The Bakers Dozen: Predictions

So, last night we finally were confirmed in who the Top 24 contestants would be to move on for America's votes. I will say it again, there has been a ton of talent this year, which makes things very exciting. Sadly, we have had to see some good singers be cut, but I am happy with the 24 chosen to move on.

In my previous post, I listed who I thought were the standout contestants (for various reasons) out of the Top 24. Now, I am going to take it a step further and chose who I think should and could make the Final 13. Obviously, with 13 contestants in the Finals this year, there will not be an even guy/girl ratio. Apparently the way it will work this season is America votes for 10 and the judges pick 3 Wild Card choices; al of which is happening next week in just 3 episodes (Guys Night, Girls Night, Decision/Wild Card night). The Wild Card choices by the Judge's always makes for an interesting situation...sometimes good (Jennifer Hudson) and sometimes bad (Leah LeBelle).

That being said, my "Bakers Dozen" predictions are, as always, based on a variety of things. With so much talent, it is going to be tough as some really great singers will have to be sent home. So, here it where I stand right now...

The Girls:

 
Ashthon Jones - She has been a favorite of mine since I first discovered her online before ever making an appearance on any episode of Idol. I think she is the total package and should do very well.

 
Kendra Chantelle - This girl is an awesome singer but has not received much coverage on the show. I am afraid she has not had the chance to acquire the following that she probably needs to make it through, but I am still putting her in my Top 13.


Karen Rodriguez - I have liked this girl since her initial audition, I think she has the whole package AND AI is lacking in the successful Latina's department. She has a great personality too. I am hoping she does well.


Julie Zorilla - Another Latina that could change the tide for Idol. JLo predicted her as a potential winner after her initial audition. I think that is lofty, but I think she will do well. At some point, however, she and Karen will begin to split votes.


Thia Megia - One of our 15 year old contestants who is proving the producers right in their decision to lower the age minimum for the show. She is very laid back, but once she opens her mouth to sing, she shines. Will she be too laid back for America and thus considered "boring"? That could be her downfall. She may end up being a judge's Wild Card pick.


Lauren Alaina Suddeth - This girl has got it, what can I say. The voice, the sweet as sugar personality...she is reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson with the looks of Jessica Sierra and she is adored by the judges. She will do well no doubt...she just needs to work on the crying. lol Also, a bit of advice for her...if you want to ensure longevity...go country! It will set you apart from the other girls and country voters have proven themselves to be powerhouse voters and very dedicated.

The Guys:


Scotty McCreery - This kid is going to do well no matter how far he makes it on Idol. I have no doubt country labels/producers are chomping at the bit to wrangle up this kid. He has the old school country sound that is making a comeback these days. Also, see my above comments for Lauren regarding country voters. He is one of my favorite male contestants this season.


Brett Lowenstern - This kid is quirky and really nice and has a unique voice/presentation from the other guys in the contest which makes him stand out. He will definitely get the underdog/loner votes based on his backstory too. I don't think he will win but he should hang in the Finals for a few weeks at least.


Casey Abrams - Another guy who has a style of his own in comparison to the other males this season. He can go from bluesy to jazzy to rocker to....bass cello player?? To top it off...he is funny! He should do well.


Stephano Langone - I am holding out hope for Stephano. I think he and Jovany are going to split votes in the Top 24 round, because they have very similar styles/looks and will be vying for the same fanbase. However, I am hoping Stephano advances because he is the better vocalist and artist from what we have seen thus far.


Jacob Lusk - Can you say George Huff Jr? LOL I am waiting for him to bust out with "Hercules, Hercules"...however the kid can sing and he stands out as the only gospel tinged singer in the bunch. He seems genuine and I think he is going to win people over with his personality as well as his voice. I admit, I did not like him at first, but the dude puts it all out there in his performances and I have to give him props for that! Not sure how long he will last, but I think he will make the Bakers Dozen even if as a WildCard pick.

 
Tim Halperin / Paul McDonald - At this point, though I think both these guys are really talented singers/musicians...their similar styles are interchangeable. I believe at least 1 spot should/will go to one of them, just not sure which one. Although Paul McDonald already looks like he is a recording artist and has a name that just sounds famous, of the 2, I prefer Tim Halperin a little more.

On the fence:


Robbie Rosen - This youngin' is not a bad singer, and the judges seem to really like him. I'm just not sure he stands out enough to get enough of America's votes. However, if not, I think he could be a Wild Card pick by the judges. We will see how his future plays out.

Upsets:
I think there are a couple contestants who could be upsets to my predicted Final 13. I do not think they are good enough singers but either their unique style or backstory could help them bump out a better contestant.


Naima Adedapo - I have not been a fan of her voice, but props to her for standing out among the pool of popstar looking girls with her earthy/rasta style. I think she could definitely have a market in a voting pool that could give her an edge and cause an upset to another contestant (most likely being Kendra Chantelle).


James Durbin - He is in every way a lesser quality copy of Adam Lambert. I will give him props on his range but he has no control and usually goes off pitch during his screams. However, his backstory will rally voters and could cause him to be an upset to another contestant.

So there you have it. You never know how things will go once America starts voting but for now, this is how I see it. Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know. We find out all next week! I can't wait for the Finals!

Until next time Idolators...