POLL -- Whose CD Are You Most Looking Forward To: David Cook or David Archuleta?

Their American Idol battle ended about 5 months ago, but in the coming weeks David Cook and David Archuleta will duke it out again, this time for supremacy in the arena of record sales. Archuleta already has a successful single out ("Crush"), while Cook's "Light On" is quickly ascending the charts.

Here's the question -- whose CD are YOU most excited about? Take the poll below and let me know!

Online Surveys & Market Research

David Cook, David Archuleta, Katherine McPhee and Jordin Sparks Will Appear on Teen Choice Awards

American Idol winners David Cook and Jordin Sparks, as well as runners-up David Archuleta and Katherine McPhee, will perform on the Teen Choice Awards, airing August 4th on FOX.

Nominee Cook and Archuleta are, of course, on tour with American Idol, while Jordin has her third consectuive Top 40 hit with "One Step at a Time" (her song "No Air" is up for several awards). McPhee is currently working with producer David Foster and is appearing in the film "House Bunny."

It is unclear whether the former Idols will be presenting or performing at the awards.

Also set to appear at the event are Shia LaBeouf, Rachel Bilson, Channing Tatum, David Archuleta, Lil Mama, LL Cool J, Demi Lovato, James Marsden, Leighton Meester, Sophia Bush, Josh Holloway, Ryan Sheckler, Steve Carell, Chris Brown, Scarlett Johansson, Zac Efron, Pink, Danica Patrick, Selena Gomez, JoJo, Minka Kelly, Jesse McCartney, Chad Michael Murray, Chace Crawford, Kristen Bell, Drake Bell, Mischa Barton, Brittany Snow and Hayden Panettiere.

Stay tuned for more info...

Ranking American Idol's Top 8 Guys: The Three David's Top the List for the Second Straight Week

What a strange episode of American Idol -- neither mind bogglingly amazing or torturously bad. Some of the performances, and song choices, were so strange, I almost don't know what to say.

I said...almost.

Part of the problem is that the songs seemed so damn short. Is it just me, or did every song seem to be about 30 seconds? We've got a big decision to make here, and I'm not sure such a short snippet of song from each contestant allowed each to leave the voters with the best impression.

Having said that, here's my rankings of the Top 8 guys:

1. David Cook
I know some of y'all aren't too fond of Season 7's rocker, but I've loved this guy since the moment he appeared in his initial audition, and as the weeks go on I keep falling deeper and deeper. His performance of "Hello" was a revelation -- he made the song current, relevant and totally appropriate for his performance style. Send this boy to the finals!
Grade: A-

2. David Hernandez
David's got to be having a rough week with the revelations about his stripper past, but he seemed to put it aside and performed "It's All Coming Back" quite well. While I, like Simon, prefered his performance of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," there's no doubt this kid can really sing. Hopefully he'll get to show off some of his stripper moves in the Top 12.
Grade: B

3. David Archuleta
Is little David getting too cocky too soon? I love him, don't get me wrong, but his performance tonight was way too self-serious. As Simon said, he's got to lighten up and remind us that he's just an adorable teenager. Heck, if he keeps singing songs like this one, there's gonna be no uber-serious songs for him to sing during "Idol Gives Back"! Still, not a chance in hell he won't make it to the Top 12.
Grade: B

4. Jason Castro
I'm a bit Simon loved this performance so much -- it was genuine and heartfelt, sure, but less than impressive vocally. True, it's not a vocal powerhouse type of song, and his rendition was both respectable and respectful. I wanna love him -- and I did love his debut Top 24 performance -- but I'm hung up on the fact that this kid doesn't have the big notes in him. He presents Idol voters with an interesting dilemna -- do you vote for someone who seems like an authentic artist even if they are far from the best singer? I'm curious what else he's got in him, so I hope (and expect) he will get to the Top 12, but I wonder how long he can last without being able to really belt out a tune.
Grade: B

