Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol’s Top 3 of Laine Hardy, Madison VanDenburg and Alejandro Aranda. (ABC Photo)

Okay, I’m getting really worried about this American Idol season finale.

As longtime Idol fans know, the season finale has always been a two-night affair, with three performances by each of the finalists one night, followed by a star-studded finale and results the next.

In Season 17, Idol decided to roll the two shows into one three-hour extravaganza.

What concerns me is the long list of performances already announced for the star-studded portion of Sunday’s show.

That list is 13 performances and 22 songs long.

Now, take out some time to recap those triumphant trips home by the Idol Top 3. Take out time for the results reveal.

When, pray tell, are the Top 3 going to perform?

Idol has been raving about the talent it rounded up for Season 17 all spring. And with good reason.

But that’s the same reason this Top 3 deserves a full-fledged night of finale performances. Three final chances for each to prove that he or she should be the Season 17 American Idol.

That’s the primary function of Sunday’s show. Idol’s main job during that three-hour show.

The first two hours should be a peformance show. And anything less than three performances each from Laine Hardy, Alejandro Aranda and Madison VanDenburg will be completely unacceptable.

I just hope the good folks at Idol understand that.

Now, my rankings.

1. Alejandro Aranda (4): This ranking will surprise anyone who’s been following my rankings all season. I have not been Alejandro’s biggest fan. But Katy Perry made an interesting observation midway through Top 5 night. “You decided to actually play in this competition, and it showed.” Oh, hell yes it showed. Alejandro easily had his best night on the show. Both of his covers were outstanding, then he served up another impressive original. Now, if he wins, he’ll be stuck with a label deal and producers who might make him wish he’d finished third by the time they finish tinkering with his music. But that’s an issue for another day.

2. Laine Hardy (1): I’ve felt like Laine’s been coasting a bit, serving up one mid-tempo or up-tempo song after another. Not doubt, he’s a fine singer and looks completely as ease on stage, especially when he has hit guitar in hand. But he tried a ballad (“Something About the Way You Look Tonight”) during the Elton John round Sunday. It didn’t come off nearly as well and he didn’t seem nearly as connected. So he slips a spot in my rankings. But I still think he’s a favorite to win and will do just fine post-show.

3. Madison VanDenburg (2): If this were The Voice, I’d have Madison ranked number one. She’s served up one great vocal after another. And, wow, the connection she made performing “To Make You Feel My Love” in the final round of Sunday’s show. Impressive. And proof that she’s not just up there belting out glory notes because she can. She’s also improved as a performer. She might not be quite as post-show ready as Laine or Alejandro, but with Idol as a launching pad, she’ll get there.

I’ll be live blogging throughout Sunday’s show.

See also
American Idol announces Sunday performance
There’s a Maddie Poppe sized hole in the finale
The top five Top 5’s in American Idol history