I got into it the same way, through my daughters. I agree with your choices right down the line. Kellie is one who seemed like kind of a lightweight to me at first -- nice kid, very pretty, but vocally not up to some of the others. That seems to be changing. Even Simon, the uber-basher, has warmed up to her. This week he said she reminded him of the last winner.

I would not be disappointed to see any of those on your list win (and I do think the winner will come from that list, or maybe Katharine). The two in particular I am drawn to are Lisa and Katharine. They both have incredible voices and don't try to blow the roof off to prove it. Incredible poise given that they are so young. They will both have recording contracts no matter how the contest turns out. If it's going to be a guy, I think it will be Taylor or Chris.

Enjoy!


>I have been force-fed American Idol by my 14 year old daughter each season, and must admit, it is good family entertainment and fun as well. I think the top contenders as of today are:
>
>Chris Daughtry
>Mandisa
>Kellie Pickler
>Paris Bennett
>Lisa Tucker
>Taylor Hicks
>Ace Young