5. Michael Johns
How did this guy go from a frontrunner to an also-ran so quickly? His performance wasn't painful tonight by any means, but there was also nothing special about it -- unfortunately for Michael, the third straight week that's been the case. Even if he makes it to the Top 12 (which he likely will), unless he ups the ante I can't see him making much of a dent in the competition.
Grade: B-

6. Chekezie
Vocally, there's no doubt this guy's got it. And tackling a Whitney Houston song was a risky proposition that didn't result in him falling flat on his face. But there's something off about him -- he's just not connecting with the songs or with the audience (at least not this audience member). The producers clearly think he's got something worth paying attention to, as they gave him the coveted final performance slot, but will he ever seem his display some star quality?
Grade: C+

7. Danny Noriega
I'm still loving Danny's sassy attitude, but "Tainted Love" did absolutely nothing for him vocally. I remember him having a good voice during his initial audition and in Hollywood -- where has it gone? Still, having him as part of the Top 12 would certainly liven things up, so I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope he sneaks in.
Grade: C

8. Luke Menard
Egads! I actually don't think "Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go)" was a terrible song choice for Luke, but I find his voice almost unbearably difficult to listen to, and he could not possibly be any cheesier. I wish Simon hadn't so blatantly told him he wasn't going to make it to the Top 12, as that sounds like a direct challenge to his fans (if he has any), but I'm hoping he's right and this is the last we'll see of the a capella pretty boy.
Grade: C-

Which of the Top 8 guys was your favorite? Who's going home? Vote now!

David Archuleta and Carly Smithson are Week 2 Idol Thoughts Readers Faves

David Archuleta ran away with the top spot on the list of Idol Thoughts reader favorites for the second straight week, followed (at a distance) by fellow Davids Hernandez and Cook. Carly Smithson, meanwhile, leapt from #6 to #1 in Week 2, with last week's #1 girl Ramiele Malubay slipping to #3.

Here are the results of the Idol Thoughts Readers' Favorite Polls:

GUYS:
1. David Archuleta, 68%
2. David Hernandez, 12%
3. David Cook, 6%
4. Jason Castro, 4%
5. Chekezie, 4%
6. Michael Johns, 3%
7. Danny Noriega, 2%
8. Jason Yeager, 1%
9. Luke Menard, 1%
10. Robbie Carrico, 1%

GIRLS:
1. Carly Smithson, 33%
2. Brooke White, 26%
3. Ramiele Malubay, 18%
4. Alaina Whitaker, 4%
5. Kristy Lee Cook, 4%
6. Kady Malloy, 4%
7. Amanda Overmyer, 4%
8. Asia'h Epperson, 3%
9. Syesha Mercado, 2%
10. Alex Lushington, 1%

More David Archuleta Videos: Performing "You're All I Need" on Star Search and Dreamgirls' "I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)"

Here's a couple youtube videos of American Idol frontrunner David Archuleta performing on Star Search. Both songs ("You're All I Need to Get By" and "And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)") were also sung by contestants on American Idol -- Kelly Clarkson (and later Jasmine Trias) belted the former, while Tamyra Gray, LaKisha Jones, and, of course, Jennifer Hudson have wrapped their voices around the latter.

Enjoy!

Singing "You're All I Need to Get By"


Singing "And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)" (vocals only)

Ranking American Idol's Top 10 Guys: Archuleta Wipes the Floor With the Competition

CLICK HERE FOR SPOILER: TOP 10 GIRLS SONG CHOICES

Is David Archuleta gonna run away with this whole thing?

Right now, it's looking like American Idol's 17-year-old wonder boy is gonna wipe the floor with the competition, as his rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" was head and shoulders better than any of the other Top 10 guys. (They also showed an adorable video of David performing in front of Season 1 contestants, including Kelly Clarkson -- click here to see that video).

