Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jordan McCullough performs during Songs of Faith night on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

The first order of business Monday night on American Idol will be narrowing the field of 14 to a Top 12.

As everyone recalls, Monday’s show ended without results. It was Idol’s first live show with social media voting.

Once we have a Top 12, the advancing singers will sing hits from the 1990s selected by the Idol judges.

Each judge will suggest one song. The contestant will choose from among the options, not knowing which judge suggested which.

In the past, it’s led to some memorable performances. With a cast as talented as Season 24, there’s no reason to expect less on Monday.

Here’s how I’m ranking the Top 14 heading into that show. Last week, I ranked 10 singers I felt should make the Top 14. They all advanced except Genevieve Heyward. If they were ranked last week, that ranking appears in parenthesis this week.

See also …
Song by song grades from Monday’s show
Most popular performances from Monday’s show
4 singers chart with their Songs of Faith

1. Jordan McCullough (1), 27, Murfreesboro, Tenn.: He started last week’s performance a cappella, once again showing off his vocal firepower and his stage presence. Right now, there’s a pretty sizeable gap between Jordan and the rest of the show’s male performers in terms of vocals and showmanship.

2. Rae (Boyd) (2), 24, Frederick, Md.: A true pop-soul standout, Rae slowed it down for the first time Monday night. And did more than fine. I just wish Idol fans embraced bold, self-assured female performers as quickly as they embraced males slinging guitars.

3. Hannah Harper (3), 25, Willow Springs, Missouri: Songs of Faith night was the baseball equivalent of a fastball down the middle of the plate for Hannah. She knocked it out of the park, delivering Monday’s most stirring performance. If she does that again, she’ll move to number one, which is clearly where the majority of Idol fans already have her.

4. Kyndal (Inskeep) (4), 29, Fishers, Indiana: Kyndal’s fiery performance Monday night demonstrated another side of her artistry. But I’m sorta hoping she goes back to plucking heartstrings this week. No one among the Season 24 cast does it better.

5. Keyla Richardson (6), 29, Pensacola, Fla.: Keyla added another fine performance to a string of them this week. Guys might outnumber gals 10-4 in the Top 14, but the four gals who remain should be with us for a while if fans are voting based on talent.

6. Daniel Stallworth (5), 27, Moss Point, Mississippi: The judges applauded him for going upbeat on Songs of Faith night. I’m not sure that was the wisest song choice. I am sure Daniel is among the show’s most talented male vocalists.

7. Philmon Lee, 25, LeGrange, Ga.: He looked much more stylish Monday night. He seemed more confident on stage. And his superlative vocals are helping his stand out in a cast filled with way too many male singer-songwriter types.

8. Lucas Leon, 18, Gallatin, Tenn.: With the elimination of Ruby Rae and Abayomi, Lucas finds himself the youngest member of the Season 24 Top 14. No problem, he seems perfectly comfortable on the Idol stage and is blessed with a delightful vocal tone.

9. Brooks Rosser (8), 22, Bel Air, Md.: Lots of Idol fans would rank him higher. Yep, that vocal tone is certainly unique. But, nope, he’s not getting more comfortable on the Idol stage. Nor is he showing signs that he’ll break out of his shell anytime soon.

10. Jake Thistle, 21, Paramus, N.J.: At his best, Jake reminds me a bit of Bruce Springsteen. But he needs to pick songs that pack more of an emotional punch.

11. Julian Kalel (9), 19, El Paso, Texas: His forte has been his heartfelt originals and we’ve entered a phase of the show where he’ll be singing covers. “Fix You” is a great song and should have been more powerful.

12. Chris Tungseth (10), 27, Fergus Falls, Minn.: Chris’ mountain man look helps him stand out. It’s time for him to stand out with his performances. He has the pimp spot Monday night and did not deliver a moment.

13. Braden Rumfelt, 22, Murphy, N.C.: He seemed oddly uncomfortable on a Monday performance that just didn’t jell. He’s got the vocal talent. Remember his brilliant cover of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain”?

14. Jesse Findling, 19, Long Island, N.Y.: Truth be told, for all the talk about the Top 14’s diversity, it’s just talk. There are too many genuinely talented male singers who are too similar. I hope that’s why Lionel kept stressing the need to stand out during Monday’s show.

Rae Boyd performs Monday night on American Idol. (ABC Photo)