You probably won't believe me when I say this but I predicted that Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey, and Michael Sarver would be the three American Idol contestants to move on to the Top 12 on last night's episode. During Hollywood week, I picked 10 people that I wanted to move on to the Top 36 and each and every one of them made it. My interest in season 8 has suddenly increased thanks to my psychic powers. There was no denying that Alexis and Danny would move on, as they were clearly the best vocalists and performers of the night.  Initially, though, I was on the fence about whether or not Michael Sarver would move on or if Ricky Braddy would advance instead.

Ricky is a phenomenal vocalist and I actually thought he was the best singer of the night on Wednesday.  Unfortunately, he had three big things working against him.  First, he was barely given any camera time during the audition and Hollywood rounds so America never got the chance to connect with him the way they did with Alexis, Danny, and Michael.  Second, he made a bad song choice and as Randy Jackson always says, “It’s all about song choice, baby.”  Third, Simon called him forgettable and as much as the studio audience wants to boo him, America often listens to that grumpy Brit.

American Idol viewers should never underestimate the power of country music fans.  They have a huge influence on the outcome of the show, helping Carrie Underwood become who she is and supporting the careers of Idols past such as Kelli Pickler, Bucky Covington, and Josh Gracin.  Those fans needed someone to latch onto this week and the pickings were slim.  Michael Sarver, despite a poor song choice himself, has been given lots of face time, is a very likable guy, and always sounds good when he sings.  Putting him through was the natural choice.  He may lean towards singing the blues but if was smart, he’d whip out a cowboy hat and start crooning to those country music lovers.

As for those fans of Ricky Braddy, he’ll show up again in the Wild Card round (how very Clay Aiken of him) and hopefully, will find a way to finagle his way into that Top 12.  Simon is always the one to point out that this is a singing competition and, based on that, the guy deserves a spot.  Oh and fingers crossed: I’m hoping never to hear the name Tatiana Del Toro after this week.

Check back all season long with RealityWanted.com and I’ll predicting who stays, who goes, and we’ll find out if I really have a gift for this or if it was just dumb luck!

Also, listen to Columbia, South Carolina’s New 92 every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 6:15am ET as I talk American Idol with Tyler in the morning!  Not in the SC area?  Stream it live at: www.new92.com.

(Image courtesy of FOX)