American Idol XV: The Top 10 Perform
After Wednesday night’s rather underwhelming Top 14 showdown the votes were tallied and Thomas Stringfellow, Manny Torres, Jenn Blosil and Jeneve Mitchell received their marching orders. I still maintain Thomas was more deserving of a spot than Tristan McIntosh but in the end I think her sweet back story trumped his unique artistry.
Without dwelling too much on what should have been I will go right ahead and grade the Top 10 performances.
Olivia Rox: ‘Unconditionally’ – Katy Perry
This performance shows why the judges gave Olivia a free pass into the Top 10. She came out guns blazing on this performance and was virtually pitch perfect throughout. If America is looking for a young female winner I hope they will pick Olivia as she is without a doubt the one with the most potential. Grade: B+
Gianna Isabella: ‘Listen’ – Beyonce
NOT the right song for 15-year old Gianna. Her phrasing was completely off-center and I fear that this may well mean the end of the road for the pretty 15-year old as the viewers seemed to have decided long ago that she will not be the last American Idol. Grade: C-
Lee Jean: ‘Skinny Love’ – Bon Iver
His first verse was barely audible but he improved somewhat as the performance progressed. The song was not right for young Lee but he did what he could with it. Should he survive the double elimination next week he needs to start choosing songs that will appeal to his hordes of teenage fans. Grade: C
Avalon Young: ‘Stitches’ – Shawn Mendes
Maybe it was the song but I did not love this performance as much as I loved her during previous rounds. Avalon is one of a kind but she is going to have to spice things up in weeks to come. Her confidence has increased dramatically but now she has to show her softer side. Belt out a ballad Avalon! Grade: B
Dalton Rapattoni: ‘Hey There, Delilah’ – Plain White T’s
Dalton did a stellar job of infusing an over sung karaoke classic with a nice punk-rock feel. His ability to stay in tune while moving around the stage and giving a show as opposed to just singing a song is nothing short of applaudable. Grade: B+
Tristan McIntosh: ‘Nothing Like You’ – Dan + Shay
This entire performance was a hot mess! She was pitchy and completely out of tune. With a lot of vocal training and some years of performing under her belt she could be a star but right now the competition is just too big for her. Grade: D
MacKenzie Bourg: ‘I See Fire’ – Ed Sheeran
Another solid performance by MacKenzie. He sounded good throughout and looks all the more comfortable on stage. He is really good and could win it all in the end. My only concern is that he is always super composed. Take some risks Mac! Grade: B+
La’Porsha Renae: ‘Diamonds’ – Rihanna
La’Porsha stole the show with a sensational performance. Her voice took us on a journey of discovery as it soared and plummeted all while tugging at our heartstrings. At this stage of the competition it is hard to imagine La’Porsha not being in the Top 2. Kelly Clarkson seems to think we have a winner right here and I think she might be right! Grade: A+
Sonika Vaid: ‘Bring Me to Life’ – Evanescence
Sonika rendered a beautiful rendition of yet another over sung song. It is impossible to fault her vocals but she really needs to work on her stage presence. Sure, the girls’ got a decent set of pipes but she has to seriously drop the ‘doe in the headlights’ look she sports every time she walks on stage. Grade: A
Trent Harmon: ‘Like I Can’ – Sam Smith
I absolutely adore Trent’s vibrato but it was nowhere to be heard during this performance. It is very unlike him to start off in the wrong key but he did and it haunted him throughout the song. I hope the viewers give him the benefit of the doubt because he is far too talented to lose at such an early stage of the competition. Grade: C+
Who should go home: Tristan and *sob* Gianna
Who will go home: Gianna and Lee
