American Idol 2021 Polls: Top 10 Disney, Top 7 Reveal

*(ABC/Eric McCandless) DESHAWN GONCALVES, ALYSSA WRAY, ARTHUR GUNN, CASSANDRA COLEMAN*

Tonight’s American Idol (Recap) was the best of times AND the worst of times.

First, the performances were magnificent The first first live shows were a little shaky. But, the singers seemed to settle into the live format nicely this week. Every performance was great, and there were many personal bests tonight. Caleb Kennedy, a singer I usually don’t enjoy, was terrific. DeShawn Goncalves who advanced week after week without much fanfare, donned a dinner jacket and showed he had jazz chops. Alyssa Wray’s performance was controlled, and exquisitely modulated. Cassandra Coleman channeled Florence Welch with grace and passion.

Arthur would have been foolish to turn down another shot

So it’s a shame the latter three went home after a ringer with a built-in Idol fan base dropped in with an unfair advantage. First off. I do not blame Arthur Gunn. Idol asked him to participate in the Comeback, and he would have been dumb to say no. Yes. he and his fellow season 18 finalists suffered a bad break last year. The pandemic messed a lot plans up. Think of school kids who missed classes, proms, sports games and drama club. Tons of people lost their jobs. Some folks lost their lives. I get trying to make it up to the singers, but sometimes life is unfair and that’s just how it is.

What is the REAL reason American Idol introduced the Comeback?

However, is making up for last year’s aborted season REALLY the reason Idol introduced the Comeback twist? Probably not. Emily Yahr from the Washington Post noted:

…there’s no way producers didn’t know that it would spark controversy. Of course, that is generally the exact point of the polarizing TV twist. A move like this may delight some and enrage others, but at least people will be talking about the show — especially the further the comeback contestant makes it in the competition.

The producers introduced the Comeback twist for the same reason they cast the mediocre fame seeking Claudia Conway. People will talk. And man, if Arthur wins, PEOPLE WILL BE TALKING.

The Top 7 don’t look happy

Check this photo out. As Ryan excitedly introduced the Top 7, everybody looked like their dog had just died. Of course, contestants are sad to say goodbye to friends who are eliminated, but there are no tears, just disappointment on those faces. I gotta say, if it were me toiling through the American Idol gauntlet, only to have a singer with a huge Idol fansbase suddenly drop in…I’d be upset. But maybe that’s just me.

The thing is: Let’s say the Comeback didn’t happen and Ava August advanced to the Top 10. She might have advanced to the Top 7 on a strong performance, or been eliminated. The thing is, she or Beane or Madison Watkins would have competed with the rest of the contestants on an even playing field. Arthur had a built in advantage. His performance was solid, but to advance he didn’t have to be at his best. Cassandra Coleman likely would have been eliminated at the Top 5. But she deserved at least another week.

AGAIN ARTHUR FANS DON’T BRIGADE ME I KNOW IT’S NOT HIS FAULT. Arthur is a talented artist. I was a big fan last year.

Regardless, tonight featured incredible performances from the Disney catalog. A+ show!

Putting aside my irritation with the Comeback twist. Tonight was the BEST Disney night of all four ABC seasons. Easily. And one of the best nights of performances all season. Chayce Beckham, Grace Kinstler delivered personal bests. Casey Bishop showed once again that she’s a dark horse and can do it all. Willie Spence proved once again that he’s an incredible vocalist. Hunter Metts brought a tender touch to his performance. Performance wise, it’s looking good for the rest of the season.

Now it’s time to VOTE for your favorites. Next week, it’s Mother’s Day and Coldplay songs!