American Idol -- Top 12...Season 7

So I am glued to my tv once again! It's IDOL time!! I love this part of the competition...down to "serious" singing and performances...the big stage...the nerves, the great songs, and the heartbreak of being sent home!

I applaud all of these kids (and yes, I can say that seeing as I am not of eligible contestant age, lol). I think this year we have outstanding performers! Okay and the Lennon/McCartney songs were absolutely perfect for THIS top 12!

Here is where I stand on this year's top 12...

Amanda Overmyer
The "rocker" chick...I really haven't connected with Amanda. I think she lacks something (the girl won't smile for anything!) and half the time I think she's out of tune...but the judges love her and America must too because I've thought she was going home week after week!

Brook White
She's really, really grown on me. I like what she's done with her song choices and think she could have a career beyond idol. I am not ready for her to go home yet!

Carly Smithson
I think Carly can really sing...last night's performance was my favorite of hers. I don't love her, but do admit she's really talented! I don't think it's her time to go yet!

Chikezie
I absolutely LOVED Chikezie last night. He's really taking what Randy, Paula and Simon say and MAKING it WORK! Surprisingly, I am a sucker for bluegrass (ala "O Brother Where Art Thou" or "Cold Mountain") and really got excited when he started with the small band on the stage...I hope he stays and continues to totally break the mold!

David Archuleta
Poor David. He was really nervous last night and I was surprised! We can't be perfect all the time...and last night it was David's turn to be "unperfect." To me he has the voice of an angel and I can see him performing contemporary music like Josh Groban. I don't want to see David go yet either!

David Cook
Another "rocker" -- I am not the biggest fan of David Cook's, but would like to see him stick around because I do think he's a better performer than some of the others!

David Hernandez
Okay, DID NOT LIKE IT! I agree with Simon...over performed, a little cheesy, and not at all what I would expect at this stage in the competition! I am afraid, although he can sing, his performance on stage will not stand up to some of the others. He's my pick to go home this week...Sorry David!

Jason Castro
I love this guy! He seems soooo sweet and down to earth. I admit though, this is more my style of music so I may be a bit biased. I don't think he has the most amazing voice -- but I want to see more from him. His version of Hallelujah last week gave me chills! That is one of my all time favorite songs...and I was so glad when the judges "got" the performance.

Kristy Lee Cook
No....no, no, no. It didn't work last night. I think she's trying too hard to become a country singer...either you are or you aren't and I really am not buying the country gal performance. She's ready to go home in my (very humble) opinion!

Michael Johns
He's been stellar since day one! Again, this is really up my ally -- and I think he could have a career today even without idol! I hope he stays!!

Ramiele Malubay
She's a beautiful girl with a great voice, but she's another one I am having a hard time connecting with. I don't think she should go home, but if I need to get up at all during idol, it's usually during her songs!

Syesha Mercado
She's a cute, spunky thing but I am not sure she's got what it takes when you compare her to other contestants this year. I think she'd be great on stage (maybe in a musical -- where she could act and sing) but I don't see her winning this thing.