The TV Zone

Lucky you!

You are about to get the full benefit of my many years studying "American Idol" (I DO have a Yale PhD. in American Idology, by the way.) I will tell you who will advance to the final 12, who will falter. Who's got the upper hand. Who's got no hand. And by the odds which I have so generously posted below, you too will be able to see into the future to find out who will win the seventh season of the world's most watched show.

Enough babbling. Here's the handicap:

Asia'h Epperson, 19, Joplin. 10:1. Like her, but does she have that 'ol "remembrance" factor (in which you remember who she is.) Not sure.

Brooke White, 24, Mesa. 5:1. My own dark horse. No one picks her to win, but I see her advancing beyond tonight. (Of course, I'm the one who thought Marie O had a shot at winning "DWTS."

Danny Noriega, 18, Azusa, Ca. 50:1. Almost (not quite) winner of this season's Sanjaya Special Award. OK singer, snotty personality.

David Hernandez, 24, Glendale, Az. 4:1. Stripper Boy is a wonderful singer, and in my opinion better than Archie the Unbeatable. If only this guy knew how good he was...

Kady Malloy, 18, Houston. 1000:1. Gone tonight.

Michael Johns, 29, Buckland, Ga.: 5:2. Pro Boy is pretty good, knows how to work the stage, etc. etc. But is he likable? Hmmm.

Ramiele Malubay, 20, Miramar. 7:1. Love her! She's one of my favorites! She had a wonderful night last night! But will she go all the way? No.

Amanda Overmyer, 23, Mulberry, Tn. 9:2. Didn't really see why she was even in this comp, until last night's performance. She was commanding, and is easily in the top 12.

Chikezie, 22, Inglewood. 8:1. Love Chicky, and would love to see him make it to the final four. But...

Carly Smithson, 24, San Diego. 4:1. I've given poor Carly such a hard time because she's a pro in a competition that pretends to be an amateur competition. But I'm so over that. Why blame Carly because the producers were desperate to get reasonably high caliber talent this season after last season's flounders? She gets better...and better...and better..and...

David Archuleta, 17, Murray, Ut. 2:1. Beware the Sure Bet in "Idol." And by the way, isn't his stuff (so far) just a little bland and safe and dull? But the kid's great. Archie's in the final two or "Idol" will lose all credibility, forever.

David Cook, 25, Blue Springs, Mo. 5:1. Another one of my favorites. A really talented kid.

Jason Castro, 20, Rockwall, Tx. 6:1. Distinctive look and style, God knows. I think - and hope - he'll go far.

Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Selma. 20:1. Beauty queen with the nice voice. Last night was not good, though.

Luke Menard, 29, Crawfordsville, In. 25:1. Probably gone tonight, but could still surprise.

Syesha Mercado, 21, Sarasota. 20:1. Fine voice, but as Si might say, a little like a million others you might hear on the radio. Not sure what her style is, exactly.