As was the case last week, and again perhaps due to the restrictive 70's theme, there were very few stand-out performances, and lots of solid-but-not-spectacular showings from the rest of the guys. Some improved over last week's performances; others fell short of the promise they've showed in prior rounds.

Here's my rankings of the Top 10 guys:

1. David Archuleta
(Last Week: #2)
I mean! This kid is just unbelievable, with a voice so pure it defies description. After hearing Ruben Studdard and Jennifer Hudson sing this song on this show I was waiting to be let down -- and that was so not the case! The purity of David's voice (so pure!) elevated it to levels of true greatness (at least greatness within the realm of Idol). This is actually my favorite non-Lenon version of the song I've ever heard. Though I do think David is gonna win this competition and will become a huge star, I would advise the judges from anointing him champion too quickly -- there's still months left of the competition, and we know what happens to frontrunners (ahem, Senator Clinton).


2. David Cook
(Last Week: #4)
Why don't more of you like David Cook?? He's got an understated charm, he's not all me-me-me, and he sounds freakin' fantastic every time he sings. Fall in love with him, people! I thought tonight was actually his best performance yet, though I would advise against taking extended guitar breaks during a 90 second song. Still, definitely a triump, and a Top 12 without him would be a real shame. (And as for the "film" that Simon hated -- I loved it! The geeky rocker? Perfection!)
Grade: A-


3. David Hernandez
(Last Week: #7)
Wow, this kid is sure hot and cold -- his Hollywood week audition was great, but last week's show-opener was stiff and awkward. Tonight he was back on form, showing off great vocals and even a dash of panache. If he keeps this up, he could find himself Phil Stacey-ing his way into the Top 10.
Grade: B+


4. Chekezie
(Last Week: #9)
Far and away the most improved guy of the week, Chekezie finally lived up to the billing I've been giving him for weeks. Despite another questionable outfit and some awkward dance moves, he greatly improved his stage presence and vocals, sounding, actually, quite excellent (if not as good as Elliott Yamin, who sang this song back in Season 5). Will it be enough to overcome that rough first performance (and even rougher suit that he continues to defend)? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Grade: B+


5. Michael Johns
(Last Week: #3)
The guys does have charisma, he's cute, and he can sing, but there's something almost too effortless about his performances. It might end up backfiring on him -- the contestants who end up doing the best on this show are the often the ones who seem like they are really working (think Fantasia or Taylor Hicks). If he had sounded a bit better I might be more forgiving, but this was, as Simon said, definitely his weakest performance by a mile.
Grade: B-

Continue reading for #'s 6 through 10


AMERICAN IDOL POLL: Which of the Top 10 Guys Was Your Favorite? Who's Going Home?

CLICK HERE FOR SPOILER: TOP 10 GIRLS SONG CHOICES

VIDEO: David Archuleta's "Imagine," David Hernandez' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and David Cook's "All Right Now"

Read American Idol's Ten Best Semifinal Performances of All Time

Video: David Archuleta's "Imagine," David Hernandez's "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and David Cook's "All Right Now"

Relive the Top 20 performances of the David's...

David Archuleta, "Imagine"


David Hernandez, "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"


David Cook, "All Right Now"

Who Are the Next Four to Go on American Idol?

One week does not a star make. However, on American Idol, a good first performance could propel you all the way to the finals, and a poor one could mean you're finding yourself trying to catch up for weeks.

So how will the first week of performances impact this week's results? I'd say, based on the strength of their 60's performance (in addition, of course, to what they did during their initial auditions and Hollywood week), David Archuleta, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson and Ramiele Mulabay will all cruise into the Top 12. Jason Castro, who had no screentime coming into last week, will also most likely be a finalist, barring a major meltdown in the next two weeks.

David Cook, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Asia'h Epperson also performed well last week, and with ample airtime during the initial stages of the competition, they are also looking good to make it at least one more week. Alaina Whitaker was a wildcard coming into last week, and she really delivered, so if she follows it up with another strong performance she should be okay as well.

