so many kids, so little time...

We get to start killing hopes and dreams tomorrow! It's been awhile.

The top 12 guys take the stage for '60s music night (the first-ever themed semi-final episode with a songbook of just 50 titles), followed by the final 12 gals on Wednesday and, well, you know what's gonna happen... four of them will get shot right between the eyes on Thursday.

This appears to be a pretty evenly-matched group of contestants, with the requisite few for which the pimping started early and the traditional "who are they?" entrants that are usually fodder in the opening few rounds.

So with that, and a hit and miss viewing of the audition episodes, it's my duty to try to predict who's gonna fall when. That way I can keep this as a historical record so that I can look back and laugh at my own stupidity in May.

It's tough to predict failure when I haven't really had the chance to hear all of them, but hey, it's an annual tradition.

The GUYS

Chikeze Eze. Catchy name. He'll be gone before I can learn to spell it without looking it up, but not in the early rounds.

Colton Berry. He'll be gone before Chikeze Eze. There's not enough room on the big stage for a ton of "boys." He'll be the casualty.

Danny Noriega. Cute kid, but I think he's going to get on my nerves. And if he gets on my last nerve, well, it's not unlikely he'll get on other people's too.

David Archuleta. I won't be surprised if David's around for the second version of Idol Gives Back, if not beyond.

David Cook. There will be two Davids in the final 12. He'll be one of them.

David Hernandez. Three Davids in the final 12 is one too many Davids. Sorry David.

Garrett Haley. Might be the first one eliminated. If not first, then second.

Jason Castro. He could make it through on the power of the hair alone. I said that about Anwar Robinson too.

Jason Yager. He will join Garrett in the kiss and cry area after the first show.

Luke Menard. Somebody has to make it through on the basis of the superficial and shallow voters who just think he's hawt. But enough about me.

Michael Johns. This Aussie could win the whole thing.

Robbie Carrico. I hope he has plans already for a summer income.

The GALS

Alaina Alexander Whitaker. Don't get used to that name. You won't hear it for long.

Alexandrea Lushington. Long name; little time.

Amanda Overmyer. She'll make it through to the top 10, but no guarantees after that unless she remembers that this is American Idol and Big Band Night does not call for a growl.

Amy Davis. Of course the easily-spelled people are going to be history sooner rather than later.

Asia'h Epperson. Top 10.

Brooke White. I love this girl. Love, love, love her.

Carly Smithson. Arguably the most-pimped of all of the contestants, it could lead to an early exit for the Irish lass with the tattoos.

Joanne Borgella. She's no Melinda Doolittle. She's not even LaKisha.

Kady Malloy. Early exit.

Kristy Lee Cook. She won't be roadkill too early, but she won't make it as far as I think some people think.

Ramiele Malubay. Top 10. Easily.

Syesha Mercado. She could sneak through, but she needs to tone down on the power. Subtlety Syesha, please! Not everything has to be at scream level. Otherwise it's going to get old fast.

My top 12?

Remiele Malubay
Kristy Lee Cook
Carly Smithson
Brooke White
Asia'h Epperson
Amanda Overmyer
Danny Noriega
David Archuleta
David Cook
Michael Johns
Luke Menard
Jason Castro

Okay, there's mine. Now show us yours!