Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol introduced us to about a dozen more Hollywood-bound singers in its most talent-laden audition episode yet Sunday night.

And given that host Ryan Seacret warned viewers to keep the tissues handy for this week’s episode, there were surprisingly few tear-filled auditions.

There were lots of very young contestants; I counted four who were 16 and under.

And, to Idol’s credit, lots of original music. I counted five contestants who auditioned with original songs.

In fact, the Season 19 cast is shaping up to be very young and pretty green.

Any you have to wonder if some of those younger singers are ready for Idol’s big stage and whether they might wilt under the show’s pressure.

If they show signs of that, here’s hoping Idol cuts them loose before they ruin their eligible to return for future seasons when they’re better prepared.

Here are my picks for the Top 6 to watch from Sunday’s show. And I’ve ranked them!

1. Alyssa Wray, 18, Perryville, Kentucky
Audition song: “I’m Changing” by Jennifer Hudson
Why: Sunday’s show started with a look back at small-town girl Carrie Underwood, who went on to win Idol and achieve post-show fame. Whether coincidental of not, it ended with small-town girl Alyssa (she comes from a town of about 750), who showed off vocals capable of winning Season 19. I mean, she displayed a big voice and great tone early on in her audition performance. And it just kept getting better. The coaches also noted that Alyssa has a certain star sparkle.
Best line: From Alyssa, who stands 6-foot-2 — “When I was younger, being different felt like a disadvantage. As I got older, I started to use what made me different and use it as my super power.”

2. (Philip) Murphy, 27, Baltimore
Audition songs: “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers and “The Painted Man,” a Murphy original.
Why: After some of last week’s golden ticket decisions, the judges’ hesitation to advance Murphy to Hollywood was baffling. His original song was wonderful and heartfelt, easily the best of the night. And how about that infectious smile. Despite being born blind in his left eye, losing his mom at a young age and watching his father struggle with addiction his entire life. A street performer in Seattle, Murphy has told multiple sites that his dream is to own a homeless shelter to help the needy. How do you not root for this guy?
Best line: Lionel Richie, after Murphy finished his second song — “I couldn’t help but just watch your face while you were playing. You were having the best time or your life.”
Murphy — “Oh, you have no idea.”

3. Laila Mach, 15, New Platz, N.Y.
Audition song: “I Hope 2,” an original
Why: What I wrote above about young Season 19 contestants … I’m not sure it applies to Laila, who marched into the audition room seemingly brimming with confidence. Or at least not seeming the least bit fazed by the Idol spotlight. And her original take on Gabby Barrett’s monster hit was anything but a fluke. Laila has released an EP and an excellent album full of originals. At age 15. Katy’s assessment: “You’re exactly what it takes to be in this competition and go far.”
Best line: Laila, explaining her original: “It’s kinda a more angrier version of her (Gabby’s) song actually.” Luke, in response: “She’s pretty angry.” Laila: “It gets worse.” And then she proved it.

4. Abby LeBaron, 19, Springfield, Utah
Audition song: “All I Want” by Kodaline
Why: Abby works in marketing, as a social media manager, but admits she doesn’t have a big social media following because she doesn’t like to show off. But on Idol, she showed off exquisite vocals on her Kodaline cover, especially at the opening. The build in her performance was also impressive. She breezed to Hollywood with three yes votes.
Best line: Katy to Abby — “I can’t wait to see you show off.”

5. Ash Ruder, 22, Turlock, Calif.
Audition song: “How Do I Get It Right,” an original
Why: On a show where the tears often seem provoked, Ash’s performance of an original song dedicated to a dad who struggled with addiction brought tears to the eyes of everyone in the house. And these seemed oh, so genuine. It will be tough for Ash to duplicate that emotion singing covers, but she also displayed a very nice voice. Another contestant who will be easy to root for.
Best line: Lionel to Ash: “You have found the only subject that does not go out of style — love.”

6. Caleb Kennedy, 16, Roebuck, S.C.
Audition song: “Nowhere,” a Caleb original
Why: Caleb displayed a grit and roughness in his voice that belied his young age. Said Luke: “Your voice tells a story well beyond a 16-year-old kid.” Plus, that original was pretty dang good. And according to his interview with a local newspaper, Caleb has 119 other originals, one of which he’s already released.
Best line: From Caleb during his bio package — “I want to be a legend. I want to be somebody who changed country music. I kinda wanna be an outlaw too.” He turns sheepish. “A little bit of an outlaw.”