David Hernandez, Robbie Carrico, Danny Noriega, Amanda Overmyer and Alex Lushington are all on the fence -- they could slip through the cracks if they don't come out and give memorable performances. While any one of them could go home, I'd say there's a few other contenders in more serious danger.

Yep, I'm talkin' about Jason Yaegar, Luke Menard, Chekezie Eze, Kristy Lee Cook and Kady Malloy. While Yaegar's biggest sin was being boring, Menard and Eze were borderline painful (despite Luke's cutie patottie-ness). Jason's going to have to prove he's more than a cheesy cruise-ship singer with a B-grade voice, while Chekezie better remind us all that he can really sing. As for Luke, I can't imagine a scenario in which he does enough to impress -- basically he's gotta hope for a Jason and Chekzie meltdown.

On the girls side, both Cook and Malloy were pretty much trainwrecks last week (with Kristy Lee being the slightly worse of the two), so they'll both have to step it up this week to survive. Hopefully Kristy Lee has recovered from her "illness" (and learned a song other than "Amazing Grace"), while Malloy one more chance to prove she has personality beyond a killer Britney Spears impresion.

So, going into the performances I'm guessing Luke, Jason, Kristy Lee and Kady are most in danger. Of course, anything could happen, and all of this could be irrelevant in less than 24 hours. Guess we'll have to wait and see...

Read: Ten Best Semifinal Performances of All Time

American Idol 7 Top 24 Videos: David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Alaina Whitaker and Carly Smithson

Enjoy these videos of the American Idol Top 24 performances of Idol Thoughts reader faves David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Alaina Whitaker and Carly Smithson.

David Archuleta


Jason Castro


Michael Johns


Ramiele Malubay


Alaina Whitaker


Carly Smithson

Ranking American Idol's Top 12 Guys: Jason Castro Makes Quite a First Impression

Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe 60's music as a theme just didn't work. Maybe the guys were nervous. Whatever the case may be, tonight's Top 12 guys on American Idol just didn't blow me away.

Don't get me wrong -- there is a lot of potential in this group, and some of the guys were actually quite excellent. Even better, there's only one potential Sanjaya in the bunch (we'll get to Garrett Haley in a bit). But all in all, I think I expected a bit more from what many (including myself) have referred to as the best group of finalists ever. I'm willing to cut them some slack, however -- it is the first week, and as far as first weeks go, it definitely could have been much worst.

I do think the theme was at least partly to blame for the lack of fireworks on the stage. Usually in the semi-finals the contestants can choose any song they'd like, giving us the chance to see how they view themselves as artists. Gina Glocksen singing an Evanescence song, for example, defined her as the "rock girl" for the season, while Chris Richardson's performance of "Geek in the Pink" let us know what kind of artist he aspired to be. Restricting the contestants' choice of song so early in the competition is a bummer, and their choice of mostly ballads even more so.

However, many overcame those obstacles; others -- not so much.

As for the judges -- Simon was mostly right on, Paula was puffier than usual (sober? pilled up? I'm not quite sure), and Randy was, well, Randy. That about covers that.

As I will do throughout the season, here's my rankings of the Top 12 guys:

1. Jason Castro
Where did this kid come from? Having not heard him sing a single note so far this season, I didn't know what to expect, but he came out with and performed with originality and such effortless charm that I was instantly won over. He looked like a natural with the guitar, and though he's certainly no vocal powerhouse, he definitely posseses a distinct style. Does he have the chops to survive week-in-week-out of this competition? I'm not sure. But for now, I'm happy with what we've got.
Grade: A-


2. David Archuleta
How freakin' adorable is this kid? I just want to squeeze his cheeks! "Shop Around" was an interesting choice for young David, and it took me a minute to get used to seeing him bop around the stage, but he ultimately pulled it off with aplomb. And that voice! Sounding much more mature than his 17 years, the kid showed he's really got the goods. Expect to see much more of him in the next three months.
Grade: A-


3. Michael Johns
This guy's good. I knew he was good going into tonight's performance, and I believe he was good having seen it. Unfortunately, he chose to sing a song we've seen him sing before. Why, Michael, why? This was his chance to really set himself apart from the pack, and although it was very well sung, it was the same song we saw sung last week about a dozen times, at times better than Michael sang it tonight. He's still a frontrunner, but he lost some originality points in my book.


