Top 10 ‘American Idol’ season 9 contestants

My favorite wannabe American Idols

This season is Simon Cowell's last on "American Idol." What will the show be like without him? Image from Flickr.

It’s a bit early in the competition to be picking favorites. After all, some of the “American Idol” top 24, season 9  have hardly gotten any screen time. I’m certainly not going to go betting money now on who will win. Still, based on what I have seen, I just can’t help myself. Here are my top 10 favorite “American Idol” contestants.

10. Aaron Kelly

Isn’t he adorable?! I love his attitude and the way he kept saying “yes ma’am” during his interview with the judges. He has a fantastic voice, especially for a 16-year-old kid. The only reason I didn’t place him higher on the list  is because he forgot the words during one of his auditions.

9. John Park

John Park is one of the contestants who really hasn’t gotten much screen time at all. However, he caught my attention back when he auditioned in Chicago, and I’ve been keeping my eye on him since then. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.

8. Lilly Scott

I admit, I was a tad put off at first by the girl with the giant peacock earrings and the fake-looking hair. Still,  her vocal stylings won me over. She has a unique voice and a distinct aura.

7. Tyler Grady

Just like Kara, I like Tyler Grady’s moves. He might not be anything special without them, but put together the stage presence, the outfits, the hair and add the moves, and you’ve got yourself a frontman who can draw a crowd. I excited to watch him perform.

6. Haeley Vaughn

I love this girl; she is so happy! I can’t help but smile right along with this “pop country girl,” as Randy put it. Whether she’s singing “Change” by Taylor Swift or “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, this girl actually makes me a little choked up whenever she takes the stage.

5. Casey James

OK, I’ll admit it, I was right there with Kara as far as enjoying the scenery when this guy performs. Thankfully, he is extremely talented, too. I can definitely see him making it big time as a singer-songwriter.

4. Todrick Hall

I think it was the handsprings and backflips that first won me over. This guy is so fun to watch! However, it was his unique rendition of “I’m Yours” that sealed his fate as one of my five favorites.

3. Crystal Bowersox

I think it’s cute that she talks about her son and shows his picture so much, but it did get a tad annoying near the end. Still, I can’t deny, she has a unique style, and it’s a style that I really like. I think she’ll do “American Idol” good.

2. Michael “Big Mike” Lynche

Ellen protested, but I would let him lift me off the ground any day! I have mixed feelings about his choice to miss his daughter’s birth for “American Idol,” but he is a great performer, and I’m really glad he made the top 24.

1. Andrew Garcia

I know, I know, it’s such an obvious choice. He is everyone’s favorite. But I can’t lie, he’s my favorite, too. He is the person I want to hear more from the most. He’s got a great blend of mainstream likableness and individuality about him. Go Garcia!