I hope you are enjoying your summer!  I know I am!

Last night was the American Idol concert in my area, Ontario California.  As you would expect, it was crowded, loud and filled with screaming women.  Following the tradition of past concerts, before the show started a huge movie screen showed past Idol stars and American Idol information.  It was interesting that EVERY time Adam Lambert’s face hit that screen, the audience would scream.  This was my first American Idol concert in California, having seen all the others in Pennsylvania and the audience was a bit different.  There were a lot of older people here.  In PA, the audience was filled with teens and preteens.  I saw only one or two signs in the audience.  In PA, signs praising the fan’s favorite idol were everywhere.  I’m not sure if the reason for less kids was the price or not.  I paid A LOT for my seat in the 17th row.  But, one good thing was parking was free, so maybe it was written in to the ticket price.

The concert started out with the number 10 Idol–Michael Sarver.  He performed two songs.  His personality really comes across to the audience when he performs.  I liked the way he connected with various fans in the audience while he was singing.

Next up at number 9 was Megan Joy.  She’s a skinny, pretty, sexy girl.  I still don’t like her singing, but oh well.  She sang two songs as well.

Scott MacIntyre, number 8, rose up onto the stage from below with his piano.  He did a good job and his banter with the audience was fun.

Anoop Desai had the audience rockin’ and his dance moves had the girls screaming.  After each number you could hear the constant chant of “Anooooppppp”.  What can I say…he’s a cutie!  Anoop was the first to do three songs.

Lil Rounds sang next.  I wasn’t counting, but I’m pretty sure she performed one more song than the others.  The audience really seemed into her songs and I have to admit, I was surprised by their enthusiasm.  Don’t get me wrong, her performance was great.  I was just surpised at how much the audience seemed to be into her.

Notice I didn’t number Anoop and Lil Rounds.  If you remember from the show, both were eliminated the same night.

Matt Giraud was the last to perform in the first half of the concert.  He was eliminated at the number 5 position.  Of course, he performed with his piano.  He is amazing on the piano.  He’s quite the performer and everyone loved him.  His signature hat brought screams from the audience.

Before intermission, all the above performed together.  It was fun to see Matt Giraud and Scott McIntyre dual it out on matching grand pianos.

After a 10 minute intermission, the audience geared up for the final four.  By the way, during intermission, Ford holds a trivia contest that you can enter through your cell phone.  Winners get back stage passes.

First up in the second half, in the number 4 spot is Allison Iraheta.  Allison performed with her guitar and did an amazing job.  Her rendition of Janis Joplan’s “Cry Baby” was one of my favorites of the night.

Time for the final three.  Danny Gokey is on.  He was just as you saw him on the show.  Very personable and easy to love.  He sings a number called “I Wish” and talks about following your dreams no matter what the setbacks are, etc.  It’s very emotional and you can’t help but want to hug this guy.  Towards the end of his performance, you can just feel the excitement in the air as everyone prepares for who is next.

American Idol plays up Adam Lambert’s entrance.  The music and lights are loud and bright and the screaming makes it impossible to hear a thing!  Appearing in typical Adam attire, he immediately takes control of the stage and his audience.  No surpise there!  Adam does a David Bowie medley and when he sings “Fame” and flaunts his “Adam-ness” around the stage, frankly, my night was made!  LOL!  He performs with Allison and then too quickly he’s gone.

I was wondering how the audience would react to Kris Allen after Adam but everyone was just as pumped.  He starts out singing two numbers with his guitar and then moves on to the piano.  I prefer the piano over the guitar.  “Ain’t No Sunshine” is my favorite Kris Allen number and he didn’t dissappoint.  Another great number is when he sings “Hey Jude”.  My sister tells me that when she saw the concert, a number of people bailed during Kris’ performance–I guess to beat the traffic.  But, that didn’t happen in Ontario.  Everyone stayed until the end, probably because they knew that all the Idols would be out to do some more songs.  They did and it was good to hear them sing together and gave everyone a chance to take some pics of the entire group.

