Ranking 'American Idol' contestants: Patrick's Power Ratings week 4

Thank goodness for the end of auditions! My head is swimming in names, facts and figures and it hurts now. Let's get through Hollywood so I can jettison all this deadwood and start ranking the real contestants.

As I've written before, in these first four weeks, 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.

Starting next week I will knock this list down to a top 24 and actually rank the performers.

I don't surf 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 4:
Total trips to Hollywood awarded: 181
Total contestants featured on TV: 77

Without further ado, here's my prediction of the finish of all 77 contestants we've seen so far. (Contestants new this week have a *).

Potential Finalists (12 will make it):

• *Lacey Brown (pictured at right) - Another one who has been to Hollywood before, she seems to have used the last year to her advantage. A very strong and confident audition; this should be her year.


• *Didi Benami - Great volume control, every note was in sync, a unique sound. Can't wait to hear her again.


• *Aaron Kelly - An amazing voice and story for a 16-year-old. Chose a great song and hit a home run. Humble, with a great attitude.


• Andrew Garcia - Garcia has a great back story that will have America rooting for him. His voice and range really stood out among those we've heard so far. If he can bring some stage presence to go along with the package we've seen so far, look out ladies.


• Erica Rhodes - This former child-actor-singer that was previously featured on "Barney and Friends" has a decent chance. Although her audition bordered on outrageous, her voice and confidence can't be discounted. She'll need to prove that she's not a sideshow, but if she can do that she could make a splash.


• Jermaine Purifory - Handsome and young, Purifory has plenty of dynamic range. Judge Randy Jackson said, "Best I've heard this audition season." Although he failed to qualify on Season 7, he'll make the most of his opportunity this time. He sang an old school song for the audition, it will be interesting to see what he sounds like with a more modern song.


• 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.

Potential Semifinalists (24 will make it):

• *Mark Labriola - This man has a funky look with a funny and confident attitude to match. Great song selection for his audition, and very nice vocal range. His amazing back story could help him earn votes.


• Lloyd Thomas - With a nickname like "Big Sucsexy" (my attempt at spelling) Thomas doesn't lack in confidence. He tackled a difficult Stevie Wonder song with ease. The next Rueben Studdard? Maybe better.


• Todrick Hall - I'm right on the edge with this guy, and against the guidance of my day-job coworkers, I'm not putting him in the final 12. He clearly has guts to come in with a prototypical gimmick song and make it work (first ever to go through on a gimmick like that?). His singing was great, but I need to see a little more of a "real" song before I can put him in the finals.


• Jim Ranger - Singing an original song doesn't seem to be the kiss-of-death that it used to be. Ranger was described by Simon Cowell as "Authentic." He needs to bring a little more confidence with him to Hollywood; he's looking good.


• Tasha Layton - Picked an outstanding song for her audition, and nailed it. Layton gives hope to those that want a female "Idol" this year.


• Katelyn Epperly - The first singer featured on the Chicago episode gave us hope that there would be more talent from there. Her sultry voice made for a unique sound.


• Angela Martin - She already has two trips to Hollywood under her belt from previous seasons, and this might be her chance to break through to the other side. Her other efforts were derailed by outside issues, let's hope she can keep it together this time.


• Matt Lawrence - His bluesy, raspy sound was a welcome respite from the average "Idol" contestant. Kara loved him, but we need to hear him sing some more modern music.


• 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 lack of formal experience will make it tough for him to get all the way.

Won't get past Hollywood (the rest):

• *Danielle Hayes - There are questions about whether Danielle Hayes even actually participated in Hollywood week, but sorry Seattle, even if she did, she's a karaoke singer at best.


• * Nicci Nix - Flew in from Italy and boy were her arms tired! Her speaking voice was cartoonishly high, but her voice had a unique pop sound.


• *Haeley Vaughn - A beautiful woman with a nice attitude and interesting country twang.


• *Jessica Furney - One of the few contestants who has gotten away with singing a song by an "Idol" judge; she sang "Footprints in the Sand" by Simon Cowell. Pretty voice.


• *Amanda Shectman - This drama queen had a unique talent where she talks with her mouth closed. Impressive, but she'll need to connect more with the judges in Hollywood.


• *Michael Lynche - I'm nervous to say anything about this guy since his arms are as big as my waist. He has a very soulful voice, but pretty average overall.


• *Hope Johnson - I'm rooting for her, but I'm afraid she'll be eaten alive in Hollywood. Wonderful sultry voice.


• *Tori Kelly - Simon didn't care for this 16 year old, and neither did I. Tried too hard in her audition.


• Mary Powers - A rocker chick that looks and sounds like she was sent over from Central Casting. Great choice of songs at the audition, but may have a hard time with the pop music that seems to win this contest.


• Chris Golightly - Another good story for America to jump on, but his voice seems too high to me to get too far. Nice volume control.


• Dave Pittman - A nice tenor voice with appealing modulation. May not handle the pressure in Hollywood.


• Maegan Wright - Another good story for American to get behind, but could be overwhelmed by home responsibilities. Nice sultry voice though, almost a mix of R&B and Country.


• Charity Vance - Too young in voice and actions. Simon loved her, but not mature enough to move on.


• John Park - I've struggled with Mr. Park, but I'm convinced that as interesting as his voice is, he is too much of a baritone/bass to make music that impresses America.


• Paige DeChausse - Another pretty voice.


• Keith Semple - Nice interesting voice, but supposedly disqualified due to immigration problems.


• Shelby Dressel - Very nice audition right up to the point where she forgot the words. She made it through, but won't keep moving on if she can't remember her song.


• Jay Stone - Beatboxed better then Blake Lewis. He either won't get past Hollywood, or he's going to be in the finals. Can't decide if he's a talent or a sideshow.


• Janell Wheeler - I thought she was a little pitchy, but she had a great look.


• Cornelius Edwards - After ripping his pants, you'd think he had no chance to pass on to Hollywood. You'd be wrong.


• Bernadette and Amanda Desimone - These sisters were entertaining enough, but won't be talented enough to get to the next level.


• 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 D'Rocco - 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


• Justin Ray


• Marcus Jones


• Seth Rollins


• Brittany Starr James


• Kasi Bedford


• Kimberly Carter


• Dawntoya Thomason


• Stephanie Daulong


• Christian Spear


• *Kimberly Kerbow


• *Casey James


• *Lee Dewyze


• *Chrystal Bowersox


• *Rachel Hubbard


• *Thaddeus Johnson


• *Genesis Moore