By Richard Rushfield, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
Here's a tip sheet, handicapping the contenders and the soon-to-be also-rans of Season 7.
Please remember, all opinions made based on these first glimpses are subject to change, many, many times, before we reach the Kodak Theatre in May.
CONTESTANT:
Michael Johns
THE SHPIEL: Duende from Down Under
CORE VOTING BLOCK(S): Female viewers, all ages.
STRENGTHS: Enormous star power
WEAKNESSES: Frankly grown up and sensual appeal (see Ann Powers’ Idolbanter) may terrify the youth vote.
IDOL PREDECESSOR: Unprecedented
COCKINESS QUOTIENT (1 – 10): 9
STAR POWER(1 – 10): 10
