Young, McPhee favored in ‘Idol’ odds

Mon., Feb. