American Idol Top 12 Guys Ranked
The Top 24 was finally revealed after numerous audition rounds, Hollywood Rounds and even a Las Vegas Beatles round... But Season 10 is officially started. We have the Top 12 Girls and the Top 12 guys.
They perform for America's votes this week until we whittle it down to the Top 10 (or 12 with wild cards)... Here, I'm going to rank the Top 12 guys based on what I saw from them during these early rounds.
Remember, this is just my opinion... and any AI fan knows that these early voting rounds can be highly unpredictable. (Don't be afraid to voice your opinions in the comments!) I'm just glad AI allowed us to meet all of the Top 24 before having to vote for them next week... Here are my thoughts of the GUYS in ranking order: #1 is my favorite, down to #12 my least favorite. (For the GIRLS, check out this post!)
1. Jacob Lusk
Top 12 Guys Performance - "House Is Not A Home" 8.75/10 (rank # 1)
I know this might be very contraversial, placing the person Randy told "had the best performance ever, ever, EVER" at the bottom of my rankings. And it's not because I don't think he's a good singer, because I think he's a great singer. It's because traditionally, AI voting blocks don't go for gospel-style singers, and that's exactly what Jacob Lusk is. He goes over the top in my opinion, and although I thought his version of "God Bless the Child" was exceptional, to think he'd do that much vocally each week would be a disaster and I don't think Jacob is able to turn it down a notch (or 7). (rank # 12)
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Naima Adedapo
Hollywood Solo Round - "God Bless the Child"
Las Vegas Round - Sang "The Long & Winding Road" with Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart
2. Casey Abrams
Top 12 Guys Performance - "I Put a Spell on You" 8.5/10 (rank # 2)
Yes, he's been one of the most featured guys to make the Top 24 AND yes, I realize he might not be everyone's cup of tea... BUT I agree with Randy that he is one of the best "musicians" they have this season. He's definitely a front-runner going in, but I think it's justified. He knows how to suck you into his performance and his vocals are soulful, jazzy and bluesy. Plus he can play some instruments... Plus he's funny/quirky. He's got a good shot at going far. (rank # 1)
Austin Audition - "I Don't Need No Doctor"
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Julie Zorilla
Hollywood Solo Round - "Georgia on my Mind" with bass
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Chris Medina "Hard Days Night" on guitar
Last Song - "Why Don't You Do Right" with bass
3. Paul McDonanld
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Maggie May" 8.5/10 (rank # 3)
Paul really hasn't been featured much until the last rounds, showing off his very unique style both vocally and stylistically (and in that white & floral suit!). I'm not sure if the voting blocks will go for him, but I'm kind of hoping they do. He's very unique and seems ready for the rock star spot-light (like Daughtry?!) (rank # 7)
Nashville Audition - "Maggie May"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Kendra Chantelle "Blackbird"
Last Song = An Original "American Dreams" on guitar
4. James Durbin
Top 12 Guys Performance - "You Got Another Thing Comin'" 8.25/10 (rank # 4)
James is one of the guys I so badly want to root for. He's the underdog; his back-story of how he lives, dealing with Asperger's and Tourettes is nothing but inspiring and his goal to have the same journey as Adam Lambert is touching. But I'm worried for him. I think he might over-use his "scream", and although I totally dug his rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come", I couldn't imagine hearing him scream through songs each week. He needs to show his range. (rank # 10)
Hollywood Group Round - "Somebody to Love"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Stefano Langone "Get Back"
Last song - "A Change is Gonna Come"
5. Scott McCreery
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Letters from Home" 8.25/10 (rank # 5)
He's another I really, REALLY want to root for. He from a few towns over from where I live. Plus he's super unique for AI which his super low-country voice. Plus he really captured my heart strings during final judging and saying he wants to be "the man he should be". But I'm worried for him too. I'm not sure if he's got the range of life experiences/songs he needs for this competition. (rank # 11)
Milwaukee Audition - "Baby Lock Them Doors"
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Clint Jun Gamboa
Hollywood Solo Round - (forgets the lyrics to) "I Hope You Dance"
Las Vegas Round - sang "Hello, Goodbye" with Lauren Alaina
Last song - "Long Black Train"
6. Stefano Langone
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Just the Way You Are" 8/10 (rank # 6)
