Once again, the top 12 are competing for the title to be called this year’s American Idol. Season seven has one of the largest viewing audiences to date, and reportedly the best singers to ever set foot on the stage. After last year’s disappointing cast, this year is a relief to Idol fans as the competition is hotter than ever. Last Thursday, four contestants went home leaving the top 12 to battle it out on stage. Moving away from the pop genre this year, it  seems that more instrumentalists and rockers have moved their way to the top.

Amanda Overmyer, 23, brings some of that new flavor to the stage with her Janice Joplin influence shining through. This rocker nurse form Mulberry, Ind,, definitely shows a different side of Idol with her classic rock, raspy style. The Harley biker is expected to stay for a few more rounds, but Simon Cowell has not made any big predictions for Overmyer just yet.

On the opposite side of the fence is 24 yearold contestant, Brook White. The nanny from Mesa, Ariz,, admitted during auditions that she had never seen an R rated film and she dared Cowell to, “Bring me over to the dark side.” Her pure influence in the competition puzzles the judges, but she is expected to stick around for quite a while.

True talent is shown every time Carly Smithson, 24, performs each week. This Irish tattoo artist and bartender is getting her second chance as a singer to show the world her ability. Definitely one of the judges’ favorites, Cowell predicts Smithson to be this season’s winner. An interesting contestant, Chikezie, 22, entered the top 12 unexpectedly last Thursday. Bringing a presence of Marvin Gaye to the stage each week, this Inglewood, Calif., singer is not expected to be around much longer. Winning the hearts of teenage girls is 17 year-old contestant, David Archuleta. The young heartthrob singer from Murray, Utah, has definitely caught the attention of Paula Abdul with his amazing voice, leaving her in tears after his performances. Cowell expects Archuleta to make it all the way to the top two.

One of the many multitalented artists on the show is David Cook, 25 from Blue Springs, Mo. He blows the judges away each week with his guitar accompanied performances, proving that he is one rocker who is not backing down. According to Paula and Randy Jackson, he is a seasoned performer who has already made it to the top.

David Hernandez, 24 from Glendale, Ariz,, follows more of the traditional AI image. He is heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys in his performances; but in such a great season of performers it is hard to see him stand out in the crowd.

Perhaps one of the most interesting contestants this season is 20 year-old Jason Castro. It is hard to tell that underneath all the dreadlocks this blue-eyed boy is from Rockwall, Texas. His overall bashful image does not characterize the A+ performances brought by him each week. The judges hope that he is not sent home anytime soon.

In a category all her is own is 24 year-old Kristy Lee Cook. From Selma, Ore,, Cook is one of the only contestants with a country influence on the show, and that has seemed to help her stay in the running at least for now. The judges even admitted it was nice to see the country side of her, but they do not see a strong prediction for her in the future.

Another one of Paula’s favorites is 29-yearold Michael Johns. It is hard to believe that this Australian singer is from Buckhead, Ga,, but he continues to impress the judges each week. If Simon and his British accent have been able to stick around for seven seasons, hopefully Johns’ accent will carry him to the end of the competition.

Ramiele Malubay, 20 from Miramar, Fla,, has made her way to the top by proving that big things can come in small packages. She blew the judges away during auditions as an enormous voice projected from such a little girl. As America continues to fall in love with her more each week, she could prove herself to be the next Idol.

The last, but not least, contestant is 21 yearold Syesha Mercado. Heavily influenced by soul music, this Sarasota, Fla,, native has made her mark on this seasons’ competition. Cowell refers to her as a second rate Whitney Houston, but considers that a compliment. The judges compliment her performances, and expect to see her in the top four.

To see who is voted as this year’s American Idol tune in each week to the FOX network, or go online to <www.americanidol.com>.