I've usually been miserably wrong about who will win at this stage of the "Idol" competition. Crystal Boweresox? David Archuleta? Danny Gokey? No, no and NO. Last year was an exception: Phillip Phillips was an early favorite and I used my Georgia bias to pick him to win to whole kit and kaboodle. And guess what? He actually won!

This year I'll probably revert to form and just get it plain wrong. "Idol," which has seen a sharp reduction in buzz and viewers this season despite new judges and much effort by the "Idol" marketing/PR departments, is clearly gunning for a female winner after five guys in a row. Will the much superior female talent make a difference? It just might.

Here's my top 10. I usually do this prediction before the first performance show. I actually forgot to do it in time. So we now have the wisdom of seeing them perform one more time and the men and women side by side for the first time. Here's how I see it playing out, though I am torn on who will actually win:

1) Candice Glover.  Last night's performance proves she's ready for primetime. She is a commanding singer with emotive performances to boot. She conveys so much confidence, though, that I'm not 100% convinced she'll get the votes. Being a bit of a gee-whiz underdog tends to help. Odds of winning: 3-2

2) Kree Harrison: She possesses a special humbleness, a similar persona that propelled Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to victory. And like those ladies, she possesses the requisite vocal talent, too. So if she picks the right songs and brings enough "moments" to the fore, she might just outmaneuver Candice in the finals. Odds of winning 2-1

3) Burnell Taylor. I figure a guy has to finish in the top 5, right? Who would that guy be? Conventional wisdom would point to Devin as the best vocalist of a weak male lot. But I'm going to go for the younger guy with a smidge more sex appeal in Burnell. Though he hasn't blown me away at any stage, he could sneak up on us, Elliot Yamin style and fins his way into the top 3. Odds of winning: 7-1

4) Angie Miller. She's a bit of a wild card. Behind the piano, she's been without peer. Without the piano, I find her far less distinctive. She can certainly sing but what type of artist is she? I can't quite figure it out yet. Perhaps that vision will clear as the weeks go along. Odds of winning 7-1

5) Amber Holcomb. She also has serious vocal skills, along the lines of Sparks season 6 but more confident. That points to a possible final three finish. But I'm not sure she has the personality to pull in the votes given her competition. I could be totally wrong on that front. I know I didn't pick Jordin at this stage season six. It may depend if Amber can find a lane and not veer from it or throw us a positive surprise every so often. Odds of winning: 10-1

6) Lazaro Arbos. Great back story, a very vulnerable, relatable personality and quite good  in a limited range of songs.  But he may be a wee bit too one note to make it top 5. Odds of winning: 20-1

7) Devin Velez. I like Devin. He's a nice guy with a nice voice. He may build a following but I'm not sure we need another Clay Aiken a decade later.  He could be a surprise early departure. Odds of winning: 80-1

8) Paul Jolley. The token white guy in the top 10, he doesn't appear to be remotely edgy or dangerous or much of anything. I don't get why he's here but he may stick around because some folks inexplicably like the guy. Weak voice, weak personality, soon-to-be-forgotten fodder. Odds of winning: 1,000-1

9) Janelle Arthur She's vivacious, with a sweet voice but she is so old fashioned, she lacks any connection to country music today. And Kree Harrison is in the way. Odds of winning: 2,000-1

10) Curtis Finch Jr.  He is like a poor man's Michael Lynche. He lacks a natural feel on stage. Everything feels like an act. He's a goner, if not sooner, soon enough. Odds of winning: 10 billion-1