1. Lee DeWyze – For the first time in quite awhile, there’s no one running away from the field. But there is a group distancing themselves from the other.  I think that song selection is going to be the most important aspect of the year and Lee and Crystal have proved to be the only two that understand what songs to sing and how to make them their own.
2. Crystal Bowersox – Over the past two weeks, she has put some distance between her ability and the rest of the girls.  But she’s not as mainstream and is going to have to continually pick awesome songs.  I think Lee has a better chance to relate to the most people, which is why I have him slightly ahead.
3. Casey James – With that being said, I think the easy choice to win this year is Casey.  He’s commercial.  He’s good-looking.  The pretty people are dropping like flies, but Casey has the most potential.  Of the top 6, he’s the only one that is going to make anyone weak in the knees, which bodes well as he moves forward.
4. Andrew Garcia – He was the front-runner from the beginning, but hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise.  That being said, I think he could be one who has a couple knockout performances in the top 8 and jumps to the top of the heap.
5. Lilly Scott – I love Lilly.  I think she’s unique and talented.  Although, she’s a bit quirky and that could hurt her eventually. I think she might luck out in that the other top girls aren’t gorgeous, so she might be the prettiest once they move that way.  She has to keep doing her thing and hope America likes it as much as I do.
6. Siobhan Magnus – Simon is right… She is a funny little thing.  Big voice. Old soul.  She can sing.  But I just don’t think she can consistently be relevant.
7. Katie Stevens – Has the voice to hang with the top.  Song choice keeps her just outside looking in at the contenders.  Can she figure out how to be relevant?
8. Didi Benami – Didi has been struggling.  Mightly.  But I think she gained a lot of fans and will overcome her problems.  Song choice is what is keeping her down.  This is the area where I feel like there’s about 6 contestants who if they “get it” could challenge, but are all basically right in this range.
9. Katelyn Epperly – A darkhorse.  The longer she stays around, the better her chances are going to become.  I haven’t seen the huge fangroups, etc. after Hollywood, but if she has a couple great performances, she could quickly become a challenger.  She has the look and is the cutest girl left, in my humble opinion.
10. Michael Lynche – His last performance jumped him up.  I, nor the judges, are convinced that most of the guys understand what to be singing.  Big Mike at least showed that he can figure it out.
11. Aaron Kelly – Not really my style, but I think he’s got a fanbase.
12. Alex Lambert – I thought he was the next to go, but a very solid showing puts him in the running to make the top 12 and the tour!
13. Todrick Hall – Fighting for his life at this point.
14. Lacey Brown – Unfortunately, Lacey hasn’t figured it out yet.  I’m hoping she does!
15. Paige Miles – Bleh.
16. Tim Urban – Tim should send VFTW a Christmas card if he hangs on till the tour…

“AMERICAN IDOL” PERFORMERS SWAP NIGHTS FOR THIS WEEK ONLY

The 10 Male Semifinalists Take the Stage Tonight on FOX;

The 10 Female Semifinalists Perform Tomorrow Wednesday, March 3

Due to medical issues which would prevent Crystal Bowersox from performing tonight, the 10 male semifinalists will perform this evening, and the 10 female semifinalists will perform tomorrow night.

The 10 remaining guys (Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, John Park, Jermaine Sellers and Tim Urban) will sing live for America’s vote tonight Tuesday, March 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Then, the 10 remaining girls (Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Lilly Scott, Katie Stevens and Haeley Vaughn) will perform live tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

Tune in the following night to see Season Eight finalist Danny Gokey perform his new single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,” and to find out which two guys and two girls will be eliminated on the live results show Thursday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the semifinalists as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For photos and behind-the-scenes interviews, please visit foxflash.com/idol.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Next week, the schedule will return to the usual format of female semifinalists performing on Tuesday and male semifinalists on Wednesday.]

