Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Top 6 on American Idol — Quentin Alexander, Rayvon Owen, Jax, Clark Beckham, Tyanna Jones and Nick Fradiani. (FOX Photo)

How important is tonight’s American Idol episode?

The eliminated contestant goes home.

The five contestants who survive not only advance, they head out on a 30-plus date summer tour.

That’s pretty high stakes.

Tonight’s theme is Arena Anthems, which, to Idol’s credit, is another of those big broad themes that should let everyone sing within their comfort zone.

On with the rankings …

1. Clark Beckham (1): Yup, he’s still on top, but last week was one of his least impressive, mostly because of that rather sleepy performance of “Moon River” while seated at his piano. The footsteps Clark hears might be Jax and Nick Fradiani gaining ground.

2. Jax (2): Actually, I thought she was the most impressive singer last week when both performances were considered. She put an interesting spin on “Piece of My Heart,” then played rocker chick on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” Now if she can just avoid another “Poker Face” type stumble …

3. Nick Fradiani (5): Why does he move up two spots? He’s a guy. He’s cute. He plays guitar. Do you know your Idol history. Plus he’s coming off his strongest week yet. His cover of “Only the Good Die Young” was easily my favorite Nick Fradiani performance to date.

4. Quentin Alexander (3): And why does he slip a spot? It has nothing to do with the “wack” exchange with Harry Connick Jr. And everything to do with the fact that Harry is correct in his critiques of Quentin. The concept is always great; the vocal lags behind.

5. Tyanna Jones (6): She’s one of the last two females standing, but on a cast that includes the type of unexpected performances we get from Quentin and Jax each week and the near vocal perfection from Clark … well, I can’t see her outlasting anyone above her on this list.

6. Rayvon Owen (7): He’s been saved three straight weeks. And his performance of “Always on My Mind” near the end of last week’s show was one of his best vocals yet. Could he do it a fourth time? If he lands in a bottom two with Tyanna, I think he might.