From crooners to rockers

It’s a hodgepodge of styles in this season of American Idol. Crooners. Rockers. Balladeers. Divas. Country singers. Hip-hop artists. Showgirls – such is the group of 193 hopefuls who went to Hollywood for another series of auditions. They are now down to 72 but more will be sent home as the most exciting season ever continues to the next round.

It is without doubt the bigger, better and crazier season of AI yet. This is also the best batch of contestants so far. Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell as well as the rest of America will have a hard time choosing their next American Idol.

Crooners from San Francisco, Jamie Paul Koehler and Ross Williams are still in the game. Their style might be for the Vegas crowd, but their voice can adjust to different genres of songs. Will they be singing, We Are the Champions or is it Bye Bye Bye for them in the next round? We’ll see.

Rocker Constantine Maroulis has been a constant favorite of the camera. Out of 193 Idol contestants, he’s probably one of those with the most camera exposure. Why not? He gave up his hardrock band for this competition. But does a rocker have a niche in a talent search like AI? Constantine will be the first one if ever.

Clay Aiken clone Anthony Fedorov has a better chance of making it to the top 24. With his good looks and amazing voice, he might even surpass what Clay has achieved.

Country singers Carrie Underwood and Lindsey Cardinale are no Shania Twain but that’s good news. Although they are stereotyped as country singers, these ladies have their own style and it’s very refreshing. They both deserve to be on top 24, even in the final 12.

When Mario Vazquez sings, all the girls (even gays) listen and sometimes scream. Blessed with good looks and talent, he could go all the way to the finals.

Amanda Avila may be a showgirl in Vegas but she’s one talented girl. The girl can really sing and she has proven that many times during her audition in Vegas and in Hollywood round.

The music teacher from New Jersey, Anwar Robinson is no Milli and Vanilli but his style must have really impressed the judges because he is still in the race. Talents like him are what AI needs in this competition.

On the next episodes of American Idol, the competition intensifies as the remaining contestants vie for the coveted 44 semifinal spots. Contestants lay it on the line before the judges, hoping to survive another day in the show. The judges’ task becomes even harder as they make the final decisions on who will be in the top 24.

The best is yet to come and so we shouldn’t miss a single episode of the biggest talent search in the US, American Idol airs on ABC every Wednesday and Thursday at 10 p.m.