"God Bless the Child" on Idol?

I feel silly to admit that I have watched, if not most of the shows, at least some of every season of American Idol. Ususally by now, most of the great auditions give way to show the weakness. This year I am genuinely impressed by the abundance of natural talent.
I also really liked the guy with the acoustic bass.

Sinatra was an artist. Patsy Cline baffled me when I was young, now I appreciate the beauty of her voice and her impeccable understated technique. I find a wealth of emotion in Sade's delivery. I cant stand to hear the National Anthem performed with garish vocal embellishment.
That being said, I thought Jacob Lusk's performance to be brilliant. Of course he was laying it all on the line. Of course if he sang every song with that over the top style it would be moronic and unlistenable. But this guy has the chops: tone, range, control that most singers would love to command.
One of my favorite 'listen with the lights off' songs is "Who Will Take My Place", from the Duhk's "Migrations" featuring Jessee Havey. I'm sure many would ask what the big deal is about her simple delivery.
Point is, even though something is not my normal preference, I surely recognize the talent.

I just found Thia's performance on America's got Talent. Didnt know she was on that show when she was 14, astounding. I like her even better now. She has talent well beyond her years. She is exactly what I was referring to above, not having to rely on showy runs and hitting that big note. She has superb tone and pitch, control and an understanding of phrasing that leaves the other girls in the dust (imo). I would love to see her go to the finals and at least get a career.

Pia lacked something for me somehow. Not to say she isn't very talented. She chose the wrong uptempo for her last night. Without a huge amount of energy, the performance of that Tina Turner song fell a little flat. And what was up with that outfit?! For that song, she needed black leather and a fire under her ass.
I liked Haley ok, but she looked and sounded more like she was enjoying singing a song than baring her soul, as that song demands.
Casey, the most talented overall, not the best singer. I admit I love this kid, love his bass, and his passion to go where music takes him. Unfortunately I doubt his stage appeal will not take him much further.
I admit that I appreciate Scotty's appeal, he will have a career in country. That as far as it goes for me. Oh, and for @$%& sake, slap that mic out of his hands till he learns how to hold it like a man!
Stefano is better that I expected, but just too hard to watch. He has pulled off some difficult songs.
I thought the Johnny Cash song was quirky Paul's best. Not really sure why Rod Stewart's weird cloning mishap is still in.
Lauren will also have a career, probable in county. She has talent and performance skills.
Jacob has a fabulous voice, and has proven to have all the skills to become a great R&B artists. Sadly, I think what holds him back is a certain lack of "masculinity" in his performance.
My pic is James. Out of the gate there was little doubt he could belt out rock like a pro. My preference is when he shows he can really sing, and shows he has a beautiful voice, great control and really knows how to express the essence of a song. His last performance was my favorite, where he took an unlikely song (which I have always loved) and showed he is has depth. If only he can remember one thing: never again allow them to back-light his ears.
All said, none of course are what I would call my cup of tea. But with my wife and daughters, I have seen much of the many seasons of AI. This has definitely been the best group of talent.

I thought the duet with Casey and Haley showcased what Haley does best. She should take note and find the right songs. Country boy Scotty is ok, but still don't get him as a front runner.(?)

I'm surprised that James is gone and The Bumpkin is still in it. "In It to Win It". Randy, please drop that phrase. I would rather hear "Dog" a thousand times...
Anyway, "The Voice" has some interesting talent, think I'll be watching more of that show.