American Idol Overhaul: Season 10
Season 10 brought on some change. It seemed like a brand new show at times. 2 new judges in Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. The semi final round was a one shot performance. The talent seemed to be of all different genres and talent level. Overall, just a good season.
THE FINALIST
ASHTON JONES
Fresh take on R&B that seemed to fit the current state of music. She came off as a diva but I saw her as confident.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ
Soft fluid vocalist with a latin flair. She struggled with song choice.
THIA MEGIA
Young lady with a different type of voice. Most of the time she was under pitch but her tone was so beautiful.
NAIMA ADEDAPO
She was jazzy. She was funky. She struggled with vocal consistency but left everything she had on the stage.
PIA TOSCANO
Polished singer with vocal range and control. She chose amazing ballads and even showed that she could go uptempo. There was no denying her vocal excellence.
PAUL MCDONALD
Interesting voice who just didn't push enough for me.
STEFANO LANGONE
Smooth vocals with a lot of heart and soul.
CASEY ABRAMS
Bluesy soul singer who was a skillful musician
JACOB LUSK
Dramatic vocalist with an R&B flavor. Had some tuning issues from time to time.
JAMES DURBIN
Rocker! He knew how to put on a performance. Not quite sure if his vocal ever met up to his performance quality.
HALEY REINHART
Being honest, it took a minute for me to warm up to her. Once I really listened, she was genius. She had an amazing tone that she used so well with every song. She was my winner.
LAUREN ALAINA
Huge country voice who had amazing vocal control.
SCOTTY MCCREERY
Amazing country voice with a very solid tone. Consistently good especially with picking the right songs.
WHO GOT ROBBED
KENDRA CHANTELLE
She could just sing! Her tone and delivery were so great. She reminded me of a young Teena Marie. I was really looking forward to seeing what she could have done with other songs.
ASHTON JONES
Ashton Jones - Love Over Me
Her voice was definitely good. She just didn't connect with the audience at all. I feel like her vocals should have taken her to 5th and not 13th.
PIA TOSCANO
She absolutely had the best most refined vocal tone of the season. She did a lot of ballads but that was her strength. Once she did an uptempo, she was out. It was a cruel and devastating elimination.
HALEY REINHART
Like I said, I was not on board with her at first. But around top 10, she really showed her true potential. Excellent musicianship and vocal ability. She really knew how to pick a song and use her voice. I thought that deserved a spot in the finals. Maybe even win it all.
TOP 12 PERFORMANCES
SPECIAL MENTION: Casey Abrams/Haley Reinhart - Moanin' - Top 8
Casey Abrams/Haley Reinhart - Moanin'
There has never been a performance like this on the show. These two artist complimented each other so well. They just came out and showed that they can sing anything! Such a classic moment. And this was on a results show. It was so good that the judges stood to their feet and had to leave feedback! Amazing. I was transcended into another world during this performance.
12. Stefano Langone - End Of The Road - Top 8
Stefano Langone - End Of The Road
He sang this like he has been in that situation. This came after Pia was eliminated. They were pretty close during the competition. Stefano sang this with so much vigor and passion. It totally helped him control his vocals.
11. Haley Reinhart - Rolling In The Deep - Top 7
Haley Reinhart - Rolling In The Deep
The want in her voice was amazing. Just helped to display the emotion of the song. She performed this song when the song was popular. Her little details and interesting vocals showed us that Haley can just about sing anything her way.
10. Pia Toscano - River Deep Mountain High - Top 9
Pia Toscano - River Deep Mountain High
Crazy to think that this was final performance. It should have been a Pia/Haley final. Anyway, this performance showed that she could let loose. Her vocals were so spot on and crazy good. Especially that last note. She sang her face.
9. Haley Reinhart - You Really Got A Hold On Me - Top 11
Haley Reinhart - You Really Got A Hold On Me
She seemed like a seasoned pro. I am not a fan of this song but she really laid into with power and girt. Every second was fresh and interesting.
8. Kendra Chantelle - Georgia On My Mind - Semi Finals
Kendra Chantelle - Georgia On My Mind
Her tone from the start had me hooked. It was sultry and smooth. Then she soared to new heights with the rest of the song. Her range was crazy! Her runs fit so well in the performance. How she never cracked the Top 13 that season blew my mind.
7. Stefano Langone - I Need You Now - Semi Finals
Stefano Langone - I Need You Now
This was the start and probably the reason why we still have the "sing for life" moments on American Idol. He could see that he was singing from a place that was genuine and pure. Every note just seemed to fit right in place.
6. Pia Toscano - All In Love Is Fair - Top 11
Pia Toscano - All In Love Is Fair
So beautiful. Her voice just laid in the arrangement so nicely. When she floated up to her head, it was just gorgeous. She had so much build in this song. By the end, she had powered out some amazing notes and moments.
5. Haley Reinhart - Benny And The Jets - Top 11 Pt. 2
Haley Reinhart - Bennie And The Jets
Anytime that you start out sitting on the piano, I am prepared to be entertained. You did not disappoint in that aspect. The way that you attacked each Bennie in the chorus was enough to make me stand up.
