1. Kristy Lee Cook
Gorgeous Oregonian's ''Amazing Grace'' was the hands-down highlight of the American Idol audition season, and Internet backlash about her one-time deal with Arista Nashville hasn't stopped her from scoring high in our weekly reader polls. (Last week: No. 1)
2. David Cook
Beat-down fauxhawk aside, this congenial rocker proved his smarts (studying Daughtry tapes before auditioning), fashion sense (rocking a cool argyle sweater vest), and vocal ability (delivering a unique take on ''Livin' on a Prayer'') in one fab audition. (Last week: No. 3)
3. Amanda Overmyer
Looks like this season's resident rocker grrrl, but unlike previous Idol incarnations (Gina Glocksen, anyone?), this laid-back, motorcycle-riding nurse seems well-suited to the label, as her rendition of CCR's ''Travelin' Band'' had bark and bite. (New this week)
4. Samantha Sidley
Demure beauty played along gamely when Ryan and Paula swapped duties during her audition, then delivered a restrained, lovely version of ''Don't Know Why.'' If, as we suspect, she's more than a Norah Jones copycat, she's one to watch. (Last week: No. 2)
5. Chikezie Eze
Came off as slightly smug for someone who didn't make it past the audition room in season 6, but his strong and straightforward ''All the Woman I Need'' proved the handsome fellow has talent to back up his bravado. (New this week)
6. Michael Johns
Another ''semi-pro'' (he once had a deal with Madonna's label), this Aussie made a splash with a tight T-shirt and a decent Otis Redding cover. Still, a couple wobbles on the big notes have us wondering how he'll hold up on the Big Stage. (Last week: No. 11)
7. David Archuleta
Former Star Search winner who once struggled with a paralyzed vocal cord botched his lyrics and hit a couple rough notes in his audition, but the judges loved him, and he finished second in our week 2 reader poll. Have we forgotten Sanjaya already? (Last week: No. 4)
8. Leo Marlowe
Openly gay Iowan made a great first impression with his ''homecoming queen'' crack, scoring a big laugh from Simon and a cry of ''touchdown!'' from Paula. Yet while his cover of ''A Song for You'' was potent, it won't have Elliott Yamin losing sleep. (Last week: No. 7)
9. Amy Flynn
Abstinence advocate. Dance-team captain. And middling interpreter of Christina Aguilera ballads. We wish the judges had given this teen two more years to develop her vocals, but Idol's never been a show to pass on polarizing contestants. (Last week: No. 10)
10. Danny Noriega
Speaking of teenagers with, um, strong personalities, this skinny spitfire came on like the singing version of Project Runway's Christian, snapping and strutting his way through ''Proud Mary.'' Will he get Idol fans speed-dialing, or prove to be 1-800-TOO-MUCH? (New this week)
NEXT PAGE: Nos. 11-20, and your chance to vote for your favorite so far
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