Jordin Sparks Now Clear Favorite to Win American Idol

Betmaker.com today released its latest odds on which of the three remaining Idols will win American Idol and have now made Jordin Sparks a rather decent size -175 favorite to win the competition.  One would have to bet $1.75 to win $1.00 on top of the $1.75 initially bet.  In other words, you would realize a profit of $1.00 for every $1.75 bet.

You can place bets on American Idol here

The best betting value belongs to either Melinda Doolittle or Blake Lewis.

Doolittle has sailed through the competition as the favorite up until just two weeks ago.  Though consistent, Doolittle is seen by many as too "old fashioned" and lacks the marketing appeal for today's generation.  One discounted edge Doolittle has, however, is her birthplace just outside of Memphis Tennessee.  The deep South is traditionally an Idol stronghold.

Doolittle was now listed with +350 odds or a payout of $3.50 for every $1.00 bet.

Blake Lewis may not have the vocal range of his two counterparts but he is seen as a breath of fresh air, appeals to a wider audience, writes a lot of his own music and American Idol experts believe he can be extremely marketable.

"He is also the only male left and that makes a huge difference since the two ladies will have their votes divided amongst those whose preference it is for a woman to win," comments Gambling911.com resident Idol betting expert, Payton O'Brien.

Lewis had odds of +300 to win American Idol or a payout of $3.00 for every $1.00 bet. 

O'Brien cautions not to cut Doolittle out just yet.

"She's already proven herself to be the best singer in this competition and all Melinda Doolittle really needs is one or two 'Wow' pieces."

That is exactly what huge underdog, Elliott Yamin, did last year appearing in the final four.  A stellar vocal had everyone talking and ultimately resulted in the departure of Idol favorite, Chris Daughtry. 

"Everyone believed that Chris would easily move into the top three but Yamin's performance got a lot of people who wouldn't normally vote each week to pick up their phones while Daughtry diehards may have gotten a bit complacent."

Wednesday night's elimination show witnessed the departure of early favorite Lakisha "Kiki" Jones. 

There will be a major event in her honor in the city of her birthplace, Flint, Michigan, possibly as early as next week.

"The city is going to treat her like an idol. She deserves it," said City Attorney Trachelle Young, who was coordinating the visit by Fox camera crews with officials from the local affiliate, WSMH (Channel 66).

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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com

Originally published May 10, 2007 11:19 am ET