Stefano had to win me over. But the more I heard him the more I liked his voice and then his personality pushed me over the edge (in a good way!) I'm worried he'll struggle with song-choice (I mean he did pick "You Can Feel it All Over"... ugh!), but I'm hoping he's "got a hot one" pick out for this first round. (rank # 5)
Hollywood Solo Round - "You Can Feel It All Over"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with James Durbin "Get Back"
Last song - An Original "Come Home" on piano
7. Clint Jun Gamboa
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Superstitious" 7.5/10 (rank # 7)
There's been lots of coverage of his Hollywood Group Round booting of Jacee Badeaux, but I really don't care about that. (It sucked in the moment, but I think it worked out best for everyone involved) The problem he lands so low on my list is not for lack of talent, but for over-use of that talent. The guy can't stop himself from the "Vocal Olympics". Too many runs, etc. for me. He could change my mind if he shows some restraint in the early rounds. (rank # 9)
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Scott McCreery
Hollywood Solo Round - "Georgia on my Mind"
Last Song - "Hello"
8. Brett Loewenstern
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Light My Fire" 7.25/10 (rank # 8)
Another one of the most featured guys to make it to the Top 24, but I'm totally on the Brett-bandwagon. I think he's just such an eccentric, positive, good-natured guy with a beautiful voice and something he wants to sing about. All of that has me rooting for him, and I hope he WOWs on the first performance night and wins over some haters. (rank # 2)
New Orleans Audition - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Hollywood Group Round - "Mercy" with Jacee Badeaux
Hollywood Solo Round - "The Story" on guitar
Last Song - An Original "Bullet-proof Vest" on guitar
9. Robbie Ronsen
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Angels" 7/10 (rank # 9)
He's good. Damn good. He started off just solid for me, but as the performance air-time added up I was impressed more and more. I hope he can bust out of his shell and give memorable performances, because that's the only thing that might stand in his way (with this group of guys!) (rank # 3)
NJ Audition - "Yesterday"
Hollywood Group Round - "I Want You Back" with Jordan Dorsey
Hollywood Solo Round - "Gravity" on keyboards
Las Vegas Round - "Gotta Get You Back in my Life" with Jordan Dorsey
Last Song - "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" on piano
10. Tim Halperin
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Come on Over" 6.75/10 (rank # 10)
Tim didn't particular impress me with his original audition, but made up for it in personality when talking (and flirting) with the judges. He kind of went MIA for a few weeks, but came back with a duet with Julie that had me taking note. He sang an original tune for his last song and has seemed to find his footing about the artist he wants to be, which is really great momentum going into the voting rounds. I wish him luck. (rank # 4)
LA Audition - "She Will Be Loved"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Julie Zorilla "Something" on keyboards
Last song - An Original on piano
11. Jovany Barreto
Top 12 Guys Performance - "I'll Be" 6.5/10 (rank # 11)
I think Jovany's abs got just as much air-time as his voice, which has me nervous. From what I heard, he seems to have a very nice higher-register and may be the right guy to bring some Latin flavor to AI. I think it will really come down to his first song choice whether he stays or goes... so I hope he picks wisely. (rank # 8)
Hollywood Group Round - "Just the Way You Are" with Karen Rodriguez
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Lauren Turner "Let It Be"
Last Song - "Angel"
12. Jordan Dorsey
Top 12 Guys Performance - "OMG" 5/10 (rank # 12)
Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. He knocked my socks off with his first audition; a snappy "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" but he went DIVA on us during Hollywood Group Rounds rejecting Scotty and then switching groups. He then had a reality check during the Vegas round, where the judges told him they hold him to high standards and he didn't meet them, and sounded pretty cocky and arrogant during the final judgement. Personality is half this competition, and I'm afraid his is going to rub people the wrong way, because his voice is pretty spectacular. (rank # 6)
New Orleans Audition - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Hollywood Group Round - "I Want You Back" with Robbie Ronsen
Las Vegas Round - "Gotta Get You Back in my Life" with Robbie Ronsen
Last Song - "So High"
WOW. Did one performance change up my rankings completely or what?! Jacob went from last to first and a lot of my favorites tanked last night. Check back on Friday to find out how America voted.
