2011 American Idol Final 13 List Best Ever?

2011 American Idol Final 13 list the best ever? There have certainly been such remarks on blogs, comments and stories that point to that. The American Idol judges have accomplished a remarkable feat this season-they have picked 13 finalists that could all probably have been in the Top 5 in different seasons of American Idol.

The talent level is just that strong. Whether it's Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina or Paul McDonald, the judges have placed such incredible talent in the Final 13 this season.

With that in mind, here is a look at the 2011 American Idol Final 13 list and what each will bring to the table.
Let's start with the performers I think will place in the Top 5 and why.

1) Lauren Alaina
Not only did Lauren Alaina belong on the Final 13 list, she also is the girl I have predicted to win the overall competition. Alaina did Reba better than Reba does Reba live when she performed "Turn on the Radio".
Alaina is a 16 year old from Rossville, Georgia who has the strongest natural vocal ability of the remaining performers. And that's saying a lot considering the competition this season. When I say strongest natural ability, I mean that Lauren Alaina performs very fluidly without flaws. She makes it look so easy. Alaina is one of the most polished professionals of the group and perhaps the most marketable entity on the show this season. Regardless of whether my American Idol predictions are correct, she'll still win the recording contract once the show is done.

2) Casey Abrams
Some may say that Casey Abrams doesn't belong on the 2011 American Idol Final 13 list because he just doesn't fit anywhere. I say that's absolutely garbage. Casey Abrams is a guy who could sing the phone book and do it well. Abrams is also musically gifted and it's completely obvious that he has the full respect of his peers on the show when he steps on the stage. Abrams is the top male to watch and a lock for the top 5. The only hitch is that the critics may be right about Casey possibly not receiving the amount of votes necessary to win--it is a popular vote after all.

3) Paul McDonald
I really believe Paul McDonald is the most unique voice on the 2011 American Idol. While Alaina is strong, she may sound a bit like other recording artists. Paul McDonald has his own sound with a Kenny Loggins look. I think this guy has pop star written all over him-especially if we were in the late 80's. The only question I have is whether this type of singing will be mainstream enough in 2011. Still, I can't wait to see the guy perform on a weekly basis and I think America might just feel the same way.

4) James Durbin
I think it's way too late for this guy to be kicked off the show. America has already fallen in love with James Durbin-I just know it. Durbin has been astronomical with his vocals and perhaps only Adam Lambert can reach the notes this guy brings to the table. Durbin is a no brainer for the top five and he certainly belongs in the Final 13 list. I can't imagine many scenarios where James Durbin doesn't make the top five of American Idol. If he does fall, it just means the competition level is just so incredible that a guy like that doesn't make the cut with the American people. Still, my gut says you can take James Durbin in the American Idol top 5 to the bank.

5) Scotty McCreery
I really believe Scotty McCreery has an incredible chance to land an American Idol top 5 appearance because of his popularity. Do you hear the way the fans scream when Scotty takes the stage? McCreery has already built up a strong fan base and I think country singers typically do well on American Idol. I can only imagine Scotty McCreery singing "Diggin up Bones" from Randy Travis to seal his Top 5 appearance.

Others on the 2010 American Idol top 13 list:

6) Pia Toscano
I'd say Pia is going to have an incredibly hard time living up to her performance in the Final 24. In fact, I think anything else from this point on might be a let down. Who knows? She is certainly capable of being a top five girl after her last performance. My guess is she'll get derailed somewhere along the way or by a lack of consistency. She also might be hurt by the fact that the popular vote might send someone like Scotty McCreery into the American Idol top five, too. Pia certainly has the potential to win the overall competition so I wouldn't be completely surprised if she does end up way further than just the American Idol top 13 list.

7) Stefano Langone
Langone was already "voted off" the 2011 American Idol but saved by the judges. That may give America another shot and they just might like what they see. Langone has Lopez on his side so he needs to ride the wave of momentum. Langone might be one of the most talented male performers the show has-but is he unique like Abrams or McDonald or even McCreery? That's my only question. He would have probably been a top five performer any other year on American Idol-but probably not in 2011.

8) Jacob Lusk
Jacob is one heck of a singer but makes these very odd facial expressions that I feel could hurt him in the popular voting. Lusk has been extremely consistent and is deserving of an American Idol top five finish-but I can't see America pushing him through. He needs to do something a bit more contemporary to gain votes but it just doesn't seem like his style so far to do so. This guy has as much natural ability as anyone on the American Idol top 13 list.

9) Haley Reinhart
Every year America seems to fall for someone based on their appearance and not necessarily their strong vocal abilities. I think Haley is that person this season except for the fact that she can sing quite well. She's the girl next door and that might keep her around a few more rounds with other performers who can out perform her vocally.
Reinhart could be a sleeper because she's the type of gal who'll get votes for style.

10) Thia Magia
Thia Magia is a 15 year old who has been quite impressive and certainly belongs in the American Idol top 13 list.
Can she win the overall performance? I can't see it happening unless she really has a break out performance in the coming weeks. She might have as much potential as anyone on the list to have a great future. I think she might last one more round before getting "voted off"-although technically she will not receive enough votes in comparison with the other performers.

11) Ashthon Jones
I think Jones is an incredible talent but America obviously didn't when she was "voted off" American Idol. Jones proved herself by singing a little Jennifer Hudson to get the thumbs up from the judges on sticking around on the American Idol final 13 list. But how many rounds can you last against this incredible competition that already received more votes from you? Jones might be on the next to go and that's unfortunate because she is truly blessed with raw talent.

12) Karen Rodriguez
Rodriguez could be a huge 'sleeper" in the contest but my gut feeling is she'll struggle in the next few rounds of competition-if she makes it that far. Like Jones, I think she's talented but I think girls like Alaina and Toscano will be stealing votes from those who want to vote on girls. I don't think there is any doubt that Rodriguez is an incredible talent. My only problem is that her performances will have a hard time living up to those of Alaina and Toscano in comparison.

13) Naima Adedapo
This 25 year old from Milwaukee was fortunate in my opinion to be saved over Kendra. It's ironic that I believe Kendra might have had a shot if she would have been saved by the judges and put on the American Idol top 13 list. Unfortunately that wasn't the case and I think Naima will be the first to go. With that said, Naima is a legitimate threat to stick around a few weeks if she has a knockout performance.

Only time will tell who will win the American Idol crown but I think Lauren Alaina is the strongest candidate on the board in a year where the competition is quite steep. Until then, enjoy the show everybody!