Well, last week America got it right by eliminating the very nice but pretty boring Jeremy Rosado on American Idol. And we also saw Elise, Jermaine and Shannon in danger as they should have been with their lackluster performances. The question this week is if they can turn it around when the contestants perform “Songs from the Year they were Born” (which pretty much makes me feel ancient)…. So, do any of those three have a shot at winning ? (Um, I doubt it)… And just where will they wind up when things are all said and done? To answer that question, it’s time for another round of my entirely unscientific but clearly correct American Idol Buzz Rankings…
American Idol Top 12 Buzz Rankings:
1. Jessica: holding in the pole position, this year’s front-runner absolutely slayed Whitney’s most iconic song last week. She is poised, polished and practically perfect with her performances. She’s also so fun and cute. I really hope she ends up in the finale. If she continues on this route, she certainly will. (last week~ 1)
2. Hollie: well, this little blonde could be a spoiler for the title. Could she pull a Kelly Clarkson and take out the supposed front-runner Jessica like when Kelly usurped Tamyra Gray in season ?. It sure could happen with her great vocals, winning personality and continuing growth and confidence. (lw~ 7)
3. Phillip Phililps: ok, he’s a great guy and certainly has his fans. And he gave what may have been his best performance to date. However, I still am not a fan of his voice (of him as a person, yes). Anywho, he is holding up very strong in the competition and seems assured of making the top 5 or higher. (lw~ 2)
4. Skylar: I seriously love this girl. She has so much gumption and she gave another killer performance on a big Whitney ballad that I think surprised everyone. (The recorded version is fantastic too by the way). I also think she seems destined for the top 5. (lw~ 3)
5. Colton: this emo rocker could actually just be a rocking pop star after delivering a lovely version of “Lately”. The girls love him and he has some serious chops. I do wonder if we will see a more fun Colton in the weeks ahead. That could push ahead of Phillip in the long run. (lw~ 4)
6. Deandre: hello this wild card is “in it to win it”! Loosening up with great reggae/R&B swag this week, Deandre could go much farther in the race than we previously anticipated. He’s a fun performer with scads of potential. I’m excited by his rise in buzz this week. (lw~ 10)
7. Erika: she’s still my second favorite singer in the competition and I think she’s got the momentum to fight her way up this chart. Her voice is incredible and if the producers would just give her a pimp slot on performance night, I think she could charge into the top five. FYI~ check out her iTunes recorded version of “I Believe in You and Me”. It’s incredible. (lw~ 9)
8. Joshua: he has mad vocal skills, ya’ll (yes, I’m channeling Randy), but unfortunately I wonder how far he can go. As evidenced by him landing among the bottom 3 guys, his status may be shakier than first thought. However, if he keeps giving raucous and wonderful performances coupled with performing later in the show, he could charge up the buzz chart. (lw~ 8)
9. Heejun: oh Heejun, you funny guy, you… Seriously, he’s pretty hilarious and a cool guy with a good voice… But, darn if you aren’t a really boring performer. He needs better song choices, more confidence and swagger if he wants to land anywhere above a mid-pack exit. (lw~ 5)
10. Shannon: ok, as ya’ll know I am not a fan of this girl. She needs to realize it’s not a pageant and learn how to control her voice and connect emotionally to the songs. She does have a decent voice and could rebound after a disastrous week though. Plus, she’s pretty and loves Jesus. So, that will keep her here another week at least. (lw~11)
11. Elise: I am seriously worried for Elise. If she continues to have shaky confidence and appear to have a little bit of an attitude, she could be the first girl out. I do think she has a great raspy voice and with the right song could return to the top ten of the buzz rankings. I just hope the girl gets it together! (lw~ 6)
12. Jermaine: this gentle giant is seeming less gentle by the minute. During the elimination show, he was rude, cocky and ungrateful. Has being on the show given him an outrageous ego already? Hello, you barely made the show! I think he’s a goner this week unless he pulls out an amazing performance (irregardless of his nice deep voice). I think America will be over him just like me ASAP. (lw~ 13)
So, there they are~ my latest buzz rankings. Heejun and Elise are in free fall while Jessica and Hollie are on top. Who will rise this week and does Jermaine have a prayer of staying in the competition? (Not if news of his possible lies about his back story continue to hit the web. I don’t know if their true or not, but it definitely give me more pause about this polarizing contestant)…. Find out tomorrow night on American Idol.
Tags: American Idol, Colton Dixon, Deandre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Heejun Hahn, Hollie Cavanagh, Jeremy Rosado, Jermaine Jones, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Kelly Clarkson, Phillip Phillips, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine, Tamyra Gray
