The Top 5 on American Idol (from left) Colin Stough, We Ani, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Zachariah Smith. (ABC Photo)
The Top 5 on American Idol will take on Disney songs Sunday night.
That said, each contestant is likely to perform two solos; I haven’t seen an announcement regarding the show’s other theme.
Disney Night comes later than usual this year. Since Idol moved to Disney-owned ABC, it’s most often been held on Top 10 night.
On Top 5 night, contestants have typically performed Mother’s Day songs for one round.
I’d be more confident that will happen again Sunday if Iam Tongi hadn’t dedicated last week’s performance to his mother.
Here are my ranking of the Top 5 heading into the semifinals. Three singers will survive to sing for the Season 21 title on Sunday, Ma 21.
See also …
Song by song grades for the Top 8
Photo gallery for the Top 8
Song by song grades for the Top 10
1. Wé Ani, 24, Harlem, NY (1): As good as I think Wé has been on Idol, as much versatility as she’s shown, I think she needs to adopt a shock and awe strategy to Sunday’s show. Surprise viewers with her song picks and the emotional connection to that song. Because I don’t think her spot in the finale is guaranteed.
2. Iam Tongi, 18, Kahuku, Hawaii (2): I think Iam’s spot in the finale is a certainty. I mean, the Idol audience goes wild every time he starts singing. If he faces an obstacle toward winning, it’s the live voting. Idol viewers vote from 8 to 10 p.m. eastern time. That’s 2 to 4 p.m. Hawaii time. So in the middle of the afternoon on a spring Sunday, fans in Hawaii need to remember to vote for him.
3. Megan Danielle, 21, Douglasville, Ga. (4): Megan made it through the challenge of Alanis Morissette week. I say that because the tone / mood of Alanis’s music doesn’t exactly remind me of Megan. I’m guessing she’ll pick songs she has more of an emotional connection with this week, and blow us away again with those great Megan vocals.
4. Colin Stough, 18, Amory, Mississippi (6): I still think Colin belongs below the singers above him on this list, but I won’t be a bit surprised if the good ol’ country boy bounces one of the former Voice ladies out of the finale. And, in my mind, he closed the gap with the front-runners. That’s partly because he made an Alanis Morissette song work for him while other singers struggled with that task. And He performed with more conviction on Top 8 night too.
5. Zachariah Smith, 20, Amory, Mississippi (7): Clearly, I underestimated Zachariah’s appeal and his fan base. Must admit, I was a little disappointed to see him advance while Warren Peay, Oliver Steele and Haven Madison went home. But I also must admit, he’s adjusted well to Idol, done better lately and shows no fear on stage.
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9 Comments
A White Guy With Guitar will win again this year.
There hasn’t been a white female winner since Maddie Poppe in Season 16.
Just Sam was the last black female winner.
However, Season 18 doesn’t count except for Arthur Gunn.
It’s sad that black male singers on “Idol” don’t fare well.
I AM the #1 fan of IAM. Very talented, humble, shy young man who values his family above all. Those traits are things that can not be bought. It’s obvious he intends to take care of his mother with the fruits of his labor. Not many 18 year olds would even think of doing so. Come on – give this young man a break and make Lionel Richie’s dream come true – it’s obvious he’s just enthralled by this young man (check out the look on his face when IAM is performing). My family and I vote for IAM. May the Lord above help carry him to a successful finish and heal his broken heart. Go for the gold my man!
I’m the number 1 fan of Zachariah!!!
I think Iam can sing no doubt BUT he has no stage presence and the songs are all the same thing.
You are correct. One deminisional!
I agree fully. He will not make idol any $$$$ however either of the other two will make plenty!!
Iam I LOVE YOU. I am old enough to be your grandma but I still love your voice & your songs. To Lionel Ritchie, I pray that you take this young man under your wings and guide him as his father would do.
I love hearing Iam. Pray he wins!
Iam is great , but he’s is a one trick pony – it gets old . The other 4 are a lot more versatile