Kady Malloy Gossip

Now that American Idol has whittled down its contestants to the final 24, our Power Poll gets serious.

Only talented competitors remain in what many followers consider to be the show's most impressive season to date. But who is leading the pack heading into tomorrow night's performance of the top 12 males. Let's find out...

1. Michael Johns (last week: #2): He has the looks, experience, singing talent... and the best accent in American Idol history. The Aussie's professional background may turn off some viewers, however.

2. Asia'h Epperson (last week: #8): Young and enthusiastic, reminds us of Melinda Doolittle with her innocence and charm. Possesses more personality than this finalist from last season.

3. David Archuleta (last week: #4): Arguably the favorite for many, but we've got a Simon-like question about this talent: does he really have music superstar written on him?

4. Carly Smithson (last week: #7): Similar to Johns. Great look, sound, experience and accent. But will voters not wanna reward someone who has already put out a label-sponsored album?

5. Kristy Lee Cook (pictured, last week: #1): Also signed with a record label in 2001, but that's almost part for this year's American Idol course. Has been a contender since the first night of auditions.

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We're off to Hollywood!

As American Idol enters its fifth week of auditions, the show truly begins: contestants are judged in Hollywood and only the best of the best move one. Before they do, however, let's rank the top hopefuls so far in our third Power Poll of the season...

1. Kristy Lee Cook (last week: #1, pictured): Beautiful Oregonian's "Amazing Grace" was highlight of the initial American Idol audition shows - but will fans revolt against her one-time record deal with Arista Nashville? Then again, she certainly isn't alone in having a professional background.

2. Michael Johns (last week: #2): Also referred to as "Michael Lee Johns," the former band member once had a deal with Madonna's music label. The Aussie made a strong impression with a tight T-shirt, toned biceps, and a solid Otis Redding cover.

3. David Cook (last week: #6): Rocker with his sights set on the moniker of "this year's Chris Daughtry," Cook impressed viewers with his vocal range on Bon Jovi's "Livin on a Prayer."

4. David Archuleta (last week: #3): Former Star Search winner has the sympathy vote locked up: he struggled with a paralyzed vocal chord as a child. Might he be this year's Sanjaya Malakar… with talent?

5. Amanda Overmyer (new this week): She's a nurse! She's a gothic rocker! She's a talented singer with a unique look, sound and personality.

6. Chikezie Eze (new this week, pictured): Tried out for the show last year. Approved for Hollywood this time around with a rendition of "All the Woman I Need." Handsome, talented.

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As we prepare for the third week of American Idol auditions, it seems like a good time to break out our first Power Poll of the season.

With four solid episodes under our belt, here's how The Hollywood Gossip staff ranks this year's early contenders:

1) Kristy Lee Cook: Gorgeous Oregonian's ''Amazing Grace'' was highlight of the opening two weeks - but will fans revolt against her one-time record deal with Arista Nashville?

2) Michael Johns: His former band once had a deal with Madonna's music label, but a professional background is par for this year's American Idol course. The Aussie made a strong impression with a tight T-shirt, toned biceps, and a solid Otis Redding cover.

3) David Archuleta: Former Star Search winner has the sympathy vote locked up: he struggled with a paralyzed vocal chord as a child. This year's Sanjaya... with talent?

4) Carly Smithson: Another American Idol hopeful with prior experience â€" she crashed and burned in her major-label debut as Carly Hennessy a few years back â€" this tattooed Irishwoman displayed great range on ''I'm Every Woman.''

5) Colton Swon: We liked his impressive take on Little Big Town's ''Boondocks'' and are extra excited about the rumor that he plays the guitar during the Hollywood round.

6) Kady Malloy: Simon Cowell dubbed her the best audition he'd seen during the opening week after she belted out ''Unchained Melody." We loved her impression of Britney Spears. Singing, that is. Not being insane.

7) Alaina Whitaker: Confident (said Carrie Underwood looks like her!) and with a powerful voice for a 16-year old.

As previously reported, American Idol producers are receiving a bit of flak this season for allowing so many singers with professional backgrounds to audition for the show.

One early favorite, Kristy Lee Cook, and another who has been rumored to advance to Hollywood (Carly Hennessy) were each signed to recording contracts a few years ago.

Now, we've received word that Kady Malloy - our favorite singer so far - actually released an album awhile back. Unfortunately, songs from the CD have been whitewashed from the Internet, likely by American Idol higher-ups.

But a post on the MySpace blog of indie music store Amie Street reads: "Kady Malloy's powerful voice and Hip Hop-influenced pop songs bring to mind a cross between Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, and The Pussycat Dolls.

Kady's been working with Nick Trevisick, a producer and writer for artists like Mandy Moore and Natalie Imbruglia, so remember: you heard her on Amie Street first!"

Does this bother you, folks? Are you okay with the fact that Kady Malloy and so many others are not the type of undiscovered talent that American Idol has claimed to promote?

Alaina Whitaker didn't lack confidence on American Idol last night. When asked if she looks like Carrie Underwood, the 16-year old from Oklahoma responded:

I'd like to think Carrie Underwood looks like me.

We like the confidence - but we loved the voice and the fact that she's moving on to Hollywood. Check out her audition of Faith Hill's "Stronger" now:

Aside from Whitaker, here are a few names to keep in mind from the Dallas auditions last night:

• Kady Malloy (follow our link to hear her Britney Spears impression!)
  
• Colton Swon
  
• Kayla Hatfield
• Jessica Brown
• Kyle Ensley

No sighting yet of Carly Hennessy - the singer with a professional background who many have dubbed an early season favorite - but we'll keep you posted!

Did we leave anyone out? Who was your favorite contestant on last night's American Idol?