Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol introduced us to about a dozen more Hollywood-bound singers during a second audition episode of Season 19 Sunday night.

Here are my picks for the top five singers to watch from that group.

And, yep, again, I’ve ranked them, beginning with …

1. Casey Bishop, 15, of Estero, Fla.
Auditioned with: “Live Wire” by Motley Crue and “Funny Valentine” by Sarah Vaughn
Why: This petite young lady displayed a big voice and versatility, singing a rock song and a blues song, and showing nary a bit of nerves despite what she said is limited performance experience. She was my favorite voice on a night filled with impressive female voices. Luke Bryan called her “the damn winner of American Idol.” Lionel said “the sky is the limit.”
Best line: Said Luke: “I didn’t think anybody would get close to Alejandro (Aranda’s) audition in terms of me being just dipped in Disney and sparkles and flowers and doves and that’s what your audition was for me.”

2. Chayce Beckham, 24, Apple Valley, Calif.
Auditioned with: “What Brings Life Also Kills” by Kolton Moore and The Clever Few
Why: I love the grit and the authenticity in Chayce’s voice. Like Luke, I was sold instantly. Plus, Idol loves redemption stories, and Chayce is one after experiencing a turbulent year that included “some really hard times” in the words of his mom. Oh, that reggae band mentioned on the show is Sinking Sailors and they have two EPs out.
Best line: Katy: “You sound like you operate a forklift.” Chayce: “Thank you, I guess.” Katy later made it clear her comment was intended as a compliment, saying Chayce sounds like “the heat of America” and displayed “top five” potential.

3. Cassandra Coleman, 24, Columbia, Tenn.
Auditioned with: “The Way It Was” by The Killers and “Apologize” by Timbaland
Why: She won me over with her first audition song. But when Lionel Richie asked her to sing something at piano and she responded with “Apologize”… well, pure magic. Luke Bryan hit the nail on the head. I was getting Sara Bareilles vibes in the best possible way. Lionel called her performance “as angelic as it gets.”
Best line: Cassandra: “This is so out of my comfort zone. I get nervous … I get the shakes just performing for my family.” Lionel: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So every time you get afraid, take a step forward.”

4. Liahona Olayan, 16, Wahiawa, Hawaii
Auditioned with: “Listen to My Heart,” an original she wrote with brother Ammon.
Why: Liahona and her brother auditioned together with a great original. Liahona, a year younger, is clearly the most Idol ready of the duo, both in terms of charisma and vocals. Oh, and they’re now living in Utah, released an EP called “Life is Good” and have two tracks on a youth album released by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to a story in their hometown newspaper, they actually performed three originals for the judges, one solo apiece and the duet we heard. Unfortunately, that excellent song has not been released.
Best line: Lionel, upon learning that Liahona and Ammon’s parents moved them to Hawaii to live in a tent and better appreciate their heritage when they were younger: “Before we go any further, the phone number for your mom and dad so I can figure out how to put my kids in a tent.”

5. Willie Spence, 21, Douglas, Ga.
Auditioned with: “Diamonds” by Rihanna
Why: A video of Willie singing “Diamonds” in high school back a couple of years ago went viral, landing Willie a spot on the Steve Harvey show. He certainly didn’t disappoint when he got to perform the song again for the Idol judges. Lionel called him “an undeniable star.” He also has a debut single out (“So Gone”) and a sizeable fan base (360,000 followers on Instagram) because of his earlier brush with fame.
Best line: Luke Bryan, upon hearing Willie would like to win a Grammy within the next five years: “That Grammy is attainable. There’s no doubt in my mind.”