By Julia Lilkendey


davidcookCongratulations, David Cook! David won us over with his brilliant performances, sultry voice, and very good looks. Though the American Idol competition is over, read on for our take on the finalists, including odds, our predictions and their celebrity look-alikes.


Brooke White

brookewhite

24, Mesa, AZ
Why her: The first female to make playing an instrument work on AI (piano and guitar). She plays by ear and her vocals have never been compromised.
Why not: As a performer, she needs to separate herself from her real-life goodie two shoes mentality.
What Simon says: Brooke's smart about making a song work for her even when there's no way the original ever would.
Celebrity Twin: Faith Hill, from her looks to that sweetheart personality. This chick has that hidden spark of feistiness too.
Odds: After she's asked to leave the show at number five -- Brooke will be giving us the same infamous "WHAT" surprise look that Faith Hill gave at the '06 CMA's (when she lost to AI: 4 winner Carrie Underwood)
Update: We were right! Brooke was ousted at number five after her two Neil Diamond performances. The blonde nanny cried/sang her way off stage.


Carly Smithson

24, San Diego, CA
Why her: She was talented enough to cut a record with AI judge Randy Jackson in the late '90s.
Why not: The tattoo-less recording artist Carly Hennessy has been transformed into the tattooed AI contestant Smithson. She's already had her chance with a major label. This show is about rooting for the underdog!
What Simon says: Carly needs to lighten up.
Celebrity twin: The icy blue eyes, dark hair and fair skin... she's a dead ringer for Evanescence lead singer, Amy Lee.
Odds: She's had plenty of exposure to make a successful album. It will be her time when she leaves the show in a respectable fourth place.
Update: Carly was shockingly voted off on the April 23rd episode, after she and Syesha were in the bottom two. Most people thought it was between Brooke and Jason, so everyone was surprised that Carly's "Superstar" performance sent her home.

Michael Johns

29, Buckhead, GA
Why him: This Aussie has the look, professionalism and pipes! He's not always amazing, but is consistently great.
Why not: Rocker David Cook currently has an edge on him.
What Simon says: Michael's like a white soul singer. He has a lot of talent, but needs to dazzle and show more star quality.
Celebrity twin: Just as sexy as Gavin Rossdale!
Odds: He'll take number two after the finale sing-off with Cook.
Update: SHOCKING! Michael Johns was eliminated on the April 10th show. When Seacrest said, "Carly and Syesha...," everyone thought he was going to say, "You are in the bottom two." Instead he finished with, "You are safe," leaving viewers' jaws on the ground when they realized it meant Michael Johns was going home.


David Archuleta

17, Murray, UT
Why him: His voice is brilliant, confident, pure... and it has been since he was in the single digits.
Why not: He's an old soul. When you're 17, people want to see you have fun. At least once in a while. Do it before your "vocal paralysis" comes back.
What Simon says: His vocals are masterclass, but his performances are blase.
Celebrity twin: Ricky Martin from the Menudo days.
Odds: He has a range of followers from teenyboppers to baby boomers. That should position him comfortably at third.
Update: David Archuleta went home in second place. Though "Archie" did much better in the finale (especially according to Simon), fans came through for David Cook, who won by 12 million votes.


David Cook

25, Blue Springs, MO
Why him: The guitar, his choice of arrangements, vocals and stage presence make him stand out.
Why not: There are a few contestants who can sneak up and change where the competition is heading.
What Simon says: "You've 100% secured a place in the finals."
Celebrity twin: Nickelodeon rocker, Drake Bell
Odds: This is your next American Idol.


Jason Castro

20, Rockwall, TX
Why him: His simple, beautiful soul bleeds through his performances and touches his audience.
Why not: He's not aggressive enough. Jason stays true to who he is, but you want an idol who mixes it up more.
What Simon says: Potentially a winner, but has to take it more seriously.
Celebrity twin: His face is pretty like Fiona Apple. But he's much softer than her fiery persona.
Odds: Jason will gracefully exit stage left -- at number six.
Update: Jason left the Idol stage on the May 6 episode, as a member of the final four. His elimination was no surprise as Jason forgot the lyrics to his second song, "Mr. Tambourine Man."

PAGE 1 2 next