Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Julian Kalel turned in a great performance during Hollywood Week on American Idol and made the Top 30

American Idol will wrap up its Hollywood Week in Nashville episodes Monday night.

And by the end of the night, fans should know who made the Top 30 for Season 24.

The Idol judges are cutting the field of contestants from 127 to just 30 based on a single round of performances.

Last week’s episode showed several singers making it to the Gold Room of potential Top 30 singers.

But it’s likely some of those will be cut as well. And Idol closed last week’s show by saying sing-offs might be necessary to determine the final spots in the Top.

As a refresher, here are the singers we saw making it to the Gold Room last Monday.

Gals: Abayomi, Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, Kiera Howell, Madison Moon, Makiyah Mustiful, Roelle

Guys: Bryant Thomas, Jake Thistle, Jordan McCullough, Lucas Leon, Michael Garner, Philmon Lee, Trace Casanova

Last week’s show ended with performances by Braden Rumfelt, Chris Tungseth, Jake Thistle and Chloe Lauren without telling us who advanced from that group.

Check back at 8 p.m. I’ll be live blogging tonight’s show with song by song grades.

See also …
Song by song grades from Night 1
Idol Chatter’s picks for 16 singers who should advance
Who we’ll see Monday on American Idol

Last week’s show ended on a bit of a cliff hanger, with the fate of Braden Rumfelt, Chloe Lauren, Chris Tungseth and Jake Thistle hanging in limbo.

Tonight’s episode resolves that. Jake, Braden, Chris and Chloe all advanced.

Jesse Findling, 19, Long Island, N.Y., “Love in the Dark” by Adele: He’s the guy who doesn’t stutter when he sings. He’s also the first guy we met on Season 24. And reminds us why with his lovely vocal tone. He said he always wanted to sing this song on Idol, and he’s doing a heck of a job of it. Well, he’s advancing. I think that’s pretty certain. Grade: A–

Kyndal Inskeep, 29, Fishers, Indiana, “Human” by The Killers: We also met the former Voice standout on Idol’s season premiere. She picked this song to show she can be free-spirited and joyful in a performance. I really like Kyndal’s voice. I’m not sure this song is the best showcase for it. I wish she’d performed another of her great originals. Carrie compliments her on a cool voice. Grade: B

Jesse and Kyndal both advanced.

Kutter Bradley, 22, Florence, Ala., “Boots” by Hardy: This is starting off a little rough. Kutter finds his footing when he reaches the chorus. The show cut that short. Carrie compliments him on a big voice. Grade: B–

Julian Kalel, 19, El Paso, Texas, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt: This guy has a wonderful voice. And wonderful originals already released in spite of his young age. Oh, my, Idol’s giving him the heartthrob treatment, cutting away to young girls fawning from the audience. That was a very strong performance. Grade: B+

Kutter and Julian both advanced.

Trew the Star, 24, Montgomery, Ala., “Love and Happiness” by Al Green: He thinks this song will show his personality and the way he likes to have fun on stage. He certainly seems comfortable on stage. And has an excellent voice and range. Very nice job. Though the judges weren’t certain it was the best song to show off his vocal chops. Grade: B+

Shelby Riley, 26, Melbourne, Australia, “Good Luck Babe” by Chappel Roan: Well, after talking about how he was leaving all the costumes behind, Shelby shows up on stage with a huge piece of fur. Fortunately, he also showed up on stage with a very impressive, and I mean very impressive vocal. And plenty of emotional too. Superb. Lionel compliments him on “amazing talent.” Grade: A

Admerican Idol announces several cuts, including Jason Arendt, the Banana League baseball player, Landon Hughes and Julianne Post. Julianne sang a wonderful original called “Die While I’m Dancing” that was honestly a wonderful song. So that might be the most disappointing cut yet to me.

Mor, 22, West Virginia, “How to Love You” (an original): He says he knows he’s taking a risk by singing another original. But he also says his identity is that of a singer-songwriter. He turns in an impressive performance. Carrie says he missed an opportunity by playing an acoustic song instead of utilizing the band. But she thinks his risk paid off. Grade: B

Mary Jo Young, 24, Cleveland, Ohio: “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo: We only see a snippet for some reason but she does a fine job.

