Advice to the American Idol Top 10

If you tuned in last night -- and before the overnight ratings are even announced, I'm thinking that a lot of you did (taping Lost, like I did) -- you know now that we are down to the American Idol Top 10. These are the ten who will be touring the country doing American Idol concerts later this year and one of these contestants will be the next big AI winner. The next Kelly or Carrie or Clay (oh, wait, he didn't win).

So, who has the best chance and what does he or she have to do to get to the winner's circle? I've a prescription for each one of them -- free, unsolicited advice based on how the judges' view them and, more importantly, how the American public might be rating them.

Adam Lambert
There's no doubt that Adam is the most experienced contestant and he's likely to go all the way. However, he took a big risk with the Middle-Eastern version of "Ring of Fire" that Simon called rubbish. Adam has everything necessary to win the whole enchilada, but he must tone down the risky artist vibe. He should wait till after he wins to do anything outrageous again. My advice for him from here on out: be more traditional and safe. For Motown week, do Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

Kris Allen
This guy has been the biggest surprise because in the auditions, he just didn't pop out. Right now he's popping all over the place. Therefore, stick with what you're doing. Keep singing sweet songs -- no hard rock -- and play up the Paul McCartney/cute Beatle vibe.

Danny Gokey
Before this week, I had Danny slotted for the final two. Excellent singer, great performing chops, poignant story; the whole package. However, he's been coming off a little cocky and too sure of himself. He needs to get in touch with his humble side and show some vulnerability. With Motown week coming up, he should sing a song like "Tears of a Clown."

Megan Joy Corkrey
First of all, if you've dropped your last name, let the world know it. Megan got a pass this week because of being sick. America was not going to vote her off when it was revealed that she had been hospitalized with influenza B. However, the previous week's "Rockin' Robin" was just plain awful. Megan Joy needs to sing more grown up girl songs and show off her strong vocals.

Anoop Desai
No singer has had more ups and downs thus far in the competition. Anoop comes off as the underdog, and this country loves to see an underdog succeed. So, coming off a very good performance in Grand Old Opry week, he must capitalize on those good notices from the judges and continue making a case for why he's the next American Idol. Maybe something like "You Can't Hurry Love" -- it worked when Phil Collins covered it.

Lil Rounds
Here's a woman -- W-O-M-A-N -- with a legitimate big voice. Lil has the perfect chance to seize the competition with Motown week. Choose a big voice song, something like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and really belt it. America digs powerful female vocalists!

Matt Giraud
The judges are completely in love with Matt. Randy keeps comparing him to Justin Timberlake and Simon called him another Michael Buble. How can he take all that positivity and turn it into a winning season? Embrace it. For Motown week, do The Temptation's "Just My Imagination" or something that shows off the inner crooner.

Scott MacIntyre
America really likes Scott. I think the country is rooting for him to succeed. He's a good guy, too, so that also works in his favor. The problem is that he's been doing songs that are very sound-alike. Since Simon compared him to Billy Joel and Elton John, he needs to steal a page from those stars and do a piano song that's rocking. He should stand at the piano and bang away, singing out a rhythmic song.

Allison Iraheta
Let the little girl sing. She's already impressed the judges with her amazing voice for a 16-year-old kid. I was stunned to see her in the bottom three last night. So, what's the problem? I think America knows she can do rock, they want to see her softer side. She should go ballad and sing something that shows how she can interpret a lyric.

Michael Sarver
The country show was Michael's best chance to really shine and he didn't. He was in the bottom two. That's not a good sign. Michael's a likable person with a great story -- blue collar worker, doing this show for his family -- but he has to distinguish himself with the music. If he doesn't find his "voice" soon, he'll be the next voted out.