Top 10 Power Rankings

Top 10 Power Rankings

1. Matthew Schuler: Beneath Your Beautiful

Matthew kept his swagger going this week by singing a song that the girls must have loved. He came on to stage wearing a simple outfit, which was appropriate for this sweet and simple love song. There was nothing simple about his vocal performance, which displayed the great range that we have come to expect. He started off singing softly and built up to show off his power, while establishing a great connection with the crowd. Matthew has been consistently dominating each and every song that he sings. He remains a favorite and maybe even THE favorite to win the whole competition. He’s a lock to advance to the next round and probably beyond that.

2. Tessanne Chin: If I Was Your Woman

Adam challenged Tessanne this week and boy did she step up to the challenge. Tessanne showed why she is one of the this season’s best singers with her powerful performance. She seemed really into the song and hit all her notes with passion. The judges had nothing but praise for her and the audience had nothing but cheers. It was truly a wonderful performance. Adam wanted Tessanne to prove to America that she could take on any type of song and she did just that. With one of the best performances of the night I would be shocked if Tessanne found herself in the bottom three. 

3. Jacquie Lee: Clarity

Jacquie was tasked this week with Zedd’s Clarity, which was supposed to show her more vulnerable side. Jacquie started sitting on the piano with smoke all around setting the tone. The beginning of her performance was more quiet than we were used to seeing from her, during which she had some awkward notes, but nothing too major. Jacqui got in stride shortly after and though showing restraint on her power; she managed to display the vastness of her vocal range. She had great stage presence and the performance was choreographed well. Though she did not strongly show her versatility, Jacquie did very well with something foreign to her on the show. That being said Jacquie should be advancing this week. 

4. Cole Vosbury: To Be With You

Cole was coming off of easily his most impressive performance of the season. Before the performance, I was afraid that Cole would have peaked last episode, which could spell for a major drop this week, but my fears were dispelled quickly. Blake selected the proper song for Cole. He showed more rasp than last week, which complimented the song very well. He showed great range and was on pitch. Towards the ending of the song Cole rifted through a naked note seamlessly. Cole finished the song softly and with his great smile. Cole has really surprised and impressed us. From a one-chair turn to the favorite on team Blake, expect to see him around a bit longer. 

5. Caroline Pennell: Leaving On A Jet Plane

Caroline chose one of her favorite songs that was very close to her heart because going away to college was very emotional for her. She’s a sweetheart and her emotions were as strong as ever, which showed during her performance. She gave a very solid and consistent performance with her one of a kind vocal quality that she brings to each and every song. This wasn’t the most exciting song choice of the year, but it did fit her voice and personality extremely well. Caroline looked great tonight, and her decision to wear a cute black dress paid off. Her stock rose after this performance, and I’d be shocked if we aren’t treated to another performance next week.

6. James Wolpert: Without You

James was given the difficult task of singing an older and lesser known song. Normally this would prove lower iTunes purchases, but Adam said James would do the opposite and make it cool for the younger viewers. I’ll be honest I had never heard the song before, and it seemed to be a difficult song, yet James’ rendition left a positive impression on me. He started slowly and powerfully standing on an elevated stage, surrounded by the orchestra. His power was present throughout the song. His pitch was off at sometimes, but not enough to detract from his performance. He displayed good riffs and range throughout the song. At the end he stood on stage with the mic stand as his impromptu pimp cane and looked confident. Pimpin’ James performed strong enough this week to advance next week. 

7. Austin Jenckes: Your Love

Austin gave us some more of his backstory by talking about how he used to work a forklift before he decided to become a singer. This won’t benefit him hugely but does at least make him seem more humble. He had the benefit of singing a popular song, and the crowd was very into the performance. Austin came onto stage with a fresh outfit/hat combo and chose to play the guitar again. His vocal performance was extremely smooth and controlled, while also being able to display a great deal of range. I was worried that he was holding back on the power, but he planned it all along to save it for an awesome final few moments of the song where he really let loose. He has consistently given solid performances and has a decent chance to continue into the Top 8. He could carried by the country vote, but if he somehow falls to the bottom 3, a Twitter Save is not out of the question

8. Will Champlin: Love Me Again

Will was on fire this week. He covered a  rock/pop song that is soon going to take the US by storm. Demonstrating that he is a complete musician, Will sat down and impressed me by playing the piano for most of the performance. As usual Will showed strong control of his voice and was able to stay in the rhythm. He didn't miss any notes and didn’t try to do too much and stayed true to himself. Will is a very versatile singer and shows this each week by performing a different type of song. Overall he had a good performance, but with the competition so strong this week don’t be surprised if he falls in the bottom three. If that ends up happening I would expect him to be saved by twitter.

9. Ray Boudreaux: You Are The Best Thing

Ray (aka Handsome Ray) gave a smooth, soulful performance that really showed off his Louisiana origins. His range was solid but not spectacular, but the crowd’s enthusiasm made up for any vocal shortcomings. They were into it from the start, and I assure you that the ladies still love this guy. Ray chose to “play” the guitar, but it seemed like more of a prop tonight because there were more moments when it just hung from his neck. The maroon jacket and black shirt combo look great, of course, and won’t lose him any votes. Although it lacked the raw emotion from last week, Ray did give a solid performance. However, the level of excellence has been increasing each week, so I would put him on the bubble with a decent chance of being sent home. His fate could very well come down to the infamous Twitter Save tomorrow night where anything is possible.

10. Kat Robichaud: We Belong

Thanks to the instant save Kat moved on to the top 10. Being needed to be saved for two consecutive weeks she needed a big performance to prove to America that she truly belonged in the competition. Unfortunately, Kat fell short this week. Going back to her roots as a rocker Kat was in her element this week. Kat seemed to focus more on the performance of her song this week then her actual singing. Her singing was adequate, but at this point in the competition that will not cut it. Throughout the performance I was enchanted by the dancers and visuals, but not so much the song. After failing to stave off elimination without the help of her coach or twitter I would be astonished if she was not in the bottom three this week.