Their American Idol picks. Who’s yours?

We might not go for McDonald’s for fear of supersizing ourselves. We might try to avoid Starbucks so as not to inhale all that cigarette smoke in what’s a virtual lung center. We might still want to continue boycotting Coca-Cola and everything else associated with big businesses of the United States we think are harmful to our health.

But many of us, like the Simpsons who scramble for a space on the couch to watch TV after office and school hours, become glued to our TV sets when it’s time for American Idol, shown via satellite or on delayed telecast on ABC 5. And so, whatever our political or religious stripe, American Idol seems to strike a harmonious chord by entertaining us and getting us all together through music, good music. We are known, after all, for our flair for singing and dancing.

American Idol, a singing contest open to all Americans throughout the US, is now on its fifth season. The funny, the awful, and the undesirable wannabes have been weeded out. And by this time, viewers are already predicting who will win. Some are feeling tense and passionate about all the remaining talented singers so that many viewers just wish nobody is eliminated or that there are at least three or two winners in the end.

Perhaps American Idol gained popularity in the Philippines when two Fil-Am singers made it to the top 12 finalists: Camille Velasco and Jasmine Trias. Last year’s "duel" by Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood elicited debates from fans divided between the pro-rebellious rockers and safe conservatives. The time Camille and Jasmine separately came to Manila for a concert, their kababayan naturally accorded them a hero’s welcome.

After Melissa McGhee, Kevin "Chicken Little" Covais, Mandisa "Mandiva" Hundley, Bucky Covington, and Ace Young were sent home by texters of the US, six contenders remain vying for the coveted title of American Idol. They are Paris Bennett, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Elliot Yamin and Kellie Pickler (who was the first to be eliminated recently).

The 12 were tested in country, blues, rock and in renditions of compositions by American greats. Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, Queen and Rod Stewart coached and awed them. The best episodes so far were interpretations of Barry Manilow and Rod Stewart favorites.

The results, however, are sometimes a big surprise. They may be unpredictable such as the time when Kevin Covais and Mandisa Hundley were eliminated. The camera caught fellow contestants drop their jaws in sadness and disbelief. Once the 12 finalists are selected by judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, they express their opinions, but the choice is America’s. Highly competent and witty host Ryan Seacrest is there to uplift the morale and balance banter.

Here are a few followers of American Idol who have graciously shared their thoughts on this season’s top six contenders. Who’s their choice as American Idol this year? And who do they think will win?

Bibeth Orteza, actress and scriptwriter: "Tumigil na ako sa panonood mula nang tinanggal nila si Constantine (Maroulis) last year."

Sigfreid Sanchez, scriptwriter, director: "I think Paris Bennett will win. Dark horse is Chris Daughtry."

Danny Dalena, painter: "Paris Bennett, because she can sing anything like a pro. Great voice! The winner? Paris pa rin!"

Emily Abrera, advertising top-brass: "I don’t watch it that regularly, but when I do, I like that intense, bald guy, Chris Daughtry. Terrific singer."

Luli Arroyo, the President’s daughter: "My apologies, because I lost interest in American Idol this year after Jose "Sway" Peñala (this year’s Fil-Am contestant) got eliminated.

"My choices for American Idol, though, are Chris and Elliott, because I like Chris’ rock sound and Elliott’s melodic voice. I don’t know how well they’ve been doing in the eliminations although they should still be in the running.

"I think Kellie might win, because Americans tend to choose country over rock. If they choose Elliot, though, at least that would mean someone with a country background but with a different sound and look than last year’s winner."

Maita Gomez, feminist activist: "Katharine McPhee is my choice because she seems sexy and a good singer. But I think Taylor Hicks will win because he’s the crowd favorite."

Liza Lorena, actress: "I love Katharine McPhee’s voice and her sensuality. I love all the other guys, especially the blues guy with salt-and-pepper hair, Taylor Hicks, for his uniqueness. I believe McPhee will win."

Willie Nepomuceno, stand-up comedian: "I don’t watch American Idol. I like Simon, though, so, his choice is mine, too."

Joyce Bernal, director: "Favorite ng Americans si Kellie Pickler. But my choice is Katharine McPhee kasi ’yung totality niya bilang American Idol ang tinitingnan ko. Halos magaling silang lahat. Pero iiyak ako pag matatanggal sina Paris, Taylor at Chris. Favorite ko sila."

Alex Cortez, actor, theater director: "Katharine McPhee is my choice. She’s a league of her own. Enough of these poor copies of Whitney, Mariah and Aretha."

Peque Gallaga, director: "My choice: Taylor Hicks. He goes back to a Joe Cocker tradition. The rest are pop spam (processed, easy to take and predictable). Who’ll win? McPhee. Spam kasi."