Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Hollywood Week on American Idol is all about drama, so I guess it’s only appropriate the show ended on a cliffhanger.

Just before his group was about to take the stage, Nate Walker from Pittsburg was rushed off in an ambulance.

We’ll find out what happpened to Nate and his group when the Hollywood Week episodes continue Monday night.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s show confirmed that Idol has rounded up quite a bit of talent for Season 17.

The best of the best:

1. Laci Kaye Booth: I’d forgotten what a wonderfully unique tone this young woman from Texas has. She’s a country singer. We heard her sing “Natural Woman” and a snippet of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” and she sounded fabulous.

2. Madison VanDenburg: Idol dubbed her the next Kelly Clarkson. Then she sang “Already Gone” on the first day of Hollywood. Idol’s idea? Or hers? Doesn’t matter. That was a remarkable combination of power and range.

3. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon: Loved his voice, his soulfulness and his spirit on his piano driven version of “Beautiful.” Speaking of range, he has it.

4. Shawn Robinson: He was one of the most impressive male singers during the auditions and impressed me again with his tone and sincerity on “A Change is Gonna Come.”

5. Alejandro Aranda: A heck of a musician who is nearly as good with that guitar as he is vocally. Another unique voice that could help him stand out in a talented group.