Here’s a link to your top 24 for Season 9 of American Idol.

You’ll hear this about 10 bazillion times over the coming weeks: “this year’s group is sooo talented”.   They are, but no more so than in past years.  There are no Rhode Islanders in the mix, but New England is well represented with three Top 24 contestants.

Who are my favorites to take it all? Here are my “power rankings” as they call it in sports coverage.  Number 1 is the highest ranked. 

1. Andrew Garcia
2. Katie Stevens (from Middletown, CT)
3. Ashley Rodriquez (from Revere, MA) correction…Chelsea, MA
4. Michelle Delamor
5. Tyler Grady
6. Janell Wheeler
7. Casey James
8. Jermaine Sellers
9. Toddrick Hall
10. Lacey Brown

Siobhan Magnus of Barnstable, MA

Someone else to watch closely: Siobhan Magnus who hails from Barnstable, MA.  She has a surprising voice and may slip under the radar for awhile.

There are a few who we haven’t heard too much, including Didi Benami and Lee Dewyze.    They may be pleasant surprises, as well.

It’s going to be another fun season.  I do think there are a number of very talented people in the mix this year.  The girls perform on Tuesday night this week, the guys on Wednesday night.  They’ll kick off two girls and two guys on the results show  on Thursday night at 8pm. 

If you’re wondering, there will be another Rhode Show American Idol contest this year, not with Shawn (obviously), not with Ben, but with Amedeo DiRocco. Yes! It should be lots of fun….two paisans talkin’ Idol.