American Idol - Early Favorites

The American Idol auditions this week was a bit of a letdown, but I'm still excited for the last audition stop next week, Boston. Like last year, I think I can make some safe guesses who the annointed ones will be, and who I think are safely into the Top 12 and not just Top 24:

1. Ace Young - I think this guy is solid, pop music material, and the girls will love him

2. Chris Daughtry - I think this guy is solid, rock music material, and the girls will love him (hahaha). I just hope that if he gets a record contract out of his Idol stint, he doesn't produce a disappointing first album like Bo Bice.

3. Kellie Pickler - Comparison to Carrie Underwood will be inevitable, but currently has multiple fan sites on the Internet (just like Carrie in the beginning).

4. Paris Bennett - The most popular search on rickey.org

5. Taylor Hicks - Since I have the sensibility of a little girl, I miss out on some obvious favorites. So I rely on the CCGs, the readers and some friends, to clue me in on who's hot. It seems that Taylor Hicks will power rickey.org well into April.

So who is this?

Finally, some interest now in Jose "Sway" Penala, who may or may not be disqualified. He could be another Jasmin Trias-like phenom powered by Filipino American texters on the West Coast. But right now, I'm not sure. Sorry. No little birdie here to confirm or deny anything so what can I do.