And now there are 12

As I have strongly believed these past few years, there is something very wrong about the rules formulated for the reality talent show, American Idol. No, I do not mean the one allowing the use of a solo musical instrument that has resulted in several static performances this season. I mean the one that says there should be an equal number of boys and girls competing for the finals.

This rule is so unfair on the contestants. The field was narrowed down to 12 entries last week, six boys and six girls. But as anybody who has been closely following the shows this season, there are more talented girls than boys this year. Had the show gone by talent there should be eight girls and only four boys at this point of the contest. But because of the rule, AI has lost two great girls and gotten stuck with two mediocre boys.

I will not mention the names of those I described as mediocre. They might bloom yet as the contest unfolds. But the girls who were sent home were Katelyn Epperly, the pretty 19-year-old with the big hair and Lilly Scott, the 20-year-old with the straight platinum hair who was considered a front runner for the title from the start. Given the way she looks and the way she sings, I am sure that producers are by now already knocking on Lilly’s door. Losing Idol will not be a total loss for her, but she would have been somebody Idol could have been proud of.

Anyway the show goes on, no matter what. And so here they are, the Top 12 American Idol finalists for Season 9: Aaron Kelly, 16 years old from Sonestown, Philadelphia. He has a big potential as a teen heartthrob. He has sung Here Comes Goodbye, My Girl and I’m Already There.

Andrew Garcia, 24, from Moreno Valley, California. This guy started out on top but has not been able to make good song choices. His songs to date are Sugar We’re Going Down, You Give Me Something and Genie In A Bottle.

Crystal Bowersox, 24, from Elliston, Ohio. She is very authentic and very interesting. Win or not, she already has a big career as a recording artist once she steps out of the show. She has done Hand In My Pocket, Long As I Can See The Light and Give Me One Reason.

Didi Denami, 23, from Knoxville, Tennessee. I do not think she is going to win. But she is very attractive and I will not be surprised if she lands in the movies or television. Her songs so far are The Way I Am, Rhianion and Lean On Me.

Casey James, 27, from Fort Worth, Texas. This is the sexy rocker. On the other hand, he seems to be too sexy to be a rocker. Maybe he should get cast in something like Desperate Housewives or Cougar Town. He has sung Heaven, I Don’t Want To Be and You’ll Think Of Me.

Katie Stevens, 17, from Middlebury, Connectticut. She reminds me of a young Kristin Davis of Sex and the City fame. Young and sweet but not yet Idol material. Hers are Feeling Good, Put Your Record On and Breakaway.

Lacey Brown, 24, from Amarillo, Texas. Another pretty girl in the contest but somewhat too set in her ordinary style to really impress viewers. Her songs so far are Landslide, Kiss Me and The Story.

Lee Dewyze, 23, from Mount Prospect, Illinois. This guy sounds very pop and has the nice boy-next-door looks fans love. He has done Chasing Cars, Lips Of An Angel and Fireflies.

Michael Lynche, 26, from St. Petersburg, Florida. Looks like Idol is getting another Velvet Teddy Bear, only it is a hefty one. Lynche, a personal trainer who has the build to show for his work is right now the top contender for the title. The songs are This Love, It’s A Man’s World and This Woman’s Work.

Paige Miles, 22, from Naples, Florida. Looks like she has been entrusted with the task of holding aloft the flag of female African-Americans. Hers are All Right Now, Walk Away and Smile.

Siobhan Magnus, 19 from Cape Cod, Maine. She is the cutest, most star-quality filled female contestant in the show. Her songs are Wicked Game, Think and House Of The Rising Sun.

Tim Urban, 19, from Dunanville, Texas. Another teen idol material in the offing. Nice voice and nice boy-next-door looks. His songs to date are Apologize, Come On Get Higher and Hallelujah.