-FOX-

1. Andrew Garcia – I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s the favorite. I think his only concern might be setting the bar too high too early. I’ve seen lots of his stuff and think he’s got plenty of amazing performances left in him, but my ONLY worry is he’ll get a little stale after weeks and weeks… Plus, with Idol, you have to do a lot of different stuff… But he know’s who he is and has to be the leader. Check out his last Hollywood performance
2. Didi Benami – I believe she had an unbelievable Hollywood week.  I liked her in the audition.  I think she’s the favorite for the girls now.  She’s got a quality about her that will not only make her popular, but will inspire people to vote for her.
3. Lacey Brown – Lacey is the highest on here for people we haven’t really seen.  But in the chances we have, she’s knocked it out of the park.  I think her sound and look will keep her around till the top 10 and I think she can overcome the lack of screentime, ala Kris Allen.
4. Lee DeWyze -I’m definitely digging Lee.  He’s got the sound that I love. He’s got a better voice than most of the guys.  I think he’s going to flourish as the season moves along.
5. Ashley Rodriguez -She’s got the look.  She’s a really good singer.  She’s frankly, pretty hot. She can sing popular songs, stay poppy and fresh, and has the look and voice to handle it all.  My only concern is… There’s so many “unique” sounding girls… Will she be able to stand out?
6. Crystal Bowersox -I have to admit, she’s probably my favorite girl.  She’s got a great, unique sound and she “gets” it, as seen by her Hollywood performances.  She’s a little off the beaten path, but that might be a good thing.  I am not sure she’ll be America’s sweetheart, but she should do very, very well.  Could be very successful outside of Idol.
7. Casey James -Casey had a rough start with me, but made it up big time in Hollywood.  If he’s in his comfort level, he’s as good as there is.  And lets be honest, the girls are going to drool over him.  So he’ll be around for a long time.  Casey has been blessed with lots of
8. John Park -Early signs pointed to John as a contender.  But we haven’t really seen much of him since. But I think he’ll have enough of a following to stay around.
9. Todrick Hall -I think he brings a new, fresh approach. He’s talented and has great presence.  I think people will really like him.
10. Janell Wheeler – Was my leading girl going into Hollywood, but slipped quite a bit.  I think she can recover, but I think she’ll have to have a very strong showing or she’ll be relegated back to “Tim Tebow’s Girl Friend?” status
11. Katie Stevens -The girl can sing.  And she’s young and fresh.  I think song choice is going to be VITALLY important.  I just don’t think she has the presence that the top notch girls have.  But I do think she has a chance to grow… The young ones always seem to progress the most as the season goes along.
12. Jermaine Sellers -Well, color me disappointed.  Jermaine was one of my favorites, but after 2 episodes of drama, I’m wondering if we’re going to get to see his full potential.  But Hollywood week is easy to make villians… He’s got a chance to change the perception quickly… And he has the talent to win.
13. Tyler Grady -Another guy with a good fan base even without signature performance.  I think he’s talented enough to make the top 12, but will he get the chance?
14. Lilly Scott – I like Lilly.  I don’t LOVE her.
15. Michael Lynche – I like Big Mike’s vibe.  I’m hopeful that the rumors of him getting axed because his father spilled the beans are false.
16. Katelyn Epperly -I liked Katelyn a lot in her audition.  But when I’ve read some of the other bloggers and people were asking “WHO” when she made it to Hollywood… that’s not a great sign.
17. Siobhan Magnus -Interesting character.  Not your mainstream talent.  In a year with a very strong field and no “jokes” Siobhan might become a VFTW fav
18. Alex Lambert – I think he’s fodder.  I don’t really think he has a chance to compete in this incredibly strong season.
19. Aaron Kelly – He’s the tiny-bopper in a year of talented musicians.  He might be another one that hangs around way to long… unless he keeps forgetting his lyrics.
20. Michelle Delamor -I still really have no idea.
21. Chris Golightly – He can’t actually be a top 12er can he?  I think he’s a nice, fun guy, but I confuse him with the kid on Biggest Loser… not good.
22. Paige Miles – All I know is she was part of the drama.
23. Haeley Vaughn -I know a lot of people like her.  I don’t. Not at all.  It could be because I don’t like good country, let alone weird country…
24. Joe Muñoz – Who?  He made one 15 second appearance.

Read WHY at IdolBattles.com

1. Michael Lynche
2. Katelyn Epperly
3. Didi Benami
4. Casey James
5. Aaron Kelly
6. Lee DeWyze
7. Todrick Hall

Check out their fan sites for the performances!

