Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol has rounded up some special talent for Season 18.

And anyone who doubted that wouldn’t if they watched Monday’s episode, which showcased the finals solos from the notoriously difficult Hollywood Week.

After those solos, the show cut its cast down to a Top 40. Those 40 singers will be featured in a showcase round, filmed in Hawaii, that will air next week.

Below is a look at who advanced and who didn’t. Sorry, but the eliminated list is only a partial list.

And I’ve followed that with my five favorite performances from Sunday’s show.

1. Lauren Mascitti, “God Made a Woman” — The Idol judges were warning singers not to sabatoge themselves with an original. Lauren performed the title track from her latest album and it was flat-out brilliant.

2. Dillon James, “Tierra Dulce” — Dillon ignored that warning too. And he, too, made a huge impression with a great original. The only bad news: You can stream Lauren’s now because it’s already been released. Dillon’s hasn’t.

3. Just Sam, “I’m Here” — She was struggling with a sore throat at the time of solo round, but you’d never know it from her vocal. And, wow, does this young lady ever come alive on a stage.

4. Louis Knight, “Hold Me While You Wait” — Wondering why the Idol judges are so high on this London native whose now a Philly-based singer-songwriter? Just check out this heartfelt performance.

5. Genavieve Linkowski, “In My Blood” — And, vocally, this was one of my absolute favorites from the night. I loved the way she built the performance as her voice soared more and more.

Some other notes. Wow, Lauren Spencer-Smith has vocal power to spare and amazing control over that power. And she was just 16 when she auditioned.

Makayla Phillips and Kimmy Gabriela continue to impress me with their star power. And Jovin Webb is one of the show’s most unique male talents.

Meanwhile, I’m hoping Margie Mays wasn’t cut because it made for good TV. I thought her final solo was pretty solid.

Now, here’s that promised list of who advanced and who didn’t.

Top 40

Females: Aliana Jester, Amber Fiedler, Amelia Joyce, Cyniah Elise, DemiRae Moreno, Emma Valentine, Faith Becnel, Geena Fontanella, Genavieve Linkowski, Grace Leer, Grace Lundy, Julia Gargano, Kimmy Gabriela, Lauren Mascitti, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Makayla Brownlee,
Makayla Phillips, Natalie Jane , Olivia Ximines, Perrin York, Samantha “Sam” Diaz (aka Just Sam), Shannon Gibbons, Sophia Wackerman

Males: Bilaal Avaz, Cameron Havens, Devon Alexander, DeWayne Crocker Jr., Arthur Gunn, Dillon James, Elyjuh René, Francisco Martin,
Franklin Boone, Jeb VonderBruegge, Jonny West, Jordan Jones, Jovin Webb, Louis “Louie” Knight, Nick Merico, Rob Taylor, Travis Finlay

Eliminated

Partial list: Ari Saage, Marcus Lee Tinsley, Sheniel Maisonet, Talin Everett, YZTheSinger, Peyton Aldridge, Madison Paige, Isa Pena, Evan Kuriga, Margie Mays, Sarah Isen, Kat Luna, Erin Kirby