My dirty secret

We both hate to admit it, but my partner, Mark, and I are hooked on American Idol. Tonight was the much-anticipated cut down to the top 12 contestants (which was devastating to watch) -- this is my ranking of them:

1. David Archuleta - who doesn't love this kid? I could just squeeze him!
2. Jason Castro - love the dreds, love the voice
3. Brooke White - she wouldn't have been this high on my list if she hadn't done such a great version of "Love is a Battlefield", plus she's genuinely sweet
4. Carly Smithson - great vocalist, not much more to say
5. Michael Johns - very cool, his version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" from auditions has stuck with me
6. Ramiele Mulabay - she seems to pull off just about any style well
7. Syesha Mercado - love her fashion, beautiful voice
8. Amanda Overmyer - like her Janice Joplin voice and the fact that she's legitimately different from the other performers
9. David Cook - doesn't do much for me, I agree with Simon that he doesn't stand out
10. David Hernandez - too cheesy
11. Chikezie - way too cheesy
12. Kristy Lee Cook - when will she leave so I can be happy? Again, I'm with Simon -- she's forgettable, and I don't understand how she keeps getting enough votes to advance