It’s become sort of a tradition of mine to predict who will win American Idol every year based on the audition rounds alone. I’ve had a pretty impressive track record so far. Here is a list of my picks from prior seasons with the exception of season 1. I didn’t start watching season 1 until the top 10 and at that point, it didn’t take a genius to realize Kelly Clarkson was going to win. That being said, my picks in past seasons were:

 

Season 2 – After his first audition, I picked Clay Aiken to win the whole enchilada. Ultimately I was wrong and Ruben Studdard walked away with the crown, but Clay came in second and in my book that is a win.

Season 3 – My pick for this year was 16 year old Diana DeGarmo. Again, Diana didn’t win and was ultimately bested by the god awful Fantasia Barino, but again, second place is a win in my mind.

Season 4 – This one I nailed right on the head, predicting Carrie Underwood as the winner.

Season 5 – My prediction for year 5 was none other than Chris Daughtry. Chris did wind up losing, placing fourth, but really can anyone argue with his success?

Season 6 – I’m not going to lie. I don’t remember predicting anyone this year. Season 6 was the worst season of the Idol competition by far.

Season 7 – As soon as I saw baby faced David Archuleta, he was my pick. Again David came in second to rocker David Cook, but I still believe that Archuleta has the brighter future.

This brings us to season 8 and I must confess that I picked the winner at the end of the very first episode. I’m sure that most of you remember Scott MacIntyre, the blind contestant. Don’t think that I’m being crass here, his blindness will certainly help generate sympathy votes from the viewers at home, but I genuinely believe that Scott is and will be revealed to be, quite the accomplished musician. We’ve already heard him sing once and the guy has an amazing voice. No really… his voice is amazing. I’m a big fan of Billy Joel and any time anyone attempts to sing one his songs, I cringe. I can’t help it. However, Scott sang Billy’s “And so it Goes” and not only did I not cringe, but I actually enjoyed it. I even replayed it and listened again. We know that he is a piano player and just based on his voice and the way he carries himself, I’m willing to bet he’s a damn fine one. Scott will have to get through the Hollywood rounds based on his talent alone (he will) as Simon Cowell is certainly not going to allow sympathy to be a deciding factor when determining the top 36. From there, however, it is out of his hands and in the hands of America. I’m confident that America will fall in love with and be inspired by MacIntyre, a man who has overcome his handicap to become an amazing musician. Just remember when Ryan Seacrest announces Scott MacIntyre as the winner of American Idol season 8 this May, you heard it here first.