Four people are gone (Hallelujah on Jermaine being one of them!) and it’s time for me to update my rankings. I think people will be surprised overall. I hope they will.
1) Andrew Garcia
I decided I wasn’t quite ready to let Andrew go out of the #1 slot yet, but strong competition from Lily and Lee mean that it could change for me next week if Andrew doesn’t step it up. He is my favorite as of the moment, and the one I’m rooting for the most. I’m acknowledging that he’s been on a downhill slope, especially this week.
2) Lily Scott
I think Lily is fantastic. She’s had the best performance, for me, the past two weeks, and I was so close to giving her the top spot on my list. Then I remembered all the cool stuff Andrew was doing Pre-Idol, and how I liked his pre-idol stuff a bit more than Lily’s, so he’s edging her out for one more week. But if Lily works her magic again, I might be sold on her permanently. This girl is fantastic.
3) Lee Dewyze
This guy is really where my personal tastes are, but he’s a little pitchy, and I’m not sure he’s quite as rock as he thinks he is. I think he’s more Kris Allen and less David Cook, but he’s pushing a David Cook vibe. Still, I love his tone.
4) Crystal Bowersox
She’s been giving some solid performances, and it’s about time I slid her up the list. Didi’s got a great voice, but she’s been terribly inconsistent, even moreso than Andrew. I think Crystal has what it takes to go all the way, but will America feel the same way?
5) Didi Benami
Once sitting at #2 on my list, Didi has taken quite a hit these past two weeks with her song choice. I’m hoping she’ll return to her singer/songwriter vibe, because the once front runner is now on the edge with her Top 12 status. She may get it, she may not. We’ll just have to wait and see…
6) Michael Lynche
He’s staying about the same after giving a killer performance this week. I think he might do well in the competition if he sticks to the vibe he had this week instead of that crap Maroon 5 vibe he was putting off last week.
7) Katelyn Epperly
This girl shot up onto my radar this week. I’m really digging her now. If she sticks to the kind of music she performed this week, whooooo doggy. I loved that. I thought she was brilliant this week.
Alex Lambert
He’s someone who is gaining a bit of ground with me just like Katelyn. I still think he’s a bit of a performing mess, and he’s really got to shake the nerves. He does have a good voice, and it’ll probably record even better.
9) Paige Miles
Yeah, I know. I’m flip/flopping all over the place with Paige. I know I’m in the minority, but I loved Walk Away, and I hope she keeps up that vibe. It’s so unpredictable to have a black female rocker. It’s been so long since Nadia Turner graced our stage that she’s a breath of fresh air. Keep it up, girl. Don’t do what Randy said and sing some generic ballad. Keep it cool.
10) Casey James
He’s starting to get on my nerves a bit. His mannerisms on stage aren’t convincing me that he deserves to make it far. I didn’t like how he backed off of phrases and cut them short. It was odd… and now I have a reason to start hating on Casey, other than his DUI record.
11) Todrick Hall
Todrick has started to take a plunge on my list. He started out promising, and once got into my top 5. But after 2 weeks of really terrible performances, and narrowly missing out on an elimination this week, I can’t justify putting him in my Top 10. I still have hopes though. I think there’s a killer voice waiting in there if Todrick can ever just sing a damn song.
12) Siobhan Magnus
I’m taking this girl off my shit list a bit. She’s moving up, and her fans need to just be happy with 12th at the moment. I think her performance this week, with Aretha’s Think was a vast improvement, and even though the first half of the song was a hot mess, she showed some really awesome pipes near the end. I’ll start to give her some rope, let’s make sure she doesn’t hang herself with it.
13) Lacey Brown
Another girl I used to like who has been giving some sub-par performances. I’m officially ready for Lacey to not be in the Top 12, even over someone I used to hate (Siobhan). I’m not sure Lacey can do enough next week to stay in the competition. I’m not sure she knows how.
14) Katie Stevens
I’m not quite ready to end the Katie hate altogether, because she has yet to really define herself properly, but her package this week made me realize she has a fun side to her, and she’s not trying to be the next Golden Girl all the time. I do hope she picks the right song this week… if that’s even possible.