THINK I GOT IT ALL WRONG (OR ALL RIGHT)?! Leave your thoughts in the comments.
They perform for America's votes this week until we whittle it down to the Top 10 (or 12 with wild cards)... Here, I'm going to rank the Top 12 guys based on what I saw from them during these early rounds.
Remember, this is just my opinion... and any AI fan knows that these early voting rounds can be highly unpredictable. (Don't be afraid to voice your opinions in the comments!) I'm just glad AI allowed us to meet all of the Top 24 before having to vote for them next week... Here are my thoughts of the GUYS in ranking order: #1 is my favorite, down to #12 my least favorite. (For the GIRLS, check out this post!)
MY TOP 5
1. Jacob Lusk
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "House Is Not A Home" 8.75/10 (rank # 1)
I know this might be very contraversial, placing the person Randy told "had the best performance ever, ever, EVER" at the bottom of my rankings. And it's not because I don't think he's a good singer, because I think he's a great singer. It's because traditionally, AI voting blocks don't go for gospel-style singers, and that's exactly what Jacob Lusk is. He goes over the top in my opinion, and although I thought his version of "God Bless the Child" was exceptional, to think he'd do that much vocally each week would be a disaster and I don't think Jacob is able to turn it down a notch (or 7). (rank # 12)
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Naima Adedapo
Hollywood Solo Round - "God Bless the Child"
Las Vegas Round - Sang "The Long & Winding Road" with Naima Adedapo and Haley Reinhart
2. Casey Abrams
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "I Put a Spell on You" 8.5/10 (rank # 2)
Yes, he's been one of the most featured guys to make the Top 24 AND yes, I realize he might not be everyone's cup of tea... BUT I agree with Randy that he is one of the best "musicians" they have this season. He's definitely a front-runner going in, but I think it's justified. He knows how to suck you into his performance and his vocals are soulful, jazzy and bluesy. Plus he can play some instruments... Plus he's funny/quirky. He's got a good shot at going far. (rank # 1)
Austin Audition - "I Don't Need No Doctor"
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Julie Zorilla
Hollywood Solo Round - "Georgia on my Mind" with bass
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Chris Medina "Hard Days Night" on guitar
Last Song - "Why Don't You Do Right" with bass
3. Paul McDonanld
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Maggie May" 8.5/10 (rank # 3)
Paul really hasn't been featured much until the last rounds, showing off his very unique style both vocally and stylistically (and in that white & floral suit!). I'm not sure if the voting blocks will go for him, but I'm kind of hoping they do. He's very unique and seems ready for the rock star spot-light (like Daughtry?!) (rank # 7)
Nashville Audition - "Maggie May"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Kendra Chantelle "Blackbird"
Last Song = An Original "American Dreams" on guitar
4. James Durbin
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "You Got Another Thing Comin'" 8.25/10 (rank # 4)
James is one of the guys I so badly want to root for. He's the underdog; his back-story of how he lives, dealing with Asperger's and Tourettes is nothing but inspiring and his goal to have the same journey as Adam Lambert is touching. But I'm worried for him. I think he might over-use his "scream", and although I totally dug his rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come", I couldn't imagine hearing him scream through songs each week. He needs to show his range. (rank # 10)
Hollywood Group Round - "Somebody to Love"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Stefano Langone "Get Back"
Last song - "A Change is Gonna Come"
5. Scott McCreery
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Letters from Home" 8.25/10 (rank # 5)
He's another I really, REALLY want to root for. He from a few towns over from where I live. Plus he's super unique for AI which his super low-country voice. Plus he really captured my heart strings during final judging and saying he wants to be "the man he should be". But I'm worried for him too. I'm not sure if he's got the range of life experiences/songs he needs for this competition. (rank # 11)
Milwaukee Audition - "Baby Lock Them Doors"
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Clint Jun Gamboa
Hollywood Solo Round - (forgets the lyrics to) "I Hope You Dance"
Las Vegas Round - sang "Hello, Goodbye" with Lauren Alaina
Last song - "Long Black Train"
THE REST
6. Stefano Langone
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Just the Way You Are" 8/10 (rank # 6)
