In honor of the American Idol Finale, I made a Top 5 list on singers I'd like to see on the show. Current rules bar anyone who has had a record deal from competing, so don’t count on seeing these faces on the show anytime soon. That, and not one of these guys would be caught dead around Simon (S)Cowell. At the end of the post, you'll find a link to a playlist featuring 2 songs by each of these vocalists.
Note: This is NOT my Top 5 singers of all-time; just five vocalists who I think would be able to actually win, based on vocal talent, look, and personality.

5. Jason Lancaster - ex-Mayday Parade/Go Radio
Pop/rock at its best. Make sure you listen to the right guy; Mayday is duel-vocals, and the other singer isn’t as good. Lancaster’s got a unique tone to his voice and hits highs with the best of them. The chorus of “I’d Hate To Be You…” is pretty impressive. “I Miss You” from his new band, Go Radio, shows a strong falsetto as well.


4. Rody Walker - Protest The Hero

Mind introduced me the these guys a few days ago, and the vocals definitely fit the list. Awesome name aside, Rody Walker wails abnormally high, which sounds pretty cool. Not sure I could sit through a whole album of it, but singing two covers a week, for a live audience, he could have success in the Idol format. The Adam Lambert support makes me think America would dig Rody.


3. Kurt Travis - Dance Gavin Dance

A friend of mine bought a DGD disc after one verse of Kurt straining “YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO YOUR FRIENDS!” Songs like “Me and Zoloft…” from the self-titled album showcase his power, while songs from Happiness like “Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1” are smoother. Hear it for yourself, they’re both in the mix.


2. Daniel Rinaldi - Bedlight For Blue Eyes

He just comes off as the nicest guy ever, which is huge for votes. I would never admit that him taking the edge out of BFBE was good for the band, but his brand of pop/rock-meets-R&B found on the band’s second release was excellent. He’s got that scene-look that we all love, an incredible voice, and a smile sure to garner text message votes (or Paula Abdul flirting/stuttering). Check out "Waste My Time" and "Broken Door" for evidence.


1. Christian Guerrero - ex-Bedlight For Blue Eyes

Yeah yeah, I’m picking two guys from the same band. Deal with it, because this guy’s voice is unbelievable. The guy got a vocal scholarship to Boston Conservatory of Music, for Christ’s sake. No one can compare to his range; he’s all over the place, using a lower register, higher than high notes and screams multiple times throughout each song, along with Idol-esque vocal licks. "Ephermal Addictions" showcases his ability better than any other song. Bonus: he’s already done two amazing covers, one of which I’m giving you. Go find BFBE’s cover of Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” on Punk Goes 90’s, and enjoy their version of "Livin' On A Prayer," track 10 on the mix.


There you have it. Go buy these guy's CD's + merch. I'd love for some debate in the comments section, because I know I left a few qualified people off this list. Here's the tracklisting for the mix:

1. Go Radio - I Miss You (Jason Lancaster)
2. Mayday Parade - I'd Hate To Be You... (Jason Lancaster)
3. Protest The Hero - Bone Marrow (Rody Walker)
4. Protest The Hero - Sequoia Throne (Rody Walker)
5. Dance Gavin Dance - Me & Zoloft Get Along Just Fine (Kurt Travis)
6. Dance Gavin Dance - Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1 (Kurt Travis)
7. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Waste My Time (Daniel Rinaldi)
8. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Broken Door (Daniel Rinaldi)
9. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Ephermal Addictions (Christian Guerrero)
10. Bedlight For Blue Eyes - Livin' On A Prayer (Christian Guerrero)

And what you've all been waiting for: the link. Download your little hearts out.