Patrick's Power Ratings: ranking the 'American Idol' contestants

The biggest star to appear out of Season 9 of "American Idol" so far is clearly General Larry Platt. Of course his fame will be of a far different kind then that which will be thrust upon the winner of the contest in May. UPDATE: The General was on The View this morning, performing "Pants on the Ground." And on Sunday, Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings sang "Pants" in the locker room.

Starting today, each Monday I'll be rating the "American Idol" contestants, selecting the singer I believe has the best chance to win the show.

In these first four weeks, with dozens of golden tickets to Hollywood being awarded, I'll be rounding up the contestants that we know have made it beyond the initial audition. Until this first round is over, I'll be sorting the contestants into groups depending on how far I predict they will get on the show. As weeks go by, I'll move contestants up and down as we add new players.

I won't be surfing around the Internet looking for Hollywood Week spoilers. My ratings will be based strictly upon what I see with my own two eyes on the FOX broadcasts each week.

Stats after Week 1:
Total trips to Hollywood awarded: 57
Total contestants featured on TV: 25

The Rounds:
According to Entertainment Weekly, at the end of Hollywood Week there will be 24 semifinalists. Those 24 will eventually be whittled down to the final 12, then to the final winner.

On to the ratings!

Potential finalists (12 will make it):

• Justin Williams - This guy has it all: great voice, pop star looks, made-for-TV backstory. His previous experience with Hollywood in Season 8 should give him a leg up moving on this year.


• Ashley Rodriguez - Beautiful, expressive, and the pipes of a diva. Tackled a nearly untouchable song in her audition and nailed it.

• Leah Laurenti - Strong, loud voice, but may not have the range to make it to America's vote.


• Katie Stevens - She's probably too young to make it, but she has a strong voice.


• Miriam Lemnouni - Nice voice, auditioned with a popular song, presentation seemed a little stiff.


• Jermaine Sellers - Had a very nice original take on his audition song. Good but not great voice.


• Mallorie Haley - Mary J. Blige's favorite singer from Atlanta has a great look but her audition was a little too much of a cover.


• Bryan Walker - This cop has a great story that everyone seems to love, but his twang and lack of formal experience will make it tough for him to get all the way.

• Maddie Curtis - Nice voice, a little young.


• Jennifer Hirsch - What little we saw of her wasn't overwhelming.


• Claire Fuller - Didn't get to hear enough to make a solid prediction.


• Jess Wolfe - Short clip was inconclusive, but she appeared to have a strong voice.


• Amadeo Dirrico - A great story that will have America cheering for him, but ultimately won't have the chops.


• Luke Shaffer - Pretty good, but most are.


• Mike Davis - Needs work on his presentation, but could surprise.


• Bosa Mora - A nice story, but one of the weakest golden ticket winners we saw.


• Holly Harden - "Guitar Girl" might get to perform on the final night of the show... dressed as a guitar.


• Antonio "Skiibo-Ski" Wheeler - I had to recheck my notes; wait, he made it?


• Carmen Turner


• Benjamin Bright


• Tyler Grady


• Joshua Blaylock


• Noel Reese


• Tisha Holland


• Vanessa Wolfe