Some honest commentary? The men are a lot stronger this time around and across the board, a lot more likable than the women.
Last year, I did well in guessing who would do well. This is what I think this time around...
America sends them home in the following order:
The Men/Boys
Elliot Yamin - No air time and hate to say it...not much to look at. Didn't we all know someone like him that sold us dope in college? If he makes it past the first cut, I'll be shocked. Who knows...maybe he's a brilliant performer.
Bucky Covington - Skinny little cowboy hats and a guy who looks like he should be an extra in a Marlboro ad. See very little crossover appeal. Bring on the chaps.
Sway Penala - Couldn't understand half the words this guy was singing. Also, with his exit, America has now voted out 3 of the 4 oldest men: 27,28 and 28. Old guys suck.
Gedeon McKinney - The Welcome Back, Kotter attitude must go. He doesn't have enough of It.
Kevin Covais - Nice kid. Opera might be a better gig for him. The Met.
Bobby Bennett - Humor got him this far. But unless he's the next Seinfeld...he and that awful facial hair are gone before the top 12.
David Radford - time to go back home to high school for the spring musical where he played Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls last year. This year, O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!!
Will McCarr - Note: looks like an extra on That 70's Show. Back home to Houston where he'll be starting the 7th grade. Hollywood may ask him to stick around for the next version of the Brady Bunch. The perfect Bobby.
Patrick Hall - Bread tunes will only get you so far. And like he said, he ain't no Ace Young.
Taylor Hicks - The oldest at 29. I'm actually rooting for this guy but a good voice will only take him so far. Some questions that must be answered? What can they do with that hair? Is a dye job out of the question? Can he stop with the Joe Cocker meets Ray Charles moves? And for heaven's sake, what does he wear?
Chris Daughtry - Hands down the best voice of the men. We just got a brief glimpse of that when he belted out Sheryl Crow's The First Cut is the Deepest. If he had the looks to go with voice, he would win this competition. He still may have the emotional intensity to pull it off. Seems like a great guy.
Ace Young - Unless he makes a complete ass of himself...this is his Idol to lose. Teenage girls already have his poster up in their rooms and even guys seem to like him. My only question is...can he act? Huge crossover potential.
The Women/Girls
Kinnik Sky - who? Hope she was smart enough just to bring a carry-on bag. Hint: it's the same spelled backwards.
Brenna Gethers - Now please, just put a sock in her mouth. The slapping her butt girl must go home. If the other contestants could vote, she'd be the first to go but America might enjoy someone who can verbally spar with Simon.
Melissa McGee - So long, bye bye. Sweet and sleepy eyed. Sweet dreams, dear.
Ayla Brown - Nope. I've already had way too much of this girl. Send her back to the Boston College basketball team. She annoys me with that gum chewing and that curly lip. She might go home sooner.
Lisa Tucker - haven't seen much of her. Maybe she stays longer. Only sixteen. She could be the big surprise.
Paris Bennett - I know that they've sold us on this girl. But a little one note. And that speaking voice. Oh. Again, only 16.
Kellie Pickler - There's a good chance she becomes unglued during the live shows. Sweet kid and they did a nice thing by giving her a ticket to the final 24. Her life is already changed forever but it is now time to send the pickle packing. If she says, "Pick me" again, send her home the first week.
Becky O'Donohue - Her looks get the best of her. Doesn't believe in the white pants after Labor Day rule. Most likely to appear in the Playboy spread. Already dating sport celebrities and will do well on a soap opera.
Heather Cox - Another good Christian lady. Seventeen out of the final twenty four mention prayer and/or thanking and/or a relationship with God/Jesus in their bios. She has the strength of character to go further.
Mandisa - I may be way too generous here. I like her but at 29 and as big as a couch, will America? She'll either last for a long time or go home very, very quickly.
Katharine McPhee - Yes, she reverted to being a five year old when she walked around like a complete dork and kissed all of the judges. Ok, there was a touch of cuteness in that. She also might be overrated.
Stevie Scott - If this girl can adapt, she'll be the last girl standing. She might come across too mousy.
Winner: Ace