'American Idol' Hollywood Week: Power Rankings
1. David Archuleta
Squeezable former Star Search winner nailed Bryan Adams' ''Heaven'' during Hollywood week and topped our latest reader poll. Still, young teenage boys have a frightful history on Idol, and was anyone buying that ''I always doubted myself'' remark in his interview package? (Last week's Power Ranking: No. 7)
2. Amanda Overmyer
The ''rock & roll nurse'' solidified her status as the season's coolest cat by choosing the Doors' ''Light My Fire'' and delivering it with an emotional ferocity that her competitors have yet to match. Still, as Simon noted, she'll have to learn to find ''light and shade'' in her vocals if she wants to win it all. (Last week: No. 3)
3. Michael Johns
Early Internet backlash about his ''semi-pro'' status (he once had a deal with Madonna's label) faded a bit after a spot-on ''Bohemian Rhapsody'' during Hollywood Week. And while his vocals have been more solid than spectacular, no one else in the competition can match this dude's biceps. (Last week: No. 6)
4. Asia'h Epperson
Her audition focused more on harrowing backstory than actual talent, but this impossibly pretty teenager remedied the imbalance with a gale-force performance of Rose Royce's ''I'm Going Down'' during Hell Week. Her willingness to show off her rock-hard abs won't hurt, either. (Last week: No. 14)
5. David Cook
Simon predicted this season's resident rocker dude might be vocally vulnerable once he puts down the guitar — and indeed, David's Bryan Adams cover had a few flat notes. Still, his inventive audition of Bon Jovi's ''Livin' on a Prayer'' marked him as perhaps the biggest risk-taker in the top 24. (Last week: No. 2)
6. Carly Smithson
Has yet to hit a sour note in the oodles of screen time she's received, but media buzz about the abysmal sales for her major-label solo release a few years back (under the name Carly Hennessy) has some Idol fans crying foul. Yellow eyeliner and mangy hairdo are not helping her cause, either. (Last week: No. 13)
7. Kristy Lee Cook
Gorgeous Oregonian's audition to ''Amazing Grace'' was, well, amazing, but her decision to return to the classic hymnal during Hollywood Week raises questions about her depth and versatility. Needs to dazzle in the semifinals to prove her former record label wasn't right when they gave her the boot. (Last week: No. 1)
8. Chikezie Eze
Producers managed to get through Hell Week without giving audiences a second listen to Chikezie's rich, delicious vocals. Despite the lack of meaningful airtime, we have yet to forget his flawless audition-round ''All the Woman I Need.'' Expect him to come on strong in the semifinals. (Last week: No. 5)
9. David Hernandez
Got blanked for airtime during the audition rounds, but his powerful Hollywood Week cover of ''Love the One You're With'' practically leveled the playing field. Simon rained on David's parade by questioning his ability to win it all, but Simon's also the judge who vetoed Chris Daughtry's golden ticket. (New this week)
10. Kady Malloy
Fans of the Britney Spears impersonator are probably ready to put Kady's photo on the sides of milk cartons, considering she was completely overlooked during the Hollywood rounds. Still, her ninth-place finish in EW.com's latest reader poll proves the lasting impression of her lovely ''Unchained Melody.'' (Last week: No. 16)
NEXT PAGE: Nos. 11-20 on Michael Slezak's Power Ranking
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