Speaking of musicians and elite talents, we have to start with Andrew Garcia.  Everything he’s done so far has been BRILLIANT.  Looking at his only Pre-Idol Stuff, he’s not a fluke and is going to be a contender, if not the favorite this year.  But even in his group there was talented musician Casey James, who’s audition didn’t impress, but his blues guitar playing and sound will move him up my PowerRankings this week for sure.  They were part of my favorite group, along with “baby” Katie Stevens, Three Men and a Baby… Check out the video!

I’m pretty pleased at the diversity of talent also.  Last year there were a lot of very similar styles.  This year it seems more diverse.  Todrick Hall and Jermaine Sellers both have a soulfull, R&B sound that no one could touch last year.  Michael Lynche also fits the mold and at least one should do very well this year.

With John Park and Lee DeWyze, you have two good singers who bring different elements to the table. Tyler Grady and Alex Lambert definitely have some coolness to their style also.

And as most people believe, this is to be a girls year.  Last years crop of girls was pretty slim.  This years offers a little bit of everything.  Janell Wheeler, at least for me, is the standout of the group thus far.  She has the look and the vocals to make America fall in love with her.  She’s not just a pretty face, rather has the chops to win this thing.

Lacey Brown has a unique style and sound that has her as one of my early favorites.  I was disspaointed I didn’t get to see more than her “victory face” after moving on, but I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot of her.

Didi Benami is another great artist who really has the talent to win this thing.  She’s impressed me more and more each time I’ve seen her!  She’s just very talented and has a different sound/vibe that really shines through.  Crystal Bowersox had me skeptical at first, but I do agree with Simon… She’s a bit infectious.  She’s not overly mainstream, but she has a unique sound and really is another true musician.  Lilly Scott also fits this mold and seems to be quite talented.

And then we come to the true great singers.  Katie Stevens might not be as charasmatic and have the presence of the front-runners, but I don’t think anyone is going to outsing her.  I have a feeling she might be the contestant that grows the most throughout the show.  She’s young, cute, and has the chops… If she stays around long enough, watch out… She might just shoot to the top.

Siobhan Magnus wasn’t featured much till last night (or at all?) but she showed she can sing and deserves to be in the top 24.  Ashley Rodriguez is another girl who can really sing and would have been a front-runner with last years crop of girls.  I think she might be overshadowed by this talented group, but again, she can really sing, and that’s always important.

I was a little dissapointed not to hear Katelyn Epperly who was one of my favorites in the audition round, but she’ll be around…  And I have to admit, I liked the new haircut!

I’m sure there’s some I’m missing (this is why I shouldn’t wait till the next day), but all in all, I think this is the most well rounded, interesting group Idol has had in awhile.  I think with the diversity, it’s going to keep the voting more spread out and be a very interesting, competitive season.  I know I can’t wait!

Don’t agree?  Did I miss someone?  Tell me what you think!  Just comment below and I’ll be back to answer/chat throughout the show!

1. Andrew Garcia – My early favorite. Awesome voice. Seems like he gets it.  Just different enough to get a huge fanbase
2. Janell Wheeler – Last year the girls weren’t overly strong.  There was no superstar.  I think she has the look and sound to be a star
3. Jermaine Sellers – Another of my early favorites.  I think he stood out, both style & sound.  He’s a top 5er
4. Lacey Brown – I love the sound.  Love the look.  Really, one of my personal favs.  Don’t know if she’s mainstream enough, but we’ll see.
5. Lee DeWyze – I see him in the Kris Allen mold.  Good singer, seems creative.
6. John Park – I wasn’t as high on his as everyone else, but we’ll see.
7. Aaron Kelly – I think he has the tinybopper thing going on.  Similar mold as other 16-17 year olds who stay a little too long.
8. Vered Didi Benami – Has the look.  Good voice.  I’m interested to see where she goes. Could move up.
9. Katie Stevens – One of the early stars and caught lots of early attention.
10. Tyler Grady – I’ve heard good things, but honestly don’t remember him.  That’s usually not the best sign, but maybe I wasn’t paying attention?
11. Katelyn Epperly- One of my person favorite girls, but I don’t know if it translates into huge fandom.
12. Lilly Scott – Has the tools…
13. Alex Lambert – Haven’t really seen him… Last name probably is why I have him this high?
14. Ashley Rodriguez – She can for sure sing. I think is a top 12 contender
15. Chris Golightly – Probably needs a makeover before moving higher.
16. Crystal Bowersox – I don’t know if she’s “right” for Idol.  But she’s interesting.  Thinks she has to do a LOT right
17. Siobhan Magnus – This is the point where it’s anyone’s guess… We haven’t really seen much of anyone below (or I didn’t like them)
18. Todrick Hall
19. Michael Lynche – Probably would have been higher had he not had negative press.
20. Michelle Delamor
21. Paige Miles
22. David Duke
23. Casey James – I wasn’t impressed really.
24. Haeley Vaughn – I was suprised she got a yellow ticket, let alone made it to the top 24… but again, this is only after 1 audition. I’d be surprised with a top 12 though

