Handicapping American Idol

Rodney Ho handicaps the top 12.

1. David Archuleta
The former “Star Search” winner is only 17 years old but has oodles of experience. He’s performed mature, nuanced, yet captivating takes on John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise.” Odds to win: 3-2

2. Jason Castro
The shy dreadlocked Texan got virtu-ally no airtime before the top 24, but he instantly stood out with his soulful blue eyes and equally soulful voice. He is a solid dark horse and could sneak up on Archuleta. Odds: 4-1

3. Syesha Mercado
This is clearly the year for the guys. But “Idol” has never had a top 3 with-out at least one gal. Syesha’s combo of stage presence, vocal chops and in-triguing looks could help her outpace her fellow female competitors. Odds: 7-1

4. David Cook
The Oklahoma rocker possesses both confidence and pipes. His take on Lionel Richie’s wimp ballad “Hello” looked like a disaster on paper, but he gave it surprising rock cred. Odds: 10-1

5. David Hernandez
The minor uproar over his gay strip-ping past didn’t keep him from making the top 12. He arguably has the purest male voice in the competition. Smart song choices that show off his range could land him into the top 5. Odds: 12-1

6. Carly Smithson
Off-camera, the Irish native is warm and gabby. On-camera, she becomes this diva-like songstress. But in a quixotic way, that warmth seems to go AWOL when she performs. Odds: 20-1

7. Brooke White
She’s a modern-day Carly Simon, with a sweetness and sincerity that translate well in her performances. She successfully inserted coffee-house-style melancholy into what is normally an intense Pat Benatar song. Odds: 25-1

8. Michael Johns
Former club singer and Aussie trans-plant makes women swoon in a way that evokes a bit of late INXS singer Michael Hutchence. But he lacks the swagger. Odds: 30-1

9. Amanda Overmyer
Her “Munsters” hairstyle and raspy Bonnie Tyler voice make her stand out. Unfortunately, her appeal seems nar-row. When she goes off the rails (“Carry on Wayward Son”), she goes way off. Odds: 75-1

10. Ramiele Malubay
She’s cute and her vocals are solid, but her onstage persona has been deathly generic. Odds: 100-1

11. Chikezie Eze
He exudes some R&B charm but not nearly as much as past contestants such as Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard or Season 3’s George Huff. Odds: 1,000-1

12. Kristy Lee Cook
Since her wonderful first audition of “Amazing Grace,” this country singer from Oregon has failed to impress. Asia’h Epperson should have made the top 12 in her place. Odds: 500,000-1