I started watching American Idol this year from the beginning which I rarely do, so I started picking my favorites early. A few of my personal favorites didn’t survive the first cut; namely adorable, perky and talented Victoria Huggins, Steve Beghun and Travis Orlando (who I really believe deserved another shot even though his nerves got the best of him). I was starting to wonder if the lure of seeing Steven Tyler (whom I adore) on Idol was worth jumping in so soon.
The big shock of the night was the split vote on the sugary sweet couple from New Orleans; Nick Fink and Jacqueline Dunford. After a moderately weak performance, Nick was sent packing. Jacqueline, on the other hand, was given a pass to the next round. It was hard to watch the conflicted feelings on Jacqueline’s face.
With 327 contestants heading to Hollywood, not all performances made it to air. Finding out who made it through and who didn’t proved to be a challenge. Adrienne Beasley, whose San Francisco audition gave me chills, may or may not be one of the remaining contestants heading to group week. I suppose we’ll find out next week.
Let’s talk about the talented people I don’t expect to find in the top ten for a moment, before we move on to my picks. First, Tiffany Rios. The girl has an incredible voice and lots of personality. It’s that personality that’s going to hold her back, though. She has no modesty and too much ego. In the end, Idol is a popularity contest. You need to have the fans behind you and Tiffany just doesn’t have her feet on the ground enough for that to happen. The judges will recognize that and send her packing.
Ashley Sullivan turned in a high energy, vocally impressive audition – one of my favorites of this season, but the judges hesitated to send her through and for good reason. She is perfect for Broadway but not really right for Idol.
While Jacee Badeaux is an early fan favorite the pressures of the competition could prove to be too much. In addition, his voice, while beautiful, may not be strong enough to hold up against some of the more powerful voices. Keep an eye on him though. Whether on Idol or not, this kid has a future in music.
Former couple, Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks have a shot at the top ten, but neither has a strong enough voice to make it through to the end. I honestly don’t think they’ll make it through Hollywood week. Jordan Dorsey will likely end up packing it up before the top ten, but only barely. He’ll be close and may just make it. He’s a wildcard.
There are a few people that will be cut before the top ten that absolutely break my heart. Emily Ann Reed is at the top of that list. The girl has such a unique voice. I fell in love with her right away. I hope someone will recognize that and give her a recording contract. I know I’ll buy her album. James Durbin will almost certainly make it to the top forty, but I don’t think he’ll crack the top ten. I love the guy though and I hope some rock band out there sees him and snaps him up.
Scotty McCreery, the charming, baritone voiced country boy who auditioned in Milwaukee, is one of my favorites as well, but I’m not sure he has the range needed to make it to the top ten. I’m hesitant to leave him off my list because I think there’s a chance he will make it. I booted him off the list for my personal favorite Naima Adedapo. Pretty much all of the same things can be said for another one of my favorites, Robbie Rosen. He’s charming and has tremendous range. That said, I think
Hollie Cavanagh will take his spot in the top ten. Julie Zorrilla is another one that could surprise me. She has a fabulous voice, great stage presence and an inspiring story but Holly still gets my vote.
So, with all that out of the way – my predictions for American Idol’s top ten for season ten.
Hollie Cavanagh
Age: 17
Auditioned In: Austin, TX
Back Story: Hollie has a beautiful voice but she was all over the place in terms of melody on Etta James classic ‘At Last’. That caused her to get a no from Randy during her audition. Jennifer saw something in Hollie, though, asked the crying 17 year old to pull herself together and try another song. Hollie chose ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus, nailed it and not only got a yes from both Jennifer and Steven but also had Randy changing his vote to a yes as well.
Initial Feelings: The fact that she could pull herself together to do such an amazing job on her second song makes me feel Hollie has the guts and the determination to make it to the top ten. It helps that she overcame nervousness to knock it out of the park in Hollywood.
Naima Adedapo
Age: 25
Auditioned In: Milwaukee, WI
Back Story: Naima works at Summerfest – one of the biggest music festivals in the country – as cleanup crew; watching the performers on the stage, wishing she could be one of them. She performs ‘For All We Know’ by Donny Hathaway for her audition.
Initial Feelings: I love her style. I love her voice. I love everything about her. She has no ego. Hollywood can be a cruel place and I have a feeling Naima has the guts to survive it. I can definitely see her making it through to the end. She might not win, but she’ll be in the top ten for sure.
Jerome Bell
Age: 27
Auditioned In: Milwaukee, WI
Back Story: Jerome is the Bar Mitzvah singer with the space boots. He impressed with an incredible performance of Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘Let’s Get it On’.
Initial Feelings: Jerome impressed the judges and the audience as well. He took the route of an encore performance in Hollywood week and did ‘Let’s Get it On’ again. If anything, he did a better job the second time around. If Jerome doesn’t make it through to the top ten, I will be amazed.
Chris Medina
Age: 26
Auditioned In: Milwaukee, WI
Back Story: Chris had one of the most heartbreaking stories thus far. He was engaged to be married when his fiancée suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. He’s now one of her caretakers. His performance of ‘Break Even’ by The Script had heart and solid vocals.
Initial Feelings: For what it’s worth, Chris wasn’t my favorite audition but his is the only name I actually remembered. I think that says a lot. I’d say it’s almost a certainty you’ll see him in the top ten, if not the top five.
Brett Loewenstern
Age: 16
Auditioned In: New Orleans, LA
Back Story: Brett is comfortable with himself but still has a faint hint of insecurity that makes him charming. He blew the judges away with his rendition of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and easily earned his ticket to Hollywood.
Initial Feelings: This kid could easily become the poster boy for picked on teens everywhere. He’s incredibly talented and his performance of The Beatles classic ‘Let It Be’ for Hollywood week proves he can overcome nerves to turn is one heck of a performance. Not only will Brett make it to the top ten, he’ll make it to the top five.
Stefano Langone
Age: 21
Auditioned In: San Francisco, CA
Back Story: Stefano survived a car accident caused by a drunk driver that nearly killed him.
Initial Feelings: With his good looks and incredible voice, I think Stefano is someone to watch out for. He has tenacity and confidence, the judges love him and I think America will too. Top ten for sure. Likely the top five.
Clint ‘Junebug’ Jun Gamboa
Age: 26
Auditioned In: San Francisco, CA
Back Story: Clint was urged to audition for American Idol by some of the patrons of the karaoke night he hosts.
Initial Feelings: He couldn’t have chosen a more fitting song because this guy is going to be a star. He has an incredible voice and the kind of confidence and personality it will take to win the hearts and votes of the public. Junebug will definitely be in the top ten.
Jackie Wilson
Auditioned In: San Francisco, CA
Age: 28
Back Story: Jackie completely nailed her audition – even drawing applause from the judges and probably a lot of the viewers watching at home.
Initial Impressions: She has the voice and the charm to make it all the way to the end. Not only will she be in the top ten, but she’ll be in the top five. American Idol exists to find talent like Jackie.
Lauren Alaina
Age: 15
Auditioned In: Nashville, TN
Back Story: At fifteen, Lauren has so much strength and emotion in her voice it’s incredible.
Initial Impressions: Lauren has a ridiculous voice and tons of charms. She’s not only going to be in the top ten, she’s going to be in the top five and the top three. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if she wins the whole thing.
Casey Abrams
Age: 19
Auditioned In: Austin, TX
Back Story: Every year there’s one person that shocks you. Casey was that person for me this year.
Initial Impressions: I expected someone that wasn’t the least bit serious and he absolutely floored me. He’ll easily make the top ten and might even find himself in the top five.
