First the bad news: It’s been a disappointing season thus far on “American Idol.” For starters, there haven’t been any truly memorable performances to talk about; in comparison, by this time last year, Adam Lambert had already set the “Idol” world abuzz with an ungodly interpretation of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Sure, there have been some masterful turns onstage, but no one’s crowding around the water cooler to talk about Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche
. Further, it seems this year’s slate of contestants hasn’t quite lived up to expectation. I know, I know — each year, we hear hype that the present season’s cast is the strongest yet. But this year, the disparity between what was billed and what we’ve actually experienced has been laughable. And it sure doesn’t help that we lost both Lilly Scott and Alex Lambert last week. It all leaves me wondering: Is this the best we’ve got
But, now the good news: The real season of “American Idol” begins now. As we’ve seen in seasons past, once the contest hits the top 12 milestone, things begin to take on a different complexion entirely: Some singers start to hit their stride, the judges get more unpredictable and so do the results. If you don’t believe me, just recall last year. Who thought at this point last season that Kris Allen would go on to become the Season 8 champ? So, don’t expect the dynamics to remain unchanged. And the way things have been going, that would be a welcome development.
For now, here’s my ranking of the top 12 singers. In my view, it’s a tightly packed bunch, so feel free to holler at us with your own picks. With this year’s roster of hopefuls, who will eventually win is anyone’s guess.
12. Paige Miles
When the top 24 rounds began, Simon remarked that Paige had the best voice among the women. After two hugely disappointing performances, does anyone actually believe that now? Sure, the pipes are still strong. But the choices onstage have been utterly mind-numbing. Last week, Paige chose a “Glee“-inspired take on “Smile,” and it came across sounding more suited for a birthday party than for America’s biggest singing competition. For her to stay in the game, she’ll need to choose songs that better showcase what she can do vocally.
11. Lacey Brown
I’m mystified why Lacey is still in the contest. Her first two performances in the semifinals were absolutely dreadful. Her versions of “Landslide” and “Kiss Me” were screechy, caterwauling messes. To her credit, she returned last week with a much improved rendition of “The Story” by Brandi Carlile. But in comparison to the other singers, this red-haired Texan just doesn’t have what it takes vocally to win the contest. Don’t count on Lacey to stick around past these next few weeks.
10. Tim Urban
For a guy who didn’t originally make the top 24, Tim Urban sure is exceeding expectations. Since his first performance in the semifinals, a very bad version of “Apologize,” he’s just continued to improve. His most recent turn on the “Idol” stage was his best yet. Taking the judges’ feedback to heart, Tim offered up a convincing interpretation of “Hallelujah” and served notice that he’s more than just cannon fodder. As long as he remains earnest onstage, listens carefully to the judges and takes advantage of his teen idol qualities, he’ll continue to surprise. As to whether he can develop into another Kris Allen, well, all that will depend, of course, on whether he’s got more in the vocal tank. At this point, I’m not so sure.
9. Katie Stevens
You know Katie is all of 17 years old because she has spent plenty of energy worrying about how to satisfy the judges. Instead of simply finding songs that can best showcase her lush, mature-sounding voice, she’s just tried too hard to accommodate every one of the judges’ pieces of feedback. The result? She’s come across (to Simon, at least) as someone who has no definite idea of her musical strengths, even though it appears that she has many.
Going forward, this teenager is going to need to have the guts to sing what she knows and likes best. If it does turn out to be Michael Buble fare (like we heard during top 24 week), then so be it. At least, she’ll be true to who she actually is.
8. Aaron Kelly
You’ve got to give credit to this 16-year-old for making it this far. But, let’s be honest: Aaron doesn’t seem to be improving week to week, but instead seems to sound more intimidated the farther he progresses. Last week, when he sang “I’m Already There” by Lonestar, his voice never sounded more young or thin. I mean, what happened to the full, velvety voice we heard early on in Hollywood week? I think it’s because he’s starting to lose some confidence. Which, of course, all makes sense. Wouldn’t you be intimidated if you were competing against folks who have tons more life experiences than you? I don’t think Aaron can take it all, but he can surely become a player. For him to avoid an early elimination, Aaron’s going to have to get strategic about his song choices and his youth.