The whole concert runs about 3 hours or so.  My husband said it was the best Idol concert he had been to.  It’s hard for me to say that because I like certain performers from each year.  I know one thing, I will be an Adam Lambert fan for life!

See you next season…stay tuned Bloggergal1

You can also catch up to me at:  http://www.big-brother-blog.com/

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  Taking in a college BB game or two maybe?

President Obama’s press conference has forced Fox to change around this week’s Idol shows.  For this week only, American Idol will be on Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m.  The top 10 performers will chose from 50 years of Motown hits.  Guests will be  Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson and Ruben Studdard.  This year American Idol is bringing back all the former Idols.

It should be a good week with tons of song choices.  Lil Rounds should have a way easier time of it this week.  See you on Wednesday.  Bloggergal1

The “new twist” is that the judges can VETO an elimination.  It has to be unanimous and they can only do it once for the entire season.  When the final five are picked, the veto disappears.  It’s an insurance policy for the American Idol producers not to lose a super performer.

Ryan starts with Michael Sarver being safe.  Allison Iraheta is next to stand and she is safe.  “Third to stand is Jasmine Murray.  Ryan asks her to stand in the middle of the stage.  Matt Giraud is quickly declared safe.  Megan Joy and Kris Allen both stand.  Ryan tells them one will be safe and the other will join Jasmine at center stage.  Kris is safe and Megan joins Jasmine.  Jasmine Murray is the first American Idol contestant in season 8 to be eliminated.

Break time–Kanye West performs.

Scott MacIntyre is first to stand and be declared safe.  Followed closely by Alexis Grace and Danny Gokey, both safe.  Anoop Desai stands and is called to the center of the stage.  Adam is next to stand and of course he is safe.  Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds both stand up and Jorge joins Anoop at center stage.  Lil Rounds is safe.  Ryan tells Jorge and Anoop that they have to wait until the end of the show to know which of them will be eliminated.

Second break–Kelly Clarkson sings “My Life Would Suck Without You” .  So, who would your life suck without?

Back to the eliminations.  Ryan says there was over 33 million votes yesterday.  Jorge is the second to be eliminated this season and Anoop breathes a big sigh of relief.  I think he better quickly find someone to help him with his song choices.

Not surprisingly, the judges save neither contestant.  We quickly move from the top 13 to the top 11.  BTW, did you catch the segment highlighting the mansion they get to live in while on the show?  No wonder Jasmine was crying so hard!  That place is awesome.  I wonder who owns it or who used to live there?

Have a good week…Bloggergal1

We’re finally down to the nitty-gritty on American Idol!  The top 13 performed for the first time tonight.  The featured artist was Michael Jackson.  Since there are 13 performers, two will be eliminated this week.

As I’m sure you all know, word on the street is that the first performer and the last performer are always “killer”.  Tonight’s first was Lil Rounds.  All the judges seemed to like her but of course Simon had to throw in that he didn’t like the way she was dressed.  Those kind of comments always make me shrug because first of all what does that have to do with anything and second of all, American Idol has people that take care of the performers’ clothes and makeup, don’t they?

Scott McIntyre was back in his element singing and playing the piano.  His Michael Jackson song choice was a little known one titled “Keep The Faith”.  He did his thing and the judges couldn’t find anything to criticize in his performance.  Well, except for Simon who said he hated the song.  But, it’s rare for Simon not to say something negative, isn’t it?

Singing PYT (Pretty Young Thing) was Danny Gokey. I thought he kicked serious butt!  PYT could have turned out kinda dorky, but he didn’t let it.  It was obvious that he gave his all to this song and all the judges agreed he did a great job.

Fourth up tonight was Michael Sarver with “You’re Not Alone”.  Once again the judges were raving. He’s definitely consistent and chooses songs that showcase his talent.

