American Idol 11 - Top 7 Power List
This week, the American Idol contestants will get to take on their favorite iTunes jams from this decade! AKON will be mentoring these young hopefuls in the process. Before we get to their performances tonight, I've made my power list.
Keeping my personal biases out of the equation, my list sees a few shifts from last week. Plus, I offer a few words of advice for each contestant.
Also, check out the complete set list for tonight!!!
1. Phillip Phillips – I still say this guy is a LOCK for the finale. Last week, the producers and judges did attempt to de-pimp him a bit to keep from a "shocking" elimination from happening. Tonight should be interesting for him, as he'll be forced to go super-current. I wonder -- after the incredibly hilarious metaphor blunder -- if he'll step out of his little brown box and "touch hands" with the audience. Personally, Phil you need to keep doing what you're doing and totally flip a pop song on its head. Either way, you'll be safe at least until the Top 3.
3. Jessica Sanchez – She's the most consistent of the bunch, and despite doing another note for note version of a Whitney Houston song, she's the girls' only hope to win this thing. What she really needs to do tonight is do something unexpected. She's been flying pretty steady this entire season, and she desperately needs an Idol moment if she stands a chance at not being eliminated before her time. She proved last week that she could handle uptempo, but I want to see her completely let loose tonight. Do something that'll have everyone talking. I know you have it in you, girl!!!
3. Colton Dixon – He's beginning to a lose steam as far as his performances go. Last week's "Time After Time" was a trainwreck. He needs to avoid the antics and over-the-top shenanigans. I want to see him back at his piano delivering an emotionally stirring song. His fan base is still growing like cray cray, but if he wants to win, he needs to not hold back. Bring back the Piano, Man!!!
4. Joshua Ledet - I'm still not completely sold on this guy yet. He over sings like nobody's business, but fans seem to be rallying around him. He hasn't landed in the bottom yet, and he'll be safe for a couple more weeks. If he wants to crack the Top 3, he's gonna need to showcase his vocal control. Tonight might be tricky for him. He's a gospel singer, and now he has to take on a current hit from the past three years. He could either rise to the occasion or totally bomb. Song selection for him is absolutely crucial. He needs to turn the charm on high and the vocal acrobatics on low.
5. Skylar Laine – She wowed the judges and the audience last week with her "Wind Beneath My Wings." Enough so, she did not land in the bottom last week. However, she's much like Elise, one off performance can turn into a bottom two or three trip. She needs to continue delivering stellar vocal performances if she plans to make Top 5. Like all the other girls remaining, she's fighting the time machine before they drop like flies. Tonight, she needs to continue to show her big powerful voice.
6. Elise Testone – Sigh. My girl Elise hit the bottom two last week. For some reason, America holds her to a higher standard than everyone else in the competition. Her "I Want to Know What Love Is" may not have been her best performance, but it certainly did not deserve a bottom three trip. Tonight, she needs to come back swinging with all she's got. She should consider this her last week and perform just for her fans. Let's face it, the judges still need to use the save and all indications point to her to use it on. I want her to perform some Lady Gaga -- which would allow her to showcase her lovely vocals and prove how current she is. LET'S GO ELISE!!!
7. Hollie Cavanagh – She'll be the next one to go. I think America has grown tired of her robot movements, and she pales in comparison to Jessica. With that said, Hollie has a syrupy tone to her voice that I love. Tonight, she needs to return to doing ballads -- which are her wheelhouse.
So, what does your power list look like? Do you agree or disagree with my rankings?