by Suzy Byrne, Producer (see more from this contributor)

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UPDATE: Carrie edges out Bo in the final! Talk about the show.

Now that most of the really crappy singers have been knocked out of the competition, it's time to get down to business. Here, we take a look at the final 12 contestants and tell you who has the best shot at the Idol title. Be sure to check back each week to get updates, talk about the show and vote for your favorite contestant.


Carrie Underwood

21, student, Checotah, OK
Celebrity twin: Reese Witherspoon
Why her: This PYT (pretty young thing) is the whole package
Why not: She's too quiet
What Simon says: "One of the favorites to win this competition, you know who you are and what you are about"
Odds: Unless she selects songs that are boring, Carrie will be the big winner
Update: Carrie wins!


Bo Bice

29, singer, Helena, AL
Celebrity twin: Jesus
Why him: This rocker is cool, different and edgy. Even the judges dig him ‑- including Simon
Why not: Pop singers tend to have better success on Idol. Plus, he could use a makeover
What Simon says: "I think this is your competition to lose"
Odds: He'll be in the final two or three
Update: Carrie edges out Bo in the finals


Vonzell Solomon

20, Fort Meyers, FL
Celebrity twin: Brandy
Why her: She has a good stage presence
Why not: She's forgettable. We can't name a single song that she's sung
What Simon says: "You are someone who could really do well"
Odds: She'll be the next to go. It will be Bo and Carrie in the final round
Update: Everyone knew that Vonzell would be the next to go. It's all about Bo and Carrie. But at least she made it to the final three

Anthony Fedorov

19, student, East Trevose, PA
Celebrity twin: A geeky Nick Carter
Why him: He could get the sympathy vote ‑- he had a tube in his neck for his first four years of life after a botched operation on his vocal cords
Why not: He's the John Stevens of the competition. Enough said
What Simon says: "You have about as much Latin flair as a polar bear"
Odds: He'll make it two or three more weeks
Update: Anthony did so much better than we thought he would and he sorta grew on us. He didn't make the final three, but he probably has a chance at a record contract. And darn it if we weren't right about the whole Nick Carter thing. Those boys are twins!


Scott Savol

28, unemployed security guard, Shaker Heights, OH
Celebrity twin: Uncle Cracker
Why him: It will never happen
Why not: Doesn't have the Idol look ‑- or sound
What Simon says: "It will be interesting to see what the audience makes of you. You don't look like an American Idol"
Odds: Give him four weeks
Update: Though his rap sheet didn't get him tossed, Scott was handed his walking papers this week. There are now four contestants remaining


Constantine Maroulis

29, singer/actor, New York City
Celebrity twin: Creed's Scott Stapp
Why him: This tall glass of water has a good voice
Why not: This tall glass of water has a good voice for a bar, not an arena
What Simon says: "You and Bo are in the same bracket. And while Bo is the better singer, you have more charisma"
Odds: He'll only win if the ladies vote him in
Update: The girls neglected Constantine! He was voted out before making it to the final five