Simon tells Jasmine Murray that she needs to be herself and lighten up a bit.  He says she should sing younger songs, but watch when she does, he’ll say that the song isn’t right for her. The other judges say positive things.  Hmm, they’ve said positive things all night so far.

Kris Allen sang and played guitar to “Remember the Time”.  Kara mentioned that Kris spent part of the week helping the other performers.  Do nice guys finish last?  I’m sure all those screaming girls are screaming No.

Allison Iraheta rocked out to Michael’s “Give In To Me”.  This is another MJ song that I’m not familiar with.  But Allison does a great job on it.  I like her voice tone, that scratchy rocker thing she has going on.  The judges like her and Simon says she’s always true to herself but then says she needs to lighten up.  Yep, same thing he said to the other 16-year-old.

Anoop Desai picks “Beat It”.  Uh-oh.  I don’t even want to hear what the judges have to say after this one.  “Karaoke”  “Horrible”  “Stupid”  “Disconnected”  Ouch.

Singing “Never Can Say Goodbye” was Jorge Nunez.  Hopefully, he won’t have to say goodbye!  I thought the judges were pretty rough on him.  I didn’t think he was as bad as they made him sound.  But the consensus seemed to be that the song was too old-fashioned and boring.

Megan Joy did a ditzy “Rockin’ Robin”. She’s pretty sexy looking and she has a great voice, but her performance was…what can I say?  Ditzy.

I’ve been waiting all night for Adam Lambert.  He chose Michael Jackson’s “Black and White”.  Paula said he’s going all the way to the finals.  Simon said he is in a totally different league than the rest of the performers.  Randy said Adam is the most current and can make a record right now and sail to number one.  Kara said he hit amazing notes and that she hopes Michael Jackson is listening.  I quoted the judges because I don’t want you to think I’m all about Adam.  But I am!

Matt Giraud’s rendition of “Human Nature” highlights his range.  He accompanies himself on the piano and gives a solid performance.  Once again, all judges are in agreement and the conclusion is positive.

So before we check out our last performer Alexis Grace, let’s summarize.  The judges have liked all the performers tonight except for Anoop and Jorge.  That’s 10 positives and 2 negatives so far.  That doesn’t happen too often at the start of an American Idol season.  Did the addition of Kara mellow them out?  Or is this season of American Idol filled with talent?

Last but no way least is Alexis Grace performing a get down and dirty version of “Dirty Diana”.  This rocker girl did a great job.  Randy and Simon thought it was a bit over the top.  I think you kinda have to be to stay noticed–especially in the beginning.

So stay tuned tomorrow for who will be eliminated.  My guess is Jorge, Anoop, Jasmine and Kris Allen are at the bottom.  Please comment and let me know what you think.  Love, Bloggergal1

Now that the top 13 American Idol finalists have been chosen, I thought I’d dig up some facts on each of them.  Just remember I picked up all the information from the Internet.  I have no guarantees that every single fact is true. Know more?  Please comment!

Adam Lambert

• Has been performing and singing since he was a child.
• Starred in a production of Wicked along with a number of other musicals.
• Described on the Internet as “flamboyant”and “staged”
• Will his outrageous Internet pictures influence America’s votes?

Allison Iraheta

• Won a singing competition two years ago on the Spanish Language TV station Telemundo.
• Los Angeles native.
• Being compared to Kelly Clarkson.

Alexis Grace

• Has a Prayer website dedicated to her.
• She’s auditioned for AI three times…first when she was 16, again at age 19 and now.
• A twenty-one year old single mom from Memphis Tennessee.

Anoop Desai

• Created a ton of Internet buzz for being “lucky number 13”.
• Is a former UNC Clef Hanger (University of North Carolina A cappella group).
• Honor student at UNC and wrote a 60-page thesis on “Barbecue”.

Danny Gokey

• Started a foundation in honor of his wife titled Sophia’s Heart Foundation.  The foundation aims to support children suffering from various mental, physical and emotional issues.
• A church music director, Danny’s wife passed away only a few months ago.

