Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The American Idol Top 9 of Kyndal, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Daniel Stallworth, Brooks Rosser, Chris Tungseth, Luca Leon and Braden Rumfelt (ABC Photo)

After two disappointing weeks of performances on American Idol, I have a simple suggestion for the show.

Ditch the theme weeks.

Two weeks ago, we had singers performing songs from the 1990s they didn’t know.

Last week, we had singers skirting the rock and rock theme to sing covers of songs by Stevie Wonder and Donna Summers.

And others stepping well outside their comfort zone to rock out on stage.

The result: Truth be told, the Top 9 on The Voice turned in better performances Monday night than the Top 11 on American Idol.

And the Season 29 cast on American Idol is too talented for that to happen.

And I’d be willing to be that wouldn’t happen if Idol just let contestants sing what they want to sing.

An original? Fine. A classic hit? Fine. A contemporary hit? Fine.

A song that plays it safe? Fine. A song no one would expect, performed in unique fashion? Even better.

Want an example? Check out Liv Ciara’s remarkable version of “What a Feeling” from Flashdance on The Voice. Now that’s what is called creating a singing show moment.

Alas, my wish is unlikely to come true. In fact, here comes Disney Week on Idol, as the Top 9 is about to be whittled down to a Top 7.

See also
Song by song grades for the Top 11
Song by song grades for the Top 12
Most popular performance from Monday’s show
Rae, Philmon Lee address their Idol ousters

This week’s Idol rankings …

1. Jordan McCullough (1), 27, Murfreesboro, Tenn.: Speaking of creating a single show moment, Jordan did just that Monday with his rousing cover of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” This guy belongs in Idol’s Season 24 finale.

2. Hannah Harper (3), 25, Willow Springs, Missouri: With Rae’s premature elimination, Hannah moves up a spot. “Landslide” was far from risky. But it certainly was lovely. And Hannah’s locking more and more like a lock to win Season 24.

3. Keyla Richardson (5), 29, Pensacola, Fla.: She has unquestionably been one of the most consistently solid singers and performers on Idol. If I had to hand pick a final three right now, she’d make the cut.

4. Daniel Stallowrth (6), 27, Moss Point, Mississippi: Kudos to Daniel for taking on a true rock song (Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”) and making it work. It reaffirmed my faith that this guy can sing anything and do it well.

5. Kyndal Inskeep (4), 29, Fishers, Indiana: Sorely in need of a bounce-back performance, Kyndal needs to find a Disney song that allows her to sit on a stool, play guitar and pluck heartstrings. No one among this cast does that better.

6. Lucas Leon (8), 18, Gallatin, Tenn.: Last week’s performance was a bit cheesy, but I still admire this lad’s moxie. He’s a decade younger than most of his cast mates and shows a maturity on stage that belies his youth.

7. Braden Rumfelt (9), 22, Murphy, N.C.: He took the advice of his brother, went upbeat last week and turned in one of his better performances. Hopefully, his brother has some great tips on how to handle Disney week.

8. Chris Tungseth (10), 27, Fergus Falls, Minn.: He’s a likeable guy with a lovely soft tone that doesn’t seem to go with his mountain man appearance. He just needs a breakthrough performance. Soon. Because time might be running out.

9. Brooks Rosser (11), 22, Bal Air, Md.: He’s another guy who’s easy to root for. I just hope he’s having fun n the show. During recent performances, he seems to be surviving rather than enjoying the Idol stage.