Chris has the lead in displaying studio-like professional chops in general, but that doesn't get an "idol" award. Simon has soured on him. And in some instances, for good reason, given that he sticks to the Pearl Jam formula stylistically. The one time he departed from that, he got hit for being "boring". That song was great. He's being penalized for stretching.
Chris is _by far_ the most confident and powerful singer left, and the most likely to get a contract after the show. He put's everything into his vocal, and a few shows ago, left my family (6&9 yr old girls included) breathless. He's had a couple misadventures lately, but that's largely on Simon's feedback.
The guy's on a mission, and you read that in his song delivery and affect on stage. He's every bit Eddie Vedder and more-- IMO. My pick for Idol, though Pickler looks to be Simon's darling, wonder what goes on behind the scenes? What trash TV, though my girls are hooked, and so I go there too.