American Idol Betting – 8 Men Out

With less than a handful of guys making a solid impression last week, it was time for them to step it up and create some buzz this week. Unfortunately, even fewer made big splashes in Wednesday night’s telecast, which makes American Idol betting all the more difficult with this group. Without further ado, here’s how I think tonight’s AI elimination plays out.

Safe:

Casey James (+400) – The men’s favorite to win it all played it safe this week with a Keith Urban track. Even though Kara continued to play hard to get stating he’s still missing a spark, I believe his act is good enough to punch him through to the next round. I didn’t think he was worthy of being labeled the men’s overall favorite last week, and I expect his odds to come back down to earth come Monday.

Lee DeWyze (+500) – I believe timing was the only reason I was left scratching my head after Lee’s “Fireflies” cover last night. But after listening to the rest of the show, I still think Lee is one of the best male’s remaining in this competition. That said; I hated the song choice. It came off as too Barenaked Ladies to me, which isn’t bad, but I’d much rather see him continuing to rock out.

Michael Lynche (+2500) – In the immortal words of Chris Farley, “Holy Schnikes!” Big Mike not only guaranteed himself a slot in the top 12 with his Maxwell cover, but he also turned himself into a major player in this singing completion. His American Idol betting odds took a big hit at the open this past week, and I truly expect them to lose even more value at this week’s open.

Tim Urban (+6000) – Tim played the same card Jason Castro did a couple seasons ago by going with the crowd favorite “Hallelujah”. Though I didn’t feel it to be as strong as Castro’s, I thought it was a very smart song choice by the Texas native. Simon felt the performance was his strongest of the competition, and I have to agree. This huge American Idol underdog survives yet another week.

On the Bubble:

Alex Lambert (+1400) – Though Alex knocked one out of the park to endure last week, he came up short in the judges eyes this time around. To win American Idol, you have to sell it to the audience that you’re actually enjoying what you’re doing. That’s something Alex has had a really tough time doing, and once again, Kara and Simon called him out on it as still being too stiff. I really hope his unique voice survives another week, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if “The Mullet” got bounced.

Todrick Hall (+5000) – Todrick took a huge chance tackling Queen’s “Somebody To Love”, but when it was all said and done, I felt he did a decent job. For the first time since reaching the Top 24, the judges gave him props. However, he’s really rubbed some people the wrong way by completely altering some mainstay classics the last couple weeks, and that might be his undoing. Won’t be shocked either way if the voting public sends him on his way or keeps him around.

Andrew Garcia (+700) – Genie in a Bottle? Seriously? Wow! Unfortunately for Andrew, he blew us all away too early. This was brought to the forefront once again last night by the judges who refuse to let him forget it. Now it’s a foregone conclusion that this kid has peaked. To desperately get back in the loving arms of the voters and judges, he covered another tune sung by a female. Like Simon said, it came off as desperate and I really think the initial American Idol betting favorite might be sent home this week. He was after all in the bottom two along with Jermaine Sellers last Thursday night.