American Idol 15: Top 2 (Finale)

OH. MY. GOD. I am crying! I just can’t believe it is the second to the last episode of American Idol and the series that I love will find its curtain call tomorrow.

I am both excited to see the celebration tomorrow and at the same time I am not ready. I’m emotional. It just breaks my heart to know that next year, there will be no American Idol anymore and that tomorrow we will crown the final one.

The final two is not surprising to me especially if right now more people don’t really care anymore and I believe that the ratings game is just a testament of people curious and just want to see how a phenomenon will conclude.

Nonetheless, the final 2 this season is really the most consistent and vocally talented people of the season so I am happy that we had a night of fantastic vocal battle.

Now onto the night.

ELIMINATED:

DALTON RAPATTONI
Strike A Match

– The final 3 all performed their original songs before the elimination has been made. Unfortunately for Dalton, he took the thrid place finish. While I think he was lucky enough to make it at third when I pictured him actually in 6-7th place during the early rounds. This is actually a pop-radio friendly track but the live performance was a little uneerwhelming since Dalton kept on being drowned by the band. But then I thought it was good and decent. 7

— –
ROUND 1: WINNER’S SINGLE

TRENT HARMON
Falling

– This plays out the strengths in Trent’s voice. It was gorgeous, soulful and beautifully sang. 8

LA’PORSHA RENAE
Battles

– Battles to me speak more of La’Porsha’s story which is where she gets her connection I think. The vocals here were undeniably solid despite some cheesy, cliche lyrics plays. 7.5

ROUND 2: SIMON FULLER’S CHOICE

TRENT HARMON
If You Don’t Know Me By Now

– Goodness, gracious! Trent just sang the soul out of this and it was beautiful. His voice was solid. His nuanced take is lovely but there is also power in here that I love. Great job Trent! 8

LA’PORSHA RENAE
A House Is Not A Home

– Holy cow! La’Porsha is swinging. She’s taking this to the next level and I love it. This song is hard to do but La’Porsha made it sound and look easy. It was just solid and beautiful. 8.5

ROUND 3: REPRISE

TRENT HARMON
Chandelier

– For a reprise, I thought it was too early for him to take Chandelier which he just took two weeks ago. And I thought he will not top what he did the first time but bot I was so wrong! It was pitch perfect, so moving and the delicate take on the song with enough power and so much gusto and connection from Trent made me have goosies! Stunning! 9.5

LA’PORSHA RENAE
Diamonds

– This is probably my favorite performance from La’Porsha and I am so glad it was her reprise and she ended the night on a big note. Making a statement and lasting impression. The vocals were still solid and some of her liberties were impressive enough. Though for this round, Trent clearly won. 8.5

American Idol 15: Top 3

It’s just surreal how things are so fast happening we are now down to three and down to the second to the last episode of American Idol. Oh my God, my tears.

Tonight, the remaining idols delivered good to stunning performances. They were – in the words of Randy Jackson – in it, to win it!

Now let me rank the top 3 per rounds and then collect my emotional self in preparation for next week series finale. Oh, did you hear that crack of almost tearful Ryan Seacrest in the end? I could feel him.

On to the night.

ELIMINATED:

MACKENZIE BOURG
Hallelujah

– Mackenzie sounded gorgeous here and he is at some point more connected than usual. Sure, I still find how he ends his note with an almost whispery-sigh like that is jarring for me but I digress. At least he ended his season with a good performance. 7

— –

ROUND 1: HOMETOWN DEDICATION

3. DANIEL RAPATTONI
Calling You

– I am not sure if the song choice did anything for Dalton. I thought his stage presence is too calculated more so his vocals were weak at its best. 6

2. TRENT HARMON
Tennessee Whiskey

– Tennessee Whiskey is an interesting choice from Trent and sure it gave us another glimpse of his other side away from R&B and soul. Trent can sing the phonebook and his take on Tennessee Whiskey is delicious, solid and beautiful. I would love some grit and texture but I am satisfied. 8

1. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Glory

– Glorious! She slayed this song like it was written for her. It was vocally powerful, consistent and simply strong! 8.5

ROUND 2: SCOTT’S CHOICE

3. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Stay With Me

– Hm. You see when principles and showmanship buttheads, some artist makes standing up for what you believe in, a difficult thing even if they just need to tell story. And this is a struggle I find confusing with La’Porsha. I respect her wholeheartedly and I am with her story but this is a song where she just needs to relay and tell a story. It doesn’t matter if she can relate to it or not, I believe that a great artist can tell a story for whatever reason. I mean, she wanted to be a cowboy last week and insisted on singing such song (for me) that has no sense. But she made me believe to it. So yeah. This felt more like she threw away an opportunity to slay of which she always does. This was vocally decent but not committed. 7

2. DALTON RAPATTONI
Dancing In The Dark

– I am surprised. This is probably Dalton’s best work since the live shows has began. It was rapid, fresh and vocally good. His stage presence is full of charisma and he just lets go. Everything felt natural. 8

1. TRENT HARMON
Drink You Away

– Do I think it was strong? Probably. Do I think it was the right song choice? Yes. But I think the arrangement didn’t allow Trent to work over the melody more and so the performance was just plain good! But on this round, he still won it for me as I enjoyed most part of it. 8

ROUND 3: JUDGES’ CHOICE

3. DALTON RAPATTONI
Everybody Wants To Rule The World

– Yikes. Back on his calculated movements and weak vocals, Dalton ended the night in a low note and his vocals got poorly drowned by the band, it was a pretty bad last impression. If he makes it to the finale, he indeed has a solid fan base of screaming teens! 5

2. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Hello

– While I thought the song choice wanted to make her feel more current, I find some of her melodic choices a bit jarring. Her liberties were a big inconsistent and the overall didn’t really gave me that impact. I don’t know. But it is still a solid take to say the least. 7

1. TRENT HARMON
Waiting Game

– Stunning! 9.5

American Idol 15: Top 4

I am in denial! I can’t believe it will be just two weeks left and American Idol is over. Forever. Huhu.

And we’re down the stretch and the Top 4 were revealed. Two young heartthrobs, 1 consistent front runner diva and an emerging dark horse delivering his best night yet?

It was an interesting night from American Idol season 15 with Sia and Steven Van Zandt serving as the mentors for tonight. They were awesome and great as they were able to help and push these kids so well that most of them delivered quite well tonight. Oh also, it’s a bittersweet elimination for Sonika Vaid. She wasn’t even allowed to sing. Yikes!

Now on to the show.

ROUND 1: CLASSIC ROCK

4. MACKENZIE BOURG
I Want You To Want Me

– Yikes. Weak vocals, lazy performance. This just didn’t go anywhere at all and the bland performance just didn’t do anything on Mackenzie. I feel like he is being one trick wonder and his voice is too limited. 5

3. DALTON RAPATTONI
God Only Knows

– Oh Dalton. I thought it was a decent effort with enough emotions – though I wanted a more raw ones – in it. The texture of his voice was nice touch. The vocals were not perfect. This is okay. 6

2. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Wanted Dead Or Alive

– While I question the song choice, I never really question how well La’Porsha sang this. It was well done but then again, I have heard her do it like this. My point: I wish I will hear something more controlled and quiet from La’Porsha the next time. 7

1. TRENT HARMON
Sharp Dressed Man

– Smart, brilliant, stunning! Trent kept the integrity of the original in this performance with so much respect and at the same time infusing his style and take on it with so much gusto and passion. In the end, Trent just delivered one of the most astonishing performance of the season. 9

ROUND 2: SIA’S SONGBOOK

4. DALTON RAPATTONI
Bird Set Free

– I was about to get sold by this but then it was bordering to theatrics that I never really totally enjoy his performance. The vocals were not perfect but parts of it were interesting enough. 6

3. MACKENZIE BOURG
Titanium

– Yikes! His vocals were weak that somehow the backtrack drowns it naturally. There are parts that sounded decent but for most, I find the breathy quality quite odd. 6

2. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Elastic Heart

– On paper, I think the Sia Songbook will be a piece of cake for La’Porsha but I was left underwhelmed. Her performance sounded like I’ve heard from her before. It was good but I expected more or something exciting. 7.5

1. TRENT HARMON
Chandelier

– It was an exquisite vocal performance from Trent. From the liberties he took to the delicate, soft and controlled quality of delivery of the song that is just beautiful. He phrased the song wonderfully and the gorgeous nuanced vocal dynamics are just stunning! For whatever reason, Trent just showed two brilliant performances that were a contrast yet put him at the top of the pack! Great job! 9.5

American Idol 15: Top 5

I am torn in this episode as I thought round 1 was just an appetizer for the superb main course that is round 2. Everyone is so emotional, I don’t know of it was because of the performances or because Idol is ending in a matter of weeks!

Nonetheless, did we see that elimination coming? Scott must be squirming in his seat during that decision by the judges. Haha.

Anyway here is a round by round ranking I did.

ELIMINATED

TRISTAN MCINTOSH
Independence Day

– This is like right on Tristan’s alley and her coming back to the piano and how well connected she was with the lyrics is the perfect recipe for a break out moment. But unfortunately, her pitch is off in most parts and some parts sounded really flat. 5.5

ROUND 1

5. TRENT HARMON
Counting Stars

– Oh God! I know Trent needed to turn things up a big so that his performances will not be one of the same but this was just an aweful case of trying something that isn’t really on his wheelhouse. If maybe he went on an acoustic take on this, then I think that will work but this was just really bad. 4

4. DALTON RAPATTONI
Numb

– I didn’t like the arrangement and Dalton’s vocals were just weak in here. The verses sounded breathy, his pitch was all over the place and the overall impact was just blah. 4.5

3. MACKENZIE BOURG
Wild World

– Am I the only who didn’t really like this? I find Mackenzie’s pitch quite off her and the performance was just too throwaway. His delivery is sleepy and there is weakness on how he handles his vocals in the verses that I find grating. 5

2. SONIKA VAID
Let It Go

– Yes, this wasn’t nowhere near perfecf but I must admit that there are parts in here that was really beautiful. The pitch was fine, her high register was terrific. Only one thing though: She needed to connect with her material! 7

1. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Ready For Love

– It was a nuanced performance for me. It breathes terrific pitch quality and La’Porsha’s delivery is just magnificent. Her control was superb and the song choice was something I thought will not totally work but it did! 8

ROUND 2

5. SONIKA VAID
Clarity

– Yikes! Her pitch was sometimes off and the performance when she strive on the more uptempo part of it made her disconnected and all over the place. I wish she took the piano version of this by Foxes and that will be a breakout moment from her, I think! 5

4. DALTON RAPATTONI
The Sound Of Silence

– I am not sure about this. At one point I find it a bit theatrical in terms of his choices but a part of me was impressed as well. The vocals could’ve been stronger but what do I know. 6

3. TRENT HARMON
Simple Man

– Gorgeous! It was beautifully sang, a nuanced performance and Trent’s ability to control and let go effortlessly with the liberties he took with the song is simply outstanding! 8

2. MACKENZIE BOURG
Billie Jean

– I will say this: David Cook’s cover of the song is still the best one in any reality singing competition to date. But that is not to take away anything from this cover from Mackenzie as I thought it was smart, brave, cool and *drumroll please* riveting! I thought his vocals were solid. The take works on his strengths and the overall was simply astonishing! 8.5

1. LA’PORSHA RENAE
No More Drama

– Intense, powerful, amazing. Period. 9

American Idol 15: Top 6

From 8 down to 6, tonight 2 more artists were eliminated. Same drill, Ryan Seacrest will announce the first 5 safe and then the bottom 3 will sing their hearts out the judges will save 1. The theme? AMERICAN IDOL PLAYBOOK or in other words, “Songs we don’t want to hear anymore but the producers thought it is the best idea to do overdone songs one last time”. I mean, I get it.. the nostalgia aspect but these kids will get the inevitable comparison on the previous idols who performed the songs and I feel bad for the audience and fans as they will sit, watch and listen to these kids sing these song over again.

