During last weekend's road trip up to Lake Tahoe -- in our rented Ford Expedition (American Idol sponsors would be proud), we had a fun family conversation about our favorite Idol contestants in this fourth season.

Five very different answers were heard. From a 7 year-old's taste to a 45 year-old dad's picks, it's a good thing our iPod holds 1,000 songs.

One American Family's Idol IV Favorites

With Mikalah now gone, this family would be happy if any one of the Top Ten American Idol contestants won a recording contract. They all have that much potential, are vocally strong and terrific personality-wise.

That's not to say that we think all ten should win the competition. It is to say, however, that we are cheering for all ten of them.

We would buy any and all of their CDs should they get recorded.

At the same time, we admit to having only purchased Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway CD. Not that we're not crazy about Fantasia Barrino or Ruben Studdard or the other finalists from the previous three years.

After considerable thought and discussion, the five of us each picked our current favorites from American Idol Season IV.

For a forty-something year-old guy whose all-time favorite artists include The Eagles, Neil Young and Prince, Tim's Top Three List in order -- as of last week were:

Nikko Smith, Nadia Turner and Scott Savol.

"My people," he said, "have distinctive style."

Tim commented:

Nikko has this suave style - both in his appearance and the quality of his vocals. I imagine buying a Smooth Jazz CD from him.

Nadia has a sophisticated style with a hint of welcome unpredictability.

Coming from Miami, I detect a bit of Latin influence in her. I look forward to purchasing an upbeat J-Lo-like CD from her.

Scott Savol offers more of an urban Motown type of music out of a white man's body.

This soulful man has a Luther Vandross-like presence about him. Count me in to be the first to buy Suave Savol Sounds.

Could be the title of his first CD.

After last night's 90's competition, Tim said:

Nadia made a great comeback after her Mohawk performance. Nikko continues to step-up his game. And Scott, who chose a challenging song, had me cheering for him from start-to-finish, especially after the judges did not give him the highest marks.

The one and only person who actually got my vote last night, however, was Carrie Underwood.

Jennifire's Favorites

For a forty-something year-old gal whose long-time favorite artists include Van Morrison, Kenny Loggins and Bob Seger, my Top Three List -- as of last week were:

Bo Bice, Anwar Robinson and Constantine Maroulis.

I would buy a Bo, Anwar and Constantine CD for my kids, for myself and for my friends the minute it is released.

If any of the Top Ten contestants came to San Francisco, I'd invite them to dinner or offer our guest room to them.

When it comes to inspiring healthy, adventuresome, soulful living, any one of these contestants may one day be profiled in my book.

As much as I am cheering on all of the Top Ten contestants this year, when I think about the handful I imagine writing about when the show is over, Bo, Anwar, Constantine, Nadia, Vonzell and Carrie are top of mind.

I might even create a Google News Alert for these six.

This week, I voted for Carrie, Vonzell and Constantine.

Malin's Most Memorable

For a nineteen year-old Swedish teenager whose current favorite American or English artists include Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and Cher, Malin's Top Three American Idol contestants in order -- as of last week were:

Constantine Maroulis, Anwar Robinson and Bo Bice.

Malin said:

Constantine is hot. He's so good. He has the cutest smile in the world. He may not have the best voice of all the contestants, but every one of his performances have been fun to watch. He already seems like he's a star.

I liked Anwar from the beginning. I like his kind of music and I think he has a really good voice. He already seems like a pro because he always does a good job.

Bo is the kind of rocker I like. He's already a star. His choice of songs has proven he can do everything - whether people prefer a tone-down genre or not. I love to listen to him. And he believes in God, which is even better. I give him extra points for the soulful side of his personality which shines every week.

In the Nielsen overnight prime-time ratings, Fox's American Idol beat all of the other networks combined from 8 pm - 9 pm Tuesday in the key 18-49 demographic. With Malin as their primary target market, expect to see Constantine, Anwar and Bo around at least for a few more weeks.

Jessie's Jazzed About Carrie, Constantine & Vonzell

For a nine year-old tweenie-bopper whose first favorite artists included Hilary Duff, Atomic Kitten and Joss Stone, Jessie's Top Three American Idol contestants --- from the beginning of this season -- were and continue to be:

Carrie Underwood, Constantine Maroulis and Vonzell Solomon.

Jessica said:

I like the tone of Carrie's voice. I like the way it especially sounded last Tuesday night when she sang Heart's Alone.

Constantine's personality and smile shine along with his voice every time he is on stage. I especially hope he will record Sugar Pie Honey Bunch.

Vonzell's style is totally and completely awesome. (Does that sound like a nine year old?) Her hair looked especially nice last night.

She seems to have a fun personality, and there's no doubt she has one of the best voices in the competition.

Niki's Picks in Pairs

For a seven year-old "1st grade" comedian rock star-to-be whose present favorite groups / artists include U2, Joss Stone and Pink, Niki's Top Three American Idol contestants in order are (in pairs):

Carrie & Jessica, Bo & Constantine, Anwar & Nadia

I like Carrie's style and the songs she picks. I would buy her CDs and put them on my iPod. Like my dad, she grew up on a farm; so she's cool.

I like the fact that Bo and Constantine have long hair. I was glad to hear Bo never plans to cut it off.

I like the rockers in the group because I want to be one. I never heard The Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You" but my mommy said that Constantine made it sound even better than the original.

Anwar is just plain good. If he doesn't win I want to take lessons from him -- even if I have to move to New Jersey.

Nadia is up on the higher side of being a girl. She's one of the best girl singers I've ever heard.

This week, Niki wanted to be able to call 1-866-IDOLS-ALL, so she could place a vote for everyone in the competition.

Fortunately, all of our favorites ended up ultimately being "safe" last week.

We look forward to finding out what happens after last night's '90's rock-out, R&B, country competition.

And we look forward to this Friday's road trip back up to Squaw Valley and PlumpJack.

In between rockin' out to Hilary, Joss, Pink, Norah and Alicia, it should be interesting to hear what Jessie, Niki and Malin say about their IV favorites this week.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful "idol four favorite" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC

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