Danny Gokey: Oh Danny. His back story (a widower in his mid twenties), likeable personality, and vocal talent make him a front runner in the competition. The problem with Danny is that he could easily slip into becoming this season’s Taylor Hicks. Yeah, he’s talented, but would anyone care if he made an album? He needs to show more range and stop doing the same (safe) thing week after week. “Stand by Me” was quite good, but it was nothing new.

Kris Allen: The cutesy Arkansas boy next door certainly has the votes of every girl and gay man in the country, and he continues to win over fans week after week with his honest, heartfelt performances. His “aww shucks” demeanor and endearing lip curl when he sings give him bonus character points. “All she wants to do is Dance” was a fun, if not a bit weak, entry in the Kris Allen library. His unique style, good looks and vocal presence will take him far in the competition.

Lil Rounds: She’s got the voice, but she’s been lost for the past few weeks. Strange song choices and karaoke performances are keeping Lil from the front of the pack, yet she’s good enough to stay around even though the judges seem to love lambasting her recently. Her rendition of “What’s Love got to do with it?” was almost a carbon copy of Tina Turner, so Lil needs to be more Lil and less Tina if she wants to stay around longer.

Anoop Desai: The comeback kid strikes again. After a terrible week, Anoop rises to the front of the pack again with “True Colors.” The problem with Anoop is that he shines most when he holds back, yet he longs to be a hip hop/R&B singer. If he can tone it down and showcase his velvety vocals he should make it far in the competition. One more slipup and he could be gone, though.

Scott MacIntyre: The only reason he is on the show is because he’s blind. He should have been gone weeks ago. Tender story, but weak vocals. Enough said.

Allison Iraheta: She’s great, and the judges love her, yet she’s bland. America needs to see the fun side of Allison or she’s in trouble. Her comparisons to Kelly Clarkson are a bonus, yet she has still been in the bottom three several times in the wake of strong performances. She’s only sixteen, which is even more of a testament to her powerful vocals. She sang “If I Can’t Make you Love Me” with sophistication and fervor, yet she could still end up in the bottom three.

Matt Giraud: “Part-Time Lovers” fits his voice perfectly, and boy does he have a range, yet people aren’t voting for him. His bottom two scare a few weeks back seems to still be hanging over his head, and he really needs to pull out the big guns if he wants to stick around longer. Still, there are others who aren’t nearly as talented, so hopefully Matt has at least a few more weeks left.

Adam Lambert: His rendition of “Mad World” got a standing ovation from Simon. Not Paula. Not Kara. Simon. He is far and away the most creative Idol of the bunch, not to mention the contestant with the best voice. He hasn’t had a weak performance yet. “Tracks of My Tears” and “Ring of Fire” were both awesomely different, and he even made “Play the Funky Music, White Boy” thrilling to watch. He is the only contestant so far who seems to have a solid ticket to the finale. And he’ll probably win.

RANKINGS (Based on how American will most likely vote)

8th: Scott MacIntyre

7th: Allison Iraheta

6th: Matt Giraud

5th: Lil Rounds

4th: Anoop Desai

3rd: Danny Gokey

Runner-Up: Kris Allen

Winner: Adam Lambert