We can’t really escape the Asteroid song no?

Two rounds: 1st is the Idol duets, they were paired with each other. 2nd round is solo round.

Oh and Nick Fradiani, season 14 winner is back to perform his first post Idol single for the first time. Go and buy “Get You Home” on itunes, googleplay or stream it on Spotify. This song is really good! I love the vibe and funkiness and this is very radio friendly.

Now on to the night:

DUETS

4. LEE JEAN & TRISTAN MCINTOSH
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing

– They’ve missed a lot of things.. and notes. 3

3. DALTON RAPATTONI & MACKENZIE BOURG
I Want It That Way

– No. I don’t want it that way. 4

2. SONIKA VAID & AVALON YOUNG
Rise Up

– Solid albeit some pitch issues here and there. Great harmony. Gorgeous voices. 7

1. LA’PORSHA RENAE & TRENT HARMON
See You Again

– Holy cow! This is fantastic! The harmonies were solid. The verses were strong. The vocals were top notch! 8

ELIMINATED

AVALON YOUNG
P.Y.T

– I love me self some Avalon but I thought her take on this Michael Jackson ditty is kinda weak. The vocals were underwhelming. Her pitch got a little shaky in parts and I thought this was just a throwaway performance from her. 6

LEE JEAN
Let It Be

– Wow the pitch in here is terrible and how much sharp notes he hit were very evident. 4

TOP 6

6. DALTON RAPATTONI
Eleanor Rigby

– What is happening to Dalton? This was just all sorts of weak and his pitch was just downright disappointing. The arrangement sounded terrible and his delivery is just so bland. 5

5. TRISTAN MCINTOSH
A Broken Wing

– She hit a botch note there and her shaky vocals were kinda unflattering. While she had some nice moments, this is mostly a disappointing let down from last week. 5

4. MACKENZIE BOURG
You Are So Beautiful

– Mackenzie had some gorgeous tone but his phrasing is way too breathy for me. This is nice but forgettable. 6

3. SONIKA VAID
I Have Nothing

– The liberties she took were quite impressive. The vocals weren’t perfect but somehow Sonika made it sound quite fresh and not tired. But one thing though, this lacks connections. Her eyes looked blank. 7

2. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Come Together

– I love that La’Porsha shake things up in her repertoire. This is a different side from her and undeniably her vocals were just too strong. Though the ending felt forced and sounded quite sharp, this is still impressive. 7.5

1. TRENT HARMON
Stand By Me

– I am absolutely a fan! Trent is just delivering really solid performance. This was beautiful and strong, the dynamics he had were impressive and the nuanced quality is simply beautiful. 8

American Idol 15: Top 8

Were the contestants having a bad night? Or was the elimination format somehow bothered them to perform to the fullest? Sure there are few stand outs but with few weeks of live shows and double eliminations every single week, will one mediocre performance affect their chances of winning?!

There is no clear front runner and tonight’s episode showed it so well. Oh, did I say I just hated the elimination format? Haha.

Anyways, how good was Demi Lovato tonight? I thought she outsang almost every one tonight and I was so afraid I might declare her the best of the night if not only for a couple of few that won me over eventually. Now onto the show.

