The Men of American Idol 9

by Joe Hachem | February 24, 2010 at 11:57 am

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American Idol– 12 Optimistic Men

Kris Allen scored a shocking win as a +250 underdog in the season finale of American Idol Season 8 a year ago to improve the men’s winning streak in the competition to two in a row. At the onset, BetUS Sportsbook doesn’t believe the men have the gusto to pull the feat off three years in a row with only Andrew Garcia in the running of the top six favorites to take home the Season 9 honors. The ladies have already been tagged -150 favorites to bring home the hardware in 2010. That said; here’s a look at how the men’s field shakes out this season.

1) Andrew Garcia 24 Moreno Valley, CA (+400) – The confident Garcia had both Kara and Katy Perry eating out of his hand in his LA audition, and Simon felt he was the only one to walk through that audition as a genuinely good singer. He then made a very annoying Paula Abdul song “Straight Up” into his own, and I knew right then and there this kid was in it for the long haul. He’s rightfully favored to win this whole thing, and the fact that he already has a large You Tube following should see him cruise into the later rounds of this competition.

2) Casey James 27 Fort Worth, TX (+1200) – The kid from Cool, TX is one of the oldest contestants in the field. Victoria Beckham and Kara had him shirtless at his Denver audition, and they had to beg Randy for the thumbs up after Simon said no. He made the most of his chance in Hollywood wowing the judges with his newfound confidence and charisma. Rockabilly’s this kids best shot, and from the looks of it, Casey’s going to give it his best shot every given night.

3) Jermaine Sellers 27 Joliet, IL (+1200) – Jermaine comes into this competition with solid experience as a church singer. He impressed the judges with his own interpretation of Joan Osborne’s “What if God was one of us”. Randy believes him to be the “Real Deal.” He did however take it upon himself to throw his band under the bus in his final Hollywood Week performance; that didn’t go over well with the judges though their decision to move him forward was already made.

4) Todrick Hall 24 Arlington, TX (+2000) – Todrick has worked with former AI winner Fantasia and made a lasting impression on some of the judges with a song he wrote specifically for his Dallas audition. Simon was leery, but his rendition of “I’m Yours” in Hollywood Week did force the Brit to crack a smile however. Kara and Randy are certainly on his bandwagon, but the fact that Simon’s sketchy should have anyone participating in American Idol betting taking a wait and see approach.

5) Tyler Grady 20 Nazareth, PA (+2000) – His dream is to be a front man for a successful band. The Mick Jagger look alike has a rock aura to him, and he came out and blew the judges away with his cover of “Let’s Get It On” in his audition. The ladies loved him, and will more than likely continue to do so throughout his stay in this competition. His schtick could find him making a deep run.

6) Tim Urban 20 Duncanville, TX (+2000) – Tim finally listened to his friends and family about going out and auditioning for American Idol, and his experiences singing in front of people carried him into the final 24. He didn’t have the greatest debut in Dallas, but nonetheless moved onward to Hollywood Week where he secured a spot in the top 24 with a solid rendition of former AI winner David Cook’s “Come Back To Me”. Simon really likes this kid, but he comes off to me more Matt Giraud-like from a year ago; great in doses but not able to really stand out when it mattered most.

7) Alex Lambert 19 North Richland Hills, TX (+3000) – Alex struggled initially during Hollywood Week in his opening debut and in the group program, but he came back with a right hook and knocked the judges out with his cover of Jason Mraz’ “I’m Yours”. BetUS has him back in the pack, and that’s really where we see him finishing unless he can string performances like his last one out throughout the entire competition.

8) Michael Lynche 26 Astoria, NY (+3500) – Big Mike looks more the part of a defensive lineman than a contestant on American Idol, but if Ruben Studdard was able to pull the feat off in season two, why not Mike? That said; I believe this new proud father made it solely on his attitude and confidence. He’s not the greatest singer in this competition, but I look forward to seeing what he brings to the table throughout the remainder of his stay.

9) Lee Dewyze 23 Mount Prospect, IL (+3500) – Lee’s a singer/songwriter that’s been performing in front of people since he was just a youngster, and he looks to be one of the more excelled contestants at playing an instrument. Add that up, and you might just be looking at the next David Cook; Lee can only hope. The 35:1 return on this kid’s just emanating value, and I highly recommend taking a flyer on him since the line will only decrease in value as the competition moves forward.

10) Aaron Kelly 16 Sonestown, PA (+4000) – Aaron proved to be very resilient in his Orlando audition as the story about his aunt and uncle adopting him touched everybody greatly. The youngest male in the competition put forth a pretty good audition. His cute/shy mystique could help inspire many voters, but Adam Archuleta he’s not. It would shock me to see him make the final 12, but anything’s possible in this competition. Just ask Sanjaya Malakar from Season 6.

11) John Park 21 Northbrook, IL (+5000) – We saw very little of Mr. Park throughout the first six weeks of AI 9. When we did see him, Shania Twain was gushing over his looks and voice tone. He boasts a surprising deep voice from what I heard, and he feels music is the best way he can express himself to others. Maybe he’s a gamer, maybe not. The first real chance to see is tonight!

12) Joe Munoz 20 Huntington Park, CA (+5000) – As little of John Park we saw, we were witness to even less of Joe Munoz. All we did see was Simon string him out before he told him he made it to the top 24. Was AI hiding him like they did Garrett Haley a couple years back? Until I see more from him, I have no opinion whatsoever.

American Idol Odds to win provided by BetUS.com