15) Aaron Kelly
Yeah, he’s not quite at the bottom, but we all know I can’t stand this kid… but I think I’ve been fair to him in my recaps.
16) Tim Urban
I’m not quite sure why Tim is still in the competition, but I’m pretty certain it has to do with those shirtless pics that Vote For The Worst posted. It surely can’t be his voice…not after listening to John Park’s awesome sing out tonight. I wish I could buy THAT on Itunes, instead of his original performance.
Now, even though these are my official rankings, I will say that I think heading into next week that Todrick, Alex, Michael, and Tim are all fighting to not be sent home. I’m pretty certain that Casey, Andrew, Lee, and Aaron are all safe. If I had to guess right now, I’d say Todrick and Alex are gone. That’s only because Alex, who has a great voice, can’t shake those nerves, and they could really end him too soon.
For the girls, I think Lacey, Paige, Katie, and Didi are at risk. Crystal, Lily, Katelyn, and Siobhan are probably safe. My money is on Lacey and Katie going home, as of right now.
Isn’t it still too early to rank the guys and girls together,considering two of each will have to leave next week?
For the guys my picks are going best to worse
1. Casey.. hey it is all about the rocker eye-candy
2. Aaron
3. Alex
4. Big Mike
5.Tim
6. Lee
7. Andrew… sorry he does nothing for me
8. Todrick
For the Girls My favorites are
1. Siobhan
2. Crystal
3. Katie
4, Katelynn
5. Didi
6. Lilly….. So does nothing for me either, but she is better than the bottom two.
7 Paige
8. Lacy
When I saw Siobhan Magnus at #12 and Andrew Garcia still at #1 I pretty much decided to discount anything further this author says as random noise.
P.S., Saying Lee Dewyze is “a little pitchy” is like saying Rosie O’Donnell is a little gay.
Unless she continues to make poor song choices (such as last week), I can pretty much say Siobhan Magnus is a lock to win this thing.
Her only real competition is Crystal, but I have a strong feeling that we will tire of Crystal’s “street corner” schtick after a while. On the other hand, Magnus has all the ingredients to win this thing:
1. Clearly the best pure singer on the show.
2. Cute but not too pretty.
3. Quirky.
4. Humble.
5. Sweet.
6. Edgy.
7. Unpredictable.
8. And this is the BIG one, she can “sing the phonebook”. In other words she can sing ANYTHING, while people like Crystal are pretty much genre bound.
By the time the Top 12 are chosen, Siobhan Magnus will be the one that people are tuning in to “see what she does next”.
Since I’m just random noise…
I love how your comments, Bill, have shown exactly why I keep joking about Siobhan’s army. Because her fans are malicious and derogatory, just like you have proven by dismissing me as “random noise” because I ranked her in 12th. Never mind the fact that she moved up in the rankings, which most fanbases would be happy about.
Your venomous attacks, and those of many of Siobhan’s fans, are going to be a turn off. Most fanbases have a core group of 14 year old girls who listen to tween music and color in their books. For some reason, Siobhan has recruited a following of mentally unstable people who stalk forums and make sure that anyone who doesn’t hail from the church of Siobhan is reamed for it.
This is not to say that Siobhan doesn’t have vocal chops, or her portion of fairly normal fans. It does seem though, that this season the crazies are living with Magnus, and making their position quite known. I know you seem to be an impenetrable force here, so my comment falls on deaf ears, but I don’t appreciate being called “random noise” simply because I prefer Andrew Garcia and Lee Dewyze to Siobhan Magnus, especially in a column where I give her props and move her ranking up. This kind of forceful behavior isn’t going to make people like her more.
But, of course, none of this really matters because it’s all just a bunch of “random noise”.
Mac, LOL, I actually agree with Bill on this one. Siobhan or Crystal will be the winner, as it stands now. Andrew has done nothing extraordinary since Hollywood.However things could change at any time…It is as usual a curse to be a Hollywood week fave.
Okay… I totally agree with SirMac on this… I think the other problem is…with a huge voice and tons of potential, all she needs is one really bad week and someone else to do well and she’s gone…
SirMac, I don’t always aree with you but I think your reviews are great and not ‘random noise’….
