'American Idol's' Kevin Covais picks his Top 12

Well here we are folks. Just one results show away from revealing the Top 12 finalists for Season 9 of "American Idol." It doesn't get much more exciting than this. Right? Or maybe it does?

Look, by no means do I want to be a buzz kill. I know the pressure of being on that stage and not always making the right choices. I feel like this season does have quite a few really talented and unique contestants, but at the same time I feel as though we have yet to see a lot of them reach their true potential.

I've been waiting on a night where I am blown away, and that night just hasn't come for me yet. There have been individual performances that have been absolutely terrific, from a Crystal Bowersox here or a Michael Lynche there. But the one thing I have to critique is how much this particular group is over analyzing the choices they are making, specifically with the guys and their song choices.

I love Andrew Garcia's potential, but I just couldn't even begin to wrap my head around him choosing a Christina Aguilera song. It just didn't add up for me. Anyway, let's break down some of the highlights from both nights.

I know I didn't mention her last time, and I'm not quite sure why, because Crystal Bowersox is incredible. She performed a song that I love in "Gimme One Reason" and she only made me love it even more. She is a natural performer and has a voice that completely stands on it's own. I'm sold, and it would be a crime for her not to be a finalist one week from now.

For me it was another solid week for Didi Benami as well. Performing Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon", she has such a beautiful tone to her voice, and she continues to thoroughly impress me. Give her a spot in my Top 12 as well.

I think Katie Stevens is adorable and very talented for her age. Having said that, her performance of Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" left something to be desired. I know she has the chops vocally, but this performance didn't quite show that. Now...having said that, I have a hunch that she is going to be around next week.

I know, I'm confusing myself here as well.

For the guys, there was one performance that was far and away the best of the night. It was big man Michael Lynche. He completely blew me away with his Maxwell like rendition of "This Woman's Work". It was both the biggest risk and the biggest reward the night had to offer. His falsetto was spot on, and he simply poured his heart and soul out.

Needless to say it worked. Aside from Michael, I struggle to find a whole lot I can rave about from the men. Todrick Hall also gave me reason to believe with his version of "Somebody to Love." It was soulful and also showed off his great personality, which I think bodes well for him this week.

So now it comes down to which two guys and two girls head home this week. I might not be the best person to go by here considering all of my week one picks to leave the show stayed another week. However, I realize there is a difference between who should go home and who will based on popularity and other circumstances.

So based on these past few weeks, I believe the four that will be sent home are Aaron Kelly, Alex Lambert, Paige Miles, and Lacey Brown. Although I personally believe Tim Urban should be eliminated but won't be. Just my opinion though.

Looking forward to seeing the Top 12 hit the big stage next week!

To hear more from Kevin Covais and to learn about his road to "Idol" fame, tune into "American Idol Rewind" which is currently taking a look back at "AI" season 5, with new episodes premiering in national syndication and on the TV Guide Network every weekend.

Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook and KevinCovais on Twitter for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news


Related

Zap2it 'Idol' recap: Top 8 men
Zap2it 'Idol' recap: Top 8 women