Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Eight singers will be cut from American Idol Sunday night.

And 16 will advance and perform, with hopes of making the Top 12 on Monday’s show.

I’ll be live blogging both evenings, providing song by song grades as the singers perform.

Alyssa Wray, “Killing Me Softly” — Not thrilled with the inflection Alyssa delivered early in this performance. But she certainly reminded us of her big voice when the music swelled. Pretty good performance. Far from Alyssa’s best, but likely good enough to get her into the Top 12. Grade: B–

Graham Defranco, “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra — I actually like this Graham performance better than entire of those he turned in last week. For one thing, that smile he can’t seem to avoid flashing on stage is more suited to this song. I’d consider him a longshot to make the Top 12 though. Grade: C+

Grace Kinstler, “Elastic Heart” by Sia: Grace has a wonderful voice and showed it off again on this performance. But I’ve heard many covers of this song and that, frankly, wasn’t one of my favorites. Either strip it down or go full pop, Grace. Grade: B–

Alanis Sophia, “The Story” by Brandi Carlisle: I love this young lady’s pop potential. Not sure belting on the same night as Alyssa and Grace is the best strategy, but the way she comes off those big notes and settles into a wonderful soft tone is really special. Grade: B

Willie Spence, “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele: Here we go, another female power ballad courtesy of Willie Spence. He’s still mumbling lyrics a bit too much and having trouble with breath control. But I’m sure the judges will love it much more than I did. Grade: C+

Deshawn Goncalves, “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone — Wow, a simply brilliant a cappella opening by Deshawn, who’s sitting behind the keys and quickly making me forgive him for singing such a singing show standard. Now this, Idol judges is a performance to rave about. And he delivered a heck of a glory note to close it out. Grade: A

Wyatt Pike, “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon: Wyatt’s Idol makeover clearly includes no more hats and unruly hair. He attacked that cover with enthusiasm and was having a lot of fun on stage. That said, he really didn’t do anything unique with that cover. Grade: C+

Cassandra Coleman, “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak: Love the tone of Cassandra’s voice and she’s been growing on me with each performance. This is another singing show standard, but her emotionally attached performance is winning me over again. Great job. Grade: A–

Note: That means the elimination of Cecil Ray, Andrea Valles, Alana Sherman and Anilee List. I would have advanced Andrea, Alana and Anilee before Graham or Wyatt, but I’m guessing Idol mandated four guys and four girls advance.

Caleb Kennedy, “Midnight Train to Memphis” by Chris Stapleton: Wow, he made it into the Top 16? Really? Okay, let’s see if he can prove himself deserving. Nope, that was a very mediocre vocal. And he still hasn’t learned to raise the bill of his cap so we can see his eyes. At least the background singers were on key. Grade: C–

Colin Jamieson, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears: Huh? He made it too. Well, you know, Idol never explained how this worked. My guess is the top four males and top four females vote-getters from each group advanced. This vocal, however, should convince everyone Colin DOES NOT belong in the Top 12. The judges’ commentary? Great vocals. Colin’s fixed his problems with breath control. They must be living in Donald Trump’s world of alternate reality. Grade: F

Casey Bishop, “Black Hole Sun” by Soungarden: Okay, I don’t agree with any of the first three singers who advanced from the second group. And none of them exactly took the stage and proved me wrongt. That was an uneven performance from Casey, who probably needed a little more experience before trying Idol. She did show off much more vocal potential that Colin or Caleb. Grade: C+

Madison Watkins, “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles: Madison can do better than this. It’s a cover that didn’t quite click until the very end. Still, she delivered the best vocal so far of the second group, delivered a nice glory note and an emotional connection to what she was singing. Grade: B–

Beane, “Searching for a Feeling” by Thirdstory: Pleased to see Beane make the Top 16 after last week’s strong performances. But nerves seemed to affect this vocal at the opening of the song. And, vocally, Beane never quite recovered, though he showed lots more confidence on stage as the performance progressed. Grade: C

Hunter Metts, “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver: And in the first couple of lines Hunter establishes himself on another level from most of the male singers we’ve heard tonight. And he delivered that big vocal moment near the end that Katy is always pushing him to deliver. Excellent job. Grade: A–

Ava August, “2002” by Anne-Marie: This young lady is my favorite female performer on the show. And she’s showing why again tonight. How can she be this polished vocally and as a performer at 15? I would like to see her cut loose with an upbeat tune or emotionally invested in a heart-wrenching ballad. This is sorta in between. Otherwise, another great performance from Ava. Grade: A–

Chayce Beckham, “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley: Well, it’s about time. The Top 16 would have seemed empty without this guy and his gruff voice. He delivered another solid performance tonight. Not sure it was his best. But I’d also say the Top 12 would seem empty without Chayce. Grade: B

Note: That means Jason Warrior, Mary Jo Young, Hannah Everhart and Liahona Olayan were eliminated.

My thoughts on that: Jason Warrior got robbed. He’s a better singer, and a far more versatile performer than Willie Spence from Group 1. And don’t even start me on the fact that he was passed over in favor of Caleb and Colin.

And five guys advanced from this group? Including the vocally challenged Caleb and Colin? I would have far rather seen Mary Jo Young in the Top 16 or one of the gals cut from Group 1.