11. 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. EW.com reader poll voters, however, immune to beefcake, only ranked him in a tie for sixth in our week 2 poll. (Last week: No. 2)

12. Jason Rich
One of two male contestants to play the ''farm-boy charm'' card this season, this Iowa native showcased Daughtry-esque vocal power on Keith Whitley's ''When You Say Nothing at All.'' Too bad it took him four tries to remember the lyrics. (New this week)

13. Drew Poppelreiter
Simon voted no and Paula saw ''no wow factor'' in his George Strait cover, and yet he's on to Hollywood — with loads of fan buzz. See what a piece of hay between the teeth and a couple glamour-tractor shots can do? (Last week: No. 7)

14. Syesha Mercado
Already has a network talent show (ABC's low-rated The One) on her résumé, but where was the subtlety in her on-key cover of Aretha's ''Think''? That said, if Fox launches America's Best Yeller, she's a shoo-in. (New this week)

15. Angelica Puente
Shed more tears in her interview package than your average onion-factory employee, but there's no denying this teenage beauty has a powerful instrument. Now let's see if she can put it to use for more than a nifty Celine Dion impersonation. (New this week)

16. Carly Smithson
Another hopeful with prior experience — she flopped in her major-label debut as Carly Hennessy a few years back — this tattooed Irishwoman displayed power pipes (and a case of Mariah-itis) on ''I'm Every Woman.'' (Last week: No. 6)

17. Junot Joyner
Blink and you missed his brief audition clip, but if your ears were open, chances are you haven't forgotten his strong, unfussy take on ''I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues.'' Here's hoping he gets a little more camera time during Hollywood week. (Last week: No. 5)

18. Natasha Blach
Unfortunately for this statuesque beauty, her big, booming rendition of ''At Last'' got relegated to one of those tacked-on medleys of successful auditioners. So the fact that we still remember it means she's earned a place on our countdown. (New this week)

19. Suzanne Toon
Single mother who displayed alarming doll-hair ringlets got a little sharp on her cover of ''I Can't Make You Love Me,'' but Simon and Paula still found something vulnerable and sexy in her performance. So did we. Um, except for those dreaded tresses. (New this week)

20. Brooke White
Call her Nanny McPlease! Doe-eyed child-care provider called infant twins her ''best friends'' and put us to sleep with a four-note Corinne Bailey Rae number. So can somebody tell us how she finished fifth in our initial reader poll? (Last week: No. 12)

NEXT PAGE: Vote for your favorite singer


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