It’s American Idol 2015 Top 11 week all over again, except there’s a new theme (thankfully!) and only nine of the Top 11 will actually perform their songs from the 1980s. But here we are again, making song suggestions for all 11 because this is the new way of life for American Idol.
Update: We have the American Idol spoilers here for this week’s song list.
So here are some fun ideas… I don’t expect any to actually take my suggestions, but it’s fun to at least share what I’d like to hear from them.
Jax, “Sweet Child O Mine” By Guns N Roses (but in the style of Taken By Trees). This could be such a huge, huge moment for Jax. This Taken By Trees version of this song would be so perfect for her. I’ve been suggesting this version for the past several years and I won’t stop until someone sings it! If you’ve never heard it, here, check it out:
Joey Cook, “Karma Camelon” by The Culture Club. This is a quirky song, so I think it would be right up her alley. She could even break out the squeeze box again. I almost picked “Call Me” by Blondie for her, but that’s too singy for her I think. She could also do the version of Sweet Child O Mine I picked for Jax, but I don’t want to hear Joey sing that.
Nick Fradiani, “With Or Without You” by U2. I mean, duh. This would be the perfect song for Nick. If not Nick, then Clark.
Tyanna Jones, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston (or “Purple Rain” by Prince — I’m going to say this overtime it fits in a category). I won’t rest until she does Purple Rain, but I could also really see her really owning this Whitney Houston hit.
Qaasim Middleton, “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. We know he has to do something upbeat and showy. America doesn’t respond well to him doing anything else. I think Beat It would be perfect for him and his stage presence.
Maddie Walker, “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days)” by The Judds. I don’t know if she’ll stick to the country genre this week or not, but I think a song by The Judds would be a fantastic idea for Maddie.
Clark Beckham, “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. I struggled with Clark’s song choice, but landed on this because I think he could really update this song and make it his own. He can sing anything, so if anyone could pull off a song like this, it’s Clark.
Adanna Duru, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner. I’m just really getting a Tina Turner vibe for Adana. I don’t think she’s cool enough to even really know or care about Tina Turner, but I hope someone points her in that direction.
Daniel Seavey, “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. I just don’t know what to expect out of this kid. I mean I know he’s gonna be Daniel and cute, but his vocals are gonna also be eh. So why not just go with a fun song that will probably make my ears bleed?
Quentin Alexander, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. I think Quentin could really rock this song. That is if he’s still around to perform. I have a feeling he could be leaving, but if not, I’d like him to sing Queen.
Rayvon Owen, “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran. This is a weird pick for Rayvon, if I say so myself, but for some reason I could see it really working. I think it has the right energy and feel for him and I can imagine him working that magic smile to this song.
What would you like to hear the American Idol Top 11 sing for 80s night?