Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Time to rank the Idol guys.

Here are my predictions on how they will finish, based on what we’ve heard so far — precious little in some cases — and by witnessing the habits of Idol voters since Season 1.

This week, I’ll be live blogging through each show of Idol, grading each performance as it occurs.  Check back about an hour after the show, and I’ll have a separate recap.

If this works the way it did last year, the top five male and female vote-getters from the shows on Tuesday (guys) and Wednesday (gals) will advance to the finals.

The judges will then invite six singers to sing one more time on Thursday’s show, and select two or three wild-card contestants from that group.

Of course, there’s no guarantee Idol won’t change things up in Season 11.

And, remember, a 13th singer will be added to this group: David Leathers Jr., Jermaine Jones, Johnny Keyser or Richie Law.  Here’s my prediciton on that.

Elsewhere in this blog you can find:  official photos of the Idol guys, what to expect Tuesday from the Idol guys and Twitter links for all the contestants.

Coming tomorrow:  Rankings for the Idol girls.

Now the guys …

1. Phillip Phillips Jr:   He wears Scotty McCreery’s plaid shirts.  He’s got the aw-shucks persona of a Lee DeWyze or Kris Allen.  And Nigel Lythgoe should let Phillip play guitar whenever he wants.

2.  Joshua Ledet:   He has the voice — probably the most special voice of any guy we’ve heard from often enough to make any sort of judgment.

3. Colton Dixon:   A musician, not just a singer.  The girls are going to love his look, his sensitivity and his devotion to his younger sister.

4.  Heejun Han:   If the finals were Tuesday, Heejun would win in a landslide.  But as the singing shows progress,  I have a feeling his voice will fall a little shy of his wit.

5. Eben Franckewitz:   He’s just so cute.  Plus he sings well.  And did I mention that he’s just so cute?   Now, if he could only do something about that last name.

6.  DeAndre Brackensick:   If he can sneak into the finals despite his lack of airtime,  I think Mr. Falsetto will surprise viewers.  The hair alone is worth a few thousand votes.

7.  Creighton Fraker:   A bit on the wacky side, this guy is at his best when he lets his voice do all the talking, because that voice is spot on.

8.  Adam Brock:  I’m pretty sure this self-described “old soul” will pour heart and soul into Tuesday’s performance.  And still need a wild card save to have any chance at the finals.

9. Reed Grimm:  Too many goofball performances and way too much drama for my taste.  I’m still not sure he can sing with the best on this list.

10. Jeremy Rosado:  Has sounded great at times, but he’s vying for the same younger-singer votes as Eben, and his chances go way down if David Leathers becomes that 13th contestant.

11. Chase Likens:   Who?  Ah, yes, you might not have heard, but Idol invited a country singer to the semifinals party, then decided it’d be a waste of time to let you hear him sing.

12.  Aaron Marcellus:   Has sounded just fine and will sing well Tuesday.  But he’s in big trouble if  Twitter followers are any indication of fan support.