American Idol Top 24 pre-Season rankings

So “American Idol” has finally reached the point in the season where it becomes more about music and less about making fun of people, the point where everyone left can sing, more or less. Now, I my doubts that this is the most talented season ever, especially since Ryan Seacrest seems to be saying it every five minutes like clockwork, but the Top 24 does have a bunch of singers who have some potential.

But before we get to the pre-season rankings, let’s pause to remember Josiah Leming, the emo boy who lived in his car who cried a lot. Even though he didn’t make the Top 24 – probably because of his a capella, Bright Eyes-ian version of “Stand By Me,” – I’m gonna bet he gets a record deal (a good one, not a William Hung one) before the season’s over. His songs were good, his voice was good and he was interesting. And if the judges couldn’t figure out that he’s exactly what the show needed, it may go a ways at explaining why ratings are down this season. OK, rant over, on to the pre-season rankings before tomorrow night’s first round...

THE GALS

1. Syesha Mercado. The Miami singer pulled out a gutsy performance of “Chain of Fools” even while she was losing her voice. She was a finalist on ABC’s “Idol” rip-off “The One,” but since that show got cancelled after two episodes, she’s not as much of a ringer as others.
2. Amanda Overmeyer. The rock and roll nurse from Mulberry, Ind., has a great voice and if she figures out how to use it beyond Janis Joplinizing every song she tackles, she will go far.
3. Carly Smithson. Yeah, she’s already had an album out on MCA as Carly Hennessy. Yeah, she’s kind of a ringer and will likely get rejected because really if she didn’t connect with the American public the first time around, why would this time be any different? Nevertheless, she can still sing.
4. Ramiele Malubay. Once all the big-voice-in-such-a-small-package stuff is out of the way, maybe people will realize that the Miramar, Fla., singer really has a lot going for her. Is America ready for a Filipina “American Idol”? No, I didn’t think so either.
5. Kristy Lee Cook. She has a good voice and she’s Carrie Underwood pretty, but really how many times can she sing “Amazing Grace”?
6. Asia’h Epperson. I liked her fight and her feisty version of “How Do I Live” days after her father died in a car accident. Hopefully she can keep channeling that energy into good performances.
7. Alexandrea Lushington. Young girl who sings old style music. Man, the Grammy producers will love her.
8. Joanna Borgella. The former model has a unique voice that could be good with the right training, which she could get if her winning personality keeps her around long enough.
9. Brooke White. The nanny who doesn’t see R-rated movies has a nice personality and an OK voice – a combo that should get her a few weeks into the competition but she’s going to need a massive shift to get further than that.
10. Kady Malloy. Yeah, impersonating Britney Spears’ vocals isn’t the toughest thing in the world. She’s going to have to pick a voice quickly and stick with it.
11. Amy Davis. She’s very attractive, but her voice is only passable – a combination that has worked for many before her, but might not work for her here.
12. Alaina Whitaker. Simon told her that she wasn’t as good as she thought she was. That’s kind of an understatement.

THE GUYS

1. Michael Johns. The 29-year-old from Los Angeles had a deal with Maverick Records with the band Film, making him almost a ringer, though the album never came out. The way he blew the doors of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” though, is probably a sign his next album will do just fine.
2. David Archuleta. The 16-year-old “Star Search” winner will woo the tween vote with his non-threatening good looks and the Grandma vote with tales of his one-time vocal paralysis. He has more game than John Stevens. How’s that for damning with faint praise?
3. David Cook. He has a good voice and a cool, laid-back personality. That may make for a great guy to have a beer with, but doesn’t generally make for great television.
4. David Hernandez. He showed some initiative with a slowed-down “Love the One You’re With,” but didn’t really seem to wow anyone.
5. Danny Noriega. The 18-year-old had a couple of good auditions, especially “When I Need You,” but his personality kind of outpaces his voice.
6. Chikezie Eze. He did an OK Luther in his audition, but will need more than that to advance.
7. Robbie Carrico. Formerly of Boyz-n-Girlz United, he’s got a rocker’s voice with boy band moves. I’m not sure that’s necessarily a good thing.
8. Colton Berry. We only got to see a snippet of an audition to see why he got in and Groban-geeky Kyle Ensley didn’t. Seemed aight, as Randy would say, but hard to tell.
9. (tie) Jason Castro. Um, yeah, kind of airtime challenged so far. His YouTube videos make him sound OK.
9. (tie) Garrett Haley. He’s from Lima, Ohio. Woohoo Hasn’t had more than a second on the show, which is probably for a reason, but who knows?
9. (tie) Luke Menard. Haven’t seen him either. He’s in an a capella group, which might mean he could sing.
9. (tie) Jason Yeager. Again, dunno. He was apparently in an early incarnation of “Making the Band,” probably before Diddy took over. At least, he’ll get to sing this week and maybe “Idol” will even show it.

Via newsday.com