Not the Bodie, devix erasure. Two pretty unique contestants in terms of vibe and song choice. Justin and parajita I at least understand due to inconsistent live performances. But they were great at their best.
It's early. But neither of Maddi or Serenity's live performances were as good as his IS or top 12 imo.
Although I think Maddi definitely has the higher ceiling as a vocalist.
1. Asher
Shown that he can do almost anything vocally. Easily the best, most exciting vocalist of the season. Only criticism I have is a lack of emotion from his performances due to his vocal choices feeling "showy" at times rather than in service of the song.
2. Nathan
Best performer of the season, hasn't missed vocally. Just the right amount of smooth and powerful. Don't really have any criticisms.
3. Madison
Also hasn't had an off performance (or note) just like the above 2. Always delivers a sincere, gorgeous vocal. Lower because a missed KO.
4. Tae
Excellent belting, agility and breath control. Kills upbeat, wordy songs in a way I haven't seen anyone else do so far in the comp. Low register is noticeably weaker though and has been a bit exposed in the lives so far.
5. Josh
Pretty powerful country singer with a lot of grit and a tinge of soul and southern rock. Lacking a bit of precision like in his top 12 and audition, but pretty nitpicky.
6. Bryan
That last performance dropped him from my top 3 all the way to 6th place. But his first 3 performances are undeniably some of the best performances in the competition, so he can't be too low. Probably the best belter remaining, and has an interesting tone.
6. Karen
Arguably the best female singer left, powerful belter and can sell the emotion of a song. Her KO and battle were top tier performances. But her audition was a fine but forgettable performance. Playoffs and lives were a just a tad underwhelming and inconsistent.
8. Maddi
Like Karen, very hit or miss for me. But the misses are worse. KO and top 12 were not it to say the least. But her audition, battle and playoffs were some of the best in their respective rounds imo. She has a lot of great tools though. Excellent stage presence, gorgeous headvoice and showed some very good belting and agility in the prelives. Hopefully puts it together
9. Serenity.
I actually think she's consistently delivered emotive performances, probably more so than anyone else. Her KO and audition were solid. Problem is, every other performance hasn't been, and she clearly has the weakest, vocal ability of everyone remaining.
Everyone from 2 to 6 moved up just cause of Bryan's flop performance.