With American Idol going live this week, it’ about time to begin posting power lists, I think! The Top 14 taped tonight’s performance show last night and we have oodles of spoilers here:
American Idol 2018 Song Spoilers: What Will the Top 14 Sing?
I’m not going to ignore the song spoilers, but at the same time, since I have not actually HEARD the performances, I’m going to ignore opinion spoilers and rank the singers in order of their strength ENTERING into this week’s performances.
American Idol Top 14 Contestant List
FYI: Fourteen performances on Sunday’s show. Viewers vote. On Monday the Top 10 will be revealed–six advance on viewer votes, 4 go through as judges wildcards. All the details are at this link.
American Idol 2018 How to Vote, Top 10 Reveal and Wildcard Details
My rankings! Your mileage may vary of course!
14. Michelle Sussett – I understand why the judges chose her. She’s beautiful, energetic and brings diversity to the cast. But her vocals aren’t strong enough to sustain a run on the show. She’s a good dancer and knows how to use the stage. I would not be surprised if she were eliminated this week. Would also not be surprised if she found success after the show. I mean, Jlo isn’t a very good singer either.
13. Mara Justine – Mara is a singing competition baby, and it shows. She’s got a big voice, but tends towards the big old fashioned competition songs. Last week, duet partner Rachel Platten did a good job getting her to drop the pretty pageant princess facade and actually feel a song. But can she integrate the lessons into future performances? It remains to be seen. She’s singing “This is Me” this week and it could either be bombastic or heartfelt. We’ll see.
12. Garrett Jacobs – Pretty boys with so so voices generally don’t fair well on American Idol. Garrett’s got a beautiful tone, but lacks control and confidence. He’s a big Phillip Phillips fan. So we’ll see how he does covering “Raging Fire” this week.
11. Catie Turner – Catie is a terrific songwriter. She’s clever, honest, and knows how to write a hooky melody. But she hasn’t done a great job choosing songs outside of her own repertoire. Some folks aren’t born to sing covers. I’ve got her ranked low here–her last couple of outings really tanked. She’s singing “Take Me to Church” this week, and I hope it’s her redemption.
10. Jonny Brenns – Jonny has chosen to sing “This is Gospel” this week and it’s a bold choice! Very bold. When Jonny is good, he’s VERY VERY good. But so far his performances have been uneven. I was really impressed that he chose to sing a 1975 song in Hollywood. I hope this goes well for him.
9. Dennis Lorenzo – I’m not convinced Dennis’ chill acoustic vibe is going to cut through the competition. Having said that, his charms are low key–beautiful tone and phrasing. He knows how to make a song his own. But unfortunately, he may be out shown by bigger personalities in the cast.
8. Ada Vox – Will America vote for and support a drag queen on a singing competition? Ada is an electric performer, so I’m hoping the answer is YES. While Idol brass nattered on about bringing back the show in order to appeal to Trumplandia, I’m hoping Ada prevails as she proudly waves her rainbow flag. Of course she’ll also be knocking viewers out while putting on an incredible show.
7. Maddie Pope – Maddie just might be the season’s dark horse. She combines gorgeous vocals with confidence and originality. As they say, she’s a complete package (and one of my favorites).
6. Marcio Donaldson – A passionate singer and a judges favorite, I’m a little baffled by his choice to cover a fairly obscure Barry Manilow song this week (“It’s a Miracle”). Still, Marcio has turned in some impressive performances, He’s both likeable and talented. I could see the judges saving him if America doesn’t.
5. Cade Foehner – He’s this season’s resident rocker–a talented guitar player with an electric stage presence. He’s so charismatic, it matters little that he’s far from the best vocalist of this bunch. I don’t expect he’ll need to be saved by the judges this week.
4. Caleb Lee Hutchinson – I’ve ranked Caleb really high because although he’s a fairly generic vocalist, Idol loves their mainstream country singers. Plus, he’s got an irresistible backstory. He’s lost 80 pounds since his Idol audition last summer.
3. Michael J. Woodard – Michael is simply a revelation. A creative singer, he always keeps viewers and the judges on their toes with out of the box song choices, which he proceeds to sing the hell out of. He’s performing Titanium by Sia this week and I expect it will be tremendous. He’s a contender.
2. Jurnee – This young gal has it all. Incredible vocals that display depth and range, impressive stage presence and unstoppable confidence. She’s ready y’all and deserves to go far. Her showcase, solo and duet performances were knockouts. I’m hoping America agrees.
1. Gabby Barrett – I like Gabby the most when she’s singing R&B, but her goal is to be a country singer. If she picks the right songs, she could take it all the way. She tops my list because at this point, I think she’s one of the producer’s favorites. She’s singing “The Climb” this week in the pimp spot. I fully expect her to advance to the Top 10.
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