On February 11, American Idol viewers will officially learn the identities of this season's top 36 contestants.
It's never too early to speculate about the favorites, however, as we've scoured initial auditions, conducted interviews and searched the Internet to come up with the 10 singers most likely to following in the championship footsteps of Carrie Underwood, David Cook and others.
Agree with these selections? Disagree? Send in your feedback today!
1. Lil Rounds. This Tennessee native received a standing ovation for her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" this week. A blend of Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson.
2. Danny Gokey. At 28, one of the most mature contestants. Tragic personal story, as his wife who died a month before his initial audition. Gokey's falsetto breaks in "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" suggest unique versatility.
3. Anne Marie Boskovich. Seems shy and a tad unprofessional, but can't argue with these looks and this talent.
4. Brent Keith Smith. Former contestant on Nashville Star. Country singers have a history of success (see Underwood, Carrie).
5. Kristen McNamara. See above description. Mix in attractive blonde looks.
Click on the photos above for a closer look at our (very) early top five American Idol favorites.
6. Jorge Nuñez. Latino heat alert! Original audition in San Juan, Puerto Rico was quite strong.
7. Adam Lambert. Very theatric, has a fan base thanks to wide circulation of YouTube videos.
8. Allison Iraheta. Won Telemundo’s Quinceañera competition in 2006 at age 14. As USA Today wrote, American Idol getting her is a kinda like the New York Yankees signing an all-star Cuban shortshop.
9. Anoop Desai. Spent years with a university a cappella group. This season's Slumdog Millionaire?
10. Jackie Tohn. Actress whose credits include The Nanny, The Sopranos and Veronica Mars. Wowed judges with a sexy rendition of Jason Mraz’s "I’m Yours."

































February 7th, 2009 5:22 PM
i hate carly smithson she is a man stealer david is my man stay away you dirty little man stealer
February 8th, 2009 6:32 PM
david i love you but you are cheating on me love love love alicia
February 9th, 2009 2:16 PM
You have to check out "The Idol in Me," an entry into the American Idol Songwriting Contest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBcS2cQXhyw
February 11th, 2009 7:46 PM
Where's Scott McIntyre?? He should be on the list.
February 16th, 2009 12:26 PM
ashlea, ~they're not asking if you love or hate Carly...
its already season 8....
note:
*they were asking what was your opinion about those top ten favorites...
btw
~Stevie Wright, Scott McIntyre and Arianna Afsar should be on the list...
February 17th, 2009 4:34 AM
Nice choices but my bet on the long horse is Megan Corkrey who has something the others don't; A unique voice! I agree Jorge has a great voice (similar to Roy Orbison) and Stevie could make the top 10. Von Smith is very talented as long as he picks the right key and the right song. Lil Rounds should already be singing professionaly but history has shown that a girl like her with a great voice will not win.
November 25th, 2009 7:19 PM
Perfect work!