Was this the most balanced batch of Top 10 "American Idol" finalists ever? Or the most boring?
Frankly, there hasn't been one defining "wow" performance all season. There hasn't been one contestant whose talent demands a big-time recording contract. No one truly deserves to be an American Idol.
Still, these 10 singers have captured America's attention for four months, creating some kind of fan base for future endeavors. Here are some predictions on what each will be doing a year from now:
David Archuleta. Some Svengali decides to build a new boy band around him and he'll sing the heart-tugging ballads. Duh.
David Cook. OK, he's no Chris Daughtry. Still, he auditions for the now-vacant Velvet Revolver vocalist job. Slash and the boys propose to scuff up the clean-cut Cook because they dig his emo-tinged rasp.
Syesha Mercado. Bill Cosby is ready for a third go-round with a family sitcom, and guess who's going to play his oldest daughter?
Jason Castro. He's the dinner-hour entertainment on a jam-band cruise ship, on which Jack Johnson is the headliner. When he's not cruising, Castro works as a greeter at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in Orlando.
Brooke White. With that luxurious blonde hair, she displaces Sarah Jessica Parker in Garnier Fructis shampoo commercials.
Carly Smithson. Her midrange is her vocal strong point, which makes this tattooed brunette a good fit to portray Cher in a Vegas star-impersonator show.
Kristy Lee Cook. Dollywood hires her as a singer in its daily variety show. Just hope she wears some sunscreen.
Michael Johns. The INXS juggernaut continues Down Under with a jukebox musical, "Aussie Boys," starring Johns as Michael Hutchence.
Ramiele Malubay. Nicole Scherzinger leaves the Pussycat Dolls for a solo career, and the now-curvaceous Ramiele is one of three finalists for PCD lead singer.
Chikezie. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, the Velveteen Jumpsuit Lounge in beautiful downtown Vegas is proud to present our sensational new show: Chikezie Is Luther Vandross."
Jon Bream • 612-673-1719
