As the men and women come together tonight to form the top 12 on the sixth season of “AmericanIdol,” one thing is clear: This is a two-horse race. The only question: Of the rest, who can stretch their 10 minutes of fame to 11 or even 12 minutes? For answers, let’s turn to Las Vegas, of course — the know-it-alls who break banks by being smarter than Average Joes like you and me. This week, we incorporate a new feature on our “Idol” picks, courtesy of Bodog.com.
Melinda Doolittle, 29
» Brentwood, Tenn.
After her show-stopping “My Funny Valentine” two weeks ago, a drop-off was a sure thing. Or … not. In Randy Jackson-speak, Melinda “blew it out the box” with her powerful “I’m a W-o-m-a-n.” I’m finally buying what she’s selling.
Tune up or tune out? Melinda’s friendly, polite personality is the cherry on this sundae. Has to be considered the front-runner. Turn up. Vegas says: 3/2.
LaKisha Jones, 27
» Fort Meade, Md.
LaKisha is a sure thing. Every week, she is putting on a dynamite show. Talent like this hides like Godzilla.
Tune up or tune out? Punch her ticket to the finals. Turn up. Vegas says: 3/1.
Chris Richardson, 22
» Chesapeake, Va.
Chris is the class of the gents right now — for what’s that’s worth. He has a ways to go before he catches the Dynamic Duo.
Tune up or tune out?: Fun to watch, Chris is a third-party candidate in a two-party election. Turn up. Vegas says: 11/2.
Blake Lewis, 25
» Bothell, Wash.
Blake has dug himself a nice little niche and can be counted on for a fun, quirky performance. It’s the stuff of a solid opening act.
Tune up or tune out? Uniqueness may not trump talent, but it’s sure welcome here. Turn up. Vegas says: 4/1.
Stephanie Edwards, 19
» Savannah, Ga.
Capable, poised Stephanie is a good singer. And a bad bet. She’sout-classed — there are better singers of her ilk.
Tune up or tune out? Stephanie can outperform half the singers in this sorry lot. But she’ll need more. Turn up. Vegas says: 15/1.
Chris Sligh, 28
» Greenville, S.C.
I take to Chris’ song choices like I take to a liverwurst milkshake. He has talent, but someone took his funny and tossed it out the bus window.
Tune up or tune out? Needs a pinch of toe-tapping flavor to make this dish more appetizing. Turn up. Vegas says: 10/1.
Sanjaya Malakar, 17
» Federal Way, Wash.
Look at Lil’ Sanjaya go! Sanjaya is so bad, such a disgrace to the show, that he can’t be stopped. It’s hard to know whether to cheer for Squirt or bury our heads as he follows in the ill-fated footsteps of William Hung.
Tune up or tune out? Wide-eyed Sanjaya has slunk his way this far; there’s reason to think he’ll keep on slinking. Turn up. Vegas says: 10/1.
Jordin Sparks, 17
» Glendale, Ariz.
Jordin is like “Wheel of Fortune”: exciting to watch for a couple minutes, and then the next thing you know, you’re asleep.
Tune up or tune out? Needs a dose of the “YO!” factor like a fish needs water. Tune out. Vegas says: 10/1.
Gina Glocksen, 22
» Naperville, Ill.
How do you spell lame? G-I-N-A. By my count, Gina has as many good performances as Naperville has unicorns.
Tune up or tune out? Once a loser, always a loser. This “Idol” reject should prepare for more failure. Tune out. Vegas says: 25/1.
Brandon Rogers, 28
» Hollywood
Brandon still may have a show-stopping performance up his sleeve. What’s that? Brandon wears short sleeves? Uh oh.
Tune up or tune out? If he’s lucky, Brandon may be given another week or two to prove his mettle. Otherwise, he’s toast. Tune out. Vegas says: 25/1.
Haley Scarnato, 24
» San Antonio, Texas
All of Texas must have cast a vote for this cruddy cowgirl. There’s no other earthly reason why she is here instead of Sabrina Sloan (easily the biggest injustice of the competition thus far).
Tune up or tune out? Haley has been abysmal up until now. Where’s a trapdoor when you need one? Tune out. Vegas says: 25/1.
Phil Stacey, 29
» Jacksonville, Fla.
Somebody out there likes Phil Stacey. That somebody just ain’t me. Has Phil shown anything that shouts “superstar”? Not even close — more like, “super far.” Ba dum dum.
Tune up or tune out? Maybe biases are clouding my crystal ball — but elimination appears imminent. Tune out. Vegas says: 12/1.
Watch it
» American Idol
8 p.m., Fox
Last week, the Top 12 contestants — six men, six women — were chosen by you, the American public … and we hope you’re happy with the results! Sabrina Sloan, wherefore art thou? Because we all know what happens to folks from the Top 24 who don’t make it to the big-timey shows: usually, bupkis. Not always the case, but usually.
– Zap2It.com
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
