**Official Discussion week of 1/23-1/24**

[mynamewastaken]

I actually liked Castro, but I'll be surprised if he even makes it to the top24. If he does, he could be a good short-term investment as he is bound to rise in value when he develops a cult following.

Sundance is definitely the one to watch for thusfar, although I could easily see him being the 'surprise ejection' a la Constantine (or even Latoya, but that's a different story). If he opens way high, he could be an interesting short. He's definitely making top12 but he's by no means a lock to win.

Backup singer will fall by the wayside. I don't think she makes it past the semis. Lack of beauty and confidence means she gets lost in the fray when people are still undecided as to their favorites. Unless she gets placed in a REALLY weak group I don't think she'll be top2 in the semis... maybe a wild card/judges' choice but I doubt it.

Nobody else stood out to me in Memphis, but I urge everybody not to put too much stock in these early auditions. Many great contestants come out of nowhere, and just because we saw Taylor's audition last year does not mean we will see the winner's first audition this year (until he/she makes it far, and then they show it to fill time during a results show)