I'm not afraid to admit that I watch American Idol with Mrs. Big Ran. I won't say I love when it is on for six hours a week, but once they get down to the nitty gritty, I get into it. Plus, I am part of a 200 person American Idol Pool that can win you some serious cash. I feel as though as soon as you start gambling on something it instantly becomes more manly.
Just like last week's run down on "Dancing with the Mutha F*ckin' Stars," I'll go through everyone remaining after they cut almost half of the top 25. However, I have actually seen these people sing, so I may have a little (useless) insight. Once again, in alpha order...
1. Deandre Brackensick
OK, I am no musical genius or producer, but I could not believe the judges liked his first performance. I don't deny the degree of difficulty, but who would listen to this?
This would have been more accurate:
Vegas has him near the bottom on the board for a reason, with 20-to-1 odds. I have no clue how he made it past the top 25.
2. Hollie Cavanagh
This girl can definitely sing, but she's boring. She's originally from the UK and now lives in Texas. The best part of her performance was when she was being interviewed and I told my wife it sounded like she was British and my wife responded with, "No, but I think she may be deaf." That was awesome. Hollie's 10-to-1 in Vegas which seems about right. I think she could stick around a few weeks and probably makes the top 10. I don't think she has any shot to win unless I start seeing some serious spark.
3. Colton Dixon
Sounds and looks like an emo rocker. He could definitely be the lead singer of a band and I think he could stick around for a while. We'll have to see how he adapts to the different themes ever week. 5-to-1 in Vegas, so he is definitely near the top for the gambling crowd.
4. HeeJun Han
I love this dude. He isn't the best singer in the group, but he is hilarious. He could be a comedian if this doesn't work out for him. Vegas has him at 10-to-1, so the middle of the pack, which seems about right. He works with special needs children, so that has to count for something, right? He'll get most of his votes from the coasts and not middle America. However, that's probably the case for about half of the contestants.
5. Jermain Jones
Dude is enormous and has a mad deep voice. I don't think he has a shot, but I do enjoy seeming him stand next to Ryan Seacrest.
I was shocked America voted him in. Vegas has him at 14-to-1 and I am surprised he's that high. Maybe he's likable enough to hang on for a few weeks. Boring, no range.
6. Skylar Laine
My wife loves country music and I hate it, so I will listen to her when it comes to country folks. This girl is Reba McEntire. High energy. She is 100% country and we have Whitney Houston week coming up. This girl may need to take a bunch sleeping pills and Valium, a la Whitney just to mellow out. Too soon? 10-to-1 odds, another middle-of-the packer.
7. Joshua Ledet
This dude can sing like hell and he could absolutely MURDER Stevie Wonder week coming up. We'll see if he is likable enough and can vary his style enough to stick around. 9-to-1 in Vegas, so he is fifth on their list.
8. Shannon Magrane
Two fun facts: Her dad is Joe Magrane, who was a MLB pitcher, mostly with the Cardinals, and is like 6'8". Shannon is also like 16 and freakishly tall too. Vegas has her at 5-to1 which absolutely shocks me. Middle America will probably love her, I can't get a read on her yet. She's ayight, I guess. I would guess lower-middle-of-the-pack.
9. Phillip Pillips
Works in a pawn shop that his family owns in Georgia and his style has been compared to Dave Matthews. I hate Dave Matthews, but I like this dude. Crushed Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" last week, so he made Vince Wilfork and Kevin Garnett very happy. He is my wife's favorite and I think he will be top three and definitely in the mix. Vegas has him first on their board at 7-to-2.
10. Jeremy Rosado
OK, first things first, this kid has a nice voice, but no shot to win. He absolutely lost me last week with his crying and kissing of J-Lo's very nice ass.
Cut the sh!t dude. Come on, there's no crying in American Idol! Well, I guess there actually is, and a lot of it. I hope he loses this week. You can't be throwing a crying fit just to get your way, this is America. Vegas has him at 30-to-1. GTFO, chubbs.
11. Jessica Sanchez
Crushed it after having the flu or some sh!t. This chick is for real. I expect her to cush the other contestants' collective will to live after Whitney Houston week. I would be surprised if she didn't make it to the final. Vegas has her at 7-to-1. Could be a solid bet if you have money to burn.
12. Elise Testone
I have to be honest, I haven't seen anything she has done and missed last week since I was probably taking a dog out. Let's watch together, shall we?
Good bluesy type of vibe, but enough with these broads singing Adele. We only have so much room for husky singers. I kid, I kid. I wonder if she'll have the flexibility to pull it off or the creativity to mold songs into her style. Vegas has her at 15-to-1. I think she sticks around three weeks at most. The judges picked her to keep going, so she has some talent. J-Lo thinks she may be the best singer of the bunch.
13. Erika Van Pelt
She's originally from Rhode Island and is a DJ. She can definitely sing and actually seems normal, but she definitely doesn't have the "American Idol Look." Vegas has her at 25-to-1. I think she'll stick around because she can really sing, but she's not in the mix to win.
My guess? Phillip Phillips vs. Jessica Sanchez in the final; two very contrasting styles. I'll share my American Idol Top Ten when we get there.
-Big Ran