I literally don’t care who people like, because I’m from the school of thought that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. It is frustrating that people continue to vote for Tim, but I’m sure there are people out there who truly genuinely love him. I just don’t agree with being attacked and called “random noise”. And I especially don’t like the trend that people who insult me then decide to hype Siobhan.
Look, I love Siobhan as much as the next person, but a 12th place ranking in one person’s opinions is his right. SirMac, if you feel like Siobhan is your 12th favorite, then that’s fine. I think that regardless of how you feel about her, she will be around for the long haul (as I will touch on myself in my article coming out later today) and she is a magnificent talent. I don’t know what Todrick Hall, for example, has done to be placed above her, but I see why you may appreciate Katelyn or Lilly more.
Bill Mitchell, if you hate SirMac’s rankings so much, just don’t read them. He is not the only person who doesn’t love Siobhan, and that’s just fine.
No need to be childish in American Idol rankings.
Hey Mattthew, Why haven’t I gotten any articles from you? I miss them <3
Hmmm…why does this description sound somewhat familiar? Do I need to even tell you, SirMac, what contestant Bill pulled for last year?
My picks are:
1. Siobhan (I promise I’m not mentally unstable and I won’t attack you for not liking her
)
1. Lilly (I can’t decide if I like Siobhan or her more, I think she is something new and refreshing)
3. Crystal (awesome voice, but her pimping is a turn off)
4. Alex (needs more confidence, but what a voice!)
5. Andrew (I still have faith in him)
6. Casey
7. Katelyn
8. Todrick
9. Mike
10. Lee (I don’t get the hype – he just won’t do it for me)
11. Katie
12. Didi
13. Paige
14. Tim
15. Aaron (I don’t like him at all)
16. Lacey (just go home)
A lot of complaints about Siobhan’s ranking is music to my ears! One could make a logical assumption she has more fans. I certainly wouldnt generalize about Siobhan’s fanbase being malicious and derogatory , to me that is a lot of noise!
1) Didi Benami
I know, I know, this week was a little weak. But I enjoyed it and she’s still my girl. The others are getting much closer though and she MUST pick a song for American next week and not herself.
2) Crystal Bowersox
She is amazing; however, Crystal must keep up the pace with Lilly, Katelyn and Siobhan, because I can see her going down quite quickly. If she keeps up? She can win this whole thing!
3) Lilly Scott
Unbelievable. She only gets #3 because of previous weeks being not as exciting. But I can see her being number one quite soon.
4) Lee Dewyze
Best guy this year. He will be the last guy left for sure.
5) Katelyn Epperly
WOW! Came out of nowhere! Excellent week. Can’t wait to see more!
6) Alex Lambert
I really want to hate Alex. I hate his mullet and he is soooo nervous. However, this week’s performance was excellent.
7) Casey James
Oh Casey, you are going down down down if you don’t step it up. Yes, he is a shoo-in for top 12, but he is darn lucky that they are making it six guys and six girls. Without limits, he would be in trouuuuuble.
Yet another person I want to hate. But all you Siobhan lovers, she was my last last person, but the last two weeks have really impressed me. Even though she is annoying, she has a great voice. However, I’m not sure she has the votes to win.
9) Andrew Garcia
Okay Andrew, I like your voice. I don’t know if I like you, but I like your voice. I don’t LOVE your voice. You need to BRING IT this week.
10) Aaron Kelly
Made my top ten based on voice. He is annoying, but the performance this week was good.
11) Lacey Brown
I love Lacey and her positive attitude and smile. But she is SO lucky to still be here. She needs a huge week or she is done.
12) Todrick Hall
I think he is so funky, but MUST work on the vocals.
13) Michael Lynche
As I read this, I am shocked that Big Mike is my 13/16. I really really want to like him, but he just is not WOWing me. Get on that.
14) Katie Stevens
I really hate you. You have a great voice, but you’re a 50 year old in a 16 year old’s body. Please act your age…
15) Tim Urban
15th on looks only. The voice is cringe-worthy.
