Round two of American Idol‘s season 9 semifinals was a definite improvement over the deeply troubling Top 24 week, so I’m optimistic that the remaining 16 contestants will perform well enough this week to inspire Ellen DeGeneres to dig up some synonyms for her favorite adjective “great.” But before we whittle the field down to the 12 final finalists, I’m gonna rank ‘em one last time — and ask you to help do the same through our handy Power List Poll. (For more Idol coverage, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!)
16. Lacey Brown (Last week No. 17 ): Paula Abdul probably has a better chance of scoring an engagement with the Metropolitan Opera than Lacey landing in the season 9 top 12. Visible nerves obliterated her Top 24 cover of “Landslide,” while last week’s “Kiss Me” was just tepid karaoke. What happened to the winning, wafer-thin warble she exhibited on “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World”?
15. Tim Urban (Last week No. 20) How far can lustrous hair and enviable abs take you on American Idol? All the way to the top 16, apparently! Seriously, while Tim’s latest performance (“Come On Get Higher”) wasn’t nearly as treacherous as his botched-falsetto “Apologize” in Top 24 week or his creaky David Cook cover in the Hollywood rounds, dude lacks the inherent vocal talent of a worthy Idol finalist.
14. Todrick Hall (Last week No. 14 ): While it’s hard not to admire Todrick’s audacity in arranging his song choices — a funked-up twist on “Since U Been Gone,” a lounge-lizard reinvention of “What’s Love Got to Do With It” — you cannot have an Idol Moment (like, say, David Cook’s “Billie Jean”) if your vocals are gaspy and out of tune. Hasn’t built much of a fan base, so he’ll need to be jaw-droppingly good this week if he wants to crack the top 12.
13. Katie Stevens (Last week No. 11): The judges seem obsessed with making Katie choose tracks by “young” artists, but it won’t matter if she’s singing “Feeling Good” or “Tik Tok” if she doesn’t scrub away that stiff, pageant veneer. Season 9 survival to date has been fueled mainly by good-will from her solid Hollywood Week showing, but that tank is running dangerously close to ‘E.’
12. Paige Miles (Last week No. 13): Total lack of early screen-time means Paige has to sing like it’s her final time on the Idol stage tonight — something that she failed to do on an imperfect “All Right Now” and an unexciting “Walk Away.” Judges still seem to like her, but with a deep crop of season 9 ladies, her spot in the finals is no guarantee.
11. Didi Benami (Last week No. 4): Judges used her for kickboxing training after a folksy cover of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” and a misguided (but not terrible) “Lean on Me.” Kara was right: Didi needs to grab the guitar and deliver a deeply emotional vocal this week, as she did in Hollywood on Katharine McPhee”s “Terrified.” If not, the early front-runner will complete a rapid and stunning transformation into season 9 also-ran.
10. Aaron Kelly (Last week No. 9): His Week 2 cover of “My Girl” showed considerably more confidence than his initial outing on Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye,” but he has yet to display the raw vocal horsepower of a David Archuleta, or the musical inventiveness of a Kris Allen. Sure, he’s performing well enough that a Top 12 slot should be within his grasp, but even the slightest step backward would make him vulnerable in an evenly matched men’s field.
9. Michael ‘Big Mike’ Lynche (Last week No. 12): On the plus side, Big Mike is one of the few male contestants this season who consistently sings in tune; his “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” seemed overpraised by the judges until the nine subsequent guys took the stage and missed a third to a half of their notes. Still, Velveeta-level shtick — the jacket-popping, finger-pointing, lip-licking ridiculata — make it hard to envision the burly personal trainer as a viable music superstar. Destined to inherit Michael Sarver’s No. 10 slot?
8. Andrew Garcia (Last week No. 1): The judges keep reminding us of his rhythmically adventurous, Hollywood Week cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up,” but a lame choice of Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Going Down,” followed by a mediocre vocal on “You Give Me Something” have him looking more and more like a Chris Sligh or an Asia’h Epperson — a pre-semifinal front-runner whose hopes go kaput on the live Idol stage. After all, this isn’t YouTube Idol.
