1. Chris Rene – An absolutely spectacular comeback for Chris Rene. While this is the first time I have thought he was the best since he performed “Young Homey,” (ironic considering he sampled it with “Let It Be” this week as well), he just seemed much more comfortable and in his zone. Great song choice. Major major improvement.
2. Josh Krajcik – I was conflicted about putting Josh in the top spot this week as I thought he killed it but ultimately his song put me to sleep. While he performed it spectacularly well and has been my pick to win from the beginning,I would have preferred to see him really let go. I guess that was asking for too much following Rock Week. It was a sure bet that he’d sing a boring ballad on this show. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t kill it like he usually does.
3. Astro – While certainly not his best performance, Astro was basically singing to redeem himself after last week’s debacle. Just thought the rapping wasn’t his best work and that the song served more as an apology and appeal for votes from his Astro-nauts than it did an actual performance.
4. LeRoy Bell – Another shocker. Nicole did a great job with her contestants this week. Perhaps it was just letting go of Stacy that allowed her to concentrate but the song choice for LeRoy was picture perfect. LeRoy was dominant showing his control and vocal range while singing “Angel” and I was actually shocked by how well he did.
5. Marcus Canty – While all the slow songs were absolutely horrendous to watch, this was the right pick for Marcus. I thought he focused on being all flash and no class last week and he is at his best when he is understated.
6. Melanie Amaro – The people I was watching the show with thought she was the best. I guess my issue with Melanie is that I have seen stronger female powerhouse singers on American Idol and am constantly comparing her to Latoya London and Jennifer Hudson. In that regard, I do not believe she measures up. A good singer? Definitely. But certainly not the best in this competition.
7. Lakoda Rayne – Paula has started doing a better job with their song selection (easy when her other groups have been eliminated) and I feel like the girls have finally started to find their niche. Their performance was a little pitchy but compared to what they have done (or haven’t done) in previous weeks, this was actually like being at their concert.
8. Drew – Huge drop from her #3 position last week. I thought her “Skyscraper” song choice from Demi Lovato was awful. It did not make use of her unique tone and amazing voice and I literally could not believe how bad she was this week. Simon Cowell constantly hands out criticism to the others, but his singers were definitely the worst this week. Want to know what I am thankful for in this stupid Thanksgiving theme? The fact that I don’t have to hear anymore of Drew’s rendition of this. Please don’t read into my criticism. I actually think Drew will win the show (replacing my earlier choice of Josh). But she will not do it with songs like this. LA’s critique was dead-on.
9. Rachel Crow – I am not a fan. Let’s get rid of her already. I understand, she has a sad story. But this is a singing competition. The weak must be eliminated.
