Playing the Odds on American Idol

PaddyPower.com, an online gambling site, pegged David Archuleta and John Michaels as the favorites to win the competition. It's good for these contestants to get such a leverage, but their popularity could haunt them eventually when they don't deliver week after week. They have everything to lose, while the not so popular have everything to gain especially when they show growth and a willingness to take risks. Anyway, here's the complete article from Gambling911:

Michael Johns, David Archuleta Huge Favorites to Win American Idol

American Idol hopefuls are surrounded by tough competition among the men (or in David Archuleta's case - boys). Michael Johns and David Archuleta have been posted as huge favorites among the male American Idol hopefuls.

Archuleta was listed with odds of 5-2 at PaddyPower.com, a website that does not allow U.S. citizens to place bets. Johns was listed with 11-4 odds. Both were favorites among both the men and women.

The next big favorite was a surprising female Idol wannabe, Ramiele Malubay, who was listed with 5-1 odds. Syesha Mercado from Miami came in with 6-1 odds. Jason Castro was the next favored man with 8-1 odds, tied with Ireland's own, Carly Simon. Asia'h Epperson was listed with 10-1 odds.

At the age of 12, David Archuleta won the Junior Singers competition on Star Search. The young performer actually suffered partial vocal paralysis when he was much younger. Archuleta also represents Miami, having been born there though today he resides in Murray, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

Michael Johns is winning over plenty of fans outside America. The Australian born talent left the country when he was 18 to pursue a career with his then band, The Rising.

If Australia could vote for Johns, they probably all would. Unfortunately, they cannot. That's good news for Archuleta we suppose.

Aussies can still tune in however. The show is broadcast on Foxtel. Check your local listings.

Other American Idol News:

American Idol's First Castoffs Sound Off. They sailed all the way through to Hollywood week. But that didn't stop fans from whittling down the Top 24 wannabes on American Idol. Who's calling Simon crazy? And who feels she simply had a bad day? Here, the first four casualties from Season 7 speak out.