AS AMERICAN IDOL WINDS DOWN

I see no sure lock as a winner. Then there were 7.

My analysis of each, in a nutshell.

Even before I share my order, I was very pleased with last Thursday's decision by the voting populace. Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes it takes too long. But finally Paul was voted of the island. Not one of my faves, Paul went much farther than he should have. A possible one-hit wonder, but only if he stops that awkward dancing. Nice teeth don't count for a lack of talent in this contest.

Casey. Time to go. I didn't think last week was brilliant at all. Not that he's bad, although I thought he stunk it up with his solo. When he performed a jazz duet with Haley, he was very good.

Stefano, he's gone about as fur as he can go, I'm afraid. Nice voice. Good guy, but this is a talented group.

Coming in at number 5 for me is Scotty. Oh, there will be a contract for him, but like Paul, I only see a one-hit man. I must confess that I'm not a country music lover, but I haven't see him improving much since his first song. Plus, I hate the sideways way he holds the microphone--annoying.

Number 4, though I think she could win the whole thing is Lauren Alaina or Alaina Lauren. Great, great voice. I see her following Carrie Underwood in her music and her appearance. Like Scotty,very likable.

Number 3, a surprise Haley. I like her Joplin, but her rendition of Bennie and the Jets was second only to Adam Lambert's Mad World as the all-time best single performance. Great voice, needs to work on delivery.

Number 2, and when I first heard him, I thought "The next AI," Jacob. What a genuine artist and person. Just a beautiful person, and so, so talented.

But the winner of this year's Idol is James. What a rocker. If the rock fans get out the vote, he's a shoe-in. He can sing and perform. He can and will take risks, and he's a superstar right now.

That's my list. It's obviously right on or spot on. No one can disagree. Or can they?