American Idol’s Top 12 … Do we have a season?

Thursday night we were revealed with this season’s Top 12 contestants to compete week after week for America to win the title of the next American Idol. With names like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Kris Allen, and Chris Daughtry in the mix (Daughtry not actually winning the show), expectations should be set high – even if we have had a few flubs here and there. So … what does season 9 bring us? A flood of singer-songwriters. I personally think Idol flubbed big time by tipping the scale so heavily to that genre. Love the genre, but it’s tough to have a competition when only one or two might already have it in the bag. Who has a clear shot? Who could be the underdog? Who’s easy on the eyes? And what about the judges this season….click on below to see what some of us here at the Yak think and get my prediction on the Top 4. Check out our Idol Top 12 thread, vote in our Winner Prediction thread and join us here for everything Idol!

Aaron Kelly ~ This 16 year old could just be around longer – and he might have Kara to thank. If most of America isn’t a Kara fan like some people (this writer included), he might be around just to spite her. Then again, her undying love for Adam Lambert didn’t get him gone sooner. But he had talent. Aaron probably won’t win this show. Actually, he won’t, but he’s got a good voice with potential if he can just gain confidence in himself.

Andrew Garcia ~ I like the guy, but if Idol is right about anything they will be repeating ALL freakin’ season long is that this guy peaked early. I’m starting to think that “Straight Up” is all he can perform that is exceptional. He needs to pick it up and soon. Or he might only barely make the Top 10. Also, anyone else think his glasses are a bit too big?

Casey James ~ All we can hope for is that he keeps his clothes on this season. Otherwise, Kara will annoy me to a whole new level. One of the few that can save this season from going downhill (if it isn’t already too late).

Crystal Bowersox ~ I’m going to let one of our amazing co-founders do the deed here: “She is by far better than any of them… by far. She makes pretty much everyone there look like amateurs, and quite frankly, I think she is better than American Idol all together. Hopefully though, she doesn’t win but comes in 2nd. She needs creative freedom.” ~ TheKdd

Didi Benami ~ The fact that she’s easy on the eyes can only help her for so long. I think of the many singer-songwriters Idol tried to shove down our throats this season, she’s one that has great potential. She just needs to get off her emotional rollercoaster or apply that to the songs she sings.

Katie Stevens ~ How this chick made it into the top 10 with Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott going home is beyond me. Sorry Katie. Don’t be surprised if you don’t even make the Top 10. And it’s not cuz you suck…you just don’t know who you are and I don’t think America is willing to help you.

Lacey Brown ~ After getting shafted last season with Megan Joy entering the competition, Lacey Brown has her time to shine. Her solid performance this week got her through. She actually could surprise the hell out of everyone. Could be gone week 1 or could be here in the Top 4. Who knows?

Lee Dewyze ~ As our very own grandmamichelf said, “kinda reminds me of a cross between David Cook and Chris Daughtry.” That right there could work in his favor. He’ll need to find a way to stand apart, but I think, out of most of the guys, he’s got that covered.

Michael Lynche (Big Mike) ~ I for one am just glad no one is calling him a teddy bear or something. We don’t need another Ruben Studdard. This dude can sing circles around everyone at this competition. Like Crystal, he’s too good for the show. In a perfect world, that’s our final 2. But we all know Idol doesn’t live in a perfect world. If we did, Hicks would have never won (sorry to those of you Hick fans out there. All 3 of you).

Paige Miles ~ I shouldn’t talk much here. I might sound like a jerk. Her last performance didn’t make many smile. She shouldn’t have advanced and unless she has some wardrobe malfunction that makes people talk and forget about her singing, she might be gone first.

Siobahn Magnus ~ This chick can sing. Definitely the underdog of the competition, in my opinion. By underdog, I mean she is being covered a bit by Crystal’s pipes, Lynche’s appeal, and … well … no one else. By far one of the most consistent singers this season.

Tim Urban ~ Dude went from not even making Top 24 to making the Top 12. How does that happen? Singing Cohen’s “Hallelujah” sealed the deal. That and Alex Lambert’s shy factor got him here. He might have the looks for the young girls. Other than that, not sure what to even say. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

Bold top 4 prediction (in no particular order): Michael Lynche, Crystal Bowersox, Lee Dewyze, Siobahn Magnus