Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The American Idol Top 3 of Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Gabby Barrett. (ABC Photo)

Each singer will perform a hometown dedication, their new “winner’s” singer and a redo of a song they’ve already performed on the show.

Interesting to note:

* Perceived front-runner Gabby is going upbeat on all three of her songs.

* Maddie’s reprise song is an original she wrote and sang during Hollywood Week.

* Caleb Lee, so far, has the most successful original on iTunes with “Johnny Cash Heart” and is doublign down with a Jhnny Cash song fro his hometown dedication.

I’ll be back at 8 p.m. with song by song grades for the Top 3. In the meantime, check out the links below for everything you’d want to know about the American Idol two-night finale.

Oh, and voting tonight is overnight; it doesn’t end until 9 a.m. eastern time Monday.

See also …
Ranking American Idol’s Top 3
New singles from the Top 3
Caleb Lee Hutchinson’s Idol performances
Gabby Barrett’s Idol performances
Maddie Poppe’s Idol performances
Pre-show music from the Top 3
Triumphant returns home for the Top 3
Two Idol finalists have a Voice history

Winner’s Singles

Caleb Lee Hutchinson, “Johnny Cash Heart” — We learn the story of the dog tags Caleb wears. They belonged to a great uncle who was like a grandfather to Caleb. He died when Caleb was a senior in high school. Oops. Caleb already messed up his cue for starting the song. But he recovers and this is a song well-suited to his deep country voice. It’s also been the most successful of the Top 3’s singles on iTunes. At least so far. Overall, pretty solid performance. Katy Perry called it his weakest performance yet. Ouch. Luke Bryan said he seemed tight. Grade: B–

Gabby Barrett, “Rivers Deep” — Gabby gets some life advice from the Idol mentor, who tells her she has to move to Nashville alone and struggle the way all young artists struggle. This is easily my favorite of the three winner’s singles. But I sense some nervousness from Gabby too. There was a section in the middle that where the arrangement sounded a bit odd, and Gabby was a touch shouty in spots. But she delivered tons of energy on stage, as usual. Grade: B+

Maddie Poppe, “Going Going Gone” — A year ago, Maddie says she didn’t know where she was going with her music, so she feels like she’s already won. Maddie starts a little more confidently than Caleb or Gabby. This is as good as she’s sounded on a song that’s more upbeat. Really nice, assured performance from Maddie. She just won round one of the performance finale. All three judges agree she had the best handle on her original. Grade: A–

Reprise performances:

Caleb Lee Hutchinson, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” — It’s interesting that last week, Caleb got criticism for not showing enough stage presence. Yet he’s picked songs this week that aren’t exactly conducive for doing that. Caleb does seem more comfortable on this song and he delivered a nice ending. But there’s nothing in this performance that says, let alone screams, “I should win American Idol.” Katy liked that performance much better. Grade: B

Gabby Barrett, “Little Red Wagon” — And that is why Gabby should win American Idol. That performance screamed, “I am boss of this stage, folks!” She has stage presence for days and her vocal didn’t suffer one bit from all the dancing around. That was the night’s first “moment.” Grade: A

Maddie Poppe, “Don’t Ever Let Your Children Grow Up” — Like the fact that Maddie’s performing an original. Love the fact that Idol is allowing her to perform an original. Another show I know of could learn something. Watching Carson? Anyway, it’s a timely original with a great message. But I’m not sure it’s the song to make the big impression you want in the finale. Grade: B

Now we get a quartet of originals — Harper Grace singing “Yard Sale;” Jonny Brenns singing “Blue Jeans;” Michelle Sussett singing “I am a Dreamer;” Catie Turner singing “21st Century Machine.”

Hometown dedications

Caleb Lee Hutchinson, “Folsom Prison Blues” — Caleb’s been performing this song since he was 11. This is going to be another solid vocal from Caleb. But other than a little stroll with his guitar, there again, wasn’t really anything to make it a special moment. He didn’t put a unique spin on the song. He didn’t work the crowd. He did turn in another perfectly solid vocal. Grade: B

Gabby Barrett, “Don’t Stop Believin'” — Not thrilled with this song choice, but Gabby sure is sparkling in that dress. Honestly, Gabby reminds me more of Miranda Lambert than Carrie Underwood. Yikes, there was a major pitch problem moment there. The judges are on their feet though. At least Gabby has provided some upbeat moments on a night otherwise filled with ballads. Steve Perry of Journey is on hand, and because of that we don’t get full critiques of Gabby’s performance, which is odd since it’s her last time singing for votes. Odd. Grade: B–

Maddie Poppe, “Landslide” — Maddie recalls running off the stage crying the first time she ever performed because she forgot the words. But, wow, lots of people turned out for her hometown concert. Love this song choice because it’s a perfect match for the best performances Maddie’s delivered to date. Not a perfect vocal, but I really liked that lilt in her voice at the end and it was the best of the third round performances. Katy says she’s voting for Maddie. Grade: B+

Summary: I’d give two of tonight’s three rounds to Maddie, the third to Gabby. I still think Gabby should win based on her versatility, her superior stage presence and a season full of standout performances.