As I said yesterday — the day when I called him Jason Cook, as the show has clearly worn me down, too — he’s done enough to have a career outside of the show and my money is that he will make an album about as good and true to himself (the ultimate Paula criteria) as David C.

That doesn’t mean he won’t make it in the business. His sound translates well to both radio and the stage, he has a likeable personality, and he could easily wind up with the best musical career of the remaining finalists. Kellie Pickler was the resident “Idol” doofus two seasons ago and has done just fine since, using both her personality and her voice.

Q: Since you had less experience than most of the other contestants, what do you think the judges saw in you to put you through to the top 24?

A: I think it was the potential, you know? Just because I was so new at it and what I had done so far, I think it showed enough potential that I could be something. ... I'm very much what the show was originally about. I am kind of as raw as it gets. I haven't done much of anything, singing-wise.