Jasmine Murray

• Attends the Mississippi School of Arts.
• Holds the title of 2007 Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen.

Jorge Nunez

• Has the support of Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.
• Would love to work with Brittany Spears.

Kris Allen

• College student from Arkansas.
• Has had very little on-screen American Idol time.
• Plays the ukulele.
• Has performed “Over the Rainbow” similar to Jason Castro–check it out on You Tube.

Lil Rounds

• Lil is NOT short for Lillian; it‘s her birth name.
• Lil is the mom of three children ages 5, 3 and 2.
• Her maternal grandfather used to play with B.B. King.

Matt Giraud

• Learned to play the piano on his own.
• He worked as a dueling piano player.
• He cannot read music.
• His nickname from childhood is White Chocolate.

Megan Joy Corkrey

• Prefers Megan Joy without the Corkrey because that’s her ex’s name.
• Has a castle “fairy tale” tattoo that fills her entire arm.
• Spearheading a fund raising effort for single mothers.

Michael Sarver

• His first name is Jeremy.
• He’s an oil rig worker from Texas.
• Married with two children.
• He’s a music director at his church.

Scott MacIntyre

• Born almost completely blind.
• He plays the piano, guitar and drums.
• Laughed when Ryan Seacrest made the mistake of trying to high five him early in the auditions.
• A regular singer at Scottsdale Bible Church.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  Bloggergal1

I struggle to not play the I’m-a-musician-and-you’re-not card.

But I’ll be honest. I don’t think any of the Idol women are worth a damn. There is not one great voice in the bunch, not even the Irish chick (Carly Smithson) upon whom MCA dumped $2.5 million.

Asia’h Epperson, who I like generally, made a costly mistake tonight in singing Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.”

First, people: Quit calling this Celine’s record. Eric Carmen took it to No. 1, but only after he adapted it from the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. This is a classic, classic song, derived from a classical piece, and for it to be tainted by the supremely overrated Celine Dion is a shame.

Secondly, people: This song should be retired from Idol history because only one person has done it justice, LaToya London. Not only did she do it justice, she did it better than anybody has ever done it, including Carmen, the hitmaker.

To me, that’s the difference in Idol four years ago and today. The vocal talent just isn’t there today. Season 3 was the real deal. That Jennifer Hudson and London were in the same Top 12 emphasizes how good that season was, and while I preferred Hudson, LaToya was the best singer consistently all season.

Sigh. That’s the way this show goes, but I grow more and more frustrated each week and each season with the degradation in talent. While I know Randy Jackson is a “musician” and Paula Abdul is a “singer,” for the life of me, I can’t figure out how Simon Cowell, the businessman, ended up with the best ear of the three.

I’m being facetious in all but one way. Simon absolutely has the best ear among the judges. Sure, it’s subjective. However, when listening to the dudes last night, it’s clear who the best singer is, by a mile, bar none: David Archuleta. I couldn’t give a deuce less if he wins. I’m not picking up a phone for him. I am telling you, having been an active musician for 30-some-odd years that he has the best pipes of the bunch.

Take that for what it’s worth. Damn, I played that musician card.

I would also say that Chikezie, Robbie Carrico and David Hernandez have potential, adding that Danny Noriega, to me, is a super sleeper. With some work, I think he could be phenomenal. But aside from that observation, musically, it will not only be hard for them to keep up with Archuleta, it will be tougher for them to live up to the history of this show.

There has been only a handful of great male singers on this show, one of which is Clay Aiken, who I can’t stand to listen to, personally, but who I acknowledge has a terrific vocal instrument. Chris Daughtry is another, and he’s Idol’s first legitimate rock star. To be fair, Bo Bice’s voice is actually very solid, too, even though he’s had not nearly the amount of success he had hoped for.

Personally, for me, I’ve always thought Elliott Yamin is the best male singer the show has produced.

But every other guy in every other season of Idol has been average to below average vocally. I mean to the point of downright bad.

