American Idol Top 8 Graded: Shocking Song-by-Song Scores Expose Hidden Favorites, Surprise Flops, and Unexpected Judge Drama

The American Idol Top 8 with guest judge Miranda Lambert at the end of Sunday’s show. (ABC Photo)

The Judges’ Song Contest returns to American Idol tonight.

Longtime fans of the show know the drill. Each coach recommends a song each member of the Top 8.

Each singer then has to select one of the three songs to perform, without knowing which judge suggested it.

In the past, this theme has led to some of the absolute best Idol performances, including Abi Carter’s breakout performance of “Bring Me to Life” last spring.

At the end of the night, two singers will be at danger of heading home.

Then the judges will step in to save one of those two singers.

As always, I’ll be posting song by song grades as soon as possible after the show.
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Song by song grades for the Top 12

Breanna Nix, 25, Denton, Texas: “Independence Day” by Martina McBride (picked by Luke) — Did you see that big smile on Breanna’s face near the end of the performance? Did she think she’d nailed it? Or was she happy she’d reached the end of the song? She did have a lyric flub, but I think that was one of her strongest recent vocal performances. I mean, her voiced soared on those big notes. Nice job by Luke on picking on song that was such a nice match for Breanna’s impressive vocal talent. Grade: B+

Mattie Pruitt, 16, Engleville, Tenn.: “Always Been You” by Jesse Murph (picked by Luke) — Mattie might be in trouble. Singing into the number two spot. With a song that really didn’t offer much in terms of dynamics. Yeah, she got to show off her unique tone and rasp, but those are givens now and this is an incredibly talented cast. And if that was Mattie’s version of sass, she needs to kick it up several notches. She’s just turned 16, folks. Grade: C+

John Foster, 18, Addis, La.: “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait (picked by Carrie) — Carrie said she picked the song with it’s appeal to voters in mind and that John sounded comfortable and genuine. She hit on all three assessments. All you had to do is watch the faces of John’s girlfriend and her friends to know how well received a country love ballad was from John. My guess is his appeal continues to grow and he’s finals bound. Grade: B+

Josh King, 24, Charlotte: “Home” by Michael Buble (picked by Lionel) — Okay, I’m sure Josh had to make this song choice before knowing how well Sunday’s energetic performance of “Rolling in the Deep” would go. Still? A ballad that has the only remaining wild card contestant singing “I Want To Go Home?” Repeatedly? All that said, Josh has been sounding much better, and appearing much more confident lately. Grade: B–

Gabby Samone, 22, Baltimore, Md.: “Hero” by Mariah Carey (picked by Lionel) — Lionel did her no favors by suggesting such a predictable song. And, frankly, the opening was a mess, leading to what was probably Gabby’s weakest performance on the show. She found the sweet spot twice, at the 45-second mark and again at the end. Otherwise, well, not quite a yikes, but close to it. She’s improved so much, I don’t think she’s in danger. But a surprise song choice, well executed, was what the occasion called for. Grade: C

Jamal Roberts, 26, Meridian, Miss.: “I Believe” by Fantasia (picked by Lionel) — Here’s what I believe: Jamal could win American Idol. Why? He wound up with a smaltzy song. One of those triumphant winner songs that were foisted on Idol champs back in the day. And Jamal made it work. With his vocals. With his emotion. With a fabulous ending. That was the best performance of the night. And not because it was the best song choice or even a song especially well suited to Jamal’s vocals. Grade: A

Thunderstorm Artis, 29, Nashville, Tenn.: “Faithfully” by Journey” (picked by Carrie) — This song is done to death on signing shows. Retire it already, please! Hold it. Thunderstorm’s turning it into a wonderful ballad and singing it directly to his wife in the crowd. Wow, that was touching. Incredibly touching. The surprise of the night. I’m thinking, ‘Thunderstorm singing Journey? Yikes.’ I should have more faith in Thunderstorm. He recreated that song with the performance of the night. Grade: A+

Slater Nalley, 17, Atlanta, Ga.: “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen (picked by Luke) — Hmm, Slater singing Bruce Springsteen. Dressed in a red cowboy shirt with white fringe. Hate the outfit. The song. Well, Idol picked three strong performances to end the night on. I would have preferred a different Springsteen song for Slater — there are so many great ones to chose from — but he delivered a solid vocal and is a pretty sure bet to make the Top 8. Grade: B

Ryan announces as safe: Slater Nalley, Thunderstorm Artis, Gabby Samone, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, John Foster.

That leaves Mattie Pruitt and Josh King in jeopardy. The judges choose to save … Mattie Pruitt. Josh is eliminated.

GROUP NUMBERS

Gabby Samone, Jamal Roberts, Josh King, “Dancing on the Ceiling” by Lionel Richie

Thunderstorm Artis, John Foster, Slatr Nalley, “Huntin’, Fishin’, Lovin’ Everyday” by Luke Bryan:

Breanna Nix and Mattie Pruitt, “Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood