Updated American Idol Season 17 Odds: Madison VanDenBurg Favored After Top 5 Announced

• Only five contestants remain on this season of American Idol
• The cutthroat competition is drawing to a close, and the odds for the favorite have changed
• Madison VenDenBurg has one-upped former favorite Laine Hardy as we head closer to the season finale

And then there were five. Just as everyone adjusted to an even eight competitors in this season of American Idol, the competition has tightened its belt once again. I mean, that’s kind of how this game works.

With a season that’s been full of surprises, it shouldn’t have surprised anyone. But still, fans were surprised that Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon didn’t make it to the top five. But that’s the world of this reality singing competition.

Who Will Win Season 17 of American Idol?

*Odds taken 05/06/19

Oh, Idol. You giveth and then you taketh away.

Just when you get used to one competitor’s strengths, they’re sent home packing, or replaced by another artist as the favorite. Truly, it keeps the show exciting and fresh and gives fans a reason to tune in each week. Missing one episode could mean you’re totally lost in the Idol world.

This show has never been for the weak of heart though, remember. Shocking dismissals and upset results are the name of the game. After all, good television never came without a few jaw-dropping moments.

The Odds, They Are A-Changin’

Madison VanDenBurg wasn’t always the favorite, though. As recently as the top eight, Laine Hardy was well ahead in the lead. But on Idol, you’re only as good as your most recent performance.

It’s quite similar to the real music business– legacy means nothing, and you have to keep on your A-game unless you want to get ousted by the next Ariana or Cardi B in this business.

Needless to say, VanDenBurg slid into the lead because of her increasingly impressive performances. This time around, she straight up stunned with a one-two punch of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” and Celine Dion’s “I Surrender”.

On Idol, you’re only as good as your most recent performance.

The pairing of these songs was a calculated move for the young singer, showing incredible range, breadth, and diversity. Idol fans are fickle voters, and keeping them impressed with a diverse performance catalog is a great maneuver — particularly when you have the pipes to back up the strategy.

With American Idol, each week presents another leg of the gauntlet, though. What if the producers throw an unfamiliar genre at the competitors? Can VanBenBurg survive something out of her comfort range? Based on her song list from this season, she has the leg up on the competition in this department.

Idol Upsets?

While VanDenBurg may be in the lead now, keep in mind she still has a few more rounds to get through. In the past we’ve seen career artists Adam Lambert and Katharine McPhee lose out to nobodies like Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen, respectively.

The favorite does not always win, and that could certainly happen here. But based on the arc of VanDenBurg’s performance history, it seems she’s slated for a win. Even with Hardy’s impressive streak on the show, he’s more of a one-trick pony at this point.

VanDenBurg is a charismatic performer, and worthy of the win. The judges love her, clearly the fans love her, and she’s a great addition to the Idol winners’ circle. Warm up a seat between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, because this one’s coming in hot.

Pick: Madison VanDenBurg (+225)