American Idol season 20 is headed to Disneyland for what’s become, in the ABC era, an annual theme. The remaining Top 10 contestants picked songs from the Disney catalog to perform this week. Song spoilers are OUT. The choices are mostly the same ole same ole. But Nicolina did go out on a limb and chose an intriguing Disney villain song.
American Idol 2022 Spoilers: Top 10 Disney Night Songs Revealed!
The contestants also visited the Disneyland park in Anaheim, California with their families, where Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough mentored them. And yes, Derek is known for his incredible ballroom dancing. But he’s also a singer. He released an album, and has performed in musical theater. He’ll be able to share tips not only on singing, but also on how to perform on stage. Plus, before he sat behind the DWTS panel, Derek competed on live television for many years as a pro dancer.
Idol will broadcast live coast to coast again across all time zones. Host Ryan Seacrest will send THREE contestants home by the end of the night! I can smell a shock boot, people. And judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan can’t save a single soul.
Here are my rankings for this week. Contestants are ordered based off of their performances last week.
American Idol Top 10 Ranked
10. Lady K – The judges had to save Lady K, last week, so she’s in danger! Her song choice “How Far I’ll Go” is a big song. If she nails it, she has a chance.
9. Emyrson Flora – The youngest contestant left on the show is a fine singer, but she’s up against voices that are bigger and/or more seasoned. She’s singing “Carried Me With You” from Onward, which isn’t a super-well known Disney song. Another “moment” from Emyrson could propel her into the Top 7, however.
8. Mike Parker – He’s singing the schmaltzy “You’ll be in my Heart” this week, which he’ll probably countrify. But just look at the singers ranked ahead of Mike. He may be coming to the end of the line this week.
7. Nicolina Bozzo – Niconlina delivered her worst performance of the season last week, shouting her way through “Since U Been Gone.” She’s lucky to have a fan base to carry her. She’s taking a BIG risk this week, performing the Disney villain song “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” If she sings the song with the right dramatic flair, she could have a big moment this week.
6. Christian Guardino – Hoo boy. Christian is taking on “Circle of Life” this week. It’s a big song that could send him to the next round. Hopefully he doesn’t ruin it by oversinging. But it seems his fans like that about him.
5. HunterGirl – Hunter has had a few mediocre weeks in a row. “I See the Light” is a sweet song that would be easy to countrify. Hopefully, she gets back on track this week! But no matter what, she’s likely to stay safe.
4. Noah Thompson – Noah does best with heartfelt, simple songs. The sweet, but hokey “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” could trip him up this week. If he stays on track, Noah could make the Top 5. I expect that he will.
3. Jay Copeland – Jay had a huge break through last week with “Lilac Wine.” Now he’s beginning to learn what works for him. The lovely ballad “Remember Me” is more of what worked for him last time.
2. Leah Marlene – Welp. Marlene is that type of American Idol contestant who can sing anythings. She’s creative, canny and extremely musically talented. Plus she can sang. She could win it all. She and Fritz are on par this week.
1. Fritz Hager – Fritz isn’t as versatile as Leah, but he is compelling, nevertheless. There are better vocalists in this group, but Fritz knows who he is as an artist, and he’s a terrific arranger of songs. That’s what sets him apart from a singer like Jay, who is still figuring himself out.
Poll Results
You all voted in a few polls after Monday’s episode. Check out the results below.
American Idol 2022 – Favorite Top 10 Contestant
You guys love you some Leah and Fritz. Me tool. Sidenote: In a recent interview, season 16 winner Maddie Poppe mentioned that she’s been watching the new season of Idol and that Leah and Fritz are her favorites.
Noah is No. 3. The rest rank in single digits.
- Leah Marlene – 30.35%
- Fritz Hager – 19.36%
- Noah Thompson – 15.56%
- HunterGirl – 8.66%
- Jay Copeland – 7.78%
- Nicolina Bozzo – 6.71%
- Emyrson Flora – 5.16%
- Mike Parker – 3.02%
- Christian Guardino – 1.95%
- Lady K – 1.46%
American Idol 2022 – Favorite Top 11 Performance
Jay sneaks into the No. 3 spot, and it’s totally deserved.
- Leah Marlene – Make You Feel My Love – 28.52%
- Jay Copeland – Lilac Wine – 23.37%
- Fritz Hager – Wonderwall – 18.10%
- Noah Thompson – Heartbreak Warfare – 9.97%
- Tristen Gressett – You Can’t Always Get What You Want – 4.58%
- Emyrson Flora – Lovely – 4.01%
- HunterGirl – 9 to 5 – 3.44%
- Nicolina Bozzo – Since U Been Gone – 2.86%
- Christian Guardino – I’m Not the Only One – 2.06%
- Mike Parker – Chasin You – 1.72%
- Lady K – Traitor – 1.37%
American Idol Top 10 Reveal: Who Was Robbed?
Overwhelmingly, you all feel that Tristen’s elimination was justified.
- Nobody was robbed – 75.63%
- Tristen Gressett – 24.37%
