Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Alanis Sophia, posing with her American Idol toy microphone, is one of the ladies to watch in Season 19.

Based on the young talent they delivered to the Season 19 audition room, they ran crazy circles around their counterpoints at The Voice.

Of course, that’s going to mean stiff competition for the singers. And it beings in the pre-taped Sunday and Monday episodes, when Hollywood Week begins.

That’s especially true for the Idol ladies. By my count, we were introduced to 32 female singers in the five auditions shows compared to just 24 guys.

And since Idol likes to take an even split into the Top 24 … well, you do the math. Bottom line: The ladies face longer odds.

You can get reacquainted with all the gals we’ve met so far at right.

Here’s my breakdown.

Ready for this moment: Two of the auditioners who impressed me the most were Madison Watkins and Alanis Sophia. They’ve been here before — Madison on America’s Got Talent; Alanis on La Voz. And that means they’re unlikely to wilt under the Idol pressure.

Watch out for: Idol billed Alyssa Wray’s audition as a historic moment. (And the show has had her audition at the top of its YouTube channel for days now) The judges called Grace Kinstler’s audition one of the best in the show’s history. I’d add Nia Renee to that list. The young lady lit up the audition room with her smile and her vocals.

See also …
Photo gallery with mini bios of the American Idol ladies
What to watch for from the guys
Photo gallery with mini bios of the American Idol guys

The fabulous 15s: That would include Laila Mach, Ava August and Casey Bishop. Laila and Ava deserved Alejandro Aranda type props. They marched into the audition room with great originals at 15; Alejandro auditioned at age 24. And both young ladies already have great original music out. Oh, and remember Laila’s take on Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope.” It’s called “Drive Off a Bridge,” she’s posted a full version to Instagram and it’s even better than I thought. As for Casey, she has sang into a hairbrush more than a recording studio mic. But that audition — wow!

The gambles: Cameron McGhar sure looks like a star. Erika Perry has a quirky personality that’s surprisingly appealing and makes for great TV. And how can you not root for Molly Maid Christian McGuckian? But all three are going to have to take their vocals to the next level to compete with those listed above.

Without the backstories: Among the most moving auditions Idol aired in Season 19 were those featuring Ronda Felton (at times homeless), Vahhley (homeless at the time of her audition), D.J. Johnson (mom abandoned family), Brianna Collichio (has Cystic Fibrosis) and Ash Ruder (father is a recovering addict). The question is: Can they stir us emotionally when those backstories aren’t front and center?