American Idol Leaderboard: Which Singers Look Most Promising After Two Weeks of Auditions?
Two weeks/seven hours in to Season 12 of American Idol, we’ve seen footage of a whopping 49 contestants scoring Golden Tickets to Hollywood.
While that’s made for some very compelling television, it also means that after two more audition episodes (tonight and Thursday, 8/7c, on Fox), we’ll bear witness to scads of hopefuls forgetting their lyrics or veering off pitch or being cut without any context or explanation during Hell Week.
Before that bad mojo kicks in, then, let’s rank the Top 21 auditioners so far. Check out my Leaderboard rankings, take our poll below and vote for your faves, and then hit the comments and tell me who I overrated, who I underestimated, and whether I’ve egregiously snubbed some awesome contestant you fancy! And for all my Idol news, photo galleries, recaps and videos, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV! Which Idol season 12 auditioners have been your favorites thus far? Take our poll below, then expand on your thoughts in the comments! Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: New York City Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Chicago Audition City: New York City Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: New York City Audition City: New York City Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Which Idol season 12 auditioners have been your favorites thus far? Take our poll below, then expand on your thoughts in the comments! Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: New York City Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Chicago Audition City: New York City Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: New York City Audition City: New York City Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: Baton Rouge, LA Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Charlotte, NC Audition City: Chicago Audition City: Charlotte, NC Which Idol season 12 auditioners have been your favorites thus far? Take our poll below, then expand on your thoughts in the comments!
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21. Summer Cunningham
Best known for inadvertently causing the Nicki vs. Randy-Mariah dustup, but lost in the melee was the fact that her twangy take on “Lean on Me” was rather lovely.20. Johnny Keyser
His "Try a Little Tenderness" was left in the oven too long, but he's got a built-in fan base who still wonder why he didn't get Jermaine Jones' “bonus slot” in the Season 11 Top 13.19. Charlie Askew
Adorably awkward teen has major raw talent, but I heard a couple wobbly notes on his "Breakthru"/"Nature Boy." Makes the countdown, however, because my Idology cohost Melinda Doolittle might bonk me over the head if I snubbed the kid. 18. Angela Miller
Likeable beauty with partial hearing loss in one ear didn't miss a note on Jessie J's "Mama Knows Best," even if her delivery could've used a little less blasty-ness and a little more finesse.17. Curtis Finch, Jr
Season 11 Vegas Round evictee got Mariah Carey to throw a Gospel hand during a performance of “God Is Able.” Apparently, Curtis is able, too!16. Mackenzie Wasner
Teenager whose dad works as Vince Gill's piano player brought butterfly delicacy to "Whenever You Come Around."15. Seretha Guinn
Brought jazzy deliciousness to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme — all while propping up her adorable 3-year-old daughter. (Side note: Little London bringing a bear called Dun-Dun for her idol Nicki, whom she'd also dubbed Dun-Dun, has to be among the Top 10 most unabashedly adorable moments in Idol history, yes?)14. Isabelle Parell
Lured Keith Urban into a sweet duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside” that showcased a smoky-jazzy tone and an appealing hitch on her high notes.13. Andrew Jones
We only got a brief snippet of Andrew's "Knock on Wood," dude brought some needed electricity to the proceedings by infusing his song with finger-snapping, foot-stomping rhythm.12. Christina "Isabelle"
Not sure about the quotation marks in her “last” name, but this gorgeous Berklee student who admitted to battling body-image issues took smart risks with the melody on “Summertime” — and walked away with a Golden Ticket.11. Ashley Smith
