American Idol: The Final Six

This season of American Idol has had more twists and turns than seasons past. Although it was no shocker that Kristy Lee Cook was the last Idol to go home, performances of contenders that were once deemed front runners are surprising. As the contest goes on, American Idol viewers are left wondering what will happen next. Will it be down to the two David's at the end, as has been anticipated, or will another curve ball be thrown at American Idol viewers?

David Cook is in an excellent position to become the next American Idol. The stylists have gotten hold of him, and his looks have been steadily improving as the season progresses. While that might be considered a shallow statement, it does help his fan base in the land of teenage girls with cell phones in hand ready to hit the speed dial to vote for their favorite. Also, David Cook has maintained consistency throughout the competition. Cook is the resident rocker, and he has stayed true to that, while adapting songs that do not necessary fit into that genre. David Cook has managed to keep with the rock formula while winning over fans in all demographics. Some have accused David Cook of ripping off versions of songs from other artists. While considering that, one has to understand that American Idol is basically about ripping off songs. In a karaoke competition, David Cook has managed to breathe fresh air into this season of American Idol by giving the audience versions of songs unknown to most. It's an intelligent strategy, and one that has propelled him to frontrunner status. He may not be as creative as the judges think, but he is smart. He knows how to win American Idol, and week after week, he is showing that he has an exact game plan. In the end, that strategy will cause him to prevail.

Since David Cook will win American Idol, David Archuleta is sure to find himself in second place. He has a huge fan base that cannot be denied, but he lacks some of the crossover appeal that David Cook possesses. He fits more tightly into his genre of inspirational songs. Many have thought that he might end up singing religious music professionally, which is something that only appeals to a certain demographic. However, David Archuleta will definitely get enough votes all season long to land in the second spot. With his heartfelt song choices and almost always on key voice, he is guaranteed to make it into the finals. Teenage girls and older women alike are drooling over David Archuleta and voting in massive amounts. Part of his appeal is his earnestness and his seemingly good intentions. He seems genuinely thrilled to be on American Idol and that comes through in both his smile and his music. He receives the loudest cheers when he walks on the stage, but then again, teenage girls can be rather shrill. He won't end up with as many votes as David Cook, and his fan base may wane after American Idol, but for right now, David Archuleta is going strong.

Third place is going to be a difficult spot to call. Carly Smithson is going to manage to squeak by and fill the number three spot, but it will be a close contest. While Carly Smithson has a gorgeous, powerful voice, she lacks the belief in her own abilities. One can tell that, at times, she is trying to convince herself that she can, in fact, sing. Oftentimes, she holds back, unsure of the power in her voice. Also, song choice has been a problem for Smithson all season long. Still, even with those things holding her back, Carly Smithson's strong voice will power her into third place on American Idol.

Jason Castro will land in fourth place, which will be a disappointment to many. Even though Jason Castro has a strong fan base on American Idol, he does not fit into a genre that is known to do very well on American Idol. His folk style is relaxing, but it is not powerful enough to get people to vote until the end. Also, he has lacked consistency throughout the contest. While some of the contestants on American Idol have proven week after week that they are contenders, Jason Castro has backed up strong performances with lackluster ones. That is not enough to move him past fourth place on American Idol.

Fifth place will belong to Syesha Mercado. This season of American Idol has proven difficult for Mercado. The judges have been harder on her than on most, and even performances that should have received praise were met with criticism. At times, the judges' criticism can work in a contestant's favor. That will not be the case with Syesha Mercado, though. Even if she performs well, she will be voted off soon on American Idol. She has found herself in the bottom three several times, and she does not have the fan base that many other contestants have. Her personality has yet to really shine through and grab American Idol viewer's attention.

Brooke White is in the unfortunate position of being the next one to be voted off. Although White started off strong on American Idol, she has faded fast. She has failed to change up her performances, and at times, she appears to be emotionally vacant. The type of music Brooke White performs is the type that needs a lot of emotion infused into the words in order to pull the performance off. Maybe it is nerves or lack of confidence, but Brooke White's emotions have been left out of the performances of late. With that, her fan base has dropped, putting her in the bottom three on two different occasions. With Kristy Lee Cook gone, Brooke White's safety net has left the show. She will come in sixth place on American Idol.

It has been an exciting season of American Idol thus far, and it would appear that the excitement will continue. With time running out, contestants will have to show off their best stuff in order to remain in the running for the top spot on American Idol. Things can change from one week to the next on American Idol, and performers can go from the top to the bottom in the matter of a week.