Cade is finally gone (he just wasn’t my favorite), but so is Michael (one that I was really rooting for). And now we have three. But here is how I ranked the top 5 and their two performances each!
10. Caleb Lee Hutchinson (1st Song)- This was right in his wheelhouse, but because it was in his wheelhouse, we knew exactly what to expect from it, and that was a pretty good country song. But pretty good isn’t enough, and for a country song, I was expecting him to blow it out of the water, not be “pretty good.”
9. Cade Foehner (1st Song)- This actually wasn’t a bad one from Cade. The vocals weren’t too bad, he wasn’t too forced on the high notes. I think Carrie Underwood’s critique was the best thing for him, because he took a step back and delivered one of his better performances.
8. Maddie Poppe (1st Song)- I think Maddie’s voice is hypnotic. But at the same time, this song didn’t come across as “stardom” to me. It sounded lovely, but didn’t pack any sort of punch like some of her past ballads have. I’m still a huge fan, but it wasn’t my favorite of hers.
7. Caleb Lee Hutchinson (2nd Song)- I think this is the strongest Caleb has been all season. He really needed to connect to the music he was singing, and I think having his mom there really helped him with that. Was it strong in retrospect to all the other singers? Probably not. But it was definitely a personal best for him.
6. Michael J. Woodard (1st Song)- I think the annunciation could have been a little bit better, but this was the most we’ve seen Michael perform, and he rocked it every step of the way. He was truly in his element, in a genre he doesn’t normally do. And it was just as good as anything we’ve seen from him in the past. Great job Michael!
5. Michael J. Woodard (2nd Song)- Michael went out on a great song, and while there were some iffy spots here and there, it was so full of emotion and love and passion. I am gonna miss his voice here, but luckily, he’s getting to live his dream out on tour and I see a big career ahead of him.
4. Cade Foehner (2nd Song)- Wow. I thought the first song was the best Cade has been all season. But THIS was Cade’s best. Still not my favorite voice quality, but this song was perfectly suited to Cade’s voice, and seeing his moment with his mom was the cherry on top that actually made me kinda upset when he was sent packing. I think Cade isn’t finale material, but this was certainly his best performance ever. Good one to end on.
3. Gabby Barrett (1st Song)- Working with Carrie Underwood was something people have been waiting to see from Gabby. This was her wheelhouse, and if I hadn’t been high on her in the past, I think this week solidified her front runner status.
2. Gabby Barrett (2nd Song)- This was one of the biggest moments of the season so far. Seriously. I have chills up and down my arms and spine, and I think this seriously puts Gabby at the top of the competition. Excellent job.
1. Maddie Poppe (2nd Song)- Damn. Maddie may have just won the competition right here and now. If she delivers like this again in the finale, she is going to give Gabby a run for her money. This was the most emotional, most raw, and most beautiful song of the season, and I am so grateful we have her. Putting all my votes on her.
Caleb has been able to defy the odds all season, staying safe each week, while some big favorites have gone home. But I think this is finally where we’ll see him go home, and I think we’ll see Gabby and Maddie standing there waiting to here the words “And the next American Idol is…” Between Gabby and Maddie, I have no clue. It’s going to be so so close.
PREDICTIONS:
Advancing to Finale- Gabby Barrett and Maddie Poppe