Stefano had to win me over. But the more I heard him the more I liked his voice and then his personality pushed me over the edge (in a good way!) I'm worried he'll struggle with song-choice (I mean he did pick "You Can Feel it All Over"... ugh!), but I'm hoping he's "got a hot one" pick out for this first round. (rank # 5)
Hollywood Solo Round - "You Can Feel It All Over"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with James Durbin "Get Back"
Last song - An Original "Come Home" on piano
7. Clint Jun Gamboa
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Superstitious" 7.5/10 (rank # 7)
There's been lots of coverage of his Hollywood Group Round booting of Jacee Badeaux, but I really don't care about that. (It sucked in the moment, but I think it worked out best for everyone involved) The problem he lands so low on my list is not for lack of talent, but for over-use of that talent. The guy can't stop himself from the "Vocal Olympics". Too many runs, etc. for me. He could change my mind if he shows some restraint in the early rounds. (rank # 9)
Hollywood Group Round - "Get Ready" with Scott McCreery
Hollywood Solo Round - "Georgia on my Mind"
Last Song - "Hello"
8. Brett Loewenstern
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Light My Fire" 7.25/10 (rank # 8)
Another one of the most featured guys to make it to the Top 24, but I'm totally on the Brett-bandwagon. I think he's just such an eccentric, positive, good-natured guy with a beautiful voice and something he wants to sing about. All of that has me rooting for him, and I hope he WOWs on the first performance night and wins over some haters. (rank # 2)
New Orleans Audition - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Hollywood Group Round - "Mercy" with Jacee Badeaux
Hollywood Solo Round - "The Story" on guitar
Last Song - An Original "Bullet-proof Vest" on guitar
9. Robbie Ronsen
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Angels" 7/10 (rank # 9)
He's good. Damn good. He started off just solid for me, but as the performance air-time added up I was impressed more and more. I hope he can bust out of his shell and give memorable performances, because that's the only thing that might stand in his way (with this group of guys!) (rank # 3)
NJ Audition - "Yesterday"
Hollywood Group Round - "I Want You Back" with Jordan Dorsey
Hollywood Solo Round - "Gravity" on keyboards
Las Vegas Round - "Gotta Get You Back in my Life" with Jordan Dorsey
Last Song - "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" on piano
10. Tim Halperin
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "Come on Over" 6.75/10 (rank # 10)
Tim didn't particular impress me with his original audition, but made up for it in personality when talking (and flirting) with the judges. He kind of went MIA for a few weeks, but came back with a duet with Julie that had me taking note. He sang an original tune for his last song and has seemed to find his footing about the artist he wants to be, which is really great momentum going into the voting rounds. I wish him luck. (rank # 4)
LA Audition - "She Will Be Loved"
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Julie Zorilla "Something" on keyboards
Last song - An Original on piano
11. Jovany Barreto
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "I'll Be" 6.5/10 (rank # 11)
I think Jovany's abs got just as much air-time as his voice, which has me nervous. From what I heard, he seems to have a very nice higher-register and may be the right guy to bring some Latin flavor to AI. I think it will really come down to his first song choice whether he stays or goes... so I hope he picks wisely. (rank # 8)
Hollywood Group Round - "Just the Way You Are" with Karen Rodriguez
Las Vegas Round - Duet with Lauren Turner "Let It Be"
Last Song - "Angel"
12. Jordan Dorsey
Photo Credit - FOX
Top 12 Guys Performance - "OMG" 5/10 (rank # 12)
Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. He knocked my socks off with his first audition; a snappy "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" but he went DIVA on us during Hollywood Group Rounds rejecting Scotty and then switching groups. He then had a reality check during the Vegas round, where the judges told him they hold him to high standards and he didn't meet them, and sounded pretty cocky and arrogant during the final judgement. Personality is half this competition, and I'm afraid his is going to rub people the wrong way, because his voice is pretty spectacular. (rank # 6)
New Orleans Audition - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
Hollywood Group Round - "I Want You Back" with Robbie Ronsen
Las Vegas Round - "Gotta Get You Back in my Life" with Robbie Ronsen
Last Song - "So High"
WOW. Did one performance change up my rankings completely or what?! Jacob went from last to first and a lot of my favorites tanked last night. Check back on Friday to find out how America voted.
THINK I GOT IT ALL WRONG (OR ALL RIGHT)?! Leave your thoughts in the comments.
