And now, the final 12

Once again for the sixth time the reality talent show American Idol is down to its 12 finalists. Booted out last week were Sabrina Sloan, 27, from California who did Don’t Let Go (Love), the controversial because of her sexy photos on the Net, Antonella Barba, 20, from New Jersey with Corine Bailey Rey’s Put Your Record On, Jared Cotter, 25, from New York who sang If You Really Love Me and Sundance Head, 28, from Texas with Jeremy.

With this announcement begins the final leg of the journey of the lucky boy or girl who will follow in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barino, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks. Here now are the names of the lucky ones, the ones who have already earned their share of face and name recall, thanks to weekly appearances in the show, the 12 boys and girls who are in the running for this once-in-a-lifetime crack at bigtime stardom.

The girl finalists and the songs that landed them in the charmed circle are the following: Stephanie Edwards, 19, from Georgia, Sweet Thing; Melinda Doolittle, 29, from Tennessee, I’m a Woman; Lakisha Jones, 27, from Maryland, I Have Nothing; Jordin Sparks, 17, from Arizona, Heartbreaker; Haley Scarnato, 24, from Texas, If My Heart Had Wings; and Gina Gloksen, 22, from Illinois, Call Me When You’re Sober.

The boys are Blake Lewis, 25, from Washington, All Mixed Up; Brandon Rogers, 28, from California, I Just Want to Celebrate; Chris Richardson, 22, from Virginia, Tonight I Wanna Cry; Chris Sligh, 28, from South Carolina, Wanna Be Loved; Phil Stacey, 29, from Florida, I Need You; and Sanjaya Malakar, 17, from Washington, Waiting on the World to Change.

These would-be stars make up the most varied lot ever in the six-year existence of American Idol. Credit for this goes to Hicks, whose un-idol looks and style opened the gates to an assortment of talent. However, given the worldwide popularity of the show, I can really say that none of them, if they play their cards right, are destined for oblivion should they lose. These finalists, no matter, if they win or lose, are already on their way to becoming stars.

Again, I mention what happened to Jennifer Hudson of Dreamgirls. Take note too of finalists from last year who have now released their own albums which are selling very well. Chris Daughtry with a band and an album both named Daughtry, made No. 1 in the charts. Country singers Kellie Pickler just picked up a Gold Record Award and Bucky Covington is releasing his debut record soon with a show at the revered Grand Ole Opry. Runner-up Katharine McPhee has released her album and next on tap is Elliot Yamin.

However, I must say again that I still find the idea of narrowing the choices down to pairs, six boys and six girls most unfair. American Idol should rethink and hopefully amend this rule. I remember that last year a 17-year-old kid named Gedeon McKinney had to be eliminated although it was very clear that he was better than one or two girls who made the cut.

This happened again last week. It cannot be denied that the ones who manifested star power and astounding vocals during the semis were the girls. Melinda, Lakisha, Sabrina, Stephanie, Gina and Jordin are all Idol materials. In contrast I can only name Sundance, Chris Sligh, Chris Robinson and maybe Brandon if we stretch things a little, as the standouts among the guys. But because of the six pairs rule, we had to say goodbye to Sabrina and Sundance and keep Blake, Phil and Sanjaya.

Come to think of it though, the final decision in the competition actually lies with the voters, the people, most of them relatives and friends of the contestants who text or e-mail their votes. Just think, Sabrina and Sundance were two of the best singers in this year’s batch. They are also both attractive and interesting personalities. But we lost them because of the others got more votes.

Judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were very vocal about their displeasure over the results. Cowell’s constant reminder of "This is a singing competition" seems to fall on deaf ears when viewers start sending their votes in.