Last night on American Idol 2016 we said goodbye to Sonika Vaid as we learned which four contestants would be getting the hometown visits that we’ll see next week.
That final four, La’Porsha, MacKenzie, Trent and Dalton, took to the stage for two performances each and we’ve got the report card for that ready for you now.
ROUND 1
La’Porsha Renae, “Wanted Dead or Alive.” I didn’t like this song for her, but it was still a great performance. Her vocals were on as they always are and I liked the edge she brought to this one, which is sort of a signature of hers now. I do have to point out that she did forget some lyrics and the whole thing was sort of all one long note. Not my favorite La’Porsha effort. Grade: B+
MacKenzie Bourg, “I Want You To Want Me.” I think MacKenzie’s voice was good on this one for the most part, but there were some certainly rocky spots. As for the song arrangement, I wasn’t a fan. And he’s always slowing everything down, so it would be nice to hear him do something differently. Grade: B-
Trent Harmon, “Sharp Dressed Man.” Trent amazes me every week. I hate this song, but he made me love it. He’s such an artist and if he doesn’t make it to the finale, that will be a travesty. This was the best performance of the night, if you ask me. From the vocals to the arrangement to his swagger. So good. Grade: A+
Dalton Rapattoni, “God Only Knows.” I don’t think Dalton made a good choice with this song. It was weak and contrived. And after coming out off a near-elimination, this just wasn’t the moment he needed to have. Not good. Grade: C+
ROUND 2
La’Porsha Renae, “Elastic Heart.” I liked this song for La’Porsha a lot more than the first round. She seemed to be more connected and this also showcased her big voice better. Grade: A
MacKenzie Bourg, “Titanium.” I definitely liked this more than the first round. I loved how he started the song. By the chorus, it got a bit choppy, however. And then from there it got boring and I was ready to go to sleep. Grade: B
Trent Harmon, “Chandelier.” I thought this could go badly, but I should have known that Trent wouldn’t mess it up. This was powerful and emotional and a lot different (in a good way) for Trent. He clearly had the best night this week. Grade: A+
Dalton Rapattoni, “Bird Set Free.” I’m not sure why they saved this for the pimp spot. It was just more dark and depressed Dalton. It was better than round one, but I’m so tired of his performances making me feel depressed. Not a fan of feeling bad, sorry. Grade: B-