Despite a very strong start as a fan favorite on American Idol 2016, Dalton Rapattoni has been sliding down the ranks in fan polls and on social media the past few weeks. Early on, we would have predicted him as maybe making it all the way to the finale. Now, however, he’s going to have to work very hard to just make it into the Top 4.
For his song choices in the American Idol Top 5, Dalton Rapattoni picked two tunes that seemed like they should be in his wheelhouse from the suggestions sent in by fans. That’s both a good thing, and a bad thing. Both songs seemed very suited to his style, but neither of them really seemed geared to give him that standout ‘wow’ moment he really needs at this stage in the competition.
“Numb” by Linkin Park
While the song choice should have worked for Dalton, in some ways it actually kind of fell flat. Dalton is an entertaining performer, but he’s not a powerhouse singer. This song kind of pointed that out a little bit more than was good for him. Jennifer Lopez felt like the song was missing it’s “oomph” and did not like the arrangement. Harry Connick Jr. thought Dalton really put himself into the song and thought about the lyrics, but was off the beat. Keith Urban felt the performance just wasn’t as good as it could have been and would have totally done a different arrangement.
It's impossible not to feel @DaltonRapattoni's rockstar presence as he performs "Numb" by @linkinpark. #IdolTop5https://t.co/IIOhvb6E09
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 18, 2016
“Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
Although once again Dalton came across as a bit over dramatic on stage, we feel this was his better song of the night. Keith urban thought it was a great song choice for him and thought he really connected with the song’s emotions. Jennifer Lopez felt it was a powerful performance for Dalton and he was giving them a piece of his soul. Harry Connick Jr. felt Dalton thrived with the lyrics of the song and he needs to keep going after songs that he feels like this one.
What did you think about Dalton Rapattoni this week on American Idol 2016? Don’t forget to cast your American Idol vote for who will make it to the Top 4 next week!