing last episode. And that's not a bad thing. As we saw with Anna, the Sorority Sisters don't have a story yet. Their position is one of quiet power. 

#4) Michele (3)

Michele did a whole lot of nothing last episode. And that's not a bad thing. As we saw with Anna, the Sorority Sisters don't have a story yet. Their position is one of quiet power. Deja vu much?

#5) Neal (5)

The Brains tribe is a whole lot of dysfunction. While they can manage to succeed in the challenges, they are a hot mess on their beach. Neal is top of the Brains mostly because he's the one eager to make the power move. He's by far the strongest all-around member of the tribe, he just needs to ensure that no one is wanting to make a move against him.

#6) Caleb (7)

Caleb had a reputation. That reputation is nearly shattered. Caleb is shaping up to be a legendary Survivor player. And it's all thanks to his bromance with Tai Trang. It was adorable. I mean, yes, Caleb is cuddlicious. He's proving himself worthy in the challenges and a provider on the beach. Caleb needs to make sure he stays tight until the merge so the numbers will get him far.

#7) Peter (10)

Dr. Obama gets the soundbite of the night calling out Debbie as a cat lady. But he also gets the strategy award of the night knowing that keeping Debbie is the smart move as she is the ultimate goat. Next to Alecia that is. 

#8) Tai (13)

Tai Trang loves many things. Tai Trang loves Caleb. Tai Trang loves idols. In episode one he got caught searching for it. In episode two he found it. Well, the clue that led to the box that led to the clue to where the key to the lockbox was. And that key is so high up in a tree that Tai needed to climb it...without a shirt or shoes on. Something is telling me that is expert foreshadow to an injury to come. Also, the amount of blood left on that tree would terrify anyone who passes it! 

#9) Liz (6)

Poor Liz. First Aubry had a breakdown. Now Liz. With Liz and Joe being at odds, Liz needs to decide whether Joe should be her target. If that's the case, she needs to get the numbers to out him. With Neal wanting Debbie gone and Liz likely on Joe, will this put a wedge in the power alliance?

#10) Scot (8)

So Scot decided to vote for Alecia and not with the numbers for Jenny. Does that mean he's the next one on the chopping block? Not at all. Cydney voted Alecia and she was fine last week. So why does Scot drop? He and Jason may be tight but Jason seems like someone who will drop him like it's hot whenever he feels like it.

#11) Nick (11)

Caleb has Tai. The Sorority Sisters are tight. That leaves one remaining person. Nick's ego would say he's not alone but sadly, loving yourself too much in the game of Survivor isn't enough. Nick needs to hope that Beauty dominates until the merge or he is a very likely choice to go.

#12) Aubry (12)

Aubry is fine. But she was virtually invisible in episode 2. As long as she doesn't find herself being a reason Brains lost a challenge, Aubry has two people below her on the pecking order. 

#13) Cydney (15)

Cydney is more of an asset than Alecia. But in the long term game, Cydney is absolutely more of a threat. If Brawn loses, she will need to plead with Jason to keep her. But Jason seems to be high on Alecia at the moment.

#14) Alecia (17)

How did Alecia survivor two Tribals? Pure luck. Alecia is one of the biggest jokes in Survivor history but she will be the one laughing her way deep into the game. Whether she knows how she is perceived or not, she should be happy to have a ticket to the merge. 

#15) Joe (14)

Joe may look like he's perfect for the game but if we learned anything last episode, he's a lit of a liability. Between the matches and the kerosine and being at odds with some of the younger kids, Joe should figure out a way to deflect the attention to Debbie.

#16) Debbie (16)

Debbie oh Debbie. What is there to say? Debbie is a personality. She will be remembered but I don't think for any of the right reasons. Debbie is rubbing people the wrong way and she is not visibly contributing to the tribe. The first time Brains loses, Debbie should be incredibly worried.