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AMERICAN IDOL Jason Rich became the second ''farm boy'' to make our Power List (at No. 12); Samantha Sidley rocketed into the No. 2 spot with her version of ''Don't Know Why''

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American Idol

1. Kristy Lee Cook
Gorgeous Oregonian's ''Amazing Grace'' was the hands-down highlight of American Idol week 1, and Internet backlash about her one-time deal with Arista Nashville hasn't stopped her from topping our reader poll for two weeks running. (Last week: No. 1)

2. 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. (New this week)

3. 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. (New this week)

4. David Archuleta
Former Star Search winner who once struggled with a paralyzed vocal chord 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)

5. Brittany Wescott
Got Simon's attention with some heavy-duty flirting, but kept it with a smooth, jazzy rendition of ''My Guy.'' Plus, her on-camera antics with pal Corliss Smith proved she knows how to get the most out of a few minutes of airtime. (New this week)

6. Colton Swon
Stole his hairstyle from Kajagoogoo and his name from a daytime soap, but his impressive take on Little Big Town's ''Boondocks'' makes him a possible male counterpart to Carrie Underwood. So why did you guys only vote him 10th in last week's American Idol reader poll? (Last week: No. 3)

7. 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. (New this week)

8. Kady Malloy
Simon went bonkers over her steady cover of ''Unchained Melody'' in week 1, and EW.com readers agree; she's drawn big vote totals two weeks running. Still, wasn't her spot-on Britney imitation the most interesting thing about her? (Last week: No. 8)

9. Jeffery Lampkin
Still not sure of his solo vocal prowess, as he dueted with sister Michelle at his Charleston audition, but no one can top this flamboyant funnyman when it comes to personality. As Jeffery himself noted, he's got the ''Owww factor!'' Preach it! (Last week: No. 9)

10. 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)

NEXT PAGE: Nos. 11-20, and your chance to vote for your favorite so far


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