7. Didi Benami
This Hollywood native showed the most improvement among the women last week. One week after being lambasted by the judges for a very amateurish version of “Lean on Me,” Didi returned to the stage with a less showy, more intimate interpretation. Her rendition was the stuff of small venue: It was subtle, charming and delicate. Obviously, she’s going to have to show more variety in the coming weeks. But for the time being, when she’s not trying to bite off more than she can chew, she’s one of the best all-around packages in the competition.
6. Andrew Garcia
This cat just hasn’t lived up to the Hollywood week hype. For this viewer, at least, Andrew has the potential to be this season’s breakout star. His rough hewn voice resonates with a personal story full of his share of ups and downs; musically, Andrew seems to have a lot to say. But unfortunately, his onstage performances these last three weeks just haven’t matched his potential. Instead, Andrew has appeared sheepish and tentative. So, please, no more Christina Aguilera covers and no more attempts at trying to serve up another “Straight Up.” That moment has passed. It’s time for this California native to throw caution to the wind and stop trying to please Simon so much.
5. Lee Dewyze
Often criticized for being pitchy, this Illinois native has managed to stay on the good side of the judges because of his distinctive voice. Husky and brooding (and often sounding like David Cook-lite), Lee brings a genuine rocker sensibility to his singing that the other contestants cannot. As such, he benefits from the fact that no one sounds like him or attempts the same types of interpretations. That type of relative uniqueness has benefited contestants in the past and should help Lee stay in it for the long haul … provided, of course, he works on that whole pitch thing.
4. Casey James
The guy who made Kara positively giddy during the audition rounds hasn’t done much wrong since Hollywood week. He’s been vocally consistent, been smart (though not necessarily ambitious) with his song choices and has received generally positive feedback from the judges. The only problem? Casey hasn’t exactly blazed any artistic trails, opting for a relatively safe path through the contest. If he wants to gain some traction, one of these days he’s going to have to deliver something a little more attention-grabbing, something that strays a bit from his well-worn Southern gentleman act. I’d love it if this guy had a little more of an edge to him.
3. Siobhan Magnus
If vocal ability alone were the criteria, this teenager would find herself atop of the heap. I mean, her send-up of Aretha Franklin two weeks ago was pretty impressive stuff, especially the final high note which just floored the judges. It’s the personality aspect of the contest where Siobhan needs to devote some attention. Half the time, it seems like she’s performing for herself instead of reaching out to the audience and pulling them in. Here’s my advice: Ditch the slow tempo stuff and kick up the fun quotient with her song choice. When she performed “Think,” the 19-year-old lit up the stage. When Siobhan returned last week to sing “House of the Rising Sun,” she didn’t seem nearly as accessible.
2. Michael Lynche
It’s often seemed like a revolving door at the top of the men’s heap this season. The latest flavor of the month is Big Mike, who generated significant affection from his fellow contestants during Hollywood week and has just continued to grow in popularity with the judges. With his infectious smile and gentle manner, he’s reminiscent of Ruben Studdard (though, not as vocally talented). At this point, Michael needs to build upon last week’s well-received performance of “This Woman’s Work,” his sensitive tribute to his wife and newborn child, and prove that he’s the best natural showman in the contest. The other guys don’t hold a candle to Mike when it comes to on camera charisma.
1. Crystal Bowersox
This Ohio native has been the only highlight in an otherwise mundane season. She leaped to the head of the pack the week she returned triumphantly to the “Idol” stage after a hospital stay and has never looked back. With her unassuming manner onstage, Crystal doesn’t exactly exude a lot of star power. But her Eva Cassidy-like vocal delivery and her honest, forthright performances have made her a clear favorite of the judges. And that’s where she has separated herself most dramatically from the rest of the competition: Simon has not been afraid to shower her (from the judging table and elsewhere) with boatloads of praise. Whether she lives up to the hype and can sustain all this good will remains to be seen. But know this: What Simon wants, Simon often gets.
Sound off: Weigh in on the Season 9 contestants
By Bret Federigan
Special to MSN TV