4. Jacob Lusk - You're All I Need To Get By - Top 11
Jacob Lusk - You're All I Need To Get By
This was the only time that I was on board with you. I was so mad that this performer never came back. You were so on point with the arrangement. Your voice was special here. Phrasing was great. You weren't at 100 in volume the entire time. Dynamics were definitely your key here. The build to the choruses were internal. Now....you are still no Luther.
3. Pia Toscano - I'll Stand By You - Semi Finals
Pia Toscano - I'll Stand By You
I remember this moment so well. She came right on out and slayed the beast with her gorgeous tone. I was mesmerized by her poise and vocal ability. She was my Celine in a pool of Mariahs and Whitneys. I mean, that isn't a bad pool to be in but I needed a voice like Celine to come on through. So much polish and finesse.
2. Haley Reinhart - House Of The Rising Sun - Top 5
Haley Reinhart - House Of The Rising Sun
The a cappella intro totally set up the performance to be great. This is how I imagine this song to be sung. It was bluesy. It was soulful. It was haunting.
1. Haley Reinhart - I Who Have Nothing - Top 4
Haley Reinhart - I Who Have Nothing
Wow. Just wow. Everything from the vocal to the arrangement to the lights to the strings just worked! Fantastic vocal with long held notes and clear emotion. Seriously. One of the best performances of any reality competition shows.
HALL OF FAME
To be considered for the Hall Of Fame, a contestant must have proven to have a voice that I could listen to day in and day out.
Previously inducted from Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
KELLY CLARKSON
TAMYRA GRAY
TRENYCE
RUBEN STUDDARD
CLAY AIKEN
KIMBERLEY LOCKE
FANTASIA BARRINO
JENNIFER HUDSON
LATOYA LONDON
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
BO BICE
VONZELL SOLOMON
PARIS BENNETT
KATHARINE MCPHEE
ELLIOTT YAMIN
CHRIS DAUGHTRY
MANDISA
MELINDA DOOLITTLE
LAKISHA JONES
JORDIN SPARKS
DAVID COOK
BROOKE WHITE
SYESHA MERCADO
DAVID ARCHULETA
CARLY SMITHSON
MICHAEL JOHNS
KRIS ALLEN
ADAM LAMBERT
ALLISON IRAHETA
CRYSTAL BOWERSOX
SIOBHAN MAGNUS
MICHAEL LYNCHE
1st inductee is.......
PIA TOSCANO
and the final inductee is......
HALEY REINHART
Until next time.......
THE FINALIST
ASHTON JONES
Fresh take on R&B that seemed to fit the current state of music. She came off as a diva but I saw her as confident.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ
Soft fluid vocalist with a latin flair. She struggled with song choice.
THIA MEGIA
Young lady with a different type of voice. Most of the time she was under pitch but her tone was so beautiful.
NAIMA ADEDAPO
She was jazzy. She was funky. She struggled with vocal consistency but left everything she had on the stage.
PIA TOSCANO
Polished singer with vocal range and control. She chose amazing ballads and even showed that she could go uptempo. There was no denying her vocal excellence.
PAUL MCDONALD
Interesting voice who just didn't push enough for me.
STEFANO LANGONE
Smooth vocals with a lot of heart and soul.
CASEY ABRAMS
Bluesy soul singer who was a skillful musician
JACOB LUSK
Dramatic vocalist with an R&B flavor. Had some tuning issues from time to time.
JAMES DURBIN
Rocker! He knew how to put on a performance. Not quite sure if his vocal ever met up to his performance quality.
HALEY REINHART
Being honest, it took a minute for me to warm up to her. Once I really listened, she was genius. She had an amazing tone that she used so well with every song. She was my winner.
LAUREN ALAINA
Huge country voice who had amazing vocal control.
SCOTTY MCCREERY
Amazing country voice with a very solid tone. Consistently good especially with picking the right songs.
WHO GOT ROBBED
KENDRA CHANTELLE
She could just sing! Her tone and delivery were so great. She reminded me of a young Teena Marie. I was really looking forward to seeing what she could have done with other songs.
ASHTON JONES
Ashton Jones - Love Over Me
Her voice was definitely good. She just didn't connect with the audience at all. I feel like her vocals should have taken her to 5th and not 13th.
PIA TOSCANO
She absolutely had the best most refined vocal tone of the season. She did a lot of ballads but that was her strength. Once she did an uptempo, she was out. It was a cruel and devastating elimination.
HALEY REINHART
Like I said, I was not on board with her at first. But around top 10, she really showed her true potential. Excellent musicianship and vocal ability. She really knew how to pick a song and use her voice. I thought that deserved a spot in the finals. Maybe even win it all.
