Ranking American Idol's Top 12, Season Nine

If you haven't been watching Idol this season, America started voting for their favorites 3 weeks ago, after the top 24 contestants were revealed.If you are like me, and have watched every show since the beginning this year, you'll probably agree with the way I am about to rank our top 12 from season 9, although I'm still scratching my head over Lilly Scott being sent home this past week.

Like all American Idol seasons, we start forming our own personal favorites early on, and watch them progress, or in some cases, digress, as the live rounds continue. Rating the contestants for 3 weeks, on a 1-10 scale, 10 being the highest, here is how the top 12 have fared. I use minimal effect on how the judges react, so this should be very accurate.

1. Siobhan Magnus- With a total score of 27, this 20 year old from Mass. has been consistent every week. Her best two performances have been her version of 'House of the Rising Sun," and "Think." This confident young lady will be sticking around to the top 5, and quite possibly will win it all.

2. Crystal Bowersox- Just behind Siobhan with a total score of 26.5, this young lady is very likable. Singing "Give Me One Reason," and "Hand in My Pocket," in the past few weeks, this 24 year old from Ohio is certainly one to watch. My only complaint is she isn't smiling enough, and she makes this whole process look a little like a visit to the dentist.

3. Aaron Kelly- Tied for third, and easily my favorite male performer this year, this 16 year old, from Pa; is full of potential, and just might surprise a lot of people. With my score of 24.5, Aaron has a big voice, from a small frame. Singing 'My Girl," and "I'm Already There," in the past two weeks, Aaron has showcased his big talent. If he could get over the nervous end of things, we could be rooting for him for many more weeks.

4. Katie Stevens- Katie is on the down slide, and should probably have gone home last week, with her and Lilly Scott being the last two standing. Katie, however, has shown her talent with songs like "Feeling Good," and "Put Your Records On." The judges continuously tell her she is too young, but I say two words to this 17 year old from Conn; Jordan Sparks. My total score is 24.5.

5. Lee Dewyze- Lee has given us some good performances, and is very confident in his own skin, Singing songs like 'Lips of an Angel," and "Fireflies," this 23 year old, from Illinois, could make his move any week. With my total score of 22.5, I think Lee could easily become the top guy this year. He does need to wow us soon though.

6. Michael Lynche- Dubbed "The Singing Teddy Bear," by one of the judges early on, Mike is a body builder, and personal trainer. Easily one of the more likable contestants, this big guy can sing too. Last week, he wowed the judges with "This Woman's Work," which I didn't care for, and earlier he sang "This is a Man's World." I personally don't see Mike as showing the vocal range needed to win it all, but he could still surprise us all. My score is 21.5.

7. Didi Benami- Didi has made it well known that she has dedicated all of her performances to her late friend, and has been coming on a bit. This 25 year old from L.A. is easy to root for. Singing songs such as "Lean On Me," and "The Way I Am,' she could stick around for a while. My total score is 20.5.

8. Lacey Brown- Lacey could end up being a dark horse in this competition. This 24 year old, from Texas, has sung "Kiss Me," and "The Story," in the past few weeks. With my total score of 19.25, I think, like Lee, she could still make her move, and wow us soon.

9.Casey James- I would of disagreed if you told me 3 weeks ago that Casey would be ninth on this list. But Kara's early favorite has been a bit disappointing with his songs like "Here in Heaven," and "You'll Think of Me." He might have peaked to early, but this 27 year old from Texas might still have something up his sleeve. My total score is 18.5.

10. Tim Urban- Frankly, I'm surprised that Tim is still around. I had him going home weeks ago. But last week, his version of 'Hallelujah" raised a few eyebrows, and kept him in the competition. I don't think this 20 year old has enough range to win it all, but he's been counted out before, so stay tuned.

11. Paige Miles- I think most of us had Paige going home last week, including the judges. Her weak version of "Smile" did little to impress anyone, but the judges are also quick to point out that they think she has one of the best voices in the competition. My total score of 15 tells me that she had better make a much better song choice this week.

12 Andrew Garcia- Andrew is very likable, and was strong in the early weeks. His song choice of "Genie in a Bottle" last week was terrible, so this 24 year old from California will have to come up big this week, to make the top ten.With my total score of 13.5, I don't see that happening.

Like every other Idol season, some of these top 12 will fade, and others will step up, in the next few weeks. This week will determine who will go on the top ten tour, so let's hope they all bring their "A' game. Stay tuned.