16) Paige Miles
I. DON’T. GET. IT. What is the deal with this girl? I think she is the most boring person ever. Her performances make me find something better to do. Her voice is okay, but she is just so boring. Come on America, get rid of her!
Honestly, the biggest problem that I have with this season so far is that I believe that the best contestants this year do not have a realistic chance of winning. As much as I personally like Lilly Scott (she is my favorite contestant to this point), even I admit that her style of music will not play very well with the relatively conservative, mainstream audience that regularly watches “Idol.” There’s a reason that Lilly’s musical genre is called “alternative,” in that it’s an alternative to the mainstream pop music that “Idol” typifies. I just don’t see the people that would most dig Lilly’s act regularly tuning in to vote for her, and that’s unfortunate.
Crystal Bowersox, on the other hand, has almost the opposite problem, in that I believe that she will play pretty well with Baby Boomer voters. However, her musical style is so decidedly retro (she kind of sounds like Melissa Etheridge covering Bob Dylan) that I don’t really see her as a viable pop artist in 2010. I may be a minority in this, but I actually preferred her last week’s performance to this week’s, in that she tried to cover an artist that at least has some relevance to pop music today (what, exactly, did she gain from covering a fairly obscure CCR song?). I seriously doubt that 19E and Sony will want Crystal to win here (think Taylor Hicks 2.0), so that is also working against her.
I’m not even going to go into Siobhan Magnus at this point, whose polarizing personality makes her the “love her or hate her” contestant of the season (as seen by the comments on this blog). Truthfully, I think that the female contestants who have the best chances of winning AND selling records post-”Idol” are Didi Benami (who can combine the quirky vibe of the top contenders with a much more commercial look and sound) and- yes- Katie Stevens (who is the only “teen pop star” type of the bunch). However, both of these girls will SERIOUSLY need to get their collective shit together if they are to have a chance of surviving. At this point, I think the favorite to win it all is probably Casey James, who has a current, Kings of Leon-esque vibe and is 100% Grade A Cougar Bait. That’s a tough combination to beat in this competition.
Casey is the same as Kris and Cook though…
“random noise” might be a little harsh, because all of these lists are just our opinions, but I kind of agree with Bill that your rankings are rather…..nonsensical? Really, all of you are just letting your personal preference dictate your choices instead of making an objective analysis of (1) how well the contestant sings; (2) how well the contestant delivers the song; and (3) what else the contestant has that will attract voters. that would be a lot more useful and realistic than, for example, leaving Andrew as number one because you like him the most.
EVERYONE keeps saying Lacey is going home… and I say 3rd times the charm! She HAS a GREAT chance of staying. Everyone thinks she’s gone each week, but she isn’t. She has a huge fan base which is keeping her there.
my thoughts: didi, paige, katie and then lacey are in trouble.
then when the boys: tim, todrick, aaron… then I’m iffy from there.
Really? Siobhan at 12? Come on now. This is a singing competition, and that girl can sing. While I can understand most of your list, I have to agree with some people above on Siobhan. And I’m not mentally unstable. Just disagreeing with one part of your rankings. I would swap Didi and Siobhan. Didi has just been a mess lately and def is not a top 5 contestant at the moment.
I won’t go through the whole list but my favorites moreso.
1. ) This Siobhan girl I believe will win it! She is that “funny little thing” as Simon puts it, which makes her marketable with todays top 40 radio. Not my favorite but I believe she will win it.
2.) I believe this is the position Bowersox will land but deserves first place but America won’t vote her in there. Not marketable enough for top 40.
3.) Lee here, or you can switch him and Bowersox, these two will either take second or third. He’s got a great voice and the guy is good.
From here I don’t know or have a good enough guess. Katelynn will rank up higher than what was guessed before, Didi is good but she has to get it together with her song choice and quit trying to please the judges so much and just do her own thing! When she did that cut of “Terrified” she rocked, since she has done nothing but bad choices and gone downhill from there. Toderick won’t make it to the top five and unless Andrew gets his crap together he won’t either. He needs to stop with the gang signage too, alot of America take offense to that and it’s not happening here. This is idol not the back allies or the front of a 7/11 store. Lilly rocks and is good but I don’t expect her to make it past rank 7 as America isn’t ready for her yet. She is making a mark yes but she won’t go as far as her “indie” partner Bowersox. Big Mike won’t make it to top five either, he is too sound-alike in my opinion. This Tim kid needs to go, he just can’t sing and I don’t understand why they filled that open position to him, I think they should of given it to someone else. Page won’t get to top five either and Casey will make it to top five because of the way they are pimping him.
