American Idol Predictions

Down to the Final Four

Angie Mohr CA CMA
And then there were four. After votefortheworst.com couldn't save Brooke White last week and the cheery and peppy songstress went home in a hail of sobs, four American Idol contestants remain: David Archuleta, Jason Castro, David Cook and Syesha Mercado. Votefortheworst.com now has its sights set on Jason Castro and I think they have it right.

For the past three weeks, American Idol has definitely been the battle of the Davids. 17 year old David Archuleta has blasted through the top 24 with very few negative comments from the judges and has never been in the bottom two or three in fan votes. Archuleta's wholesome character (Simon once said that he should have Disney animals dancing around him) and angelic voice has brought him far in the competition so far. The question is: can he crank out Top 40 hits and handle life on the road touring?

David Cook is the "rocker" of the bunch. His voice is edgier than Archuleta's and his material harder. Cook has been praised all season for his ability to choose songs that suit him and rearrange those songs to sound current, including a Dolly Parton song and two Neil Diamond songs. The question with Cook is whether his style of music really reflects the pop style that American Idol winners are known for. Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks broke the American Idol mold and his first album produced dismal results. He is currently without a major recording contract.

Jason Castro is a conundrum. His performances since the beginning have received spotty reviews from the judges. His high point this season was his rendition of Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah. Since then, he has not shown any growth in his talent or any branching out into different song styles. Castro is who he is and America will have to decide if that's enough. His voice is pretty and his social awkwardness is endearing, but the dilemma here is whether you could listen to him five times a day on the radio.

Syesha Mercado has been an interesting addition to the season. In the beginning, her diva voice was solid and competent but did not stand out from the pack. During the past several weeks, she has carved out a niche of her own and her increasing confidence has paid off in her performances. As for being the next American Idol however, the jury is still out. The judges have all painted her as an up-and-coming Broadway singer which may injure her chances to win the competition.

Predicting the order of vote offs for American Idol is never an easy task as there are so many variables in the mix but I predict that Jason Castro will go this week, followed by Syesha Mercado and then David Archuleta. If talent and industry savvy count, David Cook will be the next American Idol.

Published by Angie Mohr CA CMA - Featured Contributor in Finance and Lifestyle

Angie Mohr is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant who has worked with thousands of business clients from home-based entrepreneurs to rock bands to celebrity chefs. She is also the auth...   View profile

21 Comments

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  • C N Jones 5/15/2008

    If we are truly looking for an "American Idol", someone who can sing and has true potential, then answer is very clear. David Achuleta is the kid to beat. At 17, I can only imagine how he will rise to stardom, he is the Total Package, Young, Cute, and extremely well voiced.

  • Angie Mohr 5/14/2008

    And now there are two...

  • Angie Mohr 5/8/2008

    I enjoy Taylor Hicks but the facts I stated are correct:

    1) his first album sold dismally
    2) he is currently without a major label contract

  • Penny Molinario 5/8/2008

    Great analysis, Angie. I guess all the readers leaving you such "love-filled" comments were wrong! Good riddens, Jason!

  • Angie Mohr 5/7/2008

    And then there were three...

  • Superdork 5/7/2008

    How dare you not think what I think! This is crap, I say....CRAP! And you are a bad person. What makes a person good or bad you ask? Their take on American Idol contestants, that's what. I'm going to go text my friends about this now.

  • diane 5/6/2008

    If you want to hear someone screaming instead of actually singing vote for David C. That is all he does is scream and have a smerk on his face. Can't stand the guy.

  • donna 5/6/2008

    Your article is just a piece of crap. David A. will win American Idol and we all want David C. to go home. Mr. Arrogant

  • Annoyed 5/6/2008

    Don't agree with most of what you say. It's a wonder you get paid for stating your opinion, it's off target. Any job openings? Sounds like you are on AI's payroll.

  • HugeAIFan 5/5/2008

    You're right, Marc...Taylor was the best, most original talent to ever come out of AI since Kelly...his only prob was that AI tried to make him conform (and he did, for a while-which is why his record flopped)...and I am SO glad he is out of that contract. I love both Davids but think the same thing would happen to Cookie, which is why Archie has to win...he has his daddy along to watch out for him.

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