American Idol Final 7 Power Rankings

Doh! The immortal words of Homer Simpson seem like the only appropriate response to last week’s shocker. How in the world can JC still be strummin’ and grinnin’ while Double D hit the mat and went down for the count? It’s almost as if Robin just outlasted Batman….some things just should not be. I guess that Double D will, in fact, have to “Dream On” since he got knocked out of the competition in Round 5. Can he make it on his own? Maybe….it’s happened before. But this is an awfully early exit and since it’s indicative of fan support, he might not be able to carve out a niche. So tie me kangaroo down sport and dream on! (and don’t forget the ascot!)

Here are my power rankings for this week…changes are in order, again (DOH!).

1. David Cook (STEADY, but a bit shakier)- No change here. Last week he showed some weakness for the first time. Of course every fighter has some sort of weakness. But it doesn’t really matter unless the other fighter (or fighters in this case) can figure out how to capitalize. There’s a lot of shuffling up and down right now, but I’m not sure anyone has shown that they really know how to overtake him in the top spot. If he has another misstep this week, we may have to reassess.
2. David Archuleta (UP from #4) - Major move up the rankings this week. This spot was occupied last week by Double D and we know what happened to him. During the college football season last year, being #2 was the kiss of death, but I just don’t see that happening to DA. He’s almost (but not quite) a one-trick pony so far, but man-oh-man, do the girls love his one trick. He is NOT the strongest fighter in this contest in my opinion, but he may have the power to outlast everyone else. And if you’re the last one standing, you win.
3. Brooke White (UP from #6) - Another major move this week. The last two weeks have not been Brooke’s best, but even when she’s not at her best, she is still totally engaging and real. There is never a sense as to whether she is faking something or not. What you see is what you get. There’s a lot to be said for that. She may have wound up in the bottom three two weeks ago, but there’s no one left who hasn’t been there as well. She is the most consistent and genuine contender of the remaining contestants.
4. Jason Castro (UP from #8) - It pains me to move him up to this spot. IMO he should be sitting in his living room enjoying the show on TV at this point. But hey….that’s just me. Apparently enough people like dreadlocks and questionable talent to keep him alive. How else do you explain the Sinjuju phenomena from last year? (minus the dreads of course). It seems to me that he has weathered his weak spot and is now back in the middle of the ring. Go figure!
5. KLC (UP from #7) - I can’t believe that I’m actually ranking KLC ahead of Smithson and Mercado. She clearly does not have the vocals that either of them have, but she does seem to have hit her stride and is gaining in strength and confidence. Add to that a fighting strategy (going Kuntry) that is unique to her in this competition, and I think she is in a stronger position than either of the two lower-ranked (but superior talent) contenders. Listen, Double D had way more to offer the recording industry than JC, but JC is still in it. ‘Nuff said.
6. Carly Smithson (DOWN from #3) - In a major tumble down the rankings, Smithson has almost hit rock bottom. She had one brilliant moment where punches connected with their intended target and she looked like a genuine contender, but it lasted only for one round. She almost made a believer of me, but I was brought quickly back to reality after last week. There is just no connection between her, her music, and the audience. Great vocals…no connection. In this competition, that spells trouble…and that probably spells Carly.
7. Syesha Mercado (DOWN from #6) - She only fell one spot, but when that puts you at the bottom, you didn’t have far to fall in the first place. She has become a weekly cellar dweller and that usually means we’ll be watching your video as you wipe tears from your eyes sooner rather than later. Her only hope is that Smithson will hurt herself. Otherwise, we will be minus one serious ‘fro.

While the early exit of Malubay Barbie was surprising, it was at least deserved. Double D suffered from a blind-side sucker-punch. Everyone has shown vulnerability except for David Cook. Makes you wonder if he’s due for the bottom three this week. This can be a week where the title contenders establish themselves for the closing rounds, or where a bad mistake could cost them dearly. Always be wary of the middle rounds.