'American Idol': Advice For The Top 10
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Dalton Rapattoni. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Dalton Rapattoni
Constructive Criticism: We love that he's not afraid to take big, bold swings at rearranging songs — and almost never miss a note, to boot. But his overpracticed, boy-band angst robbed "Hey There, Delilah" and "Rebel Yell" of authentic emotion. Needs to focus more on interpreting the lyrics than staring dreamily into the camera.
Request List: Real Life's "Send Me an Angel"; Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together"; Yaz's "Situation"; Ellie Goulding's "Only You"; Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Don't Do Me Like That"; EMF's "Unbelievable."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Sonika Vaid. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Sonika Vaid
Constructive Criticism: Her Top 10 cover of "Bring Me to Life" was emotionally connected and totally fierce — a massive and welcome change from her previously timid performance style. Choice of a Kelly Clarkson jam for this Thursday's show makes us worried Sonika doesn't really have a well thought-out song choice strategy. Needs to study her Idol history — and solidify her artistic identity — if she wants to grow her fan base.
Request List: The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony"; Anastacia's "Stupid Little Things"; Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps"; Adam Lambert's "Ghost Town"; Hole's "Doll Parts."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Avalon Young. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Avalon Young
Constructive Criticism: Her tomboy swagger, stripped-down R&B style and gorgeous tone make her easy to love. That said, there's been a sameness to her midtempo song choices and breezy delivery. If she's capable of vulnerability, anger, romantic longing and other moods, now's the time to show it.
Request List: Brandy's "Have You Ever"; Terence Trent D'arby's "Sign Your Name"; Jussie Smollet's "You're So Beautiful" (from Empire); Dolly Parton's "What a Heartache"; Blake Lewis' "Heartbreak on Vinyl."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Trent Harmon. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Trent Harmon
Constructive Criticism: As the season's sole soul man — we're still obsessed with his audition to "Unaware," BTW — he's got a lane all to himself. But his cover of Sam Smith's "Like I Can" was a shrill disaster. Needs a greater awareness of the boundaries of his voice (and the exaggerated faces he pulls while he's on stage).
Request List: Ann Peebles' "I Can't Stand the Rain"; Alan Parsons Project's "Eye in the Sky"; Rayvon Owen's "Can't Fight It"; Rihanna's "American Oxygen"; Breathe's "Hands to Heaven."
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La'Porsha Renae
Constructive Criticism: La'Porsha's Top 10 performance of "Diamonds" ranks among the all-time great Idol moments — and had Kelly Clarkson declaring her the winner. Yet while Rihanna and Beyoncé covers are helping her to prove she can be current, they're also a tad... expected? Needs to add some curve balls to her repertoire if she wants to strike out the competition.
Request List: Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car"; Sia's "Bird Set Free"; Janis Joplin's "A Woman Left Lonely"; Florence + the Machine's "Shake It Out"; George Michael's "Freedom '90"; Jill Scott's "Gettin' in the Way"; Pharrell's "Freedom."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Olivia Rox. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Olivia Rox
Constructive Criticism: Olivia's power, pitch and poise earned her the judges' "Fast Pass" to the Top 10 — and deservedly so. Like Dalton, though, her performances sometimes tend to be a little too self-aware. We'd like to see a little more abandon — without abandoning pitch.
Request List: No Doubt's "Ex Girlfriend"; Mumford & Sons' "The Cave"; Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry"; Edie Brickell and New Bohemians' "What I Am"; Everlast's "What It's Like"; Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Tristan McIntosh. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Tristan McIntosh
Constructive Criticism: The season's most hyped auditioner has struggled mightily with pitch ever since that initial impression. A stripped down arrangement with nothing more than acoustic guitar and/or piano might help Tristan recalibrate her downward trajectory and get her mojo back.
Request List: Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"; Cher's "Just Like Jesse James"; Hayden Panettiere's "Telescope"; Maddie & Tae's "Girl in a Country Song."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: MacKenzie Bourg. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
MacKenzie Bourg
Constructive Criticism: His performance of the original track "Roses" provided one of Season 15's coolest left-field moments, but his followup on "I See Fire" was way too obvious by comparison. MacKenzie's not exactly massive vocal range means he'll need to trump his rivals with the elements of surprise and creativity if he wants to go the distance.
Request List: Cole Porter's "Night and Day"; Keith Sweat's "Make U Sweat"; Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi"; Justin Timberlake's "What Comes Around Goes Around"; Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire"; Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me."
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Lee Jean. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Lee Jean
Constructive Criticism: Fifteen-year-old contestant has got a sweetly innocent tone and a natural stage presence, but the way his voice evaporates on the big notes means he needs to avoid rangier fare like his Wild Card selection of "Make It Rain." Lee might do better to gravitate toward more fun and youthful fare — and avoid any further Ed Sheeran tunes (four times in one season is plenty, kiddo).
Request List: Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"; Macy Gray's "Do Something"; Sade's "Pearls"; Weezer's "Beverly Hills"; Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" (acoustic).
AMERICAN IDOL: Top 10: Gianna Isabella. Cr: Fox / © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
Gianna Isabella
Constructive Criticism: Gianna has a big, brassy instrument, but at 15 — and with a former pop star mom mouthing lyrics from the audience — she seemingly has no idea what to do with it. We'd start by eschewing monstrously big diva anthems for which her voice isn't ready (i.e. "Listen," "I Put a Spell on You"), and aiming for something altogether more lighthearted and age-appropriate.
Request List: Jojo's "Leave (Get Out)"; TLC's "Unpretty"; BoyKrazy's "That's What Love Can Do."