American Idol is the highest rated show in the United States and one of the highest rated shows in the world today. Not only is this popular reality series world-class and internationally known, it has made average people turn into stars after only a few months. As someone who has been tuning into the reality series making many waves since season 3, I am reluctant to mention that even though there are days when I miss an episode (or episodes), I usually find a way to see the episode or episodes I have missed.

The question remains, what makes this show so addicting? What makes one's level of dopamine and serotonin go up when watching singers compete to be the next big star? What is so great about a singing contest? The fact is American Idol is more than just a singing contest that consists of individuals age 16 through 28 that compete to be America's next big success story. Although some people do not believe the show is good based on it's "instant fame" stance and "voice-before-the-art" persona, the reality is, the show itself has produced some of America's finest, popular musicians and artists that go beyond the popular music quo. Some of them include: two time Grammy award winner Kelly Clarkson, CMA winner Carrie Underwood, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, and Billboard winner Clay Aiken, as well as, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, and Elliot Yamin. Who will be the next person to join these talented people?

It is 2008 and American Idol has now reached it's 7th season, which consists of some of the most diverse singers that have ever existed on the American Idol stage. I have decided to rank the contestants from best to worst going on vocals, projection, originality, rarity, stage presence, likability, and personality. 24 Individuals made up the top 24, which started the show, these individuals remain and have made up the top 12 contestants. On Thursday, March 6th, a total of 6 women and 6 men made up the top 12 contestants for season 7.

1 - Amanda Overmyer is a respiratory nurse from Mulberry, IN that proves she is worthy her spot in the top 24. As one of the most fluent blues rock singers to perform on American Idol, Amanda proves that if you know you are, you will go far and my personal favorite American Idol contestant, I think she is one of the most unique, yet interesting contestants ever to grace the stage. She also possess major projection, which makes you believe what she is singing, while delivering a song and has a stage presence that makes

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