Complete with rockers (David Cook and Amanda Overmeyer), country crooners (Kristy Lee Cook), international contestants from both Ireland (Carly Smithson) and Australia (Michael Johns), and yes, even a Chikezie, it's safe to say that this season of American Idol has something for everyone. With futures on the line and the competition fiercer than ever before, the next few months on "Idol" are likely to be very exciting.

Yet nothing has been more exciting than the voting thus far. In a pop culture dominated by the somewhat nauseating "bubblegum" movement - led by Disney channel gems like Hannah Montana and the High School Musical franchise - it is virtually unheard of to see the rough and raspy-voiced Overmeyer still in the running while the more pop-oriented contestants (such as Kady Malloy and David Hernandez) have been sent home.

This erratic tendency of voters to pick the non-obvious puts a bit of a damper on those looking to predict this season's victors. However, assuming that there are no more lyric-forgetting incidents and the front runners continue to do well, the remainder of the season should theoretically end positively for four people: David Archuleta, David Cook, Carly Smithson and Brooke White, with Archuleta ultimately winning.

This doesn't mean that the other finalists aren't going to give them a run for their money, though. Chikezie, after struggling somewhat during the round of 24, came out of nowhere with a crowd-engaging rendition of "She's a Woman." With his unique name and Carlton Banks-like nerd charm, this 22 year-old, self-proclaimed soap opera junkie has definitely proven himself as a contender, even though his time on Idol will likely be over soon.



Another contestant who has limited time left is Amanda Overmeyer. In spite of defying the stereotype that all female "Idol" finalists must possess big voices and shocking ranges, it is doubtful that she will continue to do so. As unprecedented as it would be to have a Joplin-esque biker chick declared the winner, the fact remains that "Idol" is, above everything else, a singing competition. And regardless of how stylistically unique and refreshing she is, Overmeyer simply doesn't have the pipes to match up with the likes of vocal powerhouses Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson.


Also stylistically unique and refreshing is Jason Castro, the Texas A&M student who is slightly camera shy. While there's no real reason why he shouldn't be in the top four - his intimate performances of "Hallelujuah" and "Daydream" were more than enough to secure him a spot in the top 12 - after all-Castro unfortunately has very few standout traits...aside from his coif, of course. Though his mellow demeanor and soulful performances make him sufficiently likeable, he isn't charismatic enough to win over the opinions of nationwide voters.



Kristy Lee Cook, on the other hand, is far from mellow. While she did show her calmer side with her performance of Journey's "Faithfully," most of her other performances have been exactly what one would expect from a girl whose favorite quote is "rope it, ride it, wrestle it, cowgirl it" - twangy, yodel-y and hoedown-y. Considering her version of "Eight Days a Week" left even the always-encouraging Paula Abdul with nothing positive to say; it is nothing short of a miracle that she is still in the competition. She is too reliant on her country roots, and unless she can show America that she truly is more than a country singer, Cook will not remain in the competition for long.


Far from Cook's comfort zone down south comes Michael Johns, the 29 year old from down under. A solid singer with decent looks and an alluring accent, his presence in the top 12 is easy to justify. Yet like Castro, Johns is also lacking in the standout department: the only thing that really sets him apart from everyone else is his foreign appeal. Furthermore, his performances have been consistently similar from week to week, with Johns bringing nothing new to the table stylistically. Unless he can rise above his musically repetitive acts, he will most likely not make it into the top four.


Repetitive isn't always a bad thing...provided what is being repeated is actually good. Take, for example, Syesha Mercado and Raymiele Malubay, who have consistently shown audiences that they can, without a doubt, sing their butts off. Along with Carly Smithson, these two complete the top three in terms of vocal skill; but unfortunately for both girls Brooke White's extreme honesty, emotion, and all-around congeniality will prevent both Mercado and Malubay from ending up on top.


So who will end up on top? Though it's still very early along, it's likely that David Archuleta, the cute-as-a-button kid from Utah, will win this season. Not only is Archuleta the best male vocalist, but he's also the youngest. Just 17, he possesses both the singing talent and demanding stage presence that his older counterparts lack. Plus, his young age and good looks will get votes from all kinds of tween girls, as well as guys who consider David Cook to be too cocky.



Cook's cockiness is not entirely undeserved, though. While sticking primarily to the rock genre throughout the round of 24, he still managed to show his softer side with a subdued performance of Lionel Richie's "Hello." And, if the competition was a beauty pageant rather than a singing competition, Cook would win hands down. His strong vocals, ability to effortlessly capture the audience's attention and his rock star demeanor will get Cook almost to the top.

Contrasting with Cook's attitude is Brooke White's, who is quite possibly the biggest sweetheart in "Idol" history. Not only does she sing well, but she truly loves what she is doing, so much that she was brought to tears simply by having the opportunity to sing "Let It Be" on stage. Combine that with her Barbiedoll-like good looks, and it's pretty much a Lifetime movie success story waiting to happen.

If White sings well, though, Carly Smithson's vocals are nothing short of mind-blowing. She has an exceeding range, an equal amount of power, and she isn't afraid to take risks - it takes a great deal of skill to perform both "I Drove All Night" and "Come Together" near perfectly, while still managing to incorporate one's own style. If anyone can challenge The Boy Wonder that is David Archuleta, it is definitely Carly Smithson.


Yet the great thing about "American Idol" is that none of this is certain. One bad performance can change everything, as David Hernandez had the misfortune of learning. However, one thing is certain: no matter who wins, everyone will be watching.

Who do you think will win? Make a comment!

Story by Allisyn Keyser
Starpulse contributing writer

Thanks to wwww.americanidol.com for providing some facts for this article.