7. Casey James (Last week No. 3): Cover of Bryan Adams’ “Heaven” was rock-solid, if not spectacular, but Kara was right when she said his “I Don’t Want to Be” represented two steps back in the competition. Yeah, his electric guitar work was impressive, but the vocal was breathy and contained Carmen Rasmusen-level vibrato. Still, his goofy expressions during group performances are endearing, and unlike most of his male competitors, he’s never been absolutely awful.
6. Alex Lambert (Last week No. 16): Cracked the top 20 using a combination of sympathy votes, mullet love, and appreciation for the intriguing natural tone of his voice, then significantly stepped up his game with a tender, tuneful “Everybody Knows.” Needs to work on his phrasing and emotional connection to the music — and perhaps that Russian figure skater hairstyle — but he’s made massive strides in the competition in a short amount of time, and everyone knows Idol voters love to see “growth.”
5. Lilly Scott (Last week No. 7): Jazzy, acoustic “A Change Is Gonna Come” hearkened back to stellar, Hollywood Week take on “Lullaby of Birdland.” Has a tendency to overreach with her vocals (see that imperfect cover of the Beatles’ “Fixing a Hole”), but strong sense of artistry gives her an advantage in a deep field of ladies. Further exploration of lilting, lovely upper register would be an added bonus.
4. Lee Dewyze (Last week No. 6): Hit plenty of bum notes on “Chasing Cars” and the ghastly track “Lips of an Angel,” and yet nonetheless seems more Idol-worthy than his seven remaining male competitors. Perhaps it’s because he knows how to change up a well-worn melody without completely destroying it, or perhaps it’s his ability to connect on a visceral level with the material he’s choosing. Still, needs to work on the technical aspects of his vocal. Buying a belt might help, too.
3. Katelyn Epperly (Last week No. 8 ): Surprised in Top 24 round with an appealingly raspy cover of the Beatles’ “Oh Darlin’,” then continued her forward momentum by taking to the piano for a haunting take on Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” Sure, not everyone loved the funereal tempo, but an Idol journey without some risk usually leads to an early exit these days, no?
2. Siobhan Magnus (Last week No. 5): That note! I mean…
1. Crystal Bowersox (Last week No. 2): Roared back from a scary medical stay with a clear, confident, and ultimately poignant cover of CCR’s “Long as I Can See the Light” that improved upon her shaded rendering of Alanis Morissette’s “Hand in My Pocket” from the previous week. A mortal lock for the top 12 right now, and while she’ll need to amp up the originality in her arrangements, her biggest obstacle going forward might just be early and relentless over-hyping from the Idol judges.
Image Credit: Frank Micelotta/Fox
We need…we need…BOWER-SOX!!
Team Bowersox! I seriously want to gag Simon with his Coke cup and tell him to stfu. He’s definitely hurting Crystal’s chances!
Agree! Though I don’t vote, I could see Simon’s pimping to give CB voters a false sense of security whereby they won’t vote.
Agree – even though I like her, I dislike her a little just because I recoil from all the relentless plugging. It plucks my “you can’t make me!” resistance.
Maybe that’s the master plan all along over hype her in the semis then throw her under the bus come finals to of course make way for the ‘purtier’ conventional ones. Whatever it’s all cool if she doesn’t win you obviously don’t need the title to sell records. Mamasox rocks!
Interesting theory Naby, I think that’s kind of what happened with Melinda Doolittle in Season 6.
Simon has always openly chosen his favorite. It didn’t hurt Reuban or Fantasia. Or Daughtry or Adam for that matter, even though they didn’t win Idol, they both went on to huge success. A plug from Simon is gold.
I kind of think that really good artists are often better off NOT winning because they don’t have to carry the title for the rest of their career. Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert are prime examples of people who are way more successful than the person who won their season. And yes, there is also Kelly and Carrie and even Jordin who won and managed to be successful. I guess I think that it isn’t always a bad thing to lose in this competition. Unless you lose way early!
Gag that hippy stuff she sings sucks. I prefer Katelyn,Didi and Lily.
I am soooo tired of Bowersox being crammed down our throats!!
No we don’t.
Danielle i think you suck so be it
OVERRATED and her teeth and attitude are just nasty! There..I said it.
Whats wrong with her attitude? I can care less what her teeth look like, you don’t need perfect looking teeth to sing well.
the darkness of her teeth is due to her type one diabetes and she is simply honest in saying she wants to do this to better her family. let me guess – you like Tim Urban.