4. David Cook
There's an understated charm to this guy, and his unconventional take on "Happy Together" brought a refreshing dose of originality to the stage. And while his vocals aren't perfect, he's a credible rock singer with what seems to be a pretty versatile instrument. I dug it.
Grade: B+


5. Colton Berry
I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is, but there's something about this kid I really like. His voice is great, and he's got a soulful stage presence that, at least for the moment, is on the right side of too theatrical. But more than that, there's a lightness and genuineness to him that I find quite endearing. I hope he sticks around a little while.
Grade: B+


6. Robbie Carrico
This performance was pretty good, however, while I can't say anything bad about it, I can't say it was particularly memorable either. What's special about this guy? He may tap into the Bo Bice/Bucky Covington fanbase and ride that wave for awhile, but American Idol? I don't see it.
Grade: B-

CONTINUE READING FOR #'s 7 through 12

Who was the best of the Top 12 guys? Who will go home? Take the polls now!

Will David Archuleta, Michael Johns or Luke Menard Be This Year's American Idol Hearthrob?

Hearthrobs -- nearly every season of American Idol has had one. So which of this year's male contestants will make the ladies (and some of the fellas) swoon?

By hearthrob, I'm referring to a performer whose success on the show is predicated as much on their looks, swagger and sexiness as much as it is on vocal prowess. As laughable as it seems now, the archetype for the Idol hearthrob is none other than Justin Guarini. Back in Season 1, he made Paula cry with the "beauty" of his singing, and even caused Simon to say "Watch out Justin Timberlake, there's a new Justin in town." Yes, in retrospect it seems a bit ridiculous that the curly haired singer inspired incredibly passionate shrieks and screams, but it happened!

Surely the show has produced unlikely hearthrobs in the past -- think Clay Aiken or even Sanjaya Malakar, for example. But for the purposes of this discussion, I'm thinking more along the lines of the Chris Richardsons, Ace Youngs and Constantine Maroulis' -- men whose performance style is not necessarily to everyone's taste, but who develop a rabid following (based on both looks and talent) nonetheless.

So who will inherit the throne from last year's lust-inspring Chris Richardson? I'm predicting three of this year's guys seriously competing for that title will be David Archuleta, Michael Johns and Luke Menard. Let's take a look at the hearthrob merits of each:

-David Archuleta is just 16 years old, but if he can tap into the All American cutie-pie-ness that Zac Efron has mastered, inspiring fan sites and the fluttering of little girls' hearts in the process, he could end up launching himself into the stratosphere. Plus the kid can really sing! (Click here to see video of David on Star Search and singing to Season 1's Idol contestants)

-We haven't seen Luke Menard sing a single note, mind you, so it's possible he could flame out before being given a chance to gain a following, but based solely on his looks, I'd say he has a shot at the hearthrob title.

-Michael Johns, with his lovely biceps, gorgeous face and delightful Australian accent, is something Idol doesn't often see -- a real man. Most of the show's male contestants are either quirky (Taylor Hicks, Blake Lewis) or distinctly boyish (Anthony Fedorov, RJ Helton). Johns is more like Bo Bice, Chris Daughtry and Constantine Maroulis, in that he's older and more conventionally "manly." And let's face it -- the fact that his voice is great certainly won't hurt.

I'm guessing Johns and Archuleta are going to split the hearthrob vote, with younger girls more likely to jump on the Archuleta bandwagon, and 20-somethings and up going for John's darker appeal.

