Every year, American Idol proclaims that it’s a girl’s year to win, and every year, I’m left feeling disappointed as we watch the female contestants drop one by one (Seasons 9 and 10), and witness a girl falling just short of the title at the grand finale (Seasons 9, 10, AND 11). However, it seems as if the tides have finally turned in Season 12.

For the first time in what feels like forever, the Top 5 girls have remained in tact in the Top 8 of the competition. Even better, three of those girls were named the Top 3 vote-getters during Top 10 week! With this resurgence of recognition and support for female talent, can the show finally find its first girl winner since Season 6’s Jordin Sparks in 2007? I believe so!

Just look at and listen to these five fantastic female contenders – Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Candice Glover, Janelle Arthur, and Kree Harrison…

Amber Holcomb has been likened to a young Whitney – a compliment which she certainly lives up to! There is so much raw talent in that remarkably beautiful voice of hers. As her enchanting rendition of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” showcased, she is also able to tell a story when she sings. Another thing that strikes me about the Texan teen is the sense of ease and effortlessness that she exhibits when she performs. All of those elements combined – the voice, the musicality, the performance skill – proves that she has star potential!

Angie Miller‘s outstanding Hollywood Week performance of her original song, “You Set Me Free” set her apart from the pack and earned her a lot of positive buzz as the frontrunner of Season 12. The multi-talented singer/songwriter has much to offer: a sensational voice, exceptional piano-playing skills, and artistry. The word that pops up in my head when I think about Angie is ‘reverberation’, which is perhaps due to the echoing effect of her singing on my ears which leaves me wanting more! I have a feeling that this Dreamer will continue to sing up to the heavens for many weeks to come..

Candice Glover is a cannon of a performer – she explodes the competition, delivering the best performances week after week! This dynamic diva is the most daring and passionate singer of them all. Her rendition of the dramatic “I Who Have Nothing” is a prime example of all of her strengths coming together at once – her commanding stage presence, her phenomenal vocals, her creative liberties, and her fiery attitude. As a girl who isn’t afraid to shake things up and challenge herself, Candice knows how to play the game like a pro!

If Idol offered a Miss Congeniality award, Janelle Arthur would receive that accolade, hands down! The Southern Belle initially swayed fans over with her sugary-sweet personality, but it was her simple and classic country vibe that allowed her to stand out like a swan in a lake of power belters. Janelle’s rendition of The Beatles’ love ballad, “I Will” played to all of her winning qualities, as it was full of soft restraint, delicate sounds, and grace. With her trajectory of growth, the weeks to come will be a marshmallow world for this sweetheart!

Kree Harrison‘s voice is, as Nicki Minaj so aptly described it, like a perfect plate of waffles and syrup (and honey, I’d like to add). When Kree sings, the audience is treated to a truly mesmerizing and satisfying experience. The Nashville-based musician is my absolute favourite vocalist of the group for many reasons, which includes her range (she can go up, go down, and around and around!), her versatility (she is rooted in country music, and is influenced by blues and soul), her emotional connection (she always gets right to the core meaning of the song), and her authenticity (it takes a brave singer to lay your heart and soul on stage, which she does every time). As her Top 10 Victory performance of “Evidence” proves, Kree has the chops to creep all the way to the top!

It’s about time that the girls ruled over the Idolverse! The odds are definitely in favour of my wish (for a Queen to be crowned the reigning Idol champion!) finally getting granted this May! But even if Amber, Angie, Candice, Janelle, and Kree do not win the title, they could always join forces as a girl group and give Fifth Harmony and Little Mix a run for their money…