American Idol

HOME

ABOUT JACKIE

NEWS

BOOKS

MOVIES

VIDEOS

TELEVISION

COLUMNS

LINKS

CONTACT

Michael Johns
courtesy of "American Idol"

"American Idol" (Fox)

Who cares that there has been a writers strike. The most important event in TV these days is the fact "American Idol" has returned. Already we have made it through the tryouts when thousands did their best to make it into the top twenty-four. We saw the good, the bad and the oh so ugly. We cheered for some and booed others, all in the privacy of our homes of course. But now, this week, we are down to the final "24" and the fun really begins!

Starting this week we get three shows. One will be the males performing, next the females, and then one male and one female will be kicked off. When it gets down to the top twelve the elimination will be one of either gender each week. For some reason only the Top Ten go on tour in the summer, the first two kicked off the top twelve don't get any respect.

This year the talent seems to be the best in years. What remains to be seen is will they have any personality. I have already picked my top six based on talent and the little view I have seen of their private lives. This list will probably change over the next few weeks but for now here goes:

Syesha Mercado - The pretty young woman from Miami who had so much trouble with her voice in Hollywood. She could barely talk yet she managed to rock the house when she did the last audition. She also has "the look" which will bring her attention and fans.

Kristy Lee Cook - There is already rumbling about her being a professional singer but she fit the rules so back off! Her rendition of "Amazing Grace" was amazing, and her fresh scrubbed looks make her sure to win hearts and votes. She seems down to earth and appealing, at least she appeals to me.

Asia'h Epperson - I know I am a sucker for a heartbreak story and this girl has one of the worst. Her father died days before her audition and then she went ahead and sang "How Will I Live?" It wold have been impressive even if she had not had the voice to back it all up - but she did. This girl had me at hello.

David Archuleta - Only seventeen but with a voice of someone much older. He has a soothing sound, great control, and an engaging personality. This kid could be this year's "Chicken Little" but with a difference. This boy can sing. Pre-teens will be dialing their fingers to the bone to vote for him.

Chikezie Eze - One of the best personalities so far and an okay singing voice. This guy is going to grow on America. He lights up a room and "AI" isn't just about singing, it is about the total package.

Michael Johns - My early choice to take it all. This guy's voice is amazing and his aw shucks personality seems natural and not forced. He looks good, he acts nice, and he sings great - what more could you want. Plus it is time for a male to win again and to be a success. Whatever happened to Taylor Hicks and Reuben Studdard?

Give me your choices. E-mail me at jkershawcooper@aol.com. I want to know what you think.

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!