My personal win would be to go to Crystal Bowersox, she not only has the natural ability and talent to go all the way, she has a stage presence that is unreal and rocks. However I don’t think America is ready for her to go all the way.
On the bright side of this I also believe and feel the one’s that don’t take first end up with a better recording contract than first place winners! Which is fine. And yes I would buy a Bowersox cd in a heartbeat!! This girl rocks, she is great!
I used to dislike Siobhan a few weeks ago. As of now she is my new favorite contestant out of the girls. I have been so impressed with her preformances these last two weeks that I completely changed my mind about her. She is singing some TOUGH songs. She is singing them quite well too! I have got to look past her AWKWARD personality and sometimes AWKWARD looks and just appreciate her talent. She is GOOD! She is going to give some of the front-runners: Crystal, Andrew, Lilly, a serious challenge to win this whole thing. I really, really think so. I think I am mentally unstable. I can’t seem to keep the order of my contestant picks the same from week to week.
I forgot to comment on some last things. I liked reading everyones posts! I like all the opinions too! LOVE THE ARGUING! I think that the difference of opinions adds to the excitement of each season. GO SIOBHAN! GO ANDREW!
Let’s see –
You have Andrew #1, but Crystal at only #4, and Siobhan as #12 ???
Just looking at those 3 rankings, I’ve come to the conclusion that you and I are not watching and/or hearing the same show – AT ALL.
And how does someone who you describe as “a little pitchy” come in at Number 3 (Lee)?
Lee DeWyze Pre-Idol Albums:
‘So I’m Told’:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-im-told/id259611562
‘Slumberland’: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/slumberland/id349842099
SirMac
I respect your right to an opinion. I am not a Shiobhan fan (Crystal is my idol) but your ranking her at #12 does no justice to her talent. There is a very high chance she will go very far in this competition. It is one thing not to like her (acceptable), but to turn a blind eye on her talent is pure stupidity. She will go very far in the contest (whether you and i like her or not) and if you disagree, well i think you should find something else to write for, coz folks wont take your ratings very seriously.
On a lighter note:
Who I think will be the top 12 (in no particular order):
1) Andrew
2) Lee
3) Casey
4) Crystal
5) Lilly
6) Shiobhan
7) Didi
8 ) Aaron
9) Michael
10) Katie
11) Kaitlan
12) Alex
It’s LILLY.
Or, it could be said that if SirMac can’t take criticism of his rankings, then maybe he should quit posting them.
It’s one thing for the common reader to post their rankings in a forum for comparison sake, but it totally takes on a completely different flavor when someone is given a headline and the space on front of a very well known AI website (and then also shows up on Internet search hits).
It automatically assumes that SirMac’s rankings (and opinions) are more important (or more accurate) than ours. SirMac, as being projected by the owner of this site to be one of the AI experts (headlines, lead articles, etc.), should be able to take the flack when we feel that he isn’t even close.
I read those comments as criticism, not as attacks and especially not an insult.
Since you get the privilege that the most of us don’t – ie. headline and editorial space on this site – I think you should also be able to take the criticism if we feel your Headline Rankings are completely out of whack.
You know what they say about when to get out of the kitchen.
John. Bravo. Very well said.
Thanks Joe. I was actually anticipating the need to yell, “INCOMING”.
SirMac,
“When I saw Siobhan Magnus at #12 and Andrew Garcia still at #1 I pretty much decided to discount anything further this author says as random noise.”
Lol, you call that “a vicious attack”?
By “random noise” I mean to say, “completely out of touch, illogical and without any basis in reality.”
“Bill Mitchell, if you hate SirMac’s rankings so much, just don’t read them. He is not the only person who doesn’t love Siobhan, and that’s just fine.”
