Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Twelve of American Idol’s Top 24 performed solo and duets Sunday night.

The remaining 12 perform tonight, and I’ll be providing song by song grades as they do.

Last night’s standout performers included Alyssa Wray, Cassandra Coleman and Alanis Sophia.

For a complete look at those grades — and I disagreed with the Idol judges quite often — head here.

Jason Warrior, “Call Out My Name” (solo) and “How Deep Is Your Love” (duet with P.J. Morton)

Solo — Jason’s sometimes prone to too many vocal frills. Not here. He delivered a rock solid vocal filled with glory notes and great emotional attachment. Grade: A–
Duet: Okay, now we’re getting frilled filled Jason, and I’m not enjoying it as much. Also, the harmonies seem a bit off. That said, I think Jason is hands down Season 19’s best male R&B artist. Grade: C+

Madison Watkins, “Holy” (solo) and “Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing” (duet with Tori Kelly)

Solo — Idol’s kicking off tonight with performances by two of its most prime-time ready artists. A really nice performance by Madison, who nailed a great glory note and delivered a great ending too. Grade: B+
Duet — Madison’s star dimmed a bit with Tori on stage beside her. I’m baffled as to why the celebrity gets the big vocal moment so often on Idol. Still, Madison showed off plenty of vocal firepower and belongs in the Top 16. Grade: B

Beane, “Don’t Start Now” (solo) and “Angles” (duet with Josh Groban)

Solo — Nice opening by Beane and nice stage presence. But the vocal came a bit unraveled when the song turned upbeat. Grade: C+
Duet — Wow, there’s nothing wrong with Beane’s vocal here. He delivered a couple of big dramatic notes in a pitch-perfect performance and one of the best duets we’ve seen. Great job. Grade: A–

Hannah Everhart, “I Was Wrong” (solo) and “She’s Country” (duet with Jason Aldean)

Solo — This started off sorta sassy, but the vocal went way, way, way off track. Hannah needed to approach it with more grit and less playfulness too. Grade: D+
Duet — In her second solo bit here, Hannah flashed her potential, digging in with her vocal and her attitude. It seems like Hannah isn’t certain whether she should be taking this seriously or not. She needs to. Grade: C+

Mary Jo Young, “Castle on the Hill” (solo) and “Foolish Games” (duet with Jewel)

Solo — That was a nice job by Mary Jo Young, who never really performed before Idol. She has a nice tone and seemed quite comfortable for someone with so little experience. Grade: B
Duet — This song is the one that made me fall in love with Jewel’s voice, and that makes it a mighty challenge for Mary Jo. Jewel carried the song, but Mary Jo delivered satisfactory on the small solo bit she had. Not sure about that last big note though.Grade: C

Chayce Beckham, “Afterglow” (solo) and “Drive” (with Brandon Boyd)

Solo — Chayce’s grit and rasp and signature sound are in fine form here. The only thing I would have asked for is a performance with a bit more of an emotional connection. Grade: B+
Duet — Interesting, it’s Chayce who gets to play guitar here. I wasn’t a huge fan of this song choice or this arrangement. It offered Chayce very few vocal moments. He got to show off a bit of vocal firepower, but that’s about it. Grade: C+

Colin Jamieson — “Locked Out of Heaven” (solo) and “Hollow” (duet with Tori Kelly)

Solo — Huh? This came across as young and fun. But that vocal, coupled with those we saw in Hollywood Week, should make this week the end of Colin’s Idol road. Grade: D+
Duet — Okay, no more do I write that than Colin bounces back with the best vocal I’ve heard from him. Granted, he was supported by a world-class singer, but he sounded very good on this. Grade: B

Liahona Olayan — “Just Friends” (solo) and “Say So” (with PJ Morton)

Solo — The female pop lane is mighty full on Idol with the likes of Madison Watkins, Alanis Sophia, and that vocal was a bit shaky. Too shaky to be saved by an impressive performance ending leg kick. Grade: C–
Duet — The entire first verse, it seemed like Liahona’s vocal was lagging a touch behind PJ’s. She showed off her range at one point, but it certainly didn’t rank as one of the night’s more memorable duets. Grade: C–

Ava August — “Drivers License” (solo) and “Both Sides Now” with Josh Groban (duet)

Solo — Magnificent. Simply magnificent. This young lady delivered a wonderful vocal, emotional connection and a great high note. And earned that standing ovation from the judges. Grade: A
Duet — And this song is another great showcase for a young lady who’s quickly convincing me she should be finals bound on Season 19. That was simply a great pair of performances by Ava. She has a wonderful voice and seemed not the least bit fazed by the Idol stage. Grade: A

Caleb Kennedy — “Midnight Rider” (solo) and “Flyover States” (duet with Jason Aldean)

Solo — He’ll never learn to wear those caps/hats higher, will he? Nice attitude on this performance, but the vocal was only so-so. And I still think Idol passed on its best male country artist of Season 19. Grade: C–
Duet — Caleb got a bit better as the song progressed. But his biggest problem here wasn’t knowing what to do with his hands. No idea what the judges are talking about. They’re just blowing smoke. Grade: C–

Hunter Metts — “Chandelier” (solo) and “Save Your Soul” (duet with Jewel)

Solo — Really nice rearrangement of this Sia hit. This was my favorite male solo of the night. And Hunter’s emotional connection to the song was clear. Grade: A
Duet — Well, I could listen to Jewel for days on end. She dominated when they sang together. But you know what? Hunter sounded dang fine when it was his turn to take over with the mic. And that ending was really special. Very nicely done. Grade: A–

Casey Bishop — “Decode” (solo) and “Wish You Were Here” (duet with Brandon Boyd)

Solo — Nice attitude and stage presence from young Casey. But the vocal didn’t impress me nearly as much as her audition. A bit too shouty. Grade: C+
Duet — Okay, and I’m stuck trying to figure out how this pair of performances deserved the pimp spot. Casey sounds a bit better here. But it’s a pretty forgettable duet compared to some of the performances we heard earlier. And I agree with Katy; Casey needed to perform with much, much more attitude. Grade: C+