I need your thoughts, so please comment!  As we get into the Top 24, I’ll update this weekly.

Alex  Lambert
Hometown: North Richland Hills, TX
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/handsthathurt
Videos:
I’m Yours (youtube)
Tired of Waiting (original song, youtube)
Twist and Shout (youtube)
Barney (the purple dinosaur) Tribute (youtube)

Andrew Garcia
Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andrewadriangarcia
Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/andrewagarcia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewagarcia

Ashley Rodriguez
Hometown: Boston, MA
http://www.myspace.com/ashleymakailahmusic
http://ashleymakailah.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8Cfvcv-9KA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4fIyD7aqzc

Ben Honeycutt
Hometown: Ringgold, GA
http://www.myspace.com/benhoneycutt
http://www.youtube.com/user/wildolivetree
http://www.facebook.com/wildolivetree
**99% Sure. There’s always that 1%…

Casey James
Hometown: Dallas/Fort Worth
Myspace
Facebook
Article

Chris Golightly
***Sings “Stand by Me” at audition
http://www.myspace.com/officialorphanmusic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JTF7bcyF2k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhEPZSf1MJI

David Duke
Age: 23
Hometown: Waxahachie, TX
http://www.myspace.com/tha_duke214
http://www.myspace.com/frontlineg39s

Haeley Vaughn
Age: 16
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
http://www.myspace.com/haeley_phscheer

Janell Wheeler
***Won Orlando’s Got Talent
Hometown: Orlando, FL
http://www.myspace.com/janellsworld
http://twitter.com/JanellWheeler

Jermaine Sellers
***Competed on ‘Sunday Best’ on BET
Age: 25
Hometown: Joliet, IL
http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/sundaybes…nt_jermaine.htm
http://www.myspace.com/jermainesellers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4OjjWsMXRM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VDIOrLJvKk

John Park
**Northwestern Student
Video: http://www.yohttp://twitter.com/CharityElaineutube.com/watch?v=obH5E7ibuz0

http://www.myspace.com/johnparkmusicspace

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=409493010493

Katie Stevens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su7noViKYFM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qA-QYAK0lQ

http://www.youtube.com/user/katieStevens128

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk32pc3Btsk

Katelyn Epperly
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aDMMzUlC8g

Lillian Scott
Hometown: Denver/Boulder, Colorado
Style: Bluesy Indie Acoustic Rock
Band’s Myspace
Band’s Facebook
EP at CD Baby
Picture 1 Picture 2

Lacey Brown
***Hollywood contestant for season 8 of Idol
Age: 23
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
http://www.myspace.com/laceybrownmusic
http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_…ng_lacey_brown/
http://www.youtube.com/user/selikcortaka

Lee DeWyze
Hometown: Chicago, IL
http://www.leedewyze.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wulileedewyze
http://www.youtube.com/user/WULILEEDEWYZE

Michael Lynche
Myspace
Heavy Breathin (original, youtube)
“Oo La La” cover (youtube)
Youtube Channel
Website

Michelle Delamor
***Sings “Chain of Fools” at audition
Age: 19
Hometown: Miami Beach, FL
http://www.myspace.com/angelaceboogie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6xcCMzQcAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD3YfMpKHMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eavzKCJzWrY

Tyler Grady

Unconfirmed Girls:

Here’s an up front and person view of the Idol audition process from someone who’s been through it!

Watch the Video