I don’t hate SirMac’s rankings, I just discount them as being inconsequential because I don’t believe they reflect the reality on the ground.
SirMac has the right to express his opinions and I have the right to say I think he is out of his mind.
SirMac,
“I know you seem to be an impenetrable force here…”
Really, you think so? Hmmm, I had never considered that. I thought I was just one more goof in a big happy family of goofs that spend way too much time on a silly show that, in the grand scheme of things that actually matter, is a colossal waste of time.
But so is drinking on Friday night and I do that too
Sure, and Sarah Palin will be the next President of the United States. Not a chance in hell that either will take place. I like Siobhan for all the reasons you list except one (#8). She may be able to “sing the phonebook”, problem IS she can’t sing without being so pitchy. Until she can, the best she can hope for is an outside shot at making the Top 3.
@ SirMac –
You’re going from bad to worse! Andrew #1, Lilly (please note the correct spelling of her name) #2 and Lee #3? Have you actually been watching the show … all episodes of it?
Lilly is doing “ok”, but no one is doing better than Crystal at this point.
This has gotten out of hand, and it is my fault. I apologize. Please feel free to continue to comment as you wish on my actions, and on my article. I just wanted to apologize for letting it get out of hand in the first place.
I think Siobhan is somewhat pitchy and does not show much musicality at times. For instance, the high note seemed like something just thrown in there with no buildup at all.
But she certainly has the raw skills, and I think that people who don’t like her just don’t like her personality.
But Bill Mitchell is right about one thing – versatility is her strong suit. Now if she can just take all that raw talent and create more artistic performances every week, she may deserve to win.
Your thread has not gotten out of hand. I enjoy the differing opinions, and you sue know how to inspire emotions. Keep it up!
I agree with Joe – this thread hasn’t got out of hand, nor is it your or anyone else’s fault. This is actually a pretty tame and civil showing of differences of opinion.
Try going on some military sites sometime, where they would hand you your body parts (I should know – mine is the tamest out there).
I actually like reading everyone’s opinons. It gives a good representation of where the contestants stand. I like knowing If my favs are in trouble or not. As of now only 2,possibly 3, of my favs are actually in trouble.
I actually like reading everyone’s opinons. It gives a good representation of where the contestants stand. I like knowing If my favs are in trouble or not. As of now only 2,possibly 3, of my favs are actually in trouble.
eek. very wrong. SIOBHAN AS 12.. we are not mentally disabled. we are just fun! and duh. DOOD. SIOBHAN AS 12 IS SO WTF. BUT THANKS. YOU JUST MOTIVATED ME TO VOTE for all the guys except andrew on wed.. im hopin thatll help..
eek. very wrong. SIOBHAN AS 12.. we are not mentally disabled. we are just fun! and duh. DOOD. SIOBHAN AS 12 IS SO WTF. BUT THANKS. YOU JUST MOTIVATED ME TO VOTE for all the guys except andrew on wed.. im hopin thatll help..
I don’t think you should generalize peoples fanbases. I like Siobhan and I think it’s completely fine you rank her #12. I like her but at the same time I also don’t really see her winning in the sense that she can be polarizing. I like Katelyn too. I think she’s the real dark horse and she’s gonna surprise people
Now don’t get mad @ me but I don’t get all the hype about shibbon. I mean shes talented but theres just a quality about her that I don’t like.
@ Jenny – There’s a quality (or lack thereof) about you that I don’t like. Are you 12 and/or lacking a formal education? I ask because you haven’t a clue how to spell or punctuate!
Her name is spelled Siobhan, please try to show some respect.
“It does seem though, that this season the crazies are living with Magnus, and making their position quite known. “
I have been an “Idol” fan since the show’s inception–and active on message boards–and never have I been amongst the “crazies.”
To wit:
-I preferred Allison over both Kris and Adam,
-Brooke and Jason Castro over either of the Davids
-Elliott amongst the wonderful spread of talent in season 5.
These all seemed sensible to me at the time–and none really generated much in the way of backlash or responses questioning my mental health.
Siobhan is my pick this season. My track record suggests she won’t reach the finale.
But then again, maybe I’m crazy.
For once.