Dubbed “Blondie” by Ms. Minaj, Ashley looked like she was getting set up as a joke contestant when the show's producers introduced her eating a sandwich and praising its deliciousness. But her "Cowboy Casanova" had effortless soul and rhythm -- and Mariah was right, girlfriend's got an "effervescent" personality to boot. 10. Lazaro Arbos
The most emotional moment of Season 12 thus far came when this Cuban-born cutie wowed the judges with a spotless “Bridge Over Troubled Water” right after revealing the crippling stutter he faces when he's speaking. Miraculous stuff.9. Ashlee Feliciano
Part of a family that fosters medically challenging children brought a delicate upper register and groovy lower tone to the often overdone "Put Your Records On." Has the requisite confidence and charisma balanced out by an undeniable sweetness that will help her win votes.8. Frankie Ford
Subway singer needed a second start to overcome nerves on Eurythmics' “Sweet Dreams,” but when he hit his stride, he displayed great creativity and control in terms of melody and pitch. 7. Megan Miller
Pageant queen + crutches = joke? Think again! Her "Something's Got a Hold on Me" was spring-water clear. And her righteous sense of humor didn't hurt, either.6. Burnell Taylor
Reticent cutie brought Fantasia-like ferocity to "I'm Here." Mariah found herself in tears, but Keith chimed in with some valid constructive criticism: Dude needs to ditch the shorts-with-workboots sloppiness and "dress for the occasion" the next time he's on TV.5. Brandy Neelly
The country chica's rendition of "Your Cheatin' Heart" combined genuine feeling, moments of restraint, gut-busting glory notes and even a hint of gravel toward the finish. Good taste in song choice helps, too!4. Ja'Bria Barber
Teenager who got a lot of airtime for her "frog-giggin'" hobby (code for stabbing bullfrogs on a spike, then cutting off, frying and eating their delicious legs) hit every note of "Pride and Joy” while adding some sway and sass despite the limitations of an a capella audition. Doesn't seem to have the typical robo-teenager personality that often hinders young Idol hopefuls, either.3. Janelle Arthur
Veteran of Season 11 Hollywood Week delivered a pretty mesmerizing take on "Where the Blacktop Ends" (mashed up with "Walkin the Country" for good measure). Quiet charisma + pitch perfection + country wheelhouse could make her a legit hopeful to be Idol's first female winner since Season 6.2. Kez Ban
Kez herself hilariously admitted that a perky teenage girl, and not herself, should probably win the Idol crown. But holy hell, her original track “Wandering” showcased a hypnotizingly textured voice — and some enviable writing skills. If Kez's spacey artiste persona doesn't get far in Hollywood Week, here's hoping some of her original music finds its way to iTunes: That'll be a Season 12 victory we can all get behind.1. Candice Glover
The only reason to find solace in Candice being inexplicably cut after an epic rendition of “It Doesn't Matter Anymore” (with Jessica Sanchez and DeAndre Brackensick) in the Season 11 Vegas Round is the joy of getting to hear her tremendous Season 12 cover of “Syrup and Honey.” The flawless phrasing! The balance of power and finesse! Candice's almost tactile emotional connection to the song! Let's get Nicki Minaj's take: "I'm obsessed with you. I wanna skin you and wear you. I'm not even worthy to critique you." Preach!21. Summer Cunningham
Best known for inadvertently causing the Nicki vs. Randy-Mariah dustup, but lost in the melee was the fact that her twangy take on “Lean on Me” was rather lovely.20. Johnny Keyser
His "Try a Little Tenderness" was left in the oven too long, but he's got a built-in fan base who still wonder why he didn't get Jermaine Jones' “bonus slot” in the Season 11 Top 13.19. Charlie Askew
Adorably awkward teen has major raw talent, but I heard a couple wobbly notes on his "Breakthru"/"Nature Boy." Makes the countdown, however, because my Idology cohost Melinda Doolittle might bonk me over the head if I snubbed the kid. 18. Angela Miller
Likeable beauty with partial hearing loss in one ear didn't miss a note on Jessie J's "Mama Knows Best," even if her delivery could've used a little less blasty-ness and a little more finesse.17. Curtis Finch, Jr
Season 11 Vegas Round evictee got Mariah Carey to throw a Gospel hand during a performance of “God Is Able.” Apparently, Curtis is able, too!16. Mackenzie Wasner
Teenager whose dad works as Vince Gill's piano player brought butterfly delicacy to "Whenever You Come Around."15. Seretha Guinn
