The 'American Idol' Finalists

Taylor Hicks

Why He Might Win: Taylor is the man. He's got prematurely silver hair, Joe Cocker's affectations, mad harmonica skills, a positive attitude and he used to dress up as the Easter Bunny. If this competition were to find the guy you'd most want to get drunk with at a small-town bar on a Saturday night, Taylor wouldn't have any competition. He seems fun, down-to-earth and genuine.

Why He Won't Win: In a perfect world, "American Idol" contestants improve as the season goes along, maturing before our eyes as Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken did. Taylor has remained the same. For members of the Soul Patrol, that's a plus. For the "Idol" producers who may eventually need to make an album with this guy? Perhaps not-so-much. At its best, Taylor's voice is pure and effective, but it isn't ever remarkable. How far can he got on personality alone? Pretty far, apparently.