Overrated? Are you deaf?
I’ll just say 2 words — Elliott Yamin.
It’s ‘couldn’t care less’, not can care less. If you can care less that means you’re already caring too much.
It’s already past due for a “Sign Bowersox” campaign.
3 of the top 6 on this list were voted off last week, which officially makes this a cursed list and one to avoid.
Definitely agree with the judges that our Idol will be female this year. Siobhan to me is the one to beat, Crystal and Lily are great too, and I think we just need to accept the fact that Tim Urban will be cracking the top 12. My sister is in love with him and votes more times than should be allowed.
haha that’s cute though
She-bohn’s performance was two parts…meh for most and then that awesome awesome Bb scream! She’s gotta make the lower notes mean something, though.
I hope she doesn’t win, we got one weirdo in the music industry that’s enough (Lady Gaga).
Finally! I’ve been waiting for this all day!
The season is shaping up – looking forward to tonight!
Don’t get the Wheeze love. Haven’t seen a good performance yet. I think someone will get “Urbaned” and he will make the top 12. Don’t underestimate young lust. Alex should be in the top 4. The rest can go! The show is just wasting time and selling commercials with the others.
Love you, but I don’t think you’re going to make ‘Urbanned’ happen.
lol. Urbaned is the new fetch.
See Eric above
Also – I’ve come to agree with you on DeWyze. I give him credit for being better than he is, but when I actually pay attention to the vocal, he’s really out of tune more often than not. Wah-wahhhh (sad game show music)
He has VOTEFORTHE WORST on his side(rightfully so, if we’re talking the worst) and those swimsuit pics don’t hurt his case with the tweens. He’s kinda hot and we all know that the voting system isn’t designed to help the best singers.
I also think that Todrick may make the top 12. He certainly is interesting. I am not a voter but I think voters may like him. Hey, Urbanned may not happen but I am still using it. I’m OK being the only one, Em.
I’m with you, KLH, I don’t feel the love for Lee at all. And I also agree that Alex should be in the top group. BTW, don’t underestimate old lust, either.
All I Know is this – Fat Mike has got to go. I CANNOT STAND HIM. Dude’s like a hulking version of Hannah Montana.
hahah Why you dissing my “chuscles”? Yeah I know. Another one not gonna happen
Chubby muscles??
Don’t know about you, but I like my chubby muscles drowned in garlic butter sauce with an ice-cold Corona on the side.
“chuscles!” LOL! KLH, did you come up with that? funny stuff.
Sorry, but I don’t get the love. He is so NOT fetch.
Chuscles = awesome
I think you just insulted Hannah Montana!
Why “one last time,” Michael?
Siobhan is the best hands down. I called it before she was even listed on this powerlist.
And the Delusional Oscar goes to…
Agree, Tim! She’s great!
I will continue to vote for Siobhan unless she gets a mohawk again and starts covering herself with more tats. I hope she is mature enough to handle the stress of the competition and realize what a break it is just to be on the show at 19 years of age.
What would that have to do with her ability to sing?
I’d probably like her more if she brought the mohawk back. It fits in more with her quirky personality.
The less mature people are, the more I like em’ :p
Siobhan, Bowersox, Lily, Katelyn the hooker, Paige, Casey “Brad Pitt”, Alex Lambert, Lee Dewyze, Big Mike Aaron and Andrew Garcia are my Top 11. The n°12 is a tie between Katie and Didi
Todrick, Lacey, Tim are leaving us by the end of the week.
Siobhan for the win !!!
Is it just me, or am I the only one who really likes Todrick and is hoping he brings it on tonight?!? I also love me some Mama Sox and Siobhan Magnus.
I like him too – I hope he has a good performance tonight.
I love him but can’t really articulate why. Good singer. He makes me pay attention.
I kind of like Toddrick too. Before I realized he was singing Since You Been Gone, I was getting into the song, assuming it was a current top 40 hit. Didn’t like his what’s love got to do with it. I think he’s a good singer and if he tones down the trying to “make it your own” aspect this week should make it to the top 12.
I loved his audition. It was original, witty, clever, and showed a very lovely tone. He needs to, as Randy says, “just sing a song”. His last two songs have shown that he struggles with editing…..he doesn’t know where to stop. I just want to hear his voice, and I wish him the best this week.
