Jon Bream has asked me to join him in ranking the remaining “American Idol” finalists as a guest contributor to the PopLife blog. I’ve been writing the weekly previews of the show in the Star Tribune for the past few years.

Here’s how I’d rank ‘em:

1) Katharine McPhee: It’s funny how people keep mentioning Broadway when it comes to McPhee, because I hear a jazz-vocal background more than anything. She has the looks, charisma and chops to go all the way. My only problem with her is that I have no idea what kind of album she would produce–something along the lines of Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion or Norah Jones? She could do any of them, but I hope for something more sophisticated like the latter.

2) Chris Daughtry: It’s really a toss-up between this refreshing rocker and McPhee. He has a very “now” sound and has shown an intriguing softer side in recent weeks. It would be cool to see a guy win again. The only caveat is whether he’d have any cred (as an “Idol” winner) with the hard-rockin’ audience he seems to be courting.

3) Taylor Hicks: I pegged the “silver fox,” as female fans call him, as a dark horse when the competition started, and that’s where he remains. He has an incredible stage presence, but still might be too “old school” to be commercially viable–although it’s all in the marketing.

4)Elliott Yamin: Yamin has an incredible voice; he just lacks charisma. That’s a major caveat, although he’s been coming on strong lately. His “Somebody to Love” was absolutely astonishing.

5)Paris Bennett: I’m not a fan. Her overly stylized vocals seem out of step with today’s market, although her talent is undeniable. I also have no idea what she is; she has a new look and style every week. I do know that she doesn’t want viewers to know she hails originally from Minnesota–banking on that Southern thing that Jon mentioned. I get the impression that there’s this huge, unseen marketing machine behind her.

6)Kellie Pickler: The country girl has overstayed her welcome, with a simpleton act that’s more grating than ingratiating. Her rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was passable, but “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” was so incredibly bad that she doesn’t deserve to stay much longer.

Post your comments to let us know what you think.

How would you rank the “American Idol” finalists?

1. Chris Daughtry. He rocks and his ballads are believable. Plus the camera — and the voters — love his sincere eyes.

2. Katharine McPhee. She’s got a boffo Broadway voice (helps when your mom is a vocal coach) but she’s yet to prove her versatility. Plus, will voters elect a Californian? (Note: All the other finalists are Southerners. Surprise! Surprise!)

3. Paris Bennett. She has consistently shown the best stage presence but her versatility and chameleon-like nature (new ‘do and look every week) have made her personality somewhat invisible.

4. Kellie Pickler. Her adorable personality has carried her farther than anyone imagined, but, at 19, she’s a better singer than even she realizes. Her “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a big moment but can she succeed outside of her comfort zone?

5. Taylor Hicks. Nice voice, hammy albeit likable stage presence, but he’s limited. This is a competition for “American Idol,” not to find the next Michael Buble.

6. Elliott Yasmin. Nice voice but everything else about him is so above-average at best.

Click on the Comments link to post your rankings.