1. Andrew Garcia – I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s the favorite. I think his only concern might be setting the bar too high too early. I’ve seen lots of his stuff and think he’s got plenty of amazing performances left in him, but my ONLY worry is he’ll get a little stale after weeks and weeks… Plus, with Idol, you have to do a lot of different stuff… But he know’s who he is and has to be the leader.
2. Didi Benami -
3. Lacey Brown -
4. Lee DeWyze -
5. Ashley Rodriguez -
6. Crystal Bowersox -
7. Casey James -
8. John Park -
9. Todrick Hall -
10. Janell Wheeler -
11. Katie Stevens -
12. Jermaine Sellers -
13. Tyler Grady -
14. Lilly Scott -
15. Michael Lynche -
16. Katelyn Epperly -
17. Siobhan Magnus -
18. Alex Lambert -
19. Aaron Kelly -
20. Michelle Delamor -
21. Chris Golightly
22. Paige Miles
23. Haeley Vaughn -
24. Joe Muñoz

Read WHY at IdolBattles.com

1. Idol Battles

More to come throughout the day tomorrow!

Alexis, Danny, And Michael Advance to the top 12

Q: What kind of input to do you have on your song arrangements?
AG: The thing about AI is it’s a show that helps form you as an artist. You should really just listen to [the show mentors] and take their advice; they know what they’re talking about. You have input. You just work together. The people who work in the music department are amazing; they’ve worked with Whitney Huston to Quincy Jones. You’d be silly not to take advice from them.

Q: How is it juggling life on the show with being a mom?
AG: I am nervous; any mom would be nervous. It’s their kid. It’s their responsibility. It’s only for a little time. I have the best family in the world. They’ll be traveling back and forth a little bit. This is all to better our lives so….

Q: Now that you’re safe, who from your group do you want to come back for the wild card?
AG: That is a tough question because everybody was good in our group. Everybody has something different to offer to America. It’s really up in the air. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I enjoy everyone from Anoop to Jackie to Casey to Anne Marie. I really enjoy everyone’s voice.

Q: You got attention for changing your looks. What was your input in your look for the show?
AG: I kinda like the whole ’60s kind of soul cocktail dress vibe kind of thing. I have a lot of input in my wardrobe, my girlfriends as well. Trying to form my look is very important in this business. Identifying with an artist, part of that is their look.

Q: Would you say your style is like Amy Winehouse and Duffy?
AG: I sing more like blues kind of stuff. More like blues, some Joss Stone, that’s where I come out.

Q: How did you stay so calm during your performance?
AG: I was nervous. I think I, I don’t know, I didn’t know what was going on with the other contestants.  I was thinking I’m going to make the best of this night and cherish this moment forever. I was thinking just go out there and perform, because that’s what I want to do, right?

Q: Do you perform at home?
AG: I do the bar scene, that’s what I do back home.

Q: What do you do backstage?
AG: Backstage we’re just trying to keep calm and relax. We like to play board games. I’m a big fan of Scrabble and Scattegories, just to ease the tension a little bit.

Q: How tiny are you and how much do you weigh?
AG: Most girls wouldn’t like this question. I weigh 99 pounds, 98. I’m 4-foot-11 and 3/4.

Q: How did you pick your song?
AG: From my hometown, Memphis, you hear blues all the time. My mom and dad listen to soul; my dad plays it. When you grow up listening to it all the time, that’s what you end up singing like.

Q: Have you watched “American Idol” before? Do you see a difference having four judges?
AG: Yes, I’ve watched every season. I think it’s great that they added a fourth judge. Especially Kara, she’s an amazing singer and songwriter, she knows the business. She just gives us more advice. It’s good to have the extra critique in there.

Q: What happens for you guys between now and the final selections? It’s several weeks from now.
AG: We’ll keep busy. You’ll see more of us. We’ll be around. Just keep watching the show.

Q: You chose to sing an Aretha Franklin song. Why?
AG: I knew that I can sing in the range for one thing. That’s my range; I’m pretty comfortable with it. I dunno, I feel connected to her music somehow; that’s my style, so you know I went with it.

Q: The judges compared you to Kelly Clarkson. How did that feel?
AG: It’s more than flattering, it really just shook my world when they said that in a good way. It just pushes me to do better each time now. I really gotta step up my game and prove that they’re right.

Q: How did it feel to have your family there?
AG: My dad and his girlfriend were there. I loved having him there. My dad and I are in a band together back home. So it was like having my band member there, so the support was nice. I knew my dad was so proud of me. It was an amazing moment and I’ll never forget it.

Q: Was anyone particularly devastated after the elimination?
AG: I think everyone was. I was too just because they’re my friends. It sounds cheesy to say you don’t want to see them go, but you really don’t. They’re like family.

Q: What movie have you seen the most?
AG: “School of Rock” because Jack Black is awesome and it’s about music. I just love that movie. I could watch it over and over again.

Q: They teased everything with Tatiana — what was your experience with her?
AG: Honestly, Tatiana and I never really talked a whole bunch just because I kind of kept to myself a bit. But I can tell you that that girl is determined and she’s gonna be something [some] day. She is hilarious.

Q: What was going through your head when they announced you were safe?
AG: This is my dream and it’s happening.  In truth, I wasn’t convinced. Just because the judges give you good critiques … doesn’t mean America will agree with them. I went in there trying not to expect anything.

Q: Beyond the look, how did you come out of your shell?
AG: Just a bunch of things, talking with some of the Idol mentors. They’re encouraging and I listen to what they have to say. My daughter, thinking about her and our future helps me be more encouraged. Also I think I might have a bit of an alter ego on stage.

Q: Who do you want as a mentor this season?
AG: Aretha Franklin, of course, Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen.

Read the rest at the LA Times