Yet the real comparative history all Idol contestants have to battle is that set by the show’s female contestants. And from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood, to LaToya London and the great Jennifer Hudson, if you can’t do it like they do it, it’s not really even worth discussing.

Archuleta is in the conversation as of now.

But there simply isn’t one female in this bunch even worth whispering about at this point. So, do you want to know who was the best of the bunch tonight?

None of them. Same as last week.

Or perhaps it should be LaToya London, brought back from the Idol dead to do “All By Myself” one more time in hopes of shaming any and all future contestants from even considering it.

The kid is David Archuleta, and after Tuesday night’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” I suspect all those who shrugged when I issued those sentiments will understand why I think he’s the favorite to win Idol Season 7.

In fact, I think his performance was not only the first “moment” of the season, I think it was comparable to Carrie Underwood’s “Alone” performance in Season 4, the one in which Simon Cowell proclaimed that she would win the title and sell more records than any other Idol in history. It’s probably more accurate, spatially, to compare it to LaToya London singing “All By Myself” in Season 3.

Here’s the deal with “the kid” though. Not only do I think David Archuleta wins American Idol, I think he becomes the show’s first legitimate male pop star.

He’ll do Broadway. He’ll have a legitimate hit record on mainstream radio. He’ll be on TV. He is essentially a perfect pop star, and here’s why I think this competition is o-v-e-r.

1. He will dominate the tween and teen vote. Tweens and teens will vote a billion times for him. One look at DialIdol.com tonight, and I saw that David had a 30 share while second place had like a 7. Unless somebody from the girls’ side of things picks it up and fast, David is going to build up an insurmountable edge in teenybopper girls.

2. He will win the grandmama vote. Grandmamas like good voices, good personalities and clean-cut kids. The Kid’s got it all in that regard.

3. He will at least partially pick up the musician vote. Yes, Jason Castro can play a guitar, although it’s unfortunate he’s yet been able to tune it. And, yes, David Cook can play the chords from Free’s “All Right Now.”

However, Idol is still a how to become a singer’s competition, and David Archuleta is far and away the best male singer. Based on all that I’ve heard, he’s far and away the one singer I’d pick to work with, to record a demo for me, etc.

What’s scary is that it’s early.

Fact is, the reason Archuleta didn’t sing the first verse to “Imagine” is because it referenced the notion that there is no heaven and hell. David’s family is uber-religious, and that doesn’t bug me one iota, nor does it sway me toward his camp relative to the show.

However, the way he handled the question from the judges was brilliant, focusing on the positive instead of making it a point to preach to 33 million people, which would have been an enormous turn off to voters. So, if I could add a No. 4 to my list, I’d note that David’s obviously a savvy kid. He’s been in this parade before.

Now, if I didn’t review everyone else this week, it’s because THE story when you wake up tomorrow will center on Archuleta. And what could make him all the more of a phenomenon this year is that it’s not only becoming clear that he’s the most talented of this season’s Idol crop, but he still looks like an underdog. At his stature, he’ll always look like an underdog.

But with that voice, I assure you, he will be crowned Idol champ come May.

That’s what Simon Cowell told David Archuleta on Tuesday, minutes before he said the same things to Jason Castro and Aussie expatriate Michael Johns.

So, that would be the American Idol Top 3 from boys’ night, right?

Think again. And this year, it’s not just me judging the talent. My sainted mother has tagged along, and it’s for a reason.

Those of you who have watched the show like we have since Idol’s inception understand the differences in the show’s demographics. The heavy voters are teenage girls, but their voting preferences have historically mimicked those of adult women — the grandmas, if you will.

Well, the sainted nameless above-reproach mother also happens to be a grandmother, although not from any contribution of mine that we know of … yet. Give me red wine, some pills and a willing participant, and I’m betting I can make it happen.

However, for me, the amorous mood wouldn’t have a thing to do with anything I saw tonight. Tuesday’s male performances were much younger overall than in previous years, much more theatrical and less relevant than ever.

