My Top 12 Predictions

Earlier in the season – Top 24 – I picked the following 12 contestants to make the big stage:

Brandon Rogers
Chris Richardson
Chris Sligh
Sundance Head
Sanjaya Malakar
Jared Cotter
Alaina Anderson
Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Melinda Doolittle
Lakisha Jones
Jordin Sparks

Of course that was before any performances, and really based on nothing more than TV time, perceived likability, and my gut feelings. All but Alaina are still alive! Not bad for a blog rookie!

Here's how I see it going down from here:

SURE THINGS:

Sundance Head – Sundance has two BIG things going for him. He has the support of the VoteForTheWorst bunch, and he’s different. Sundance is this years Kellie Pickler, you never know what is going to come out of his mouth. Plus, he’s DIFFERENT. We are real short on DIFFERENT this year and we need Sundance. Plus if he can get his confidence up and calm his performance jitters, which seems to be starting to happen…he could be in the Finals…like Simon said.

Chris Sligh – Chris has a strategy…and it’s working. He was blogging about his American Idol experience (and strategy) at http://www.frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/ before American Idol shut him down once he reached the Top 24. When he was leaked as a contender the fans started flocking in HUGE numbers to his blog and his various myspace accounts. As a result he has developed a pretty sizable fan base. Although he hasn’t officially announced it on the show, he likes to call them his “Fro Patro”. Both Sundance and Chris are what this show needs to remain the success it is.

Sanjaya Malakar – Poor Sanjaya. He is going to get beat up every week by Simon. And the more Simon beats him up the more his fans will vote to “Save Sanjaya!”. Every season we have a Sanjaya that keeps advancing even though he’s out of his league. His fans want him on tour which means AT LEAST Top 10. Like it or not, Sanjaya is also one of those “magical” things that makes this show work. Oh the CONTROVERSY we will talk about each week over the watercooler!

Melinda Doolittle – Melinda has been a Fan and Judge favorite since the beginning. She isn’t going ANYWHERE anytime soon. That’s all I really have to say about her. If there was ever a sure thing…it’s Melinda. As Simon has said…Melinda is what this show is all about. Someone who doesn’t know how GOOD they really are.

Lakisha Jones – Lakisha is another BIG belter, and will easily slide into the Top 12. Singing “I’m not Going”, Jennifer Hudson’s showstopper from “Dreamgirls” sealed it for her.

Antonella Barba – Antonella is the female version of Sanjaya…sort of. She is also being supported by the VoteForTheWorst.com bunch. She was beat up by the press after an ex-boyfriend leaked partially clad pictures of her, and as a result has garnered some fan support…”Save Antonella!”. Even though Ryan keeps putting her in the last bunch to be eliminated…it’s all for drama. She has been in the Top 2-3 each week on DialIdol.com.

PROBABLES:

Chris Richardson – I hope Chris makes the cut. He brings something to the competition that no one else at this stage has. I could see him having some legs in this competition. He has a more contemporary, youthful sound than the rest of the bunch. IF he gets in, I could see him making Top 6 or 7.

Jordin Sparks - The judges really want Jordin in the Top 12 and so do I. She doesn’t have the seasoning of many of the other contestants because of her age, but unlike Sanajaya, she is one of those contestants that could really grow before our eyes in this competition. And we LOVE that potential! Jordin I think could go even further than Chris, Again, though, I don't see her as a sure thing at this stage of the game.

NOT A CHANCE:

Jared Cotter – Jared just hasn’t done enough to make himself stand out. I don’t see him advancing.

Haley Scarnato – Same thing with Haley. Nothing special…I’m surprised she’s still around actually..

GUYS FIGHTING FOR LAST TWO SPOTS:

Blake Lewis - Our beat boxer. Two strong performances so far and the fact that he is different probably makes him the contestant with the strongest chance to advance of these three. I like him and he's different, that always helps! I don't think he will have much in the way of "legs" once he's there though. Although he'd be great on the tour if he makes Top 12!

Phil Stacey - Let's be honest...I don't like Phil. I don't GET Phil? There are contestants that I can understand why they are advancing even if they aren't that good...but Phil? Don't get it. Also, Phil is NO Chris Daughtry. He does have a good radio voice though and has turned in some strong performances. I am hoping that he is the odd man out, but he has arguably performed better than the other two...so we will see.

Brandon Rogers - Brandon came into this competition, in my opinion, as a favorite. He was the "other" background singer, having sung backup for the likes of Christine Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Usher. Not a bad resume. Bad song selection has been his downfall. The question is can he show us some of that "magic" when he needs it to survive? With Sanjaya advancing somebody isn't going to the big show. Brandon is my pick to be the odd man out. Hope I am wrong!

GIRLS FIGHTING FOR LAST TWO SPOTS:

Gina Glocksen - Gina is probably the closest thing we have to a "Rocker" this year, which I think could work to her advantage. She has also had the most TV time (even if it was last year). That has given her time to establish the all important fan base. The other two are awfully similar to me, and their fans could cancel each other out. Of these three, though, I think she's the one that could "screw up" her final performance. I always seem to be worried whether she'll do well. I have less doubts about that with the other two...so what does that say?

Sabrina Sloan - I find Sabrina less likable than the other two....I don't really know why? However, she has proven that she definitely came to this competition "to win it", and I think that is evident with each performance. So, I'm liking her more. She could be a real contender if she advances.

Stephanie Edwards - Stephanie has had two strong performances and the judges really like her. Unfortunately, because of Antonella, all three of these girls aren't going to advance and somebody has got to go home. Stephanie is my pick to be the odd gal out.

Anyway, good luck to all! Let’s see how it unfolds…