Ayla reveals her 'Idol' predictions

If you want to spend some alone time tonight or Wednesday night, don't prop yourself near a television; you'll likely be one of a crowd gathered to watch the final two episodes of "American Idol," TV's highest rated show even after six seasons of suspense-filled competition.

With the field narrowed to just two contestants the suspense is higher than ever, which should explain why the finale is two hours long, despite the fact that it takes about 10 seconds to announce this year's winner.

Still standing in the search for a superstar are 17-year-old Jordin Sparks and 25-year-old Blake Lewis, who sports highlights and a talent to beat box.

The Sun Chronicle spoke to Ayla Brown of Wrentham, last year's local "American Idol" contestant and 13th place finisher, about who will win, who will sell records and how long "Idol" can last:

SC: Are you surprised about the final two contestants?
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AB: I'm a little surprised about Blake, just because I think he has such a cool thing going for him with the beat boxing, but I didn't think it would get him into the final two. I think he has a great career ahead of him, but in terms of picking him as the next "American Idol," I find it a little harder to do that. I'm really glad Jordin is in the final two. And Melinda (Doolittle), I was (surprised she got voted off) in terms of her talent, but demographically, the people who watch "American Idol" are usually people like Blake and Jordin, and want someone young and hip to win the competition.

SC: What do you see as Jordin and Blake's strengths and weaknesses?

AB: I think they're both talented in completely different ways. In terms of singing I feel as though Jordin has a wider range of vocal skills and she can do a lot with her voice, whereas I think Blake is just a completely different vibe that America is fascinated with, kind of like Taylor Hicks.

What type of song should the contestants sing for their final performance?

AB: Blake should sing something that incorporates beat boxing, because that's what's getting him further along in the competition and that's what everyone seems to really enjoy. Jordin will hopefully choose a younger song than what she's been doing in the past because Simon keeps commenting on that … maybe something by Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey.

SC: Who do you think will win?

AB: I'm leaning more toward (Jordin) just based on popularity. Based on people I've talked to who watch the show, everyone just seems to say Jordin…She's so young and "American Idol" hasn't had a young winner yet, so I think she has a really good shot at being successful.

SC: Who do you think will have the more successful recording career?

"Probably Blake, because he can do reggae and he can do the whole beat boxing thing. I could see him doing that whole contemporary vibe sort of thing and being extremely successful with it. (Jordin) would be successful too. However, we've seen singers like her in the past.

SC: Which contestants do you think should have advanced further in the competition?

AB: I was disappointed that Stephanie Edwards didn't get put into the top 12, and Sabrina Sloan. I think those two were ones that America really got wrong in the earlier competitions, and I feel like if they had gotten in it would have been a different story.

SC: Who will likely have the most successful career out of the Top 12?

AB: I think Chris Richardson will end up being pretty successful just because all the females seem to really, really like him. He's kind of like the next Justin Timberlake … And I don't want to say Sanjaya (Malakar), but somehow I think Sanjaya's going to come out and be really successful. People can't get enough of him.

SC: How long do you think the show can remain a ratings juggernaut?

AB: Everyone that I talk to, honestly, every single person watches it and none of them seem to be sick of it, and they've been watching it since season one. Based on trends that are happening with voting, people want different (types of contestants) in the competition and that's why they're voting for Sanjaya and Blake and Taylor Hicks. So I don't know if people are rebelling or just want someone obscure and unseen. But honestly I can't see "American Idol" fading out anytime soon.

SC: What is the likelihood of season six contestants releasing albums?

AB: I'm curious to see how many release albums this year. It just seems as though season five had so many talented people that had the ability to release an album because they were just popular or talented enough. (Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee have all released relatively high-profile albums since last season).

SC: What are you thoughts on your own album, "Forward," (released last October)?

AB: I'm just so thankful to have the opportunity, and that someone saw the potential in me to make an album, because not all the people in the world get the ability to have that happen to them, so it's really a good feeling.

(Incidentally, Brown's single "Forward" has been getting airplay on local radio stations as well as stations in states as far away as Colorado, Hawaii and Florida. Brown heard her song on the radio for the first time when she was moving out of her dorm room at Boston College, where she just finished her freshman year. "It was really funny because it was like ending a whole freshman year but hopefully starting a new one," she said.

Her album is available at local outlets as well as online through her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/aylabrown.)

SC: What would happen if any of the "American Idol" judges changed?

AB: I think if there were judge changes, people wouldn't watch it. And because it's such a popular television show, I don't think "Idol" would take that chance.

SC: What will America do once "Idol" ends?

AB: Honestly I have no idea. It's one of the sadder parts of my year. At least I kind of kept myself busy when the show was over (last year) and I still was able to go and perform. But for the general public, I think they have a really hard time with it. I think TV is also trying to find other ways to make up for it like "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Got Talent." But nothing compares to "Idol."