The Top 10 Favorites on American Idol

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."