American Idol 11 - Top 8 Powerlist
This week, the American Idol 11 Top 8 head into the '80's! Gwen Stefani and bassist Tony Kanal will be mentoring them, but before we get to their performances tonight, let's take a look at where they fall in my power list.
I will attempt to keep my personal biases out of the equation for this list and offer some advice to what I think they need to do to stay in the game.
1. Phillip Phillips - Honestly, the judges and producers have pimped him so hard at this point that there is just no way for him to lose. That aside, this guy does have some musicality in his bones and he has a good voice. He's not my cup of tea, but his fan base seems unbeatable at this point. I would really love to see him completely strip down an arrangement and show his vulnerable and emotional side.
2. Colton Dixon - Whether you like this guy or not, he's certainly playing the Idol game. The show hasn't quite seen a contestant that is so in your face about his religion, and he's not backing down any time soon. While that may turn off some viewers (like me), he keeps attracting Twitter followers like gang busters. I suspect that he will make the finale. Plus, it doesn't hurt that he's cute. I would love for Colton to steer the ship away from worship songs and anthems and do something edgy and off-the-cuff. He should take a female pop diva song and totally flip it on it's head. It would show his versatility and get the ladies screaming.
3. Jessica Sanchez - This girl is a lock for the Top 3, but I'm not sure she can break up the all-boys-club for the finale. Sure, she has a great set of pipes, but what she is truly lacking at this point is musicianship and authenticity. Before you go hating on me, I do like this girl. What she needs to do tonight is totally rock out like Elise did last week and show America she's more than just a lovely balladeer. Regardless, she is the girls' only hope of winning this year, so I'm all for her!
4. Joshua Ledet - He seems to be the guy that I'm not quite sure where to stick him. He's a middle-packer at best, and one wrong turn, he could land in the bottom. However, with a stellar performance (which he's already done), he lands in the top. As of right now, he won't win, but he's a lock for the Top 5. He's a specific type of singer that separates himself from everyone else. At times, though, he reminds me of Jacob Lusk--which is never a good thing--but like him, Joshua's fan base is strong and will carry him as far as they can. Tonight, he needs to put aside the antics and lame song choices and really wow us emotionally. Let's do it, Joshua!
5. Elise Testone - We all know Elise is my girl, but I don't see her finishing any higher than this (she might break Top 4). However, so far her Idol trajectory has somewhat mirrored that of last season's Haley Reinhart. She started being a bottom three staple and over the past few weeks, she has managed to rock the stage and pull herself out of the abyss. "Vienna" and "Whole Lotta Love" are her Idol moments so far this season and I suspect her momentum will only get stronger. What she needs to do tonight is continue to show America her powerfully nuanced voice and either rock out again or show her vulnerability. Either way, I think she has at least 4 more weeks left in her.
6. Skylar Laine - For the first time, she hit the bottom three last week. If anything was surprising with last week's results, this was it. She has the Country charm and a decent voice. However, her Miranda Lambert cover came off as wannabe without an ounce of originality. If she wants to stay, she needs to pull out something unexpected like she did with "Stay with Me." She should pick songs that have a clear rock influence and bring the country in. She's more of a rocker of country than a full-on country crooner. I really want this girl to stick around. Work with me Skylar!!!
7. Deandre Brackensick - He is what I would call a polarizing contestant. I do not care for his shrill falsetto in almost every performance. However, his fan base seems to be growing as he totally avoided the bottom three last week, but his days are numbered. One complete trainwreck and he could be sent packing. When he's not doing vocal acrobatics, he has a lovely tone, especially in his chest voice. Please, dude, more of that. Also, stay as far away as you can from hairography. It didn't work on Glee and it doesn't work with you.
8. Hollie Cavanagh - Oh, poor Hollie. She went from being a leader of the pack a few weeks ago to being in the bottom last week. Yet again, she has not gone uptempo on a solo performance and shown she can handle it. She's in real danger this week if she doesn't do something drastic. I give her credit with having a great powerful voice, but she hasn't done anything out of the box with it. I beg you, Hollie, PLEASE go uptempo this week. Otherwise, this will be her last week.
So, what does your power list look like? Do you agree or disagree with me?