PowerRankings101's blogBlog

American Idol S17 Power Rankings (Top 10)

Apr 25, 2019 by PowerRankings101

A new season of American Idol is upon us, and Disney night was a great episode to kick off the live shows. There was a live episode for the top 14, but the judges still had a say, so I decide to start my power rankings here (despite the judges getting a save this week anyway). I’ll still rank those who went home, because they deserve to be ranked here after such a great bunch of performances. Some may shock you, feel free to disagree, but just be respectful when you do.

10. Wade Cota- I think this Toy Story song fit Wade’s voice perfectly, but in a night full of such extreme talent, I’ll admit that Wade’s performance seemed the most lacking to me. His stage presence just isn’t there. It was charming, but not something that should be crowned the next “AMERICAN IDOL.” When I think of Idol, I think of a star, and Wade, as much as his voice is good, isn’t a star yet. I did like how the song sounded in his voice, however, it paled in comparison to the rest of the night for me.

9. Laci Kaye Booth- I love Laci, and she’s been one of my favorites of the season so far, but I’ll admit, I didn’t love her rendition of one of my favorite Tangled songs. It was boring, and not that interesting. And the one money note seemed underwhelming, followed by a bit of pitchiness. Laci’s tone itself is what excels her performances, but her range isn’t as amazing as some of the other singers, and this song could’ve been really great with someone with more vocal range. I like Laci, but this was one of her weaker performances, and I’d like her to go back to her wheelhouse going forward.

8. Uché- I like Uché’s stage presence, but I think Lionel gave him an ego boost that ultimately did him in for the worst. His performance was good, and the vocal was outstanding, but he had a confidence that seemed a bit off-putting, in a song that he KNEW wouldn’t get him votes from non-supporters. Goofy Movie is great, but not as heavily known. Especially not to this generation. I just don’t think he chose the right song, and the way he was defending it wasn’t as tasteful as it could have been. I do think Uché is a great performer, and I can’t wait to see where his career takes him.

7. Dimitrius Graham- His story aside, Dimitrius still has a beautiful voice, and I thought he had a better shot to win than he actually did. I do think his voice was well suited for the higher notes in the song more than the lower stuff. There were some pitchy notes to start it off, but he ultimately got to a place of heavenly vocals, and I dug it. It’s a shame he’s gone so soon, but I really do like how he went out with “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan, because this season has been all about his mom for him, and I love that he was able to give her that before he was eliminated.

6. Alyssa Raghu- I love Alyssa, and she was actually my favorite last season before she was eliminated. This season, she’s still as good as she was, but the competition is just stronger, so her talent isn’t as much of a contender as others’. I love Alyssa, and this Pocahontas song sounded great in her voice, but it also didn’t stand out at the end of the day, and I’m worried, she’ll be the third and final wild card sent home in the span of two weeks. Sigh.

5. Walker Burroughs- I love Walker. He’s such an easy person to root for and has such a great voice. But his voice is not one I’d necessarily recognize on a radio or sit through a whole concert listening to. Regardless, I have to give him the credit and put him this high on the rankings. His “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2 was absolutely beautiful, and his best performance of the season so far.

4. Alejandro Aranda- Alejandro is my favorite of the season. I will root for him from day one to the end. I’m not just going to put him at number one because he’s my favorite, because this performance wasn’t perfect, but I still love him and hope he wins. His rendition of “Remember Me” wasn’t particularly better in my opinion. It seemed like his phrasing was a bit off at some places. But the actual tone of the song and the emotional connection was perfectly gorgeous, and I think his tone and musical ability will really be what takes him through to the finals. I love him, and while this wasn’t his best, there’s still so much to admire.

3. Laine Hardy- Laine surprised me this season. I didn’t love him last year, but he’s really stepped it up this time around, and his “Oo de Lally” went from being a forgettable Disney golden age jingle to a legitimately fun party time on stage on American Idol. Laine knows how to put his spin on things, and I think he’s already a star in a way. He may win, and I’d be okay with it.

2. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon- Jeremiah is one of the most gifted singers we’ve seen on idol in a while. His technique reminds me of Clark Beckham or Trent Harmon of previous seasons. Just so perfect and well placed. I think this actual rendition of “Candle on the Water” could have been a lot simpler (like Walker’s), and he didn’t need to go the pop route, but he proved me wrong with stunning vocals and emotional connection. It’s one of my favorite songs, and he did me proud with it.

1. Madison VanDenburg- I think Madison is easily the woman to beat the season. I thought it could be Alyssa early on, then Laci, but this performance of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana was her breakout moment. Her voice has been her strong suit, and this performance was the anthem she needed to remind people that she’s in it to win it. I think her youth is going to prevent her from sealing the deal in the end, but I do want to commend her on doing an amazing job. She sang the song straight up, hitting those money notes, and didn’t falter on one note. It wasn’t anything original in the arrangement, but on Disney night, I realized that it didn’t need to be. Disney night is about embracing the amazing music Disney has made. Madison did just that, and while she’s not my favorite or necessarily America’s, I still think she’s in for an exciting career ahead of her.

I’m a tad upset that for the second season in a row, the wild cards have been picked off first. For that reason, I think we lose Alyssa. The rest is up in the air, as we haven’t seen any of them in danger of elimination so far. I think, based on popularity, we’re going to see Laine, Alejandro, and Jeremiah advance easily, and I have to assume Madison and Laci should be in if they do well. This leaves Walker and Wade. I could see Walker going home if his vocals don’t stand out, or Wade if his performance is lacking in excitement again. Wade always has powerful vocals, and Walker always has memorable, meaningful performances, so it’s hard to say which strength will put one over the other in the pecking order. I think there will be more people who agree with me that Wade was one of the weakest of the night for Disney night, and that’s why I think Walker will earn that final six spot over Wade.

PREDICTIONS:

Advancing to Top 6- Laine Hardy, Alejandro Aranda, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, Madison VanDenburg, Laci Kaye Booth, and Walker Burroughs

Going Home- Alyssa Raghu and Wade Cota

#casting

PowerRankings101's blogBlog

American Idol S17 Power Rankings (Top 10)

Leave a comment