Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Makiyah performs on Top 20 night on American Idol (ABC Photo)

Half of the American Idol Top 20 will perform tonight.

And for the first time this season, fans will have a hand in deciding their fate.

American Idol hasn’t explained how this will work yet. But a year ago, the top five vote-getters from each night of Top 20 performances automatically advanced.

Then the judges picked four more singers to form a Top 14.

There are three new ways to vote — on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The Idol app won’t be used this season. Fans can still vote at AmericanIdol.com and via text. Ten votes per person per method means you can vote 50 times (!) for your favorite.

Idol has not announced tonight’s voting window. But voting apparently won’t start until the show ends.

Technology permitting (bad weather and power outages are expected tonight on the East Coast), I’ll be live blogging with song by song grades.

Below are the songs we’ll be hearing tonight:

See also …
Ranking Monday’s singers on American Idol
How last week’s performances ranked on American Idol
New ways to vote on American Idol

Okay, folks, voting runs through 6 a.m.

Makiyah Mustiful, 24, Pine Bluff, Ark., “Bang Bang” by Jesse J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj: Makiyah is kicking off the show with an upbeat number. She’s putting on a heck of a performance. Vocally, there’s a whole lot of shouting going on. She digs in to deliver a big ending. Guest judge Keke Palmer called her a crowd pleaser. Luke called her energy “through the roof.” Grade: B

Jake Thistle, 21, Paramus, N.J., “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and The News: Not sure about this song choice. I really thought the male singer-songwriters should be tugging heartstrings tonight. This is a sorta mid-tempo song that’s unlikely to translate into a memorable performance. Jake is doing a perfectly fine job, thoug he seemed to be straining on the chorus a bit the first time around. Lionel said Jake delivered sexy Jake. Luke Bryan liked the way he showed a different side of his musicianship. Grade: B–

Genevieve Heyward, 26, Lake Geneva, Wis., “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan: Okay, now the show has started. This young woman is one heck of a performer. Not sure it’s the perfect song for her vocally. But it’s great for showing off her fun-loving personality. All that said, not sure Idol voters are going to get it. I thought it was clearly the best of the night so far. Lionel called it “amazing.” Luke Bryan loved her energy. Grade: A–

Daniel Stallworth, 27, Moss Point, Mississippi, “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie: this song live before. This guy is such a great singer. I do not know why he hasn’t been featured more on Idol. Daniel said he thought the song would be the best for the Hawaiian atmosphere. Except for the big ending, I’m not sure it was a great showcase for his voice. Carrie Underwood calls his voice insane. Luke Bryan said he might be the best singer on the show. Grade: B–

Kyndal Inskeep, 29, Fishers, Indiana, “Call Your Mom” by Noah Kahan: In the Top 30 round, she got the industry platinum ticket. She relates to this song because she’s struggled with depression and anxiety. Kyndal has the ultimate story-teller voice. That was another powerful performance from Kyndal, who certainly belongs in the Top 14. Carrie called her performance “beautiful.” Luke Bryan loves the cry in her voice and calls her a “big-time artist.” Grade: B+

Kutter Bradley, 22, Florence, Ala., “It’s Not Over” by Daughtry: Kutter says Chris Daughtry is one of his biggest inspirations. He’s going to do the song minus guitar. I think Kutter’s one of the singers most in danger this round. He came off as a little uneasy at the opening, but found his groove once he hit the chorus. Kutter’s problem is that he hasn’t had a standout moment, and I think that’s still the case. Lionel Richie said he was in his wheelhouse. Carrie Underwood called it a smart song choice. Grade: C+

Jesse Findling, 19, Long Island, N.Y., “You Found Me” by The Fray: Jesse shows off nice grit in his voice at the opening of this. I didn’t remember that feature of his voice. He’s performing with lots of passion. Not sure this is one of his most consistent vocals on the show, but his voice is soaring in spots. Carrie Underwood loved that the opening was shaky? Huh? Lionel Richie liked the way he eventually took control of the stage and called it fantastic. Grade: B–

Hannah Harper, 25, Willow Springs, Missouri, “Ain’t No Grave” by Bethel Music and Molly Skaggs: Hannah just has such a great voice. There’s absolutely no way she won’t make the Top 14. She’s turning in another fine performance tonight. Hannah’s fans are going to love this performance. Lionel Richie loved the point she went from singing to preaching. Keke Palmer called it excellent and moving. Luke Bryan says she invented a new genre — resurrection rock. He called it his favorite Hannah performance. Grade: A–

Braden Rumfelt, 22, Murphy, N.C., “Love on the Brain” by Rhianna: Braden’s girlfriend suggested he sing this song. Like Brad Paisley, I’m surprised by this vocal from Braden. I think it’s the best he’s sounded on the show. And he seems quite at ease for someone who wasn’t certain what to do with his hands as he performed. This is right up there with tonight’s best performances. I also loved the wrinkles he put on the song at the end. Thanks, Braden’s girlfriend, for the song suggestion. Carrie Underwood said it was great from the first note. Grade: B+

Brooks Rosser, 22, Bel Air, Md., “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn: He’s another of the platinum ticket recipients. Brooks said he never felt like he fit in growing up, so that’s why this song resonates with him. Brooks seems a little uneasy on the opening. He finds his stride on the chorus. And it was smart to use an arrangement that allowed him to go a cappella for a few bars to emphasize his unique voice. He’s going to become a fan favorite on Idol if he isn’t already one. He has a nice prolonged note at the end of that. Keke Palmer compliments him on a magical voice. Lionel Richie called it fantastic. Grade: B