Who do you think will be this year's hearthrob? David, Michael or Luke, or someone else? David Cook? Jason Castro? Leave a comment and let me know!

CLICK FOR MORE HEADLINES IN THESE IDOL THOUGHTS CATEGORIES:

AMERICAN IDOL
BIG BROTHER
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SURVIVOR
PROJECT RUNWAY / TOP MODEL

CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

Watch Video of American Idol 7's David Archuleta on Star Search and Singing to Kelly Clarkson

If you've developed a little crush on 16 year-old American Idol contestant David Archuleta, you've got to watch these videos!

Here is footage of a very young David wailing "Who's Loving You" on the television show Star Search. Not surprisingly, he won!

Here's one of him singing to Season 1 Idol contestants Kelly Clarkson and Jim Verraros...

And here's a video of David singing "Oh Holy Night" at a Christmas recital last year. The quality of the video is terrible, but his voice is amazing!

What do you think -- will he add Idol champ to his resume?

Eight Burning Questions About American Idol 7 Top 24

American Idol 7's Top 24 has been announced (click here to see photos of the Top 12 Girl and Guys), and I've been left with some burning questions:

1. Are they ever going to mention the fact that David Archuleta won Star Search? (Watch video of David on Star Search here) I mean, I love this kid -- he's freakin' adorable and he's got a great, pure voice, but at the moment we're being led to believe he's never set foot on a stage before, and that's very much not the case. I'm just saying.

2. By the same token, how 'bout the whole deal with Carly Smithson? They are painting her Visa problem and subsequent earlier ineligibility from Idol as the biggest setback of her life, but how about that record deal several years back that crumbled all around her? Like David, I love this girl (she's probably my pick to win the whole thing at this point), but it'd be nice if Idol gave us the whole story.

3. Where's the love for Chekeieze Eze, Alex Lushington and Kady Malloy? All three were shown in their initial auditions, and they made it to the Top 24, so how about giving us a glimpse of how they did in Hollywood? We got a few moments of Colton Berry and Robbie Carrico, but certainly not enough to gage what they're going to bring to the table.

4. Speaking of, who the heck are Alaina Whitaker, Amy Davis, Garrett Haley, Jason Castro, Jason Yeager and Luke Menard? If we've seen them before, I don't remember!Menard and Davis are adorable, and Jason Castro's dreadlocks certainly set him apart from the crowd, so how come we weren't given even the slightest hint as to what these people sound like durng this week's episodes?

5. Is Brooke White too much of a hot mess to survive in this competition?

6. Is Danny Noriega too sassy for this competition?

7. How adorable is Joanne Borgello? Love her!

And finally...

8. How happy am I that we avoided two potential Sanjaya's? Josiah Leming and Kyle Ensley both had the potential to wreak havoc on the competition, and I am not sorry to see them sent home. Better luck next time, guys!

CLICK FOR MORE HEADLINES IN THESE IDOL THOUGHTS CATEGORIES:

AMERICAN IDOL
BIG BROTHER
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SURVIVOR
PROJECT RUNWAY / TOP MODEL

CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

It's Official! American Idol 7's Top 24

Those of us who caved and looked at the spoilers weren't shocked by tonight's announcement of the American Idol 7 Top 24, but for those who resisted the temptation, here is the official list (with photos and burning questions soon to come):

Top 12 Girls

Asia'h Epperson
Alaina Whitaker
Alex Lushington
Amanda Overmyer
Amy Davis
Brooke White
Carly Hennessy Smithson
Joanne Borgella
Kady Malloy
Kristy Lee Cook
Ramielle Malubay
Syesha Mercado

Top 12 Guys

Chikeze Eze
Colton Berry
Danny Noriega
David Archuleta
David Cook
David Hernandez
Garrett Haley
Jason Castro
Jason Yeager
Luke Menard
Michael Lee Johns
Robbie Carrico

CLICK FOR MORE HEADLINES IN THESE IDOL THOUGHTS CATEGORIES:

AMERICAN IDOL
BIG BROTHER
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SURVIVOR
PROJECT RUNWAY / TOP MODEL

CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

American Idol: Best. Hollywood Week. Ever. (Ranking the Top 12 Contenders)

MAJOR SPOILER: American Idol Top 24 Finalists Revealed!

