Who Deserves To Win ‘American Idol’ Season 16?
In just a week, Ryan Seacrest will announce the sixteenth winner of American Idol, a man or woman who will follow in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Phillip Phillips, just to name a few. So, who deserves the crown?
Is it 20-year-old Maddie Poppe? The singer-songwriter immediately wowed judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie with her unique tone and wise-beyond-her-years capacity for lyrics. On the show's most recent episode, she blew viewers away with her rendition of "God Only Knows," but is she powerful enough to get the W?
Will it be Gabby Barrett? The Underwood-obsessed country crooner's talent was aways clear, but the task of separating her style of performance from Underwood's has occasionally been a struggle. In the final stretch of the competition, though, the judges have agreed Barrett has become a star unto herself, and her booming voice overpowers her fellow competitors's tones, no questions asked. Still, has she cultivated enough of herself to stand on her own two feet after the competition's over?
Or will it be Caleb Lee Hutchinson? The through-and-through country singer's got a tone that's as deep and pure as some of the greats', and he's been consistent. Still, he's been panned by fans for looking nervous and lacking stage presence — more, he hasn't really had "a moment" the way that Poppe and Barrett have.
So, whaddya think? Between these three, who's got the best chance of winning? Take our poll below, tune in to the two-night finale on May 20 and 21 on FOX and share your thoughts in the comments.