'American Idol' Power List: Rating the Final 20
1. David Archuleta
Cuddly former Star Search winner destroyed the competition in our latest reader poll, and his rock-solid performance of ''Shop Around'' last week only cemented his front-runner status. One potential weakness at this point might be a whiff of false modesty. We know you know you're good, kiddo! (Last week's Power Ranking: No.1)
2. Jason Castro
How do you go from invisible contestant with no pre-semifinal airtime to the week's buzz-worthiest hopeful? By taking the stage with your guitar and delivering a sweet, understated take on the Lovin' Spoonful hit ''Daydream,'' then showcasing a delightfully hippie vibe in your post-performance interview. (New this week)
3. Asia'h Epperson
Wowed the judges with her first live performance — a bubbly, soulful take on Janis Joplin's ''Piece of My Heart'' — and stole the spotlight again during Thursday's otherwise woeful group medley. Certainly looks the part of an Idol, and if she can improve her diction, she's a threat to go all the way. (Last week: No.4)
4. Amanda Overmyer
''Rock & roll nurse'' delivered a gin-soaked take on ''Baby Please Don't Go,'' establishing herself as the antidote to the scads of Disney-esque teens in this year's top 20. Still, that results-show fake-out suggesting she might be in the bottom three was scary, and questions remain about the depth of her vocal talent. (Last week: No. 2)
5. Michael Johns
Choosing to repeat his Hollywood-week song choice, the Doors' ''Light My Fire,'' struck us as highly unimaginative, but there's no denying the Australian rocker has a potent voice and a polished, sexy stage presence. He's already a lock for the top 12, but he can't afford to play it safe as the competition heats up. (Last week: No. 3)
6. Ramiele Malubay
The judges went bananas over her cover of ''You Don't Have to Say You Love Me,'' and indeed, it was refreshing to hear an R&B diva show some restraint on the Idol stage. Still, we need her to prove she's more than just a great karaoke artist, and seriously upgrade her fashion choices, in the next couple weeks. (Last week: No. 11)
7. Carly Smithson
News of her MCA solo release a few years back dominated Idol headlines all week, but she got the focus back on her powerful vocals on Wednesday. Too bad her ''Shadow of Your Smile'' came off so dated and dreary, proving the importance of song choice in the competition. (Last week: No. 6)
8. Robbie Carrico
All the leather cuffs in the world won't convince us that deep down, this former boy-bander isn't more A.C. than AC/DC. That said, his on-key, emotionally connected performance of ''One'' on Tuesday night was one of the week's nicest surprises. Looking forward to seeing what else is under his head kerchief. (Last week: No. 18)
9. Alexandréa Lushington
Her version of ''Spinning Wheel'' was the week's most polarizing performance. Randy and Paula loved it; Simon loathed it. For once, though, we're siding with Paundy. To us, Alexandréa's jazzy, inventive delivery (and wicked falsetto) proved she's got a shot to outlast some of her more hyped foes. (Last week: No. 12)
10. Alaina Whitaker
Carrie Underwood look-alike flew under the radar for Idol's first five weeks, which made it all the more unexpected when she nailed ''More Today Than Yesterday'' with a confidence beyond her 16 years (and 364 days). This week should tell if she's the female answer to Archuleta, or a one-week sensation. (Last week: No. 17)
NEXT PAGE: Nos. 11-20 on Michael Slezak's Power Ranking
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