Wow, the American Idol folks were not kidding when they said this year's Hollywood round would be better than ever. It was amazing!

There was no drama. None. (Okay, just a little). But what there was in spades was singing. And singing. And more singing.

And I loved it!

Forgive my enthusiasm, but I'm now more convinced than ever that this is going to be the strongest year of Idol yet (read my post Seven Reasons This Season Really Might Be Better Than Ever). )While we're accustomed to fumbled lyrics and off-pitch disasters in Hollywood, what we got was at least a good dozen people who have the potential to be really good.

Based solely on what we saw tonight, here's how I'd rank the Top 12 contenders:

*Note: We did not see several performers tonight who have made it into the Top 50 (Chikeize Eze and Alex Lushington, for example). In addition, some were on for such a small amount of time (Colton Berry, Robbie Carrico) I didn't include them in this list.

1. Carly Smithson has the kind of thrilling voice that there's always a place for on American Idol. Sure, her rendition of "Alone" doesn't compare to Carrie Underwood's Idol-definitive version a few years back. But those high notes! And she wants this bad, which means she's going to push herself -- that's always fun to watch.

2. David Archuleta may just have this thing all sewn up. First off -- he looks like Zac Efron (definitely not a bad thing when teenage girls both watch this show and have cell phones with text messaging capabilities). Second of all -- he's got a great voice. Really great. And, thirdly, he won Star Search a few years back, so he has experience performing on live television. Top 10, easy.

3. Michael Johns' rendition of "Light My Fire" was solid, but his performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" showed this guy's got serious star potential. And that Australian accent ain't gonna hurt one bit.

4. David Cook has a lowkey charm, coupled with a hot rock voice. My current dark horse fave.

5. David Hernandez was a nice surprise, effortlessly crooning "Love the One You're With" and showing an ease on stage that many of his peers were lacking. Not too shabby.

6. Amanda Overmyer sounded great singing "Light My Fire," but I have to admit, I share Simon's concern that all of her songs are going to sound the same. For now, though, I'm still smitten.

7. Asia'h Epperson had such a tragic backtory I failed to notice this girl could really sing. And she's hot. Not a bad combination.

8. Danny Noriega, quirky as he may be, has an amazing voice. Does he remind anyone else of Christian from Project Runway? I can't wait to see what happens with this kid in the competition.

9. Kristi Lee Cook gave another solid performance of "Amazing Grace," but I'm going to have to hear her sing something else before I can really get a sense of what she's capable of.

10. Syesha Mercado definitely has talent, but she also has a habit of shouting. Girl, I'm right here, you don't have to scream!

11. Brooke White's take on "Beautiful" was interesting, in that she definitely does have a Carole King/Joni Mitchell vibe to her, but I remain unconvinced that she can hit the power notes that really make an Idol contestant soar.

12. Ramiele Mulubay is gonna work that "little girl with the big voice" thing, but she's gonna have to start wailing if she's gonna get my vote.

Potential Sanjaya Alert:

Josiah Leming is adorable, and heartbreaking -- in the kind of way that I want to take him home and feed him a cup of soup. Do I want him to be my American Idol? Not so much.

Kyle Ensley is the new Kevin "Chicken Little" Covais. I'm just saying.