ELIMINATED CONTESTANTS

Olivia Rox
Trouble

– While this wasn’t the strongest performance from Olivia – who I believe had so much potential – this wasn’t bad at all and I love that I saw a different side of her. Her vocals were decent and it had enough spunk. 6.5

Gianna Isabella
If I Ain’t Got You

– Gianna’s thin pitch is a bit uncomfortable for my taste but comparing to her previous body of work, this was her best. Though she fell sharp in some of her high register, Gianna was still able to hold on her own. 6

— –

8. Dalton Rapattoni
Radioactive

– What. just. happened?! I had high hopes from Dalton but the struggle in this straight on cover of Imagine Dragons’ Radioactive is evident and his pitch was all over the place. 5

7. Lee Jean
Use Somebody

– Finally something that is not an Ed Sheeran song. Lee delivered a decent yet weak vocal performance. His pitch was nice and his dynamics – a bit lifeless – is quite pretty, still. 6

6. Mackenzie Bourg
I Wanna Dance With Somebody

– Mackenzie had a plan but I feel like this performance is perfect on paper but left me cold on his execution. The vocals were weak. The phrasing was a bit jarring. And there is a lack om depth in his delivery. 6.5

5. Sonika Vaid
Since U Been Gone

– Oh, oh! Why Sonika? While she sounded fine in parts, the whole performance felt like she was shooting was too high that she missed the target. Also, it seems like Sonika hasn’t really find the kind of artist she wants to be. 6.5

4. La’Porsha Renae
Halo

– Gorgeous! The dynamics were incredible. The vocal liberties were compelling and La’Porsha just gave a beautiful rendition. 8

3. Avalon Young
Earned It

– The cool vibe in her delivery made Avalon a league of her own. It’s simple. It’s subtle, but it was delivered with conviction, playfulness and warmth. 8

2. Tristan McIntosh
Rest High On That Mountain

– Welcome back! This is what Tristan is known about and her delivery is simply beautiful! It was quiet, deep and emotionally connected. 8.5

1. Trent Harmon
When A Man Loves A Woman

– Fan-freakin-tastic! Trent delivered a solid vocal. His dynamics were delicious. His phrasing is beautiful. And with a tired song choice like this, this ended up as amazing! 9

American Idol 15: Top 10

Tonight the original and American Idol queen, Kelly Clarkson, is back to guest judge and also perform as the top 10 are revealed and performs for the public vote.

As a recap, last night 4 artists got a free pass to Top 10 via the judges’ decision. We had Trent Harmon, La’Porsha Renae, Dalton Rapattoni and Olivia Rox getting that priviledge. The rest had to go through some “Wild Card” performance and then the public will vote on who will complete our top 10!

Can we have Kelly Clarkson as guest judge every week? She’s so fun! This is very nostalgic too! I love it. American Idol is making me cry. Also, that performance in the end by Kelly. Wooo! Loved her so much.

Now on to the show.

ELIMINATED
Manny Torres
Jeneve Mitchell
Thomas Stringfellow
Jenn Blosil

– –

10. GIANNA ISABELLA
Listen

– Too loud! Gianna can sing but she doesn’t really have any control with her vocals. Not to mention, her notes usually betrays her and Listen may have showed her vocal prowess, but it just didn’t gave us an in depth perspective from her. 5

9. TRISTAN MCINTOSH
Nothin’ Like You

– Ooops. Was she off pitch for most part? Tristan to me is losing steam in the competition. After her incredible audition, we are left with underwhelming performances that made me wonder if she peaked too early or if she’s really not ready for primetime. 5.5

8. LEE JEAN
Skinny Love

– It was laid back. I feel like it was too laid back to make him a contender. He sounded pretty in parts, but some parts also were a bit off. 6

7. AVALON YOUNG
Stitches

– Woah! I love me some Avalon but the first half is really off. It is a good thing that she was able to pick it up and the second half somehow saved this performance. Nice tone, nice phrasing but she just really needs to be careful with her song choices. 6.5

6. MACKENZIE BOURG
I See Fire

– His tone is undeniably gorgeous! The song choice suited him well and I love how he managed to keep it interesting without really doing any drastic change with the song. In the end, I thought it was one of the more solid performance of the night. 7

5. DALTON RAPATTONI
Hey There Delilah

– Dalton continues to impress me! I never really consider him before but the recent past performances from him made me think twice. Tonight he showed some confidence on stage and natural charisma. Sure the performance seemed to be a throwaway but it was enough entertainment. 7

