Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol fans will be treated to a special three-hour episode Sunday night.

After all, we’ll see performances from each member of the Top 20.

And we’ll see performances from three returning Idol standouts — Season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, Season 17 runner-up Alejandro Aranda and Season 11 champ Phillip Phillips.

But the night’s first order of business will likely be the eliminations as the Top 24 become a Top 20.

One elimination has already been dealt with, since platinum ticket recipient Kenedi Anderson has withdrawn from the competition.

That means just one singer will be eliminated from Night 2 of the Top 24, which includes Allegra Miles, Ava Maybee, Cadence Baker, Cameron Whitcomb, Christian Guardino, Fritz Hager, Katyrah Love, Lady K, leah Marlene, Noah Thompson and Sir Blayke.

And two will be eliminated from the Night 1 pool, which included Dan Marshall, Danielle Finn, Elli Rowe, Emyrson Flora, HunteGirl, Jacob Moran, Jay Copeland, Mike Parker, Nicolina Bozzo, Sage, Scarlet Ayliz and Tristen Gressett.

I’m expecting a night of big performances from those who make the Top 20. Because while Sunday’s cut — three artists out of 23 — doesn’t seem severe, a much larger cut looms Monday night when the field of Season 20 Idol hopefuls will be whittled to just 14.

Airtime for contestants has been so uneven to this point that I wouldn’t attempt to rank all 23 remaining singers. But I will rank my Top 10 to this point.

1. Nicolina Bozzo: She’s shown a knack for picking songs that allow her to show off her big voice and deliver them with emotion. She’s a self-described “theater kid,” and that experience is paying off.

2. Tristen Gressett: He’s just 17 and displays showmanship way beyond his years. And his Top 24 performance of “With A Little Help From My Friends” should quell any notion that his voice can’t keep pace.

3. Leah Marlene: With her original arrangements of well-known tunes, she’s shown as much creativity as anyone on the show to this point. A little quirkiness doesn’t hurt either. Her “Call Me” performance was my favorite from Night 2 of the Top 24.

4. Jay Copeland: He looks and sounds like a star, but I’ll be looking for a performance Sunday that delivers a much bigger “wow” factor than his Top 24 effort.

5. HunterGirl: Like Jay, HunterGirl has displayed the vocal chops to justify that platinum ticket. But her Top 24 performance was similar too — a solid, fun cover that didn’t scream “I’m your next American Idol.”

6. Katyrah Love: She delivered one of the most skilled and confident performances on Night 2 of the Top 24, and she’s blessed with one of the most versatile female voices on the show.

7. Allegra Miles: I recalled being impressed by her on The Voice, but I’d forgotten how lovely and unique her vocals are. She’s performed originals twice so far, including a Showstopper performance that landed on Idol’ cutting room floor.

8. Scarlet Ayliz: Her Hollywood duet might have been shaky, but she’s redeemed herself with a pair of entertaining, self-assured performances. She’s a heck of a singer too. Idol needs the pizzazz she brings to the stage.

9. Fritz Hager: I’m pretty sure Kenedi Anderson’s performance was supposed to close Monday’s show. After she pulled out, Idol reshuffled and Fritz wound up with the pimp spot. He delivered with a cover of “Waves” that had the judges leaping to their feet as it ended.

10. Jacob Moran: He made the Top 70 in Season 17, came back this season and has been even more impressive. He’ll belong in the Top 14 if he can pull off another performance like his Top 24 cover of “In My Blood.”

Check back Sunday. I’ll be live blogging with song by song grades for the Top 20.

See also …
Song by song grades for the Top 24, Night 1
Song by song grades for the Top 24, Night 2