Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, and Haley Reinhart - What Could Be Holding Them Back on "American Idol"

They need to find the best songs to suit their voices, not venture too far from what they've already done, don't let bad theme weeks break them, and learn to take the judge's occassional constructive properly (yeah you Haley).

Scotty McCreery -
Most country music fans like him. His problem seems to be that he doesn't venture far enough out of the safe zone. This could be his down fall, then again it's what makes him the most consistent. Another problem is his subtle song choice, which he always sings well, but again it isn't risky or overly exciting. But he always sings well, regardless of the song. His advantage is his deep country rooted voice and young guy charm. He could be the next Clint Black. Yet, he has to compete against Lauren, who is also a country singer. That will be hard to decide, assuming they are in the finale. Not so sure at this point, as predicting the winner is next to impossible. Doesn't mean Scotty can't win. On Facebook he has just under 20,000 fans. There is no denying he's a force to be reckoned with. He could win it all, depending on upcoming themes and song selection. I personally want to see him make it to the very end. Don't discredit the fact that Scotty can sing and play an instrument. Isn't that what makes an artist an artist?

Lauren Alaina -
She and Scotty have been the youngest singers this season and there they are making the top 3 cut. It's nice to see. Lauren is in the middle of overcoming her lack of confidence, learning to take bold chances, and showing her more fearless side. Those are good things at this point of the competition. Only thing that could be better- is if she did this weeks ago. But would she still be standing? Who knows. She seems to be playing the game naturally and with grace and that makes fans want to see her remain in the competition. She has the good girl charm and who doesn't want to see the good girl win? The bad girls don't. But will that be enough to stop her? I doubt it. Lauren could be a very big star. Many compare her to Carrie Underwood and that's understandable, but truth is she is very different. They are of the same fabric, but they are not the same. Lauren isn't even close to reaching her full potential.


Haley Reinhart -
She's the dark horse with the big voice. Maybe her voice is too big, her riffs are too long and embellished (ask Randy and the other judges), but there is no denying her voice is one-of-a-kind. The question is do you like that? Much like Casey James, fans often tire of her jazzy voice. She doesn't know how to hold back, start off slow, and then slowly get louder and louder. From the get-go she is loud. That holds her back. Restraint and control is vital as a singer (this is where Scotty shines). Doesn't mean she can't win, but she just isn't as likable as the other two and I think that's her down fall.


Regardless of my thoughts (or yours) it's up to America to decide who wins. It's important to vote, vote, and vote again! Be a good sport if your favorite goes home. Ater all 70 million people can't be wrong (on who they like), can they? Even those thta "lose" often win- can you say Chris Daughtry? This isn't the end of the world, life will still go on, and these contestants have a lot of life left to live.