“American Idol” is over, and it’s time to fly, little Idols. RedEye grades the finalists’ first studio offerings from the “Season 5 Encores” CD and predicts their futures.
Taylor Hicks
“Idol” finish: 1st
CD song: “Takin It to the Streets.” Michael Bolton channeling Michael McDonald? Nah. Grudgingly, Hicks gets props here.
In five years: His Clay Aiken-like appeal fades, and he’s relegated to sidekick on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Just before it’s canceled.
Katharine McPhee
“Idol” finish: 2nd
CD song: “Think.” “How cute,” remarks Aretha Franklin before sitting on her.
In five years: With a moderately successful pop album and stint on “The O.C.” under her belt, Broadway’s “Chicago” awaits.
Elliott Yamin
“Idol” finish: 3rd, voted off May 17
CD song: “Moody’s Mood for Love.” Old-timey, sure, but he blows away the others.
In five years: Buzz from singing backup on several rap hits helps him relaunch solo career.
Chris Daughtry
“Idol” finish: 4th, voted off May 10
CD song: “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Polished and powerful, but “Hemorrhage” would’ve been better.
In five years: Leaves his third band to front super-group of Dave Navarro, Slash and Dave Grohl. “Disastrous” doesn’t cover it.
Paris Bennett
“Idol” finish: 5th, voted off May 3
CD song: “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The studio is where she shines best. Not bad, kid.
In five years: Makes a nice living singing jingles for laundry detergent commercials.
Kellie Pickler
“Idol” finish: 6th,voted off April 26
CD song: “Walkin’ After Midnight.” A pretty decent effort, actually.
In five years: Dolly Parton takes her under wing, only to dismiss her when she asks, “What’s a wang?”
Ace Young
“Idol” finish: 7th,voted off April 19
CD song: “Father Figure.” He’s no George Michael, but sounds legitimate enough for his audience of teens and horny soccer moms.
In five years: Will reach about Nick Lachey level on the charts after his divorce from Denise Richards.
Bucky Covington
“Idol” finish: 8th,voted off April 12
CD song: “Superstition.” Countrified version will be offensive to R&B and country music lovers.
In five years: He and his twin brother will star in a CW sitcom about triplets called “Bucky and Rocky and Bullwinkle.”
Mandisa
“Idol” finish: 9th, voted off April 5
CD song: “Every Woman.” What happened, Mandy? You were more polished and energetic live on stage.
In five years: A slimmed down Mandisa puts out her second CD, then boots Kirstie Alley as the spokeswoman for Jenny Craig.
Lisa Tucker
“Idol” finish: 10th,voted off March 29
CD song: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Sounds like she’s singing into her hairbrush at a slumber party.
In five years: Will leave the Disney Channel to be “young host” No. 17 on “The View.”
Kevin Covais
“Idol” finish: 11th,voted off March 22
CD song: “When I Fall In Love.” What you might imagine a romantic night would be with the Keebler elf.
In five years: Will make list of cutest of celebrity mug shots on thesmokinggun.com.
Melissa McGhee
“Idol” finish: 12th,voted off March 15.
CD song: “What About Love.” A little rough but a lot of potential, much like Kelly Clarkson in the early days.
In five years: At this point, Vegas would be a victory.
