Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Ada Vox talks to Ryan Seacrest during Monday’s episode of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

There’s been a lot of gnashing of teeth since Monday night about American Idol’s wildcard selections, especially about the Idol fate of Ada Vox.

Honestly, I’m more impressed with what didn’t happen Monday night.

1. Despite the ABC/Disney connection, the judges did not give us a cast filled with 15- and 16-year-olds sure to wilt as the pressure of the competition mounts. We got a glimpse of what that looks like Sunday when Mara Justine performed. We’ve seen it oh, so many times in the past. No one is the Top 10 is under 18.

2. The judges did not advance Garrett Jacobs and Jonny Brenns, two guys they were trying to cast in the mold of heartthrobs. Both slowed flashes of excellence, both were wildly inconsistent. Given Idol’s history of crowning cute white guys with guitars, I was concerned the judges would keep pushing at least one of them along as a ratings ploy.

Now, as for those wild cards picks, let’s examine them.

Ada Vox: Some folks are outraged, saying the judges are trying to shove a drag queen down America’s collective throat. Some people are outraged because viewers didn’t give Ada enough support to put aka Adam Sanders through as part of the Top 6. Everyone needs to chill. Honestly, the only thing that bugged me: The show holding Catie Turner and Ada until last, followed by Ada’s song choice and the judges’ “executive decision” — it all came off as choreographed drama.

Personally, I think Ada earned a wildcard spot. To not allow someone with that much vocal talent into the Top 10 would have been a mistake. But fans, not the judges, will determine who wins Season 16. If you don’t prefer Ada, simply don’t vote for Ada. As to whether or not Ada belonged in the Top 6 … well, the judges have repeatedly said they’re looking for more than just a voice.

For me, that means someone who will release music after the show that I’d want to hear. Of those voted through, three (Gabby Barrett, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe) have already released excellent original music. Another (Catie) has already performed two fine originals on the show. Ada? I’m hoping the song choices change. Because I have no interest in an album of bombastic covers of songs like “Feeling Good” and “I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” — songs I’ve already heard more times than I ever cared to, thanks largely to singing shows.

Jurnee: If you want to be outraged that someone wasn’t voted through, here’s your outrage. This young woman is turning into a pop star in front of our eyes. We all knew she could sing. But that Sunday night performance of “Bang Bang” proved she can perform. That rap breakdown? The way she commanded the stage? Wow. I just wish Season 16 was longer. I think we’d see immense improvement In Jurnee.

Dennis Lorenzo: A great choice by the judges. Of the male pop / soul / R&B singers on Season 16, I’ve come to believe he’s the best. He’s got great style and he’s shown great range in his ability to perform songs both classic and contemporary.

Michelle Sussett: To me, this was the surprise. She has star power; her videos are typically among the most viewed on YouTube. She needs to work on developing vocal star power. I would note, she was the only contestant brave enough to deliver an original with her Idol fate on the line. And she said it was a song she wrote. That’s impressive.

Check back later this week. I’ll be ranking Idol’s Top 10.