Nevertheless, David Archuleta stands out like a sore thumb, but in a good way. Vocally, there’s nobody on par with him yet, even though his voice cracked Peter Brady style in the middle of “Shop Around.”

Stylistically, I liked Johns and Castro well enough, but Johns was extremely pitchy and dull on The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” and Castro’s terrible guitar work killed any thought I had of giving his Lovin’ Spoonful tribute a thumbs-up.

Lesson No. 1 when playing an instrument live: Tune it!

Love what Mom said about Castro: “Performance was OK as was the song but he needs a haircut.” Don’t think for a second that teenage girls aren’t thinking the same thing. When it comes to a yum sandwich, who are these teen (better yet, tween) girls going to dial digits for — Rasta Castro? or Davey Archuleta.

Not a contest there, podnah. Mom said of Archuleta, “Good voice. Good performance, but I didn’t like the song.”

It’s an astute point because voters base a lot of their opinions on these songs, and The Miracles’ 1960 legendary hit is not likely on any iPods or Facebook pages. On the other hand, as a lover of all things Smokey Robinson, I thought the song was a smart choice musically.

The most disagreement between myself and my parental unit, the two disparate voters we are, centered on Chikezie Eze. His version of Spiral Starecase’s “More Today Than Yesterday,” I thought, was tantamount to at least manslaughter.

Mom liked it. Well, she at least liked the voice behind the song.

As for the suit, we both agreed with Simon. It looked hideous, dude.

We also disagree heavily on Danny Noriega, who I am convinced will eventually take the stage in a dress. I kid. See, I’m on his side. Think he’s a true-blue talent. Terrific voice. Interesting personality, and he has this David Bowie feminine vibe going.

But Mom thinks he’s a goner. I don’t, although I also didn’t think his version of “Jailhouse Rock” was the best ever.

On the other hand, we both agreed on Robbie Carrico in that his performance of Three Dog Night’s “One” was solid. Good voice, and he looks and sounds like a pro. Like Simon, I do not buy the rocker vibe one bit.

He’s too clean, and we already know his history with Boyz-n-Girls United. Plus, sorry, but his voice is actually too polished for rock. Carrico is closer to the cast of RENT than he is the next Daughtry album.

But I say this is a good thing. There is no doubt in my mind that Season 7’s group of male contestants is by a mile the most feminine the show has ever had. Most of these males are mere boys, and artistically, they are much closer to future Broadway stars than pop sensations.

Vive le difference!

Mom’s Top 5 performances came from: 1) Michael Johns, 2) David Archuleta, 3) Robbie Carrico, 4) Chikezie, 5) Jason Castro.

And mine were: 1) The boy wonder. The kid. David Archuleta. 2) Robbie Carrico. 3) Danny Noriega. Personally, I think he’s the first Idol contestant who could stand a chance of winning the competition by being MORE Broadway.

That’s all I can rank. I honestly hated the rest of them.

Mom thinks Luke Menard and Noriega will get booted right off, and I say it’s Menard and Jason Yeager, whose version of Moon River wasn’t actually all that bad. Great song, too.

That’s a wrap for the dudes, which gives me just enough time to erase everything from my Idol memory banks in time for Wednesday’s performances from our Top 12 women.

And, the formula could change week to week. In fact, it will.

The Idol audition is not only about offering great vocals but also about emitting potential star power. Each year, we watch these, and then when some of the contestants become successes, we wonder how they went from Point A to Point B.

What I’d submit is that this “star power” either exists or it doesn’t, and not even our fairest judges always recognize it.

Check out Chris Daughtry’s Season 5 audition:

Are you kidding me? Simon said, “No?” No charisma? No stand-alone star power?

Of course, in retrospect, we understand now that Chris Daughtry is the single most important Idol contestant of all time. Not the best-selling yet, and even with the controversy he’s embroiled in regarding his comments to Rolling Stone, it doesn’t lessen the fact that Idol must focus on pushing those with an edge to the forefront.

