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The studio shows are over.  The top twelve is set, and next week the show will move to the big stage.  There were a few slight surprises in the eliminations.  What we're left with is a top-twelve, half-filled with superstars, and half-filled with "cannon fodder."

Over the weekend, keep an eye open for my annual "odds" article.  I will predict (with odds) the eventual winner of the competition.  (Although I daresay picking this year's winner is the most obvious pick of all.)

YOUR FINAL TWELVE:

1) LaKisha- obvious pick.

2) Blake Lewis- either Blake or Chris S. is the most promising male contestant.

3) Chris Sligh- early attention guarantees a following.  Toned down the "humor".  Jokes have the     potential to backfire.

4) Jordin Sparks- my pick for "surprise elimination." I was wrong.  Seems that she has fans.

5) Phil Stacey- he'll make an early exit.  At least he's secured a spot on the tour.

**Elimination of Jared Cotter**

6) Melinda Doolittle- the next American Idol

7) Brandon Rogers- another of my "surprise" picks for elimination.  He may stick on for a while.

8) Gina Glockson- she'll probably last longer than she should.  Good contestant.

9) Chris Richardson- ladies' pick.

** Antonella and Sabrina Eliminated **

10) Stephanie Edwards- may make the top six.

11) Haley Scarnato- she's on the tour.  I hope that she pulls out a really good one before she's eliminated.

** Sundance was eliminated **

12) Sanjaya Malakar- Now that Antonella and Sundance are gone, VFTW.com has a new poster boy

ELIMINATED:

Jared Cotter: Missing a spark that would have attracted many fans.

Antonella Barba: I think that people expected her to go on into the final twelve.  I sure did.  I'll miss seeing her.

Sabrina Sloan: Thinking about missing seeing someone. . . Sabrina got hosed.

Sundance Head: He knew that elimination was inevitable.  He'll be easily recognized when he gets back home.