American Idol Season 7 Finalists: Top Seven Power Rankings
American Idol Season 7 Finalists: Top Seven Power Rankings
When last you read me, I put out the call for fans of every remaining Idol to send me their thoughts about their favorites. My theory was that the ones who got the least e-mail support would also probably be the ones who would be most at risk for going home. (And I also hoped there would be some interesting insights from the contestants’ average fans.)
Rather than offer more of my opinions, I’m going to use most of this week’s power rankings to share the thoughts of our readers with you. (This is for two reasons — I’m coughing and wheezing, and I don’t have the energy; plus, since this is a show about the opinions of viewers — as revealed through phone calls and text messages — why not let the viewers themselves tell us why they’re voting each week?)
Before we get to the rankings, I would like to share my feelings about this year’s American Songwriter competition, which will determine what song the last two contestants will sing in the finale. I went to AI’s Web site today and rated all 20 of the songwriting finalists, but I’m afraid that none of them will offer fans anything amazingly different than what they’ve heard in the past six seasons. With names like In This Moment, You Believe in Me, Dream Big and You Believed in Me, it’s clear that the producers have decided that cliche-laden motivational tunes are the only options that AI fans will get to vote on.
A number of weeks ago, I dropped names like Robbie Nevil and Matthew Gerrard — people who have written mega-hits for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to the cast of High School Musical. Why not employ them, or other hot songwriters like Matthew Wilder or Martin Sandberg, to pen the winning song for the next Idol? Instead, they’ve opened the door for a lot of aspiring songwriters — an admirable undertaking, no doubt. But they’ve placed limits on that process and tossed out every song that lacks an inherent “Up With People” theme. To be fair, there were a couple of songs that I’d rate as high as eight out of 10, but most of the rest barely aspired to a ranking of seven. I’d encourage all of you to go to Idol’s Web site for American Songwriter and listen for yourselves. If you do, please send me an e-mail and let me know what you think of this year’s crop of songs.
Now, without any more fanfare, here are this week’s Top 7, based on some statistical trends, opinion polling, the constestants’ performances and a shred of personal bias — and including thoughts from your e-mails. As has become my custom, I’m adding my personal odds for each contestant (which are for amusement only):
 #1 - David Archuleta (Odds to win: 1/1)
Â
David may be this list’s top candidate, but in our e-mail survey, he came in second. Some of your thoughts:
“I … think older women are particularly drawn to Archie because he’s the little brother they always wanted, the perfect boyfriend they craved when they were teens or the son they would have loved to have. He’s something for everyone!” (Momax)
“He reminds me of all the great pop singers of the past like Smokey Robinson and Eddie Kendricks. It’s not that he just has a nice voice. He appears to know how to deliver a song.” (Fannie)
“…of all the contestants on the show, David A. has the most natural ability. I agree with Dolly that he has the voice to become a truly great singer. He has the ability to infuse his songs with feeling that the others just don’t really have. You can’t teach that.” (Elise)
“I love his voice but in addition to that he truly has a beautiful spirit. He is genuinely humble and it brings me great joy to watch him talk and sing.” (Janet)
“David is the cutest thing ever! His face just radiates with sweetness and humility. His voice is clear and pure and beautiful!” (Karen)
“His appeal is in the total sincerity of his delivery combined with his natural vocal ability and tremendous effort.” (K.M.)
