To many “Idol”-heads, the most exciting two minutes in show business is the dramatic moment each week when Ryan Seacrest announces which unlucky contestant has been eliminated from the show.
This may or may not be so, but friends, “the most exciting two minutes in sports” is the Kentucky Derby, which will be run Saturday at Churchill Downs.
In each electric second of this grand event, riveted spectators hold their breaths as fortunes (and smaller fortunes, depending on the size of your wallet) shift hands in an instant. Grown men cry in but a few instances: when the party has run out of alcohol; during the hilariously awful audition rounds of “American Idol”; and when your horse finishes No. 1 at The Run for the Roses.
It’s a party of five as the show’s eighth season enters its home stretch. Place your bets: Let’s visit our pals at bodog.com to check out how Las Vegas sees this race rounding out. (Because the bookies always know.)
Adam Lambert, 26 (Los Angeles)
Vegas odds: 1/3
Derby counterpart: I Want Revenge (5/2)
I Want Revenge might be this year’s derby favorite, but for a more accurate match for front-runner Adam, set your mental clocks to one year ago and remember heavy favorite Big Brown. This beautiful thoroughbred was a locomotive on four hooves, and gamblers would be lucky to get even money for placing a wager on this odds-on winner. And sure enough, Big Brown took the crown. This year, Adam is head and shoulders above the rest of the field, and Vegas odds reflect his dominance. Try your luck if you want to bet against him, but don’t say you weren’t warned. Pick: WIN
Danny Gokey, 28 (Milwaukee)
Vegas odds: 4/1
Derby counterpart: Dunkirk (9/2)
Danny has consistently demonstrated that he possesses the No. 2 voice of this bunch (occasionally even the best), but his lackluster recent performances have taken the shine off his early-rising star. Despite Paula’s insistence that he will compete in the final showdown, Danny has lost steam that inevitability no longer exists. Doubt has crept in on little cat feet. Still, Allison’s demotion to the bottom three last week signaled that Danny is in better standing than cynics might claim, and there is still time for him to mount a charge. But will it be too late? Pick: PLACE
Kris Allen, 23 (Conway, Ark.)
Vegas odds: 15/2
Derby counterpart: Regal Ransom (15/1)
Kris is plugging away, and his obvious connection with fans has propelled his success. Kris has crafted a nice, friendly hole for himself, and clever performances like last week’s unusual rendition of Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money” indicate that lowering the bar for Kris is exactly what allows him to surprise. I still think he’s a forgettable goof, but with shrewd maneuvering and a couple strong performances, he could find himself in the finale. Pick: SHOW
Allison Iraheta, 16 (Los Angeles)
Vegas odds: 15/2
Derby counterpart: Papa Clem (15/1)
Though oddsmakers call it a dead heat between Allison and Kris, her ever-so-close proximity to the guillotine last week revealed that her train is off the tracks. Though last week’s performance wasn’t a barn burner, Allison shows off a lively pair of chops that has overshadowed her odd personality and a possible disconnect with the audience. I always assumed Allison enjoyed a large following of fans who appreciated her vocal skills over her lack of starpower. Now, I see this group isn’t large enough. Pick: Fourth
Matt Giraud, 23 (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
Vegas odds: 40/1
Derby counterpart: Mr. Hot Stuff (42/1)
If you love to root for the dark horse, then this is your guy. Matt staved off certain death two weeks ago by earning the judges’ lone save of the season — and then promptly leapt ahead of two opponents in last week’s double elimination. Though this jazzy dueling piano player and Justin Timberlake stand-in has long been a Scott Fuller Favorite, last week’s so-so rendition of the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive” made clear that his run of good fortune would, and should, end. Let’s give Matt a round of applause, because this week will be his curtain call. Pick: Fifth
On TV
‘American Idol’
» 8 to 9 p.m. today, Fox The remaining five singers perform.
» 9 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Fox One finalist will be eliminated in a results episode.
