Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Zaylie Windsor reacts to automatically advancing to the Top 24 on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

American Idol will air the second round of Hollywood Week tonight, which means it’s Showstopper time.

Last week, 144 Idol hopefuls gathered in Hollywood. By the end of night one, only 62 remained.

Can’t imagine the cut will be as steep tonight, but we’ll find out soon. And another Hollywood Week episode airs tomorrow night.

Update: The results: Canaan James Hill, Zaylie Windsor, Mattie Pruitt and Gabby Samone were awarded spots in the Top 24.

Everyone else will have to sing in head to head showdowns Monday night.

See also …
The head to head pairings on American Idol

Song by song grades:

Among the artists sent home tonight were Isaiah Moore, Will Carter, JMarie and Samantha ray. JMarie just released a new song, folks. You can head here to find out more about new music news from this season’s Idol standouts.

Victor Solomon, “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins: He’s a former finalist on The Voice. He’s got agreat look. And shows off a great deep voice. He’s opening the show on a rousing note, changing it up in superb fasion. He finishes on his knees. No way he doesn’t advance. Grade: A–

Mattie Pruitt performs on American Idol. She advanced to the Top 24. (ABC Photo)

Mattie Pruitt, 15, Eagleville, Tenn., “This is a Man’s World” by James Brown: She’s one of 12 siblings and the only one into music. She has a wonderful, soulful voice, made all the more impressive by her young age. Not sure what she meant about changing up the song, but that was a solid performance. And I’m pretty sure she’ll advance. She nailed a really nice high note near the end. Grade: B+

Kolbi Jordan, “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner: Kolbi says she’s feeling the pressure of being a platinum ticket holder and is a bit under the weather. Kolbi sounds a little under the weather. She shows off a nice growl, but isn’t as on point as I’d expect from a platinum ticket winner. Just average. Grade: C+

Isaiah Misailegalu, 17, Las Vegas, Nev., “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts: The opening was a little rough, but Isaiah finds his footing, and shows off a better vocal, when he hits the chorus. He delivering some big notes, some very impressive, some not so much. Luke wonders if his voice was tired. Grade: B–

Breanna Nix, 25, Denton, Texas, “The Trouble with Love” by Kelly Clarkson: She says she’s having trouble believing in herself. Okay, now we’re back on track. Dang, Breanna never need doubt that voice. She’s delivering a wonderfully soulful performance, full of dynamics. Excellent job. Grade: A–

Drew Ryn, 28, Chino Valley, Ariz., “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson: Fourteen years ago, she starred on The X Factor. Love this young lady’s voice. That a cappella opening was outstanding. That was the perfect mix of emotion and power. Drew is quickly becoming one of my Season 23 favorites. Grade: A–

Jamal Roberts, 27, Meridian, Mississippi, “Tennesse Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton: Jamal says he’s stepping out of his comfort zone in order to prove himself with this performance. He went a little over the top with the ab libs a time or two, and seemed to miss a couple of notes. But he certainly delivered a big ending. Solid. Grade: B

Kam’ron Smith, 21, Rocky Mount, Va., “Makin’ Me Look Good Again”: He’s another contestant who struggles believing in his talent. He’s showing off a strong voice and some stage presence in his first time performing with a band. He lost his lyrics near the end of the performance, but recovered with a big ending glory note. Grade: B–

Amanda Barise, 26, Manhatten, N.Y., “Ain’t Noboby” by Chaka Khan: Amanda certainly has a big voice, but I’m not sure this was the best song choice for her. Love her power. Did not love that performance. Though she certainly brought energy and attitude to the Showstopper stage. The judges clearly disagreed with me. They gave her a standing ovation. Grade: B–

Samantha Ray, Jazzy Mae and Nina Daig are part of a montage package I won’t grade because I didn’t hear enough of any of those performances. Nina has a new single out, folks. Feel bad for Jazzy Mae. The first time Idol shows her all season is when she drops her lyrics. Hardly seems far.

Desmond Roberts, 26, Corona, Calif., “Baracuda” by Heart: Okay, that was just flat-out fun. Not sure the vocal was always on point, but the guitar noises, the big high note certainly got a rise out of the crowd. Hey, a big part of this is being entertaining. And Desmond certainly was. Grade: B

John Foster, “In Color” by Jamey Johnson: Really nice country vocal delivered by John Foster on a show where fans love male country singers. Nice song choice too. That should get him into the next round. Very nice performance. Grade: B

Zaylie Windsor, 18, Safford, Ariz., by “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish: She sounded nervous at the opening. But dang did she find her footing. That turned into an outstanding performance. Singer-songwriter who can deliver power and emotion. Check! Great job, Zaylie. Grade: B+

Slater Nalley, 17, Atlanta, “Ophelia” by The Band: He’s performed emotional originals in the first two rounds and they went very well. Tonight, he’s showing off more stage presence. Very nice stage presence, in fact, for someone so young. Another fun performance. And a nice vocal growl at the end. Slater should advance. Grade: B+

Whoa, Idol, what was that? Filo doesn’t get to show his stuff on the first night in Hollywood. Then was see just a small snippet of her performance on night two. This guy did not make a big impression with fans during the audition round. He needed the exposure. Unless that performance wasn’t up to his platinum ticket status. Oh, and I put no stock in comments from the judges if they don’t show us the performance.

MKY, aka Mikey Jimenez, 25, East L.A., “Sabor a Mi”: This is his first Idol exposure since his audition. Not sure singing the entire song in Spanish was the wisest move, though he’d have no idea Idol wouldn’t air his first-round Hollywood performance. He turns in a solid vocal, and his large cheering section clearly loved it. Didn’t Lionel call him a Latin Elvis? I can see why. Grade: B

Gabby Samone, 22, Baltimore, Md. “Four Women” by Nina Simone: Gabby says she struggles with self-doubt. Gabby shoved any nerves to the side very early in that performance and delivered a wonderfully soulful, heartfelt performance, full of vocal magic. Damn, Gabby just slayed the Idol stage without oversinging. One of the night’s best. Grade: A–

Krystal Molina, JMarie, Cali Morris, Grayson Torrence and Rylie O’Neill are featured in a montage package. The first time this season we’ve seen Krystal, Cali and Rylie.

Thunderstorm Artis, 29, Hawaii, “Imagine” by John Lennon: Thunderstorm is superb. Of course, fans who saw him sing his way into the finals on The Voice already know that. But this performance is what I’ve been waiting for. The perfect mix of a great vocal and lots of emotion. Another outstanding performance from Thunderstorm, who’s been great every round. Grade: A–

Olivier Bergeron, 23, Kedgwick, Canada, “Like a Stone” by Audioslave: He’s released lots of music in French. The judges loved that performance more than I did. Don’t get me wrong. It was solid. And he has a distinct tone. But it wouldn’t crack my top 10 on this night of great performances. Grade: B

Canaan James Hill, 17, Dallas, Texas, “Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp: He says he’s only performed with a band on a handful of occasions. Okay, he’s a platinum ticket winner who’s going to live up to his platinum potential. This is another powerful, take-us-to-church performance. It’s a skill to sing that way at 17 without seeming too over the top. And Canaan did it. And delivered a wonderfully ending note too. Lionel rushes the stage to hug him. Grade: A

Canaan James Hill reacting to the crowd’s reaction to his dazzling performance on American Idol (ABC Photo)

Gabby Samone after a performance that earned her a spot in American Idol’s Top 24. (ABC Photo)