"God Bless the Child" on Idol?

Casey is perhaps the best overall performer/entertainer but does he have the "it" factor to make it big and not become Taylor Hicks (who I never really got) part II?

Thia has my favorite voice to listen to and excellent poise for 16 years old, but she may be a few years away from having the total package needed to go over well as the AI.

Jacob I think has unique raw talent and potential if harnessed properly by the right people.

Pia is a likable hottie with a great name, definitely can sing till the rafters come loose, and has the "it" factor. Fergie, move on over....

Haley may also have the "it" factor needed to make it big in modern pop music. As you can see, I am always partial to the girls when it comes to these things....

Naima also has the "it" actor to perhaps make it big, but needs some polish.

Scotty has what it takes for a nice career in country music I would say.

James Durbin has potential....

The rest I am less sold on as future stars though they all have talent and can sing.

It was hard to believe Haley was in the bottom, her performance of Blue had more class and control then most others.

OK, with the lovely Pia now gone, Jacob in the bottom three for the first time, and based on observing the reactions of my wife and daughter, who probably are fairly representative of the Idol voting demographic a lot more than me, I am now predicting either Scotty or James as the next AI. The girls are dropping like flies.

BTW, all 10 finalists that will be on tour this year are really quite talented. maybe I will break down and go with my wife this year if she goes.

"I am now predicting either Scotty or James as the next AI"

I said the same thing to my wife last night, James or Scotty, we'll see. I agree with the talent, I've only been watching a few years but to me this is the best year yet by far. I also find the new judges a refreshing change, its looser and more fun. Even though Steven Tyler isn't the greatest judge in the world, he is always encouraging along with Jlo and of course there is Randy that can do the heavy lifting when necessary.

The boy to beat is Scotty. I don't like country and I find his G.W.Bush grin and asymetrical microphone handling annoying, but I can see he has real talent, commercial potential, and is amazingly mature for his age.