So, as I examine each audition, I’m looking for both vocal prowess and edge, with a focus on whether or not I think the contestant has star viability.

And that means, for me, Kady Malloy of Houston doesn’t even make my Top 5 list. Sure, her impersonation of Britney Spears was uncanny. And, yes, her “actual” vocals on “Unchained Melody” were stellar, and most of America, I think, believes she was the standout of the week. However, making her the next American Idol would reinforce critics who say that the show has no real impact on the music industry in terms of critical quality.

It’s not that she wasn’t good. It’s that she had no edge. No soul.

Watch Malloy, and tell me if you disagree:

OK then, here are my Top 5 auditions for Week 1:

No. 5: Joey Catalano

The high, soft soulful tone to his voice, combined with kind of a nerdy hip-hop look make this guy a sleeper in my book. He noted that ever since losing 205 pounds, he was “on fire,” and that’s what I want in a soul singer.

The challenge for Catalano is in being able to diversify without succumbing to the schmaltziness of any particular genre of music or theme week.

No. 4: Chris Watson

The 20-year-old talks like he smokes a pack of Reds a day but has an uber-contemporary style to his look and his voice. Given that he’s interested in rock bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, I’m really eager to see how this guy performs in Hollywood.

No. 3: Colton Swon

I said it from the beginning: Idol needs to embrace its country audience, and to do so doesn’t mean the contestant has to adhere to traditional country standards. The “red dirt” country movement, if you will, if super popular with young people, rural and urban alike, and the success of acts like Jason Aldean and Little Big Town reinforce it.

I would agree with the judges that Colton would have to work on stage presence a bit, and I would also acknowledge that put side-to-side against Chris Daughtry, Colton’s audition doesn’t compare terribly favorably. However, it’s not THAT distant.

He’s got the look, the style, the edge and most importantly a good enough voice to have a real shot at stardom.

No. 2: Pia Easley

Pia, or “Zpia” as she’s called, offers kind of an urban rock edge, and she reminds me of Meshell Ndegeocello a ton. She’s super urban, hip and definitely has that aforementioned edge, and my hope beyond hope is that she tackles some rock. A legitimate black female rocker would turn Idol critics upside-down.

No. 1: Kristy Lee Cook

What most of you don’t know is that Kristy is already signed to a development deal with Arista Nashville. However, because it was not a record deal, she was allowed to compete so long, I think, as she severed those ties.

No, there isn’t as much of an edge here with Kristy as there was with some of the others, but there was enough, particularly in terms of her personality. She’s a cage fighter and is beautiful, and given that the country music industry is chock-full of brilliant writers who can help give her an edge, I think she is an absolute shoo-in for stardom, one way or another.

Look, I am not the biggest country fan in the world, but her vocals were perfect. Her vocal style is deceptively soulful, and unless there was something strange in the Hollywood water, I suspect she’s one of your Top 24. Heck, I think she’s a Top 12er.

Heck, this list, our speculation and any audition success these singers might have had don’t mean squat when it comes time to perform in pairs and trios in Hollywood. Simon Cowell has admitted numerous times that certain singers have fallen through the cracks in the second round.

However, these are five singers that I personally think have massive commercial potential, if not the best vocal ability. It’s based somewhat on look and style, but it’s mostly founded on ability and edge. It’s what I’d call the “Daughtry Factor.”

Now, it’s your turn. Who were your Top 5?

What’s peculiar about this decision is that her album didn’t do nearly as badly as Taylor’s, and I still say she had some upside commercially. Singles like “Love Story,” “Not Ur Girl” and “Over it” were actually very well done.

However, Katharine’s downfall in the business will probably always be that she seems a bit disinterested. She stars in her own movie, as I like to say.

Nevertheless, she’s still gorgeous and likely has a bright future ahead of her, maybe even in music still although I suspect she’ll get a chance and a break in movies at some point.

Here is the Idol performance in Season 5 that I think turned her into a star. Great, great song.