Â
Â
 #2 - David Cook (Odds to win: 2/1)
Â
By more than a two-to-one margine, Mr. Cook got more e-mail than anyone else on this list (and more than the next three contestants combined). Your feelings included:
“Quite frankly the guy is never boring. He has a current sound and music sensibility. Seriously, who would have thought he would have pulled Billie Jean off in such an amazing fashion and then flip the script completely the next week with Little Sparrow.” (KG)
“His vocals are great. His music is the most mainstream and marketable out of all the contestants.” (Kathy)
“(He) is all round the most entertaining performer. He seems to know himself and his music.” (Annie)
“Versatility! Hot! Such a voice! Not since Bo Bice has a contestant drawn me so deeply into the fun of Idol and made me dial that phone number!” (Chrissie K. — and thanks, Chrissie, for your kind words about The Trades)
“(He) continues to impress me with his maturity, stage presence, smooth vocals and interesting arrangements, whether his own or borrowed.” (Sheila)
“He understands and appreciates music and can manipulate it to suit his style.” (Jennifer)
“His voice has a calming effect on me and also gives me inspiration to try and reach my goals. I really can’t explain it.” (Lisa)
“His choice of winning songs in unbelievable. His creative touch is the only one among his competitors.” (Sherry)
“(He) … possesses that special X-factor which makes him both memorable and compelling to watch.” (Debra)
“Entertainment is a package…stagemanship, poise, confidence. David Cook has all of these…” (Donna)
Â
Â
 #3 - Brooke White (Odds to win: 9/1)
Â
Brooke moves up on the list after avoiding the Bottom Three — and she tied for the third-most e-mails from The Trades readers:
“I think she’s very, very much aware of exactly what her vocal range is, and intelligently arranges songs to suit her range. She’s not going to win, but she should be proud of the fact she’s kind of the next generation’s Carly Simon/Carole King.” (Rusty)
“…she’s genuine and really commands the stage.” (David)
“She is the first Idol in the years that I have been watching, that I would actually buy her CD. Although she won\’t win (one of the David’s will), I like the songs she sings and the tone of her voice.” (Darrell)
Â
Â
 #4 - Jason Castro (Odds to win: 10/1)
Â
Jason’s wonderful handling of “Over the Rainbow” last week gave him a boost in this list’s odds. He tied with Brooke and Carly for the third-most e-mails:
“Jason is predictable in that yes, we get laid-back, heartfelt vocals every week. He is genuine. His voice is terrific … He is an accomplished musician and a very believeable performer.” (Becky)
” I seriously doubt he’ll even make top 4, and that’s OK with me. His style is too un-Idol for Idol. I just hope he stays true to himself and releases a decent album when he’s done. He’s the only one whose music I’d consider buying.” (Howsthis)
“He’s like Chris Daughtry, a very specific genre that is not pop, but will nevertheless have its own fans. I’m already waiting for his album.” (Alan)
Â
Â
 #6 - Carly Smithson (Odds to win: 12/1)
Â
Carly’s foray back into the Bottom Three kicks her rankings straight in the teeth. Nevertheless, she got her share of love from the fans:
“I think she’s the best female vocalist American Idol has seen. She’s technically superb, has good stage presence, and connects with the songs.” (Nina)
“(She) has the most beautiful tone in her voice — the sound is pure and on pitch. I don’t recognize the scream or strain others complain about.” (Cathy)
“(She) is the best not only because she is one of the best vocalists the show has ever seen, but because she seems really passionate about singing, performing and the show.” (Naomi)
Â
Â
 #6 - Syesha Mercado (Odds to win: 25/1)
Â
Syesha got the least e-mails in this survey (that’s a big zero), so I’ll have to comment for those who didn’t respond — or at least explain why I think she didn’t get any responses. There is a perceived attitude that a lot of fans seem to struggle with in regard to Syesha. Her attitude seems to be a bit too polished, and her answers are almost canned. Add to that her penchant for tackling numbers made popular by all-time favorite divas — something that isn’t winning over the public. If you visit message boards much (and I do) you’ll notice that there are virtually no people regularly posting on her behalf. In that light, I would have been surprised to receive any e-mails at all. However, I might not be too surprised if she survives into the Top 7 — considering that she’ll be going head-to-head with Mariah Carey’s catalogue this week (along with the rest of the Idols).
Â
 #7 - Kristy Lee Cook (Odds to win: 35/1)
Â
Kristy Lee joined Syesha at the bottom of the e-mail chain, so it’s up to me to defend her — or not. Honestly, Kristy has done more than anyone else in the Top 8 to improve her chances, and she’s done it through song choice more than anything else. She still isn’t performing as well as anyone else (in terms of raw talent or technical skill). However, she is performing the right songs at the right time, and that’s gotten her a lot of public support. My daughter keeps reminding me that Kristy is this season’s Idol with the best fashion sense (by a mile) but it’s her performances that will make or break her. Unfortunately, her ability to stick to country is coming to a screeching halt in the next two theme weeks (Mariah Carey and Andrew Lloyd Webber) so she’ll be hard-pressed to avoid the Bottom Three — or elimination — again.
American Idol Season 7 Finalists: Top Seven Power Rankings. Editing by Alice Liu
Iflove Proudly Presents
Thank you for visting iflove.com, the fairy legend of Edward Chen the Movie Star! You may want to Find Love or subscribe to RSS feed. Enjoy or do a search!