Brought jazzy deliciousness to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme — all while propping up her adorable 3-year-old daughter. (Side note: Little London bringing a bear called Dun-Dun for her idol Nicki, whom she'd also dubbed Dun-Dun, has to be among the Top 10 most unabashedly adorable moments in Idol history, yes?)14. Isabelle Parell
Lured Keith Urban into a sweet duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside” that showcased a smoky-jazzy tone and an appealing hitch on her high notes.13. Andrew Jones
We only got a brief snippet of Andrew's "Knock on Wood," dude brought some needed electricity to the proceedings by infusing his song with finger-snapping, foot-stomping rhythm.12. Christina "Isabelle"
Not sure about the quotation marks in her “last” name, but this gorgeous Berklee student who admitted to battling body-image issues took smart risks with the melody on “Summertime” — and walked away with a Golden Ticket.11. Ashley Smith
Dubbed “Blondie” by Ms. Minaj, Ashley looked like she was getting set up as a joke contestant when the show's producers introduced her eating a sandwich and praising its deliciousness. But her "Cowboy Casanova" had effortless soul and rhythm -- and Mariah was right, girlfriend's got an "effervescent" personality to boot. 10. Lazaro Arbos
The most emotional moment of Season 12 thus far came when this Cuban-born cutie wowed the judges with a spotless “Bridge Over Troubled Water” right after revealing the crippling stutter he faces when he's speaking. Miraculous stuff.9. Ashlee Feliciano
Part of a family that fosters medically challenging children brought a delicate upper register and groovy lower tone to the often overdone "Put Your Records On." Has the requisite confidence and charisma balanced out by an undeniable sweetness that will help her win votes.8. Frankie Ford
Subway singer needed a second start to overcome nerves on Eurythmics' “Sweet Dreams,” but when he hit his stride, he displayed great creativity and control in terms of melody and pitch. 7. Megan Miller
Pageant queen + crutches = joke? Think again! Her "Something's Got a Hold on Me" was spring-water clear. And her righteous sense of humor didn't hurt, either.6. Burnell Taylor
Reticent cutie brought Fantasia-like ferocity to "I'm Here." Mariah found herself in tears, but Keith chimed in with some valid constructive criticism: Dude needs to ditch the shorts-with-workboots sloppiness and "dress for the occasion" the next time he's on TV.5. Brandy Neelly
The country chica's rendition of "Your Cheatin' Heart" combined genuine feeling, moments of restraint, gut-busting glory notes and even a hint of gravel toward the finish. Good taste in song choice helps, too!4. Ja'Bria Barber
Teenager who got a lot of airtime for her "frog-giggin'" hobby (code for stabbing bullfrogs on a spike, then cutting off, frying and eating their delicious legs) hit every note of "Pride and Joy” while adding some sway and sass despite the limitations of an a capella audition. Doesn't seem to have the typical robo-teenager personality that often hinders young Idol hopefuls, either.3. Janelle Arthur
Veteran of Season 11 Hollywood Week delivered a pretty mesmerizing take on "Where the Blacktop Ends" (mashed up with "Walkin the Country" for good measure). Quiet charisma + pitch perfection + country wheelhouse could make her a legit hopeful to be Idol's first female winner since Season 6.2. Kez Ban
Kez herself hilariously admitted that a perky teenage girl, and not herself, should probably win the Idol crown. But holy hell, her original track “Wandering” showcased a hypnotizingly textured voice — and some enviable writing skills. If Kez's spacey artiste persona doesn't get far in Hollywood Week, here's hoping some of her original music finds its way to iTunes: That'll be a Season 12 victory we can all get behind.1. Candice Glover
The only reason to find solace in Candice being inexplicably cut after an epic rendition of “It Doesn't Matter Anymore” (with Jessica Sanchez and DeAndre Brackensick) in the Season 11 Vegas Round is the joy of getting to hear her tremendous Season 12 cover of “Syrup and Honey.” The flawless phrasing! The balance of power and finesse! Candice's almost tactile emotional connection to the song! Let's get Nicki Minaj's take: "I'm obsessed with you. I wanna skin you and wear you. I'm not even worthy to critique you." Preach!
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