Tens of thousands auditioned in hopes of becoming the next Kelly, Ruben, or Fantasia, but only 193 contestants will compete for fame and fortune next week in Hollywood. Here's a look at how the competition stacks up so far.
Jennifer Todd was sent into the semifinals based on her voice, and maybe a little bit of pity. While she is a fantastic singer, there is no way America is going to vote for an overweight homemaker as the next American Idol. Sad, maybe, but also very true. Current odds: 500:1
Jamie Koehler can croon with the best of them, but his appearance could be off-putting enough to kill his chances. He’s a long shot, at best. Current odds: 500:1
Ivan Ganchev is a novelty act, nothing more. With his sub par imitation of Freddie Mercury, he displayed little talent or presence. There’s no reason to think he won’t be sent packing very early on. Current odds: 500:1
Scott Savol can sing, no question. But it'll be hard to find anyone willing to vote for him, as his voice is really all he has going for him. With less-than-average looks and no real personality to speak of, it's hard to see Scott making it beyond the early rounds. Current odds: 500:1
Emily Neves has a bouncy, bubbly personality that could start to grate on viewers nerves very quickly. But her screeching voice could grate even faster. Her elevation to the semifinals was a fluke that should be soon corrected. Current odds: 100:1
Desmond Meeks is a full on performer: he sings, he dances, but he doesn’t do either spectacularly well. Only in to the Hollywood round by the skin of his teeth, Desmond will not be around the show for long. Current odds: 100:1
Aa'shia Jackson is a unique case. She proved she could rap with the best of them, but her singing voice leaves quite a bit to be desired. While she was on-key and delivered a decent performance, the whole thing was a few octaves too high. Maybe she'll be able to reel it in, but don't count on it. Current odds: 100:1
Mario Vasquez is nothing more than your typical second-round contestant. With no way to stand out based on his look or voice, and without a compelling back story, he's dead meat. Current odds: 50:1
Richard Molfetta, one half of the infamous Molfetta twins, seems more like a back-up singer than a pop idol. While he has plenty of experience writing and recording music, he's seriously lacking in the charisma department. And, when it comes to getting votes, that is what it's all about. Current odds: 50:1
Article comments
1 - Eugene Dugat
The search is over for the season 4 American Idol tv show. I sayfor feature search's "if there is talent out there well E-Mail me and I will try to get you a Spot".
2 - Eric Olsen
super job Scott, thanks, are these your odds?
3 - Scott Pepper
Eric-- yes, these are mine. The online betting sites are only taking bids on the gender of the winner now, but I think it will be interesting to see how first impressions of these folks play out over the next few rounds. I'm pretty sure I'm dead wrong about at least a few.
4 - Eric Olsen
but you are brave enterprising to do it in the forst place!
5 - DENISE RICCI
I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT THINK THAT THEY CAN SING!
I REALLY THINK THAT THEY DON'T HAVE HONEST PEOPLE IN THEIR LIFE!
COME ON PEOPLE, LOOK IN THE MIRROR, OR DO WE JUST WANT TO BE ON TV?
6 - Eric Olsen
Denise, you can turn off the caps lock, but that's a good point: a lot of the people who are horrifyingly bad seem genuinely shocked when they are told so. They must have ver ydishonest people in their lives who would be better off being cruel to be kind rather than the other way around
7 - Scott Pepper
You also have to ask yourself how many of the horrible singers are actually actors or radio station interns who are just there to make fun of the whole process or get some exposure. I think the delusional folks are in the minority, and the folks who know they are bad but just want to get on TV make up the vast majority of auditions.
8 - MrPC
Is Jennifer Todd the young lady who belted out an awesome rendition of a Alicia Keys song??
If so, I don't see why god awful Ruben can be an American Idol but not her. Why hideously fat men, but not hideously fat women?
9 - cd
My vote is for MARIO VASQUEZ. HE IS THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL.
BEAUTIFUL VOICE & LOOKS INCREDIBLY EDIBLE.
I can't believe you people aren't seeing what I see.
10 - brat
i'm rooting for mario vasquez and constantine maroulis!!
11 - MONICA
I think Anthony Fedorov has a really really good chance and being the next american idol. he is sooooo cute! plus he has a voice that just blows me away. i love him so much! i really hope he makes it! he is sooo awesome. and plus, i think it is so amazing that doctors said he would never be able to speak. i mean... look at him now! he's got the voice of an angel. GO ANTHONY FEDOROV!
12 - tess
I'm voting for Mario Vazquez. He's the hottest American idol contestant ever. Talented, good-looking: he's got it all. A perfect combination. He reminds me of Wilmer valderrama for some reason. Anyway, he's hot!!!!!
13 - alyssa
i love anthony federov he has a voice so wonderful it takes my breath away and he is totally hot he is just as good as clay aiken i think that he should be our next american idol !!!! we love you anthony !!!!!!
14 - bizcochito
mario vasquez!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 - Paul Horne
MARIO VASQUEZ IS OUT!!!!!
American Idol 4 top 12 finalist Mario Vazquez withdrew himself from the competition on March 13th, stating personal reasons for his decision. Mario was a fan favorite and expected to do very well this year, possibly even capturing the title of American Idol 4 Winner.
That sucks -- he was the best.
16 - Steve S
That's interesting. I wonder what happened. At idolonfox.com, he isn't shown in the list of contestants anymore and Nicco is apparently back in the contest, but there's no mention of what happened.
17 - Jocelyn Alfaro
I cant imagine Mario Vasquez quitted the AI Seaon 4. It's like giving up the title that is meant only for him as he stood out from the rest of contestants from Day 1. I've never seen such a complete fantastic performer eversince American Idol started! Whoa! Whatever his reasons might be, must be greater than AI Title itself.
18 - nicole
hes nice and he schould have won he has great talent i love him