TOP 12 PERFORMANCES
SPECIAL MENTION: Casey Abrams/Haley Reinhart - Moanin' - Top 8
Casey Abrams/Haley Reinhart - Moanin'
There has never been a performance like this on the show. These two artist complimented each other so well. They just came out and showed that they can sing anything! Such a classic moment. And this was on a results show. It was so good that the judges stood to their feet and had to leave feedback! Amazing. I was transcended into another world during this performance.
12. Stefano Langone - End Of The Road - Top 8
Stefano Langone - End Of The Road
He sang this like he has been in that situation. This came after Pia was eliminated. They were pretty close during the competition. Stefano sang this with so much vigor and passion. It totally helped him control his vocals.
11. Haley Reinhart - Rolling In The Deep - Top 7
Haley Reinhart - Rolling In The Deep
The want in her voice was amazing. Just helped to display the emotion of the song. She performed this song when the song was popular. Her little details and interesting vocals showed us that Haley can just about sing anything her way.
10. Pia Toscano - River Deep Mountain High - Top 9
Pia Toscano - River Deep Mountain High
Crazy to think that this was final performance. It should have been a Pia/Haley final. Anyway, this performance showed that she could let loose. Her vocals were so spot on and crazy good. Especially that last note. She sang her face.
9. Haley Reinhart - You Really Got A Hold On Me - Top 11
Haley Reinhart - You Really Got A Hold On Me
She seemed like a seasoned pro. I am not a fan of this song but she really laid into with power and girt. Every second was fresh and interesting.
8. Kendra Chantelle - Georgia On My Mind - Semi Finals
Kendra Chantelle - Georgia On My Mind
Her tone from the start had me hooked. It was sultry and smooth. Then she soared to new heights with the rest of the song. Her range was crazy! Her runs fit so well in the performance. How she never cracked the Top 13 that season blew my mind.
7. Stefano Langone - I Need You Now - Semi Finals
Stefano Langone - I Need You Now
This was the start and probably the reason why we still have the "sing for life" moments on American Idol. He could see that he was singing from a place that was genuine and pure. Every note just seemed to fit right in place.
6. Pia Toscano - All In Love Is Fair - Top 11
Pia Toscano - All In Love Is Fair
So beautiful. Her voice just laid in the arrangement so nicely. When she floated up to her head, it was just gorgeous. She had so much build in this song. By the end, she had powered out some amazing notes and moments.
5. Haley Reinhart - Benny And The Jets - Top 11 Pt. 2
Haley Reinhart - Bennie And The Jets
Anytime that you start out sitting on the piano, I am prepared to be entertained. You did not disappoint in that aspect. The way that you attacked each Bennie in the chorus was enough to make me stand up.
4. Jacob Lusk - You're All I Need To Get By - Top 11
Jacob Lusk - You're All I Need To Get By
This was the only time that I was on board with you. I was so mad that this performer never came back. You were so on point with the arrangement. Your voice was special here. Phrasing was great. You weren't at 100 in volume the entire time. Dynamics were definitely your key here. The build to the choruses were internal. Now....you are still no Luther.
3. Pia Toscano - I'll Stand By You - Semi Finals
Pia Toscano - I'll Stand By You
I remember this moment so well. She came right on out and slayed the beast with her gorgeous tone. I was mesmerized by her poise and vocal ability. She was my Celine in a pool of Mariahs and Whitneys. I mean, that isn't a bad pool to be in but I needed a voice like Celine to come on through. So much polish and finesse.
2. Haley Reinhart - House Of The Rising Sun - Top 5
Haley Reinhart - House Of The Rising Sun
The a cappella intro totally set up the performance to be great. This is how I imagine this song to be sung. It was bluesy. It was soulful. It was haunting.
1. Haley Reinhart - I Who Have Nothing - Top 4
Haley Reinhart - I Who Have Nothing
Wow. Just wow. Everything from the vocal to the arrangement to the lights to the strings just worked! Fantastic vocal with long held notes and clear emotion. Seriously. One of the best performances of any reality competition shows.
HALL OF FAME
To be considered for the Hall Of Fame, a contestant must have proven to have a voice that I could listen to day in and day out.
Previously inducted from Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
KELLY CLARKSON
TAMYRA GRAY
TRENYCE
RUBEN STUDDARD
CLAY AIKEN
KIMBERLEY LOCKE
FANTASIA BARRINO
JENNIFER HUDSON
LATOYA LONDON
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
BO BICE
VONZELL SOLOMON
PARIS BENNETT
KATHARINE MCPHEE
ELLIOTT YAMIN
CHRIS DAUGHTRY
MANDISA
MELINDA DOOLITTLE
LAKISHA JONES
JORDIN SPARKS
DAVID COOK
BROOKE WHITE
SYESHA MERCADO
DAVID ARCHULETA
CARLY SMITHSON
MICHAEL JOHNS
KRIS ALLEN
ADAM LAMBERT
ALLISON IRAHETA
CRYSTAL BOWERSOX
SIOBHAN MAGNUS
MICHAEL LYNCHE
1st inductee is.......
PIA TOSCANO
and the final inductee is......
HALEY REINHART
Until next time.......
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