David Archuleta On TV: His baby face, Boy Scout manners and surging vocals make Archuleta a hit with the Disney crowd and women over 50. The squeals say he's the favorite to win.
On pop radio: With no swagger and a soft singing style, Archuleta is a throwback to the days of David Cassidy. But it's doubtful that there will be a resurgence of that sound anytime soon.
David Cook On TV: Cook, a sensitive artsy rocker, has made a name for himself by reworking old hits in crowd-pleasing ways. With a spread-out fan base, he could leave prematurely like Season 5's rocker Chris Daughtry.
On pop radio: He'll likely be singing new songs, not re-engineered classics. And his penchant for swallowing verses over bombastic arrangements is more suited to commercial pop circa 1994.
Carly Smithson On TV: The tattooed Irish singer is capable of the vocal gymnastics that Idol viewers love. But too much tough love from the judges could result in a fourth- or fifth-place finish.
On pop radio: She has impressive skills and technique, but she hasn't parlayed any of that talent into a distinct style or image needed to sell records.
Syesha Mercado On TV: An actress and singer, Mercado is poised, polished and bubbling with banter when she isn't performing. She's a perpetual bottom-3 dweller, and her Idol days are numbered. On pop radio: She'd make a stronger R&B singer. Her showy, polished sound is reminiscent of '90s pop-soul sensation Deborah Cox.
Brooke White On TV: White has taken advantage of the new rules this season that allow contestants to play instruments. She's got a singer-songwriter vibe without actually having to write songs. Nerves are always a problem for her and may send her packing this week. On pop radio: White has had pitch problems on the show, but her real trouble is that her voice lacks personality and color.
Jason Castro On TV: He has a face the camera loves, with blue eyes and flowing dreadlocks - a novel look on mainstream TV. With his teenage-girl fan base and his laid-back approach, he might just sneak into the top 3. On pop radio: Castro shows little promise as a commercial pop star. His one-dimensional beach-folk approach wears thin after a while.