4. TRENT HARMON
Like I Can

– Trent has some weird facial expressions when he sings but I don’t really mind because I remember Phillip Phillips pulling some weird faces too before and I loved him! Haha. Nonetheless, I thought this was solid! An acquired taste but I thought his vocals were mostly on point. He took some liberties and the runs were enough – not too much! 7.5

3. OLIVIA ROX
Unconditionally

– Gorgeous! It was an underrated vocals yet powerful. You can’t really do anything with this Katy Perry song but somehow Olivia Rox walked by on it and deliver a lovely rendition. 8

2. LA’PORSHA RENAE
Diamonds

– Hm. Okay I may get a flak over this as I thought the performance was too much runs! I love that finally La’Porsha took something current and the liberties she took on the song is really impressive. With that being said, La’ Porsha was a vocal beast and she showed it – effortlessly! It was still a solid, gorgeous vocal performance from her. 8

1. SONIKA VAID
Bring Me To Life

– Surprise! Surprise! Sonika came out alive and gave me what I wanted from her – energy! And she embodied the song’s emotions and her vocals were a bit struggling but I didn’t mind. I was entertained! 8.5

American Idol 15: Notable Auditions

As the end of an era is getting near, the reality competition that started it all is doing its swan song as the final season premiered weeks ago.

Usually, I cover all the auditions episode but I still get emotional knowing that this will be the LAST. *tears* And also due to some scheduling conflicts – busy work. I am still pleased to cover the reality show that I love and love to hate at times and see if the final season will be as good as the early days or if talent is still massive like the usual seasons we had.

I have compiled the best – at least for me – and notable auditions that blew me away as the season started. I wanted to do the city by city episode recap but then I just feel like some of those given with a golden ticket were premature and some good talent were let go. But still this is a good crop of fantastic auditions for American Idol Season 15.

Check them out.

Jessica Cabral
Brand New Kind Of Me

– Gorgeous!!! Hands down one of my favorite auditions this season and probably ever. There is a clarity to her voice that is evident and a richness that is silky and smooth and effervescent. Jessica sounded fantastic and effortless and I just love it.

Trent Harmon
Unaware

– When his package says farms and cows and his accent is country, I was so ready to not care at all as I am not the biggest country fan. But once he opened his mouth and begin to sing, boy, Trent Harmon blew me away! It was delicious and delicate and his falsetto is simply gorgeous. The way he navigated his verses was fantastic and his phrasing? oooh lala!

Mackenzie Bourg
Judges’ Songs Medley

– I would’ve write him as a kiss ass for doing this but I won’t as the audition was just beautiful. The transition from one judge’s song to the other was riveting and Mackenzie had this gorgeous tone that worked on all songs. Beautiful!

Sonika Vaid
Look At Me

– Lovely tone. Gorgeous voice. Fantastic phrasing. Great vocal control. What’s missing? That sense of command that will make you take her notice. But for an audition, this is solid.

Manny Torres
This Love

– There’s a confidence in him that is undeniable and not cocky which is adorable and admirable. But more than that, Manny actually has a quality in his tone that is nice and compelling. It sounded smooth and lovely. And the liberties he took were pretty good! The runs were delicious.

Tristan McIntosh
Why Baby Why

– This reminds me of when Jax (Season 14) auditioned and everything was just set for a front runner status. Deservingly so especially for an audition. Tristan had that emotional connection with the song that transcends beautifully and touches you effortlessly. Her tone is gorgeous. How she navigated the verses were delicate and it was just a simple, lovely performance.

Olivia Rox
When I Was Your Man

– At first, I felt iffy with how she navigated her verses but then it grew on me and just felt unexplainable shivers. It was in the end a gorgeous piano driven cover – taking each verses with so much delicate carress and he phrasing is sinply beautiful!

Avalon Young
XO

– Let’s be real, there is nothing really groundbreaking in this audition from Avalon but the water cooler quality and the effervescent vibe from her quite sold me in. Then to be fair, she sounded gorgeous and had great control to her material. It may be my weakest of the best of my choices for this season’s set of best auditions but I still think this is gorgeous!