Why Lauren Alaina Will Win American Idol

Lauren Alaina is too passive? Lauren Alaina lacks confidence? These are just some of the words I've read about the young singer and "American Idol" hopeful this season. Still, Alaina is just a few heartbeats away from taking the checkered flag in the annual competition held on FOX.

Why will she win? I predicted months ago that Lauren Alaina would be the winner of "American Idol." I still think she has the exact qualities that will earn her votes as the competition draws to a close in the coming weeks. In fact, here are my five reasons why Lauren Alaina will win "American Idol" in 2011.

1) Alaina is the sweet girl next door
Like or not, Alaina embodies the sweet girl next door. She isn't overly confident and her critics will say that could be a fault. I believe that her lack of ego will work in the other direction. My guess is that fans of "American Idol" will fall in love with her charm and poise. She may not be overly confident but she makes up for that with her incredible singing ability.

2) Alaina is the best singer left in the competition
Now that James Durbin is out, Lauren Alaina is the best overall singer left in the competition. She makes every song seem effortless. Sometimes I think she makes it look so easy that perhaps viewers might not think that she is trying hard enough. In comparison with some of the other competitors, Lauren looks smooth and as polished as a performer could be at that stage of the competition.

3) Alaina fits her genre perfectly
Although Alaina can cross over into pop, there is little if any doubt that Alaina fits into the country music genre as well as a Carrie Underwood. Alaina has her role defined probably before she ever signs a record deal. Unlike some other competitors, viewers aren't confused about where Alaina fits in the music world. It's clear she is country with a little bit of pop appeal-much like the route Taylor Swift has traveled.

4) Alaina isn't annoying
I've seen so many comments about how Scotty McCreery holds his microphone or how Haley grunts during the course of a song. Have you heard anything about Alaina yet in those regards? It's true that Alaina doesn't give critics very much to criticize. They may say she seems to innocent or that she isn't overly confident. But there isn't really anything that concrete in terms of annoyances to keep her from getting the popular vote.

5) American Idol needs a girl to win
It's about time that a girl takes the top prize on "American Idol." We've had back to back to back male winners. I think America is ready for a female winner this season. With that said, I think Lauren is the stronger of the two remaining girls on "Idol." Although Haley has been incredible, her lack of mass appeal has landed her in the bottom two several times already. Haley could sneak in to win the overall competition but I think Alaina has the most solid footing on the top prize as we speak.