Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jordan McCullough is one of the singers who must make the Top 14 on American Idol (ABC Photo)

Monday night, American Idol will whittle a very talented Top 20 to just 14.

That’s right, folks. Six singers head home at the start of Monday’s episode.

Here are Idol Chatter’s picks for 10 contestants who absolutely should make that Top 14.

I’ve even ranked them.

See also …
Two distressing developments on American Idol
Song by song grades from Monday’s show
Most popular performances from Monday’s show
Song by song grades from 1st Top 20 show
Most popular performances from 1st Top 20 show

1. Jordan McCullough, 27, Murfreesboro, Tenn.: He earned a platinum ticket on Top 30 week. He was every bit as good on the Top 20 show this week. His experience as a worship director shows. This guy knows how to move a crowd.

2. Rae Boyd, 24, Frederick, Md.,: It’s been seasons since Idol has featured a female soul-pop performer with Rae’s combination of stage presence and vocal prowess. She’s been pure fire since escaping the audition circle and landing on stage.

3. Hannah Harper, 25, Willow Springs, Missouri: No doubt, she’s the fan favorite at this point. Her Top 20 performance had more than 6 million views within days. No one else had half that many. And Monday’s theme is in her wheelhouse.

4. Kyndal Inskeep, 29, Fishers, Indiana: Season 24 is loaded with talented singer-songwriters. Kyndal’s the best thanks to her unique sound and her knack for plucking heartstrings. She has more originals that would dazzle should she get the chance.

5. Daniel Stallworth, 27, Moss Point, Mississippi: I continue to believe this guy is the hidden gem among the Season 24 cast, one of the best male vocalists on the show, but underappreciated to this point. Producers need to show him some love.

Hannah Harper has established herself as the early season fan favorite on American Idol (ABC Photo)

6. Keyla Richardson, 29, Pensacola, Fla.: Lionel Richie’s praise was a bit over the top, but there’s no doubt Monday’s performance was Keyla’s best to date and proved beyond doubt that she belongs in the Top 14. Remember, she was darn good in previous rounds too.

7. Genevieve Heyward, 26, Lake Geneva, Wis.: If there’s going to be a rocker among the Season 24 Top 14, it should be Genevieve, hands down. That’s based on the stage presence, versatility and vocals she’s displayed over the last three rounds.

8. Brooks Rosser, 22, Bel Air, Md.: I know, I know. His voice is special. His voice is unique. His voice is captivating. But if you can’t answer softball interview questions from Ryan, you need a lot of work on your stage presence and charisma.

9. Julian Kalel, 19, El Paso, Texas: He’s the best of a deep group of male singer-songwriters on the show. Though I must admit, I’m basing that as much on his heartfelt original music as his Idol performances. He also seems to be a show favorite, which doesn’t hurt.

10, Chris Tungseth, 27, Fergus Falls, Minn.: American Idol would clearly like to turn Chris into the Season 24 heartthrob. I’m more interested in seeing him develop his singer-songwriter potential, and his Monday performance of “Apologize was a nice step in that direction.

Rae Boyd has been one of the top performers on American Idol Season 24 (ABC Photo)