By Dianne Austin

I’m not trying to make it sound like a horse race, but the title just sums up my feelings about it all. And since I haven’t given a prediction yet (I was ready to pick Mario as the winner even before last week’s show), I thought I’d come out of hiding and offer an opinion about who I thought had the best odds this time around.

Actually, Mario was it for me from the first time I saw him. The reason I hesitated on the call is I wanted to pronounce a second and a third, and I was just not sure about those placements. I’m still not, to tell you the truth, but after this week’s go around with the boys, I think Anwar has a pretty good stab at it. I don’t really like him all that much, but he’s got a lot going for him, and I just know there are a large number of people rushing to the phone each week to punch in his number. He’s got presence, a nice smile, good personality, a voice, and he’s a music teacher—you can’t beat that with a stick. Still, he’s not my type, but I do think he’ll make number three—wait, maybe number two.

Jessica is my call for the girls. Some might be prettier and have better stage presence, while others have the moves and better clothes. But for best vocal talent, it’s Jessica by a long shot. And on this show, especially for the girls, it’s the voice that wins out. I call her at number two, possibly number three.

Yes, it is still a dilemma—I’m not sure at this point of the number two and number three spots.

But I’m pretty sure of number one—my choice—Mario. This kid has that unbeatable “something” about him that you need to become a successful American Idol. Wait—what do I mean by putting that adjective in there? In my opinion, we’ve had two successful idols. Their names? Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. It doesn’t matter that Clay didn’t win. The show produced him—we may never have had him if not for AI, and he IS, without a doubt, a success. Therefore, I’m putting him in the group, along with Kelly. Ruben—not successful in my book—he didn’t have that “something.” Fantasia—am I being too premature? Maybe, but I don’t think she has it either.

Mario has it. He’s got the sweet and sexy smile, the twinkle in his Latin eyes, the moves, the confidence, the verbal presence AND the voice! That boy can sing. You see, I’m partial to those guys that sing in an upper register—and boy can he ever! I have heard the promise of a killer vocal lurking in that sweet sound since he started, and I’m still waiting for him to knock our socks off, which he’ll probably do come next week. It’s brewing inside of him and it’s ready to explode. It will be similar to how the cynics felt when they heard Clay sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (well, I don’t know that anything will ever equal that). Still, I think Mario has something that will get close to giving us that feeling of elation. He’s just got “it” and perhaps not everyone knows it yet.

He’s definitely in there for the top twelve. Top six—yes! Top three—I think so! American Idol—I hope so!! Keep your eye on that kid, Mario Vasquez--he’s got the makings of a star!

Editor: Michelle Arce