?'American Idol': Top 7 Power List (Revisited)

Annie Barrett's updated ranking of the singers prior to ''Now & Then'' performances (a recent Billboard chart hit and a soul oldie); see who's climbing, who's sliding, and who's moved in at No. 1
By Annie Barrett
Updated April 17, 2012 at 07:00 PM EDT

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7. Hollie Cavanagh (Last week's ranking: 7)

Michael Becker/Fox

I have trouble believing she really avoided the bottom three. She's been the judges' punching bag for weeks. The voice is there — so where's her conviction? Act like you've ''gotta have it,'' sparkly sprite!

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6. Phillip Phillips (Last week's ranking: 5)

Michael Becker/Fox

I'd love for him to do something down tempo and acoustic, or even take on a female-sung tune (or two) this week. Why not? Kid really needs to shake it up.

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5. Elise Testone (Last week's ranking: 6)

Michael Becker/Fox

I can see her rocking the soul portion of the evening. Hell, the Billboard hit portion too. I'm just not sure she's popular enough — and the judges certainly seem to be over her.

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4. Skylar Laine (Last week's ranking: 4)

Michael Becker/Fox

I have a gut feeling this won't be Skylar's week to shine, but the last two have given her enough momentum. I think she'll make smart song choices, maybe put an unexpected country twist on a soul hit, and end up safe.

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3. Joshua Ledet (Last week's ranking: 3)

Michael Becker/Fox

There's no better indicator of Joshua's ''then and now'' versatility than last week's ''Runaway Baby'' dance party. Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown — I wish he could do them all. The supposed bottom-three dweller just needs more votes!

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2. Jessica Sanchez (Last week's ranking: 1)

Michael Becker/Fox

Save or no save, her talent level is undeniable and this week's ''then and now'' theme seems tailor-made for a Jessica comeback. Expect to hear Etta James' ''I'd Rather Go Blind,'' which she already covered masterfully on YouTube.

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1. Colton Dixon (Last week's ranking: 2)

Michael Becker/Fox

He should be creative in rearranging a soul song to sound more modern — I'm not sure a straight copy will be believable coming from him. The Billboard theme is totally in his wheel(life)house and should be a winner. After all, as Steven says, ''Colton hasn't found his top yet.''

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