Tonight, the final stretch to crown the winner of American Idol Season 12 begins. It’s time for the Top 10 to show America why they belong in the competition. I have to say, when I first heard there wasn’t going to be a Top 12 or 13 this year, I was a little wary. After seeing how it all went down, I’m happy with the new process. With all the massive cuts, it’s been entertaining to watch. Don’t you agree?

With having seen three performances in front of a live audience from everyone, I feel comfortable ranking the contestants based on their talent and potential. I just hope everyone lets loose like they did during their victory songs. Without the judges’ comments or America’s vote on their minds, for the most part, everyone delivered their best showing yet. Plus, there weren’t so many ballads.

I’ve ranked all of Season 12′s Top 10 below based on what we’ve seen so far. The rankings don’t necessarily coincide with how I think each week will go down. For instance, Candice Glover ranks quite high on my rankings, but falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to my boot order prediction. As talented as she is, I see her becoming the shocking elimination of the season. Check out how I ranked everyone below and which order I think everyone will leave the competition.

Ranking American Idol 12′s Top 10

10. Paul Jolley

Until his victory song during the Top 10 reveal, I wasn’t overly impressed with Jolley. Though not perfect, his rendition of “Alone” (Carrie Underwood’s signature Idol song) is his best to date. Forget being the male Taylor Swift. This guy wants to be the male version of any blond country singer. While vocally the weakest (thus his low ranking here), I predict he’ll last pretty deep into the competition. Never underestimate the country vote or the power of the South. He’s the closest thing to a WGWG the show has this season.

9. Lazaro Arbos

If there was a word to describe Lazaro it’s “inconsistent.” I can’t think of a single performance he’s delivered that was perfect from beginning to end. I also don’t think he’s lived up to his potential and hype from his initial audition. Vocally, he’s definitely near the bottom, but like Paul Jolley, I predict he’ll last longer than he should based on his inspiring backstory and cute factor.

8. Janelle Arthur

As with Jolley, I’m surprised she made the Top 10. I much preferred Aubrey Cleland over her. I’m sure her early pimpage by producers and overall blond perkiness helped push her over the edge. She’s by far the weakest girl in the bunch. That said, she has the potential to pull off a good performance. Just look at her victory song where she finally let loose and wowed me. For a second, I completely forgot she was the poor man’s Carrie Underwood. If she’s smart, she’ll use that country twang of hers on something that’s not country. Think outside of the box, girl.

7. Amber Holcomb

Until I saw her pitchy “I’m Every Woman” performance, I thought she could challenge Candice Glover for the diva title this season. Instead, that cover just showed me all of Amber’s weaknesses. Girl can’t do uptempo and girl needs to explore beyond the Whitney Houston songbook. If she can put together a couple star-making performances she could crack the Top 5. Sadly, I think that’s the best she can do. I just can’t see her winning this season.

6. Curtis Finch Jr.

There’s no denying dude has an amazing voice. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, his cockiness and fake humbleness drives myself and millions crazy. Those faces where he looks like he just ate a lemon don’t help either. That said, if he pulls off a performance like his rendition of John Legend’s “So High,” he might last more than a couple of weeks. I almost forgot how cocky and annoying he is. Almost being the operative word.

5. Burnell Taylor

When he picks songs from The Color Purple, he’s sensational. When he strays from that, he’s even better. Case in point, his cover of India.Arie’s “Ready For Love.” That was truly amazing. I loved his phrasing and he showed a different side. It was a little dirtier and grittier than we’ve seen from him prior. Hopefully, he’ll keep that up.

4. Devin Velez

Up until the Top 10 reveal, Burnell was IMHO the best male singer. Then Devin pulled off a sensational performance. And he didn’t even have to resort to singing half of it in Spanish. His cover of “Change the World” by Israel Houghton was hands down his best to date. If Clay Aiken can make the Final 2, so can Devin. He’s got the same dorky factor plus the Spanish vote contingent. Dude could go very far.

3. Angie Miller

She hasn’t delivered a trainwreck yet, but she also hasn’t matched her much-buzzed about Hollywood performance either. Being an early frontrunner puts a lot of pressure on an individual. If she doesn’t crack, she could go far. When she’s at the piano, she’s magnetic. Sadly, when she’s standing there without an instrument, she loses a bit of her spark. If I had some advice for her, I would recommend avoiding the worship-y type of music too much. Girl needs to sex it up a bit.

2. Candice Glover

Candice brings back the black diva missing from the past several seasons. Amen to that. This girl is a powerhouse. What she’s lacking though is that personality that inspires viewers to vote multiple times. Though she deserves a spot in the Final 2, I don’t think she’ll make it there. She’ll definitely get Melinda Doolittle’d or worse… Jennifer Hudson’d and become the shocking elimination of the season.

1. Kree Harrison

Kree’s advantage over Angie Miller and the rest of the group is the underdog factor. She came out of nowhere to wow in Hollywood and continues to impress with each performance. Now that they have Idol stylists at their disposal, she could be the one to beat. Everyone loves a transformation and Cinderella story. I was worried that Kree was just all voice, but during her past few critiques, girlfriend has shown personality. Sassy and engaging. A great combination.

Predicting American Idol 12′s Elimination Order

• 10. Amber Holcomb
• 9. Curtis Finch Jr.
• 8. Janelle Arthur
• 7. Devin Velez
• 6. Candice Glover
• 5. Burnell Taylor
• 4. Lazaro Arbos
• 3. Paul Jolley
• 2. Angie Miller
• 1. Kree Harrison

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What do you think of my rankings and elimination order? Who do you think will win and should win? Post your boot list predictions below.

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