Huh? Someone quoting Randy and not in a bad way. Thought it would never happen
I like Randy. I like his brightly colored cashmere sweaters.
He was super negative last week, (auditioning for Simon’s vacated lead spot?) but normally I just…..like him. I know some don’t, but I’d miss him if he weren’t there.
I like him too!
I think Todrick just really overdoes everything he sings. I like him as a person but not as a performer.
I thought I was going to have to assist with the “Save the Glassblower” movement, but I think that note bought us a few more weeks of glue sniffing hilarity.
Bower-Power!
It feels like the others are contestants and she is the musical guest.
I just hope Kara stops harassing me. It’s getting old. And creepy.
You should tap dat! You oughta know! (Jes like Kara said dat girl sung.)
Yeah, she is kinda ewwwwwww!
Casey, you are one of my favorites and I hope you don’t let all this distract you from singing your heart out. Hang in there!!!
ALso – Siobhan is way more than that one note. That one note was great, but SHE is great too – her off-center personality, her self-cut ‘hawk, her tunefulness, her eccentric style – she’s just great.
what’s so great about bowersox? i mean, yeah she can sing, but she’s not all that great the past 2 times. sorry, but not screaming “AMERICAN IDOL”! Lilly Scott, Didi, and Katelyn Epperly are my favorites.
Are you listening? She was great last week.
Me too. I think Crystal is great, but I cannot get excited about her. She doesn’t really make me want to buy her songs. I still think I could get her level of singing at coffee houses. Since there is all this Bowersox love, I feel a bit left out. What am I missing?
Bowersox ROXs! I’ll buy her CD for sure! She’s the best with Siobhan a close second! Put that CD out NOW Crystal!
I agree with you flower. I like Crystal, she’s one of my favorite girls, but not my #1. I like Lilly and Siobhan more. A lot more. Maybe it’s because I feel like they’re more unique and I haven’t seen them before? I feel like Crystal’s voice is something that I’ve heard many times. It’s very good, yes, but it’s not new.
When Katelyn was singing, I was wishing that it was Didi singing the song on the piano rather than Katelyn. I was looking for her “tone” on that style and I didn’t get it. That is probably why I wasn’t really blown away by Katelyn’s performance.
I think DiDi’s voice is actually kinda screechy :/ I loved Katelyns haunting performance, her voice is beautiful.
I don’t get it. What do you mean by ‘tone’? You don’t like her voice? And Didi irritates me. Sorry, jmo.
I’m onboard this train too. Of course she’s solid and talented. No question. But she doesn’t have the ‘IT’ factor to me. I get that a lot of people dig her, and that’s cool. For me, listening to Alex’s and Katelyn’s recorded songs from last week put the two of them in my ‘the ones to watch list’.
Sara – Make sure you vote for Didi!
I have to agree with KLH, Crystal has been consistently great, performing rather than singing. I also agree with llevinso that I’ve heard this many times before. I want something different.
I totally agree with the whole Didi Benami,seriously she has one of the best voice on the competition. Sure soul isn’t her thing but i dont think she deserve the hard judgment she had since the beginning of top 24. She’s definitely going to come out of last week better and stronger. Katelyn and Alex was a revelation I’m beginning to watch them intently. Siobhan is definitely going in the top 12..I’m not quite sure with the boys. I think this is definitely going to be a ladies year. Also Im a bit concerned with contestant who are paved to a golden street this early stage, I mean Adam Lambert, David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry but none of them won the competition. It has been a tradition. I’m willing to be surprised this year. But still my vote is on the ladies, and preferably either Didi or Siobhan..
Do Didi a favor and get her out of this competition. She is not emotionally strong enough to handle the cutthroat world of professional entertainment.
I definitely agree with that. I like Didi a lot but she’s waaaaay too fragile for this industry.
If Susan Boyle can make it in the music/entertainment industry, I think Didi stands a decent chance.
T – You better vote for Didi – I think she needs your vote.
Making up your own language there T? “Im a bit concerned with contestant who are paved to a golden street…” What does this mean?
I understand about the “paved to a golden street”. I agree and think the voters don’t want the “judges” to pick the winner. They vote for the winner. If they say that someone HAS cinched it, it is like a curse for failure. I hate it when they do this with my favorite.