THE TOP 12 BOYS WERE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED LAST NIGHT

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Season 9 of American Idol kicked off last week and though it’ll be a few weeks still until the Top 12 boys are officially revealed, we’ve got a sneak peek on the rumored chosen ones. Normally, Hollywood week takes place in November, but this year it was pushed back til January to prevent spoilers on the top 24 from leaking. I guess that strategy, yielded successful results *wink*.

According to various blogs, message boards, MySpace accounts etc…, word started to make the web after Hollywood week concluded this weekend. After just one week of auditions, we’ve already seen a couple of the spoiled boys. Don’t read any further if you want to watch the drama of it all in a few weeks on FOX. This is your LAST WARNING.

AMERICAN IDOL 9 TOP 12 BOYS

Lee DeWyze: Chicago, Illinois
http://www.leedewyze.com/

Comment: He’s not half bad. Can’t wait to see his audition or Hollywood clips. Check out a few tracks on his website.

David Duke: Waxahachie, Texas
http://www.myspace.com/frontlineg39s

Comment: I love R&B, but I’m just “meh” after listening to a few songs on his MySpace page.

Andrew Garcia: Moreno Valley, California
http://www.myspace.com/andrewadriangarcia

Comment: All his videos on MySpace and YouTube were taken down. Have no idea what this dude sounds like, so I’ll reserve comment til I hear at least 3 notes.

Christopher “Chris” Golightly:
http://www.myspace.com/officialorphanmusic

Comment: Chris was heavily featured singing “Stand By Me”in the American Idol 9 teasers that showed up in late December 2009.

Tyler Grady: Boston Audition
http://www.rickey.org/?p=30834

Comment: After watching the season premiere, I commented that Tyler was one of my favorite males singers shown. If the spoilers are true, I’m glad we’ll get to see more of his performances.

Benjamin Honeycutt: Ringgold, Georgia (Atlanta Auditions)
http://www.youtube.com/user/wildolivetree

Comment: He could be this year’s Kris Allen. His rendition of U2′s “In the Name of Love” is kick ass.

Casey Jones:
http://www.myspace.com/caseyjames3

Comment: His MySpace tracks have also been taken down. At first glance, he could be cut if he tames that beard a tad. I’m all for facial hair but that’s just a bit too Unabomber for me.

Aaron Kelly:
http://www.myspace.com/aaronkellymusic

Comment: Participated in “America’s Most Talented Kids”. He’s the second coming of David Archuleta

Alexander Lambert: North Richland Hills, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1oLI2pMPz4

Comment: What are the chances of another Lambert making the finals? Unlikely, if you ask me. If the Idol producers want to capitalize on Justin Bieber mania, then expect a lot of pimpage for this guy.

Michael Lynche: New York City, New York
http://www.michaellynche.com/

Comment: Now this is my type of R&B singer. Love his voice. The show hasn’t had a good male R&B vocalist in ages. Hopefully he picks songs that showcases his rich soulful voice.

John Park: Leonia, New Jersey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obH5E7ibuz0

Comment: Good voice and I like the fact he seems to be a plucked from obscurity type of talent. I was starting to become a fan… That is until, I saw his friends/him start a “John Park Facebook Fan Page”. Tickety tack tranny. We haven’t even seen your audition and you’re already starting to pimp. No bueno.

Jermaine Sellers: Joliet, Illinois
http://www.myspace.com/jermainesellers

Comment: Competed on BET’s “Sunday Best” and was featured during the Atlanta auditions. Early fave for me after his wise song choice and heart-tugging back story.

There you have it, this year’s crop of male singers hoping to take the crown and become the next Kris Allen, Ruben Studdard, David Cook, and Taylor Hicks. Correction, no one really wants to be Taylor Hicks.

Do any stand out for you? Have any early favorites?

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me: k