American Idol Season 12 Semifinals: Boys Performances

The Top 10 Boys show their metal this round and this is the biggest hurdle of them all to reach the center stage of the American Idol Finals. Who will make it? 

Elijah Liu
Song Choice: Stay, Rihanna

What song is this? I hear it and it sounds like his own. He showing a different side of him which has a much serious intimate story-teller. He doesn't have the big voice as the other contestant have but he is definitely current. 

Cortez Shaw
Song Choice: Lock out of Heaven, Bruno Mars

Cortez sing good but I heard it before. It is a sub par imitation of the original. He did not do anything new to the song or arrangement. There were stray notes in parts, especially at the end.

Charlie Askew
Song Choice: Mama, Genesis

Charlie is a showman. When you see him perform, you just stop and stare. He exude excitement and intrigue.  I can't wait what he do next. Yes, Charlie let it out. Don't listen to Nicki or the other judges. Be you man!  

Nick Boddington
Song Choice: Iris, Goo Goo Dolls

I love that song too Nick but you made it a lullaby.  I almost fell asleep. 

Burnell Taylor
Song Choice: I'm Here, 'Color Purple' Movie Soundtrack

I love the way he sings. He has the gift of telling stories through songs. He captures your full attention with his unique voice. I don't mind if he this from the auditions. It's a repeat worth hearing again.

Paul Jolley
Song Choice: Just a Fool, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguillera

Definitely Paul improved his showing on this one. He is more confident here than his previous performances.  Maybe too much overzealous in some parts but definitely he showed promise.

Lazaro Arbos
Song Choice: Feeling Good, Nina Simone

I don't think Lazaro did good. I am a bit unsure. It doesn't translate on TV what transpired in the studio. The judges don't seem to dare to say something bad about Lazaro's performance. Kudos to Mariah for doing so. Will his inspiring story carry him through the next round? Probably.

Curtis Finch Jr.
Song Choice: I Believe I Can Fly

Curtis is such a stylized singer. Definitely, there was some pitch problems here and there. But you might notice it as you get swept away by his infectious vocal inflections. 

Devin Velez
Song Choice: Somos Novios (It's Impossible), Perry Como

Devin is a gifted balladeer. He is also likable. He is definitely playing with his strength. 

Vincent Powell
Song Choice: End of the Road, Boyz II Men

Something has changed.  We saw some cracks in his armor. I think the song title says it all.

My Prediction

The judges say the girls are stronger than the boys. For me, it is 50/50. We have the same number of great singers and personalities among the guys and the gals.

American Idol: Top 10 Boys Performance

For sure, Burnell, Curtis and Devin will be in. Burnell is definitely a strong contender. We also have Curtis who has also a great voice and an energetic stage presence.

The maybes for me are Elijah, Charlie, Paul, and Lazaro. I like Elijah and Charlie. Both have varied style performances but have attractive stage presence. I can't seem to separate Paul and Lazaro. Paul might get in. Lazaro might also come through.

I think Vincent, Nick and Cortez are going home. Vincent is a great singer but  I can't group him with Burnell and Curtis at this point.

My PICKS: Burnell, Curtis, Devin, Elijah and Charlie