Last night on American Idol 2016, we said goodbye to Gianna Isabella and Olivia Rox, leaving us with the Top 8.
We got to see all 10 perform, but we’re only grading the Top 8 and those eight performances as a whole weren’t that great. There were some standouts, but also some pretty mediocre moments. Let’s take a look.
American Idol 2016 Report Card
Dalton Rapattoni, “Radioactive.” This was a good song choice for Dalton, but not great vocals. Of course he is a showman no matter what, so that counts for a lot, here, but I wish he was a better vocalist. He’ll be fine no matter how bland this performance was or how negative this report card is. I didn’t love him this week. Grade: C+
Lee Jean, “Use Somebody.” I’m having a hard time loving Lee because of his attitude, and this performance didn’t help. He barely sang and when he did he was shaky and pitchy. He needs to sing out so we can really hear his voice. Not great. Grade: C
Sonika Vaid, “Since U Been Gone.” This was a bold song choice, so she gets points for that. But this is a huge Kelly Clarkson song. It’s meant for a singer with a huge voice. And while she’s on her way, she’s no Kelly. It wasn’t a bad performance, but it wasn’t her best. Grade: B
MacKenzie Bourg, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” I love that he picked this song. I also love that he made it his own and put a whole new spin on it all while keeping it upbeat and dancey. I think MacKenzie will be safe again next week with this effort. Grade: A-
La’Porsha Renae, “Halo.” I was really disappointed when I heard this was what she was singing, but I was thrilled when she completely turned this song into one that can actually be performed by someone other than Beyonce. Very well-done. Grade: A
Trent Harmon, “When A Man Loves A Woman.” Well, we’ve never heard this song performed like his on American Idol. Trent is one of a kind and this was easily the best performance of the night. To me, Trent can do no wrong. Grade: A+
Tristan McIntosh, “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” I wasn’t sure about this song choice, but after the performance I understood it completely. I thought it was great to see her back behind the piano when it really matters. I still think she comes off bit robotic, but that was a good performance. Grade: A
Avalon Young, “Earned It.” I wasn’t shocked she was in the bottom three, but I’m glad it didn’t effect her performance. Her bold song choice turned out to be perfect for her. It reminded us how great her voice is and that when she’s in her comfort zone, she’s one of the best in the competition. Grade: A+
IMO The two worst singers of the evening were Demi Lovato and Harry Connick Jr.. Harry was simpering like a 4 year old girl in a beauty pageant and Demi shrieked like a banshee. WTH? Lee jean’s voice is too weak to carry him through, La’Porsha is a one trick pony and I can’t begin to understand what Mackenzie is even doing there. Trent has a decent voice, but he’s obnoxious. Glad to see the last of Gianna. There really isn’t a “star” in the bunch.
I only agree with your Harry comment. He sang the same song last season (also on other numerous other shows). He’s trying to milk his AI celebrity like Kelly but thinks this is his only album hit. Much like Steven Tyler’s country song sang last season-sucks! C. Daughtry and Jena Irene Asciutto (perhaps other past AI contestants) have “NEW” songs that they’d also like some free AI publicity to introduce, Cassedee Pope has sang her Invincible/Unbreakable song on the NBC Voice as well as the Today show-but still no hit.
WTF with Olivia Rox getting sent home?! She has the best range and voice…MUCH better than Harry Connick Jr. She would have made a great “bookend”. I think the judges were focused on ballads…practically eveyone sang a ballad except Makenzie…frickin’ shame they sent a top 5 go home. Avalon did o.k. for Avalon standards, but she is nasally and she wouldn’t sell a single record. HORRIBLE! !
1. La Porsha Renae
2. Trent Harmon
3. Avalon Young
4. Mackenzie Bourg
5. Dalton Rapattoni
6. Sonika Vaid
7. Tristan McIntosh
8. Lee Jean
While this week was his worst song choice, I’m a big Dalton Rapattoni fan. His audition choice blew me awy, and I’ve loved every one, except for Radioactive
He is a good performer and that makes up for the fact he I s not the best singer. He would sell a lot of albums to 14 year-old girls.
I love Tristan Mcintosh she just need songs that fit her voice!