Think Next Now

So last year’s picks were much easier.  There was a clear delineation of musical talent and karaoke talent.  This year is a lot different.  I feel, from my perspective (p.s. I’m not a musician or a vocalist, so I don’t really know what I’m talking about. I’m just Joe Consumer who knows what I like to listen to), that there are a ton of contestants that wouldn’t make it in a normal contest (last year was full of outstanding talent).

I’ll make a couple quick disclaimers before you check the picks out.  First, I have outlined the Top 24 Contestants in line of talent.  They don’t exactly get voted off one-by-one, so I know this isn’t show-specific (meaning they may not possibly be voted off in this order…i.e. 3 girls in a row).  Second, I don’t have any sort of confidence that my picks are even close to right.  Last year I was, and I was pretty close.  I can pretty much tell you that these are all wrong.  Anyways, I’m curious to hear your thoughts!

10. Katelyn Epperly -- She’s good, but not that good.

9. Janelle Wheeler -- That passionate waitress. But it takes more than passion to make it to the top 3. Doesn’t have the “X Factor.”

8. Todrick Hall - This guy is an entertainer with a big potential to make it to the top three.  However, I’m guessing he’s going to do something to send himself home.  My guess is that it will be in the area of a lack of discipline.

7. Didi Benami - She has a solid voice, but it’s not “it” enough to take her to the top.

6. Joe Munoz -- This guy is great.  I imagine Joe as a cooler, more smooth Anoop Desai.  That may sound like racial profiling.  But notice they have different voices.  OK, that’s profiling.  But this guy is good!  At this point, the decisions are going to get difficult, because everyone is good.

5. Katie Stevens -- This is a hometown girl with a great voice that knows what to do to get noticed.  Watch out for her.

4. Andrew Garcia -- I really like this guy.  He’s super-likeable, and has a great voice.  However, I think his like-ability might kill him.  Maybe.  Maybe not.

3. Crystal Bowersox - This girl just broke the rules.  She isn’t your typical pop queen.  However, her voice is every bit of awesome.  I’m referring to her as a neo Sheryl Crow.  Seriously, she’s good.  She mentioned in one of her interviews that someone needed to swoop in and rescue the music scene.  I’m excited about what she has to offer.

2. Ashley Rodriguez -- This girl has star power and a great voice.  Very Rihanna-esque.  If she keeps it up, she might run away with this competition.

1. Casey James - I’m not gonna lie. I have huge doubts that this prediction is true, but I can’t get away from picking him as my top spot.  He had a rough history, mainly making it through because he took off his shirt.  Simon doesn’t like him (which doesn’t matter anymore).  But his talent has been shown again and again.  It may be because I’m a fan of chill music, good vocals, and an acoustic guitar, but I feel like this guy could make it happen.  He’ll have to compete with a group of people who reek of star power, though.  That’s something he doesn’t have, or at least I haven’t seen it yet.

Honorable Mention -  People Who Had Great Voices & Deserved Top 24 Positions (in my humble opinion):

Thaddeus Johnson -- This guy got ripped off, plain and simple.  I’m gonna be truthful, and sometimes the truth hurts.  Aaron Kelly has no business being in the top 24 after he messed up the lyrics.  Thaddeus didn’t mess up.  In fact, they told him he didn’t do anything wrong.  This is where the decisions that are made by the powers that be suck sometimes.

Angela Martin -- Again, sometimes, people who did pretty good just don’t make it.  She had a great attitude, personality, and voice.  She was real.  And can I be honest? I really didn’t like most the chicks that were in the top 73.  I won’t name names.  Well, yes I will.  That Mary chick with the short hair (imagine my hand in the shape of a gun next to my temple).  Angela, America likes you. We’re sorry for what happened, even if you did have crazy weird bangs in your first audition (see picture below).

Charity Vance -- Everyone loves a hometown girl.  So let me preface what I’m about to say with, “I’m not griping because this chick is from Arkansas.  I’m griping because she has a good voice -- one that deserved to make it into the top 24.”  There.  Well, that’s pretty much it.

Tori Kelly -- Girl had a straight rockin’ voice.  She should still be on.  That is all.

Antonio “Skiiboski” Wheeler -- Skiiboski Baby!  My words don’t do a justice, so I’ve decided to show you his audition tapes (if you’re reading this, you probably know who he is, but if you’re having a bad day, this might help!).

My Picks for the “Not Top Ten”

24. Tim Urban -- Just shouldn’t be here.

23. Aaron Kelly -- Lame.

22. Jermaine Sellers -- Not awesome & thought he’d throw the band under the bus.  Super not awesome.

21. Paige Miles -- Who?

20. Alex Lambert -- I like him, but I’m not sure he’s got what it takes.

19. John Park -- Uhhh….

18. Tyler Grady -- The 70′s called.

17. Siobhan Magnus -- Good singer.  Makes scary faces when she belts it.

16. Haeley Vaughn -- Good singer. She might make it a lot later in the game than I’m giving her credit for.

15. Michelle Delamor -- Ehh…

14. Lilly Scott -- Great Scott! What’s up with that hair?  Good voice, though.  But seriously.

p.s. She looks like that old witch chick from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves…that was free.

13. Lacey Brown -- Not only do I like her voice, I love her attitude and that she came back after getting sent home last year.

12. Lee Dewyze -- Let the record state that I really like this dude.  I just don’t think he’s gonna make it far.

11. Michael Lynche -- OK, I reaaally like this guy.  Again, you’ve gotta have the X Factor, and I’m not sure he’s got it.

Seriously, you should comment and let me know who you want to win!