The Tribune

By LESH AFTER THE tearful elimination of Jermaine "Gentle Giant" Jones in Las Vegas, American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson voted to give the 25 year old a second chance in this season's competition. Viewers took to the FOX Network for three nights last week to see 25 talented singers whittled down to 13. Speaking to In Ya Ear, a number of Idol fans shared their personal views on the top picks from the remaining contestants. Contestant Phillip Phillips, 21 year's old "I like him because I think he's cute and his voice is to die for. He is definitely my choice for the overall winner. I just hope he stays focused because I feel as if these singers lose it after becoming too comfortable in the competition, so all the best to Phillip the hottie," said Tammy.* Contestant Joshua Ledet, 19 year's old Taking to The Tribune's website, an anonymous fan wrote: " This years talent is awesome. It would be very difficult to pick who stays and who goes, but I have to say Joshua Ledet blew us all away. He is incredible." Contestant Skylar Laine, 18 year's old " I love this girl. She is one of the best to me and I want to see her advance and make the Top 5, or maybe even the Top 3. When I hear this girl sing, it just makes me want to get in front of my mirror with my brush and comb and just sing my life away. Her voice has that effect," said Felicia.* Contestant Erika Van Pelt, 26 year's old " The good thing about Ericka is, her voice stands out from the rest of the contestants. Her voice is kind of deep but it takes me back to a Toni Braxton, if she was a country singer. So my vote is with Erika all the way to the end, if only I could really give her my vote, that would be good," said Alaine.* Contestant Elise Testone, 28 year's old "I still have the song she sang, "One and Only", ringing in my ears. She is my pick for the ultimate winner, I just hope they do her justice in the competition and give her a chance," said Camille* Contestant DeAndre Brackensick, 17 year's old "He has to grow on you because he can come off too soft and sometimes too high pitched when he sings, but he isn't so bad. And out of all, he is the only one I can seem to gel with," said Kayla* Contestant Heejun Han, 22 year's old "I think the guys are better than the girls this year. If he wins, he would be the first Asian to win, and it is time for a change. His personality and everything is right for the competition," said Kim* Contestant Hollie Cavanagh, 18 year's old "All I can say is, Go Hollie Go. She is just so cute, I am not connected to any of the contestants on this season's show, but if I had to choose, I would go with her," said Dani.* Contestant Colton Dixon, 20 year's old "How can you not love Colton? He is super sexy and that gold streak in his hair is hot! I am sure his sex appeal will get him further in the competition," said Crystal.* Contestant Shannon Magrane, 16 year's old "You would be insane to not vote for Shannon, I mean, who else is there that can be competition for her on the show?" said Gina.* Contestant Jermaine Jones, 25 year's old "I like Jermaine's attitude and personality, more than I like his singing. But I think with the right vocal coaches, he can make it, even if he does not end up winning. His faith in God will take him far places in his career," said Carol.* Contestant Jessica Sanchez, 16 year's old " I have been watching her since she got her golden ticket to Hollywood and she has visible talent and potential. She is already a winner in my eyes," said Suzie.* Contestant Jeremy Rosado, 16 year's old "When this guy sang and cried for his chance to be in the top 13, that really touched me. He fell to his knees and sang his heart out. I even think I saw J Lo crying for a moment when he sang. He might not be the best thing smoking, but hey, he is capable and he is my choice for this season," said Judy.* American Idol will continue this Wednesday with the top 13 singing for America's votes. The remaining contestants will be mentored by Grammy award winning singer Mary J Blige. The men will take on music by Stevie Wonder and the women will pay special tribute to the late and legendary Whitney Houston. Stay tuned. *Names have been changed.