American Idol Top 8: How Do They Rank

Tonight the Top 8 take on Inspirational Music and take yet another opportunity to make an impression on the voters. It seems as good a time as any to see what each of them brings to the table. Who are they and what do they bring to the table. It's hard to say who will stay and who will go. The voters are a fickle lot. I will share how the Top 8 break down in my mind.

(1) David Cook

The award for most improved performer has to go to David Cook. He has gone from being an also ran to the heir apparent. A lot of people are all up in arms because he studied others to decide how he wanted to craft his performance. I say "get over it", that's preparation. I study before a test. Make no mistakes, the American Idol stages is one of the biggest tests ever. Cook continues to crank out amazingly risky, inventive and original takes on his chosen material. Cook's signature craftsmanship has catapulted him into the top spot. Whether he will actually take the top spot is debatable. Despite the success of Daughtry's band, this past year; American idol's voters have not been keen to put a rocker in the top spot. They usually seem to err on the side of the candidates that appear to be most Top 40 friendly. How things shake out remains to be seen

(2) David Archuleta

Yes I do believe it will be the battle of the David's. Archuleta is a fan favorite. His pure, clear vocal stylings have people thinking that he could take it all. While David A. doesn't have any recording contracts rattling around in his closet, he is no stranger to fame. Having competed on Star Search; he was crowned Junior Vocal Champion. He has also performed on the Jenny Jones show as well as CBS' Early Show. That being said I do believe that he could use a little more seasoning before being thrown to the ravening wolves of fame. However, Jordin Sparks appears to be navigating the rigors of American Idoldom. So maybe I worry too much.

(3) Carly Smithson

Much has been made about Carly Smithson's previous foray into the music biz. I see nothing wrong with exploring every avenue available to you when you're trying to make your dreams come true. Obviously, whatever went on before did not work out so she's on a whole new page. Carly is undeniably a talent, but often seems to suffer from a lack of direction. That lack of vocal direction has played itself out on the stage with her attire. Her wardrobe has been notably lacking in star appeal. While I'm not sure what the star appeal is, I will know it when I see it. In addition, there is a slight insecurity that she has been unable to mask in her past performances. At the beginning, I believed that Carly could take it all and she still can. However, the two Davids are formidable foes.

(4) Syesha Mercado

Syesha has the voice and the voice and look that the judges love, so why is she languishing down here at my number 4. She seems to be afflicted by the same malady that befell Ramiele Malubay, she is playing small. Syesha has a powerhouse vocal range and the innate ability to blow all the other performers in this competition off the stage, but up to now she hasn't put it to use. Hopefully tonight's performance will be the turning point. While I've put her at my number 4, unless she steps up and uses what she has she could be out. Although she has more vocal range than some of the people in front of her, she has consistently played it safe and not really taken any chances or even proved that she owns the stage when she's on it. If Syesha kicks it into gear tonight and doesn't take it out, she could very well be the next American Idol. She's got to show me something before I move her up.

(5) Michael Johns

As it turns out, Carly Smithson is not the only ringer in the bunch. Michael Johns signed with Madonna's Maverick label and formed the group, The Rising. Although, their debut album was not released, the group did tour and several of their songs received modest airplay. From time to time, it appears that Johns may already be a rock god in his own mind. He occasionally comes off as slightly cocky and I have a Simon moment, where I feel that he's not a good as he thinks he is. Perhaps, it is because he always seems to be channeling the ghost of INXS front man Michael Hutchence. Johns is extremely talented and a helluva good looking guy to boot so that will take him a long way. Whether it will take him to the top is just a guess.

(6) Brooke White

Brooke White has proven to be a quiet but vigilant competitor. Naysayers doubted her staying power but she has proven she has what it takes to stay in. While she is not one of my personal favorites, I applaud her consistency. While not possessing the vocal range of the other performers she is very self-possessed and comfortable in her skin. She is very much her own performer. She knows and understands her range and plays to her strengths. She has proven to be the dark horse, quietly plodding her way toward the top. I don't know if the Top 3 is in her future but I think she's got enough for at least another week.

(7) Jason Castro

Jason gets the award for the most laid back contestant, ever. He is cool in an Austin, Texas spring evening kind of way. Those of you not from Austin will have to trust me on this. Those of you from Austin, well you know what I mean. With his signature locks and beautiful smile he continues to be a crowd favorite. His vocal purity and musical ability are undeniable. However, one gets the feeling that, as Simon intimated before; he may not be taking this as seriously as perhaps he could. Although, his last few performances have been less than stellar, ladies love cool Jason, so I look for him to stay in a little longer.

(8) Kristy Lee Cook

Kristy and I share a birthday, so I find it hard to be really hard on her. However, putting her at the bottom of this list might make you think otherwise. Kristy Lee has had some mixed signals from the judges and the people in charge of the musical arrangements have not always given her the best direction. The high speed Chipmunkesque version of the Beatles "Eight Days a Week" should prove my point. However, Kristy Lee has found a niche for herself in the country mold. Her musicality is wonderful. However, unlike Carrie Underwood, she has failed to shine in any of the other genres. Kristy has a solid fanbase and they are really pulling for her, so there's no way to count her out.