American Idol Top 24 Predictions

Last night, seven of the top twenty-four contestants were announced on American Idol. And Mary Powers was finally kicked out of the competition--which was weeks overdue. Confidence is nice, overconfidence is annoying and abrasive.

Throughout the episode, I scribbled down eight names, four guys and four girls, who I believe deserve to be in the top twelve, not just top twenty-four. Two of them were through by the end of the night: Michael Lynche (the gigantic, guitar-playing personal trainer who picks up judges) and Lee Dewyze, who admitted that when he auditioned he was not that interested but now that he's caught up in it, he wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

The six other people that I chose have not yet been kicked out of the competition: Angela Martin, Ashley Rodriguez, Siobhan Magnus, Thaddeus Johnson, Haeley Vaughn, and John Park.

John Park probably has the smallest chance of these six of getting through. Although his audition wowed ("If I Ever Leave You Baby"), he hasn't seemed to live up to that performance in Hollywood. The show has not featured him much since getting to the Kodak, so I would not be surprised if he didn't make the final cut. I'm still pulling for him, but I would not be surprised if he was quickly voted out of the competition, if only because he has not had much face time.

Although Siobhan Magnus looks like she's in pain when she's singing, she has an incredible voice and was part of the group that got Todrick (already confirmed for the top twenty-four) through group week. Her style of dress is flamboyant and fun, and I really enjoy her attitude. I'm not sure what the public will think of her and I have a sneaking suspicion that the faces she makes while singing will put off many voters.

Thaddeus Johnson, aka Momma's Boy, has surprised me every time he's opened his mouth. He's only seventeen, but he's got a lot of soul. His final audition was "Man in the Mirror," which left me wanting, but based on the strength of his previous performances I believe he has done enough to earn a slot to go on to voting. Plus, watching his mom jump for joy after he makes it through each round is hilarious. It's always fun to have someone in the top twelve who has an overly enthusiastic parent or two.

My choices on American Idol are usually women--I don't know why, but it usually boils down to that. And this season is no exception. The three people that I am most interested at this point in the season are all women.

Haeley Vaughn is the youngest contestant that I've chosen. Simon noticed her immediately during her Denver audition, when she sang Carrie Underwood. He was also the first to volunteer a yes for sending her to Hollywood. She plays guitar, which makes her pint-sized figure look even smaller. And while I hate the song "I'm Yours," her version of it was the best of the four or five heard last night. I would be very surprised if she did not move on to voting--but assuming she does, she will be one of the contestants I will be voting for.

Angela Martin is taking her last shot at American Idol. She has made it to Hollywood twice before, and hopefully the third time is a charm. She sang Estelle's "American Boy" as her final audition, which was probably my favorite performance that she's given. Gifted with a sultry voice that's perfect for R&B, it would only make sense to see her in the top twenty-four. I don't think there is another contestant in the competition who sounds like her.

My final choice was also the first person who I saw this season who I believed could go on to win: Ashley Rodriguez. The girl looks the part--she's naturally beautiful and she cranked out Alicia Keys in her first audition like it was nothing. She's been consistent in Hollywood and Simon has said that she definitely has "it." And when Simon says you have it, you probably have it.

The rest of the final twenty-four will be announced tonight on American Idol at 9/8c. Then it's all up to us.