We see a snippet of Ruby Rae too. Honestly, that vocal was way too shouty. I would not advance her based on that. But she is only 16. And her audition was one of the absolute best.

Rae Boyd, 24, Frederick, Md., “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato: She has a very, very nice voice. And plenty of vocal firepower. Damn. Absolutely fierce vocal. Listen to that growl. Wow, woman. That was the best vocal we’ve heard tonight. Lionel called that performance exceptional. Grade: A

Ruby, Rae and Mary Jo all advance.

We see a snippet of a performance by Jayson Garner.

Genevieve Heyward, 26, Lake Geneva, Wis., “The Story” by Brandi Carlile: My, my, I love this young woman’s voice. And she cuts loose on stage, showing that she’s a natural as a performer. Big voice, big performance, great performance. Let’s stop calling her The Pickle Girl and just applaud her talent. That was exceptional too. She’s just a ton of fun, too. Grade: A

Jackie Bluebird, 19, Orange County, Calif., “You Oughta Know” by Alana Morissette: She shows off tons of energy. That was not the right song and not a great vocal. Grade: C

Genevieve and Jayson advanced. Jackie did not.

Bella Emry, 22, Bend, Oregon, “The Joke” by Brandi Carlile: She’s the young lady who hasn’t performed much, but dazzled during her audition. She’s doing it again tonight. We didn’t hear the entire performance, but what we heard was excellent. Grade: B+

Daniel Stallworth, 27, Moss Point, Mississippi, “Stand By Me”: He’s a worship leader, so he’s used to performing. And he’s delivering a great vocal here. This might be the best male vocal we’ve heard tonight. Check out that absolutely glorious glory note. Luke calls him “truly special.” Grade: A

Brooks Rosser, 22, Bel Air, Md., “”Drowning” by Sam Barver: Brooks’ unique sound helps set him apart. And for someone with so little performing experience, he’s doing a great job. You can still sense some nerves, but the judges clearly loved it. Luke predicts his voice will become recognizable in years to come. Grade: B

Brooks, Daniel and Bella all advanced.

The problem is, there are 60 singers in the golden room, and only 30 will advance.

Jayson Garner and Michael Garner are going to sing off. So are Mary Jo Young and Chloe Lauren.

Advancing to the Top 30 are Makiyah, Jordan McCullough, Lucas Leon, Bella Emry, Madison Moon, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, Chris Tungseth

Jakob Stobaugh, Mor Ilderson and Trace Casanova were among those cut.

Tianna, Jake Thistle, Philmon Lee, Brooks Rosser, Daniel Stallworth, Bryant Thomas, Sheldon Riley, Jesse Finling, Julian Kalel, Kutter Bradley all made the Top 30.

Lanni, Roelle and Trew the Star did not advance.

Breanna, Kiera Howell, Kyndal, Hanna Harper, Rudy Rae, Rae Boyd, Jacquie Lee, Brenna Brigman and Genevieve Heyward also advance. Love that Jacquie Lee, former runner-up on The Voice advanced. It’d be nice to hear her sing on the show.

SING OFFS

Jayson Garner, “That’s All Right” by Elvis: I’m a little surprised he’d pick an Elvis song for this situation, but he’s not trying to sing like Elvis. He is playing guitar behind his head again. He likes very comfortable as a performer. Grade: B

Michael Garner, “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray: He’s got a very good voice for 16. And is showing very little nerves for someone so young. Nice job. Honestly, this is almost a draw. Grade: B

Michael gets the spot. Little surprised.

Chloe Lauren, “You Stole the Show” by Sienna Spiro: Hello, great soulful voice. She didn’t do great on her first Hollywood performance. This one is much better, though her control strayed a bit on the second half of that performance. Grade: B

Mary Jo Young, “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver: She has a soulful voice too and she’s singing a cappella. I’m liking her performance better. She also shows more confidence. This is easily the best of the sing-off performances. It isn’t even close. Grade: A–

Chloe advances. And Idol got that wrong.