The “American Idol” Top 12: Handicapping The Race
Last night American Idol firmed up its top 12, sending home the tone-challenged Kady Malloy, the everything-challenged Luke Menard, the doomed-by-singing-Whitney Asia’h Epperson, and the unfairly vanquished Danny Noriega. What remains are 12 youngish singers whose home-audience appeal ranges from the utterly grating to the somewhat understandable to the surprisingly charming. After the jump, my odds of who will win, presented in the rough order of how I think the final 12 singers will be sent home from the competition.
Jason Castro: 2-1. Yes, this pick is partly derived from the fact that he’s my sentimental favorite. But his gentle-stoner quality gives him a likeability that none of the other contestants have really cultivated at this point–and that may even carry him through disco night.
David Cook: 7-5. Probably wouldn’t have been as much of a threat for the top spot in the pre-instrument-on-stage years, but his Incubus-inspired version of “Hello”–Brandon Davis, how have you not made a stink about this yet?–gave him the “new Daughtry” mantel, thus giving the producers hope that another Idol alum might actually sell records once again.
David Archuleta: 3-1. Sure, he’s the chosen one, but something tells me that even the most cheek-pinch-prone grandma is going to get sick of his holier-than-thou schtick by the time Idol Gives Back rolls around. (Plus the heavy breathing and lip-licking are not suited to HD watching of the show.)
Brooke White: 5-2. The only one of the women with any real shot, although she should leave the world-wearier songs alone because her persona doesn’t really carry them.
Carly Smithson: 10-1. I’m warming up to her, but is America?
Amanda Overmyer: 15-1. Won’t make it past the top 6, and if Vote For The Worst switches its endorsement last-minute won’t make it into the top 10.
David Hernandez: 15-1. I was happy that he made it after all the stripper allegations, although part of me wonders if he got a pity spot after some producer shenanigans. Will be safe as long as he reimagines his songs in the style of George Michael.
Syesha Mercado: 20-1. Utterly meh. I do wish I could have hair like hers though.
Ramiele Malubay: 20-1. The only person whose name I had to try and remember while putting together this list. Will string together another four or so ballady performances before she’s bounced.
Chikeze: 40-1. Hands up if you thought he was going home when Ryan brought him to the middle of the stage with Danny Noriega.
Michael Johns: 40-1. Will Randy think that whatever Beatles song he sings next week was actually an INXS original? Tune in and find out!
Kristy Lee Cook: 75-1. Total fluke who’s in Alex Lushington’s rightful place. Will be the first to go after her dreadful country-lite rendition of “Anytime At All.”
[Photo: AP]
