American Idol 2019 Top 8 Power List: Rank The Contestants

l-r: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, Madison VanDenburg, Alyssa Raghu, Walker Burroughs, Laci Kaye Booth, Wade Cota

American Idol eliminated two contestants from the Top 10 last week. On Sunday, the eight remaining contestants will perform the songs of Queen with help from season 8 alum Adam Lambert. The singers will also pair up to perform movie duets. At the end of the episode, which airs live coast to coast, two more singers head home. That is, unless the judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan–save an eliminated singer. Where do the remaining finalists stand? Here’s my power list for the week.

By the way, on Monday (April 22), American Idol aired a clip show that took a deep dive into each of the Top 8. Afterward, the show uploaded clips from the special for each singer. Fun facts to know and tell: Laine Hardy did get new teeth. But the show explains that a few years earlier, he had an accident that ruined his front teeth. Sorta mean: The special aired embarrassing clips of bad group round performances. Ouch. However, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon stepped forward to whip his group into shape. Also, Idol discovered Madison Vandenburg at a bus audition–they did not recruit her.

So yeah…check out the clips. They are fun.

Now…on with the power list.

8. Alyssa Raghu – With both of her fellow judges wildcards eliminated, Alyssa is next on the chopping block. At this point, she still hasn’t done enough to move beyond her competition. Would Katy Perry lobby to save her favorite? Maybe. – VIDEO

7. Wade Cota – Am I rating Wade too low? His competition is formidable. But there is such a thing as shocking eliminations. A smart person in comments called Wade the Scott Savol of season 17, and that may be true. (Scott lasted all the way to 5th place on season 4, beating out several favorites that season). – VIDEO

6. Walker Burroughs – Could Walker end up in the bottom 2 this week? He could. If he does, I think the judges would save him. Having Alejandro Aranda as a duet partner will help him–unless they totally tank their performance. – VIDEO

5. Madison VanDenburg – Madison is coasting a little bit. Her song choices are predictable. However, no matter what she sings, she nails it! That rich tone and impressive range can’t be denied. – VIDEO

4. Laci Kaye Booth – After several strong performances, Laci faltered last week. Her Disney pick, “I See the Light” didn’t highlight her strengths. I’m not sure Queen week will do her any favors. But she has performed interesting arrangements in the past. I won’t count her out. – VIDEO

3. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon – Jeremiah’s dramatic vocals and impossible range are a perfect fit for Queen night. I am looking forward to a powerful performance from the singer. If he knocks it out of the park, he could move up in the rankings. – VIDEO

2. Alejandro Aranda – Alejandro is as polarizing as ever, but he has people. For instance, some viewers felt his vocals last Sunday were weak. While, others praised his arrangement of the Disney song “Remember Me.” Alejandro’s musicality keeps him in the competition and could land him in the top 2 or 3. But he’s competing against too many strong vocalists to take the crown.- VIDEO

1. Laine Hardy – Laine Hardy remains on top. He’s the perfect combination of charm and strong vocals. Also, that irresistible comeback story does not hurt. – VIDEO

POLL RESULTS:

Here are results from Monday’s polls

Favorite Top 10 performance