Who Will Be American Idol's Top 5 for Season Nine

There has been a lot said, and written, about this seasons American Idol. Some say the talent isn't as good. Some say that because of Simon Cowell's new show next year, The X Factor, that this is Idol's last season. And frankly, a lot of people have told me that they simply aren't as interested in the show this year. To all of these thoughts I say one thing, hogwash!

Idol's ratings are still consistently in the first or second slot, each and every week. Simon's new show basically opens up the singing competition to all ages, which is fine, but it's not American Idol. And as far as talent this year, well I'll just say this. Have you watched Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Lee Dewyze, Aaron Kelly, or Michael Lynche yet? If you haven't, don't fret. They will be around for several more weeks, and will comprise Idol's top 5 this season.

As a matter of fact, on a curious note, Idol's Producer's did not have the top ten perform on last week's show. The top 11 sang together, and sounded great, but no top ten last week. Perhaps they wanted the contestants to focus on their own performance, which is the way it should be.

Now, back to this year's talent. Here is how I've ranked them since the live shows, and why they will make the top 5:

Crystal Bowersox- Crystal is clearly becoming the front runner in this competition. While she isn't the most flamboyant, she has won over the hearts of America with her voice. The knock on Crystal, from the judges, is that she hasn't let her personality show through. Earlier in the competition, I absolutely agreed with that. She rarely smiled, didn't seem to be having much fun, and didn't seem to think that this competition was hers to win. In the past two weeks, she has sung "Me and Bobby McGee," and "Midnight Train to Georgia." Her voice is absolutely beautiful, and her personality is starting to show itself. She is smiling more, and loosening up a bit. The judges now complain that she 'Thinks she's going to win it all." Who am I to disagree with Crystal? She may just do that. My rating is 52.5.

Siobhan Magnus- If individuality counts, Siobhan is the next American Idol. Week after week, she has taken on any kind of music, and has treated us to her huge vocal range This girl can hit the highest note you have ever heard, and that is part of her problem. After receiving kudos from the judges for hitting those notes, she has felt compelled to do it every week. This has taken ways from her over all talent. Last week, she sang 'Through the Fire," and stumbled a little. If she can refrain from what Simon considers "Screaming," Siobhan could go all the way this season. My rating is also 52.5, putting her in a dead heat with Crystal.

Aaron Kelly- This 16 year old has come to play. Aaron has a slight frame, but a big voice. Possibly the most consistent of all of this years contestants, Aaron has a shot to win it all. He did stumble a bit last week, with 'Ain't No Sunshine," in which the nerves seemed to catch up with him. If he can continue to just sing, and not let the spotlight effect him, I think Aaron is the top Male vocalist this year. The judges all like him, as does America. For the past few weeks, Simon has told Aaron that he 'Has absolutely no chance of going home." I'm hoping he gets back to form this week. My rating for Aaron is 48.5.

Lee Dewyze- Easily the guy with momentum, Lee has come into his own these past few weeks. The biggest knock on Lee is that he is not confident enough to go all the way. Last week, he wowed us with "Treat Her Like a Lady," in which Simon declared that Lee had "The performance that would change his entire life." While Lee has the chops to win it all, he'll have to hope for a few others to struggle a bit. Are you listening Siobhan and Aaron? My rating is 48.

Michael Lynche- I really don't want to put 'Big Mike" in the top five, but ratings are ratings. Mike, a new Father, and a body builder, is clearly a favorite of all of the judges, especially Randy. Last week Mike sang "Ready For Love," and wowed the panel of judges. He was brought out on stage to meet Reuben, a former Idol winner, there to perform, and was given more face time during the elimination show, with Ryan Seacrest teasing him into thinking he was going to the bottom three. Mike picked Ryan up, giving everyone a good laugh. My complaint with Michael is that his vocal range is limited, and he constantly sings the same type of love song. He needs to show us he can sing other things, and not be just the likable one. My rating is 44.

Just missing the top five is Casey James, with my rating of 41. Casey is a great guitar player, and may just sneak up and take one of the top five spots. I actually have Katie Stevens rated at 48, which should put her in my top five. But her youth is showing, and the judges advice to her is confusing. The judges are constantly arguing about what kind of singer she will be, with Simon insisting she is Country, and the others saying Pop. If Katie is able to ignore all of the advice, she may stick around for a while longer.

Going home in the next few weeks will be Andrew Garcia, who sang well last week, and Tim Urban,who is this years Sanjaya. Neither would be saved by the judges one save, which will be used for one of the top five.

The talent is there America. Tune in to check it out. I can't tell you yet who will win it all, but , as always, stay tuned!