Philadelphia Enquirer

Who are the favorites?

Depends on whom you ask. Simon has anointed Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler as his picks, but we think he's blowing smoke up our kilt.

Here is how we handicap the Idol field, with our own odds on each:

Ace Young: Ladies and gentlemen, your next American Idol. How do I know? I looked over at my wife last week when this gorgeous 25-year-old from Los Angeles was trilling Michael Jackson, and she was grinning from ear to ear. Ace trumps all. The rest of the singers are just competing for second billing order on the Idol summer tour. 2-1