We all know 13 is not considered a lucky number (e.g. Friday the 13th) but this season on American Idol, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler were compelled to select the 'lucky' guy among the immensely talented pack of contestants to complete this year's top contenders (from top 24 to top 25) for the most coveted singing competition title in the world. So who will be the lucky 13th guy?
Vocal Calisthenics Pro
1. Johnny Keyser, who wowed the judges most notably
Jennifer Lopez, was surprisingly eliminated in Las Vegas. Was it due to lack of enthusiasm, poor group choice of song, singing uninterruptedly while his group mate collapsed on the floor (Hollywood group rounds) or taking a swim with fellow contestants while others were ultra busy perfecting their Vegas routines? He was definitely not eliminated for lack of talent, that I'm sure about, after JLo told him, "You know you're gonna be a star, right?". Did JLo remember what he told Johnny, then?
The Gentle Giant
2. Jermaine Jones, the big but definitely not bad bass singer who sang "I Believe In Love" for the final 24 spot, was among the last to be eliminated. His deep voice would have given variety to this season's range of vocal talents but his last performance didn't seem to impress the judges. Or have they reconsidered his previous performances that brought him far in the competition?
The Michael Jackson Prodigy
3. David Leathers Jr., the only contestant carrying the I've-Beaten-Out-Scotty-McCreery-In-A-School-Competition title, was the last one to be denied a spot in the top 24. This young but promising performer greatly reminds us of
Michael Jackson in his younger years. Before he got eliminated, he expressed his deep desire to become a singer as it's the only thing he sees himself doing in the future. Can the judges bear to break this young dreamer's heart?
The Cowboy/ The Law
4. Richie Law, who became infamous for his cockiness and being "above the law" among his group mates, also met the ax when the top 24 contenders were chosen. His McCreery-like deep voice made him popular early and later in the competition but it's either the presence of more talented singers in this year's pack or his arrogant behavior, which Hee Jun would surely agree with, made the judges cut his chance to advance further. Or maybe the judges need him back for more drama in the show?
There you go folks! This year's American Idol will not be chosen without a bit of a twist and suspense. So who do you think it will be? My two cents worth? I'd go for talent so it's Johnny Keyser for me but Jermaine or David won't hurt, either. Just keep Richie Law out, please. I can't wait 'til Tuesday.
