Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol returned for Season 19 Sunday night with its traditional mix of tears, heart-wrenching backstories and joke contestants.

And young talent. You can always count on Idol for that — plenty of blossoming or ready-to-blossom talent.

Here are my picks for the Top 5 auditions — in other words, singers to watch — from Sunday’s show.

1. Alex Miller, 17, Lancaster, Kentucky
Auditioned with: “I’m Over You So Get Over Me” (an original)
Why: A combination of talent and a great personality. This guy let Idol film him singing to cows, jumped in on the 1970s country novelty hit “Boney Fingers” without missing a beat. Then he performed a catchy original song, not showing a hint of nerves on the Idol stage. All at age 17!
Best line: Asked by Katy whether Lancaster is a big city, Alex responded: “Heck no. We’d have to count the cows and chickens to get a census report.”

2. Anilee List, 20, Los Angeles
Auditioned with: “Blue” by Aaron Taylor
Why: First, that vocal was my favorite of the night. I mean, wow! Katy called it one of the most technically perfect performances the judges have heard. Second, what a great Idol story. She was inspired by Season 10 standout James Durbin, who also has Tourette Syndrome. In fact, she told James she probably wouldn’t have auditioned if she hadn’t witnesses his success on the show.
Best line: James’ advice to Anilee: “Now is your chance to show that next generation that what you’ve been diagnose with is not something that defines you, but something you can defy.”

3. Nia Renee, 17, Little Rock, Ark.
Auditioned with: “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin
Why: How can someone who’s 17 sing with that much soul? I mean, Nia cut loose with a fabulous vocal, showed great stage presence, then flashed a smile capable of lighting up a room. Proclaimed Lionel: “We’ve never heard anything like that.” Proclaimed Luke: “Born to do it.” Katy proclaimed Nia “the queen of soul.” At 17, folks.
Best line: As Nia entered the room, Katy was on hands and knees in her black and white outfit, being tipped over by Luke Bryan. Nia’s reaction: “Oh, my God.” “We’re cow tipping,” explained Luke. Nia, nodding her head: “Okay.”

4. Jason Warrior, 25, Chicago, Ill.
Auditioned with: “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gaye
Why: Lionel Richie called his audition “one of the strongest vocals I have ever heard on this show.” I wasn’t quite that impressed. But watching Jason’s performances from The Four on Fox again this week reminded me that Jason is a very talented young man, especially when he resists the temptation to oversing.
Best line: Jason’s trying to redeem himself after that vocally impressive by image-tarnishing appearance on The Four in 2018. Lionel’s advice: “If you try to go back and scream at the past, you trip over the future.”

5. Benson Boone, 18, Monroe, Wash.
Auditioned with: “Punchline” by Aiden Martin
Why: He showed off impressive range and vocal power in that audition. All while accompanying himself on piano. All while professing to be pretty much a novice at this singing bit. Oh, and he’s already got a bit of a following, to the tune of 1.3 million followers and more than 42 million likes on his TikTok page.
Best line: Katy Perry predicts “they’ll swoon over Benson Boone.” Don’t underestimate the swoon factor, folks. Five of last year’s top finishers were males in an Idol season stacked with outstanding female talent.