CLICK FOR MORE HEADLINES IN THESE IDOL THOUGHTS CATEGORIES:

AMERICAN IDOL
BIG BROTHER
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SURVIVOR
PROJECT RUNWAY / TOP MODEL

CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

Photos of American Idol 7's Top 12 Guys

Chekezie Eze


Colton Berry


Danny Noriega


David Archuleta


David Cook


David Hernandez


Garrett Haley


Jason Castro


Jason Yaegar


Luke Menard


Michael Johns


Robbie Carrico

CLICK FOR MORE HEADLINES IN THESE IDOL THOUGHTS CATEGORIES:

AMERICAN IDOL
BIG BROTHER
DANCING WITH THE STARS
SURVIVOR
PROJECT RUNWAY / TOP MODEL

CUTE BOYS OF POP CULTURE

American Idol's Top 12 Guys Take to the Stage

American Idol's Top 12 guys take to the stage tonight for the first time, and I couldn't be more psyched!

Will David Archuleta and Michael Johns cement their frontrunner statuses? Will David Hernandez, Chekeize Eze, Danny Noriega and David Cook make good on the promise they've shown in earlier auditions? And what will it be like when we finally get to hear Jason Castro, Jason Yaegar, Garrett Haley and Luke Menard sing?

Just a few hours left!

As a reminder, here are photos of the Top 12 guys...

Chekezie Eze


Colton Berry


Danny Noriega


David Archuleta


David Cook


David Hernandez


Garrett Haley


Jason Castro


Jason Yaegar


Luke Menard


Michael Johns


Robbie Carrico

Shocker: More Good Auditions Than Bad in San Diego -- Ranking the Six Best

Well, this is a first -- they actually showed more good auditions than bad on an early episode of American Idol. Hallelujah!

Of course, we had to sit through Valerie Reyes and her Mariah Carey impression, Monique Gibson's meltdown, and the totally bizarre antics of Alberto Hurtado, but in the end San Diego produced real talent -- and we got to see a surprisingly large amount of it!

Here are my rankings of the best San Diego auditions:

1. Carly Smithson
Ladies and gentlemen, I think we've found a frontrunner. This girl is amazing! Part Kelly Clarkson, part Pink, she sounded awesome singing "I'm Every Woman," hitting notes that the girls we've seen so far wouldn't even dream of trying to hit, a capella no less. And how lovely and genuine does she seem? Speaking up for her tattooed boyfriend, and declaring how hard she's going to work and how she hopes that this is her year? I love her already.

2. Perrie Cataldo
What a voice! This single father's voice as he sang "I'll Make Love To You" vaguely reminded me of Elliott Yamin, which I mean as a very high compliment. His heartbreaking backstory isn't gonna hurt him one bit; either is the fact that his son is adorable! This guy seems like a definite Top 10 contender.

3. David Archuleta
Loved his audition, but I'm wondering why they didn't mention that this kid won Star Search a few years back. Weird. Anyways, he sounded great singing "Waiting for the World to Change," and he's adorable, which means, pretty much, he's a shoo-in for the finals. We could do worse.

4. Michael Johns
I've never heard Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long," so I have no idea if that is what the song is actually supposed to sound like, but to my ears (and eyes), this guy is the real deal. He also seems like he'd be versatile -- he'd nail the country and soul themes, and could probably rock out as well. I approve.

5. Samantha Musa
Love Samantha -- hate her sister! Upstage much? Samantha sounded great singing "Until You Come Back To Me," but her sister's hogging of the spotlight totally distracted from Samantha's talent. And that comment about overcoming her earlier obstacles? Yuck!

6. Tetiana Ostapowych
I quite liked the smoky vocal tone of this California blonde as she crooned "Someone to Watch Over Me," and didn't seem to find her confidence quite as off-putting as Simon seemed to have. We didn't hear her upper range, which concerns me -- is she as good as she thinks she is? Is she gonna end up the Haley Scarnato of Season 7?

SPOILER: American Idol Top 50 Finalists Photos and Myspace Pages

Read 'The Ten Best Initial Auditions Ever'

Read 'Ranking Idol: Dallas' Five Best Auditions'

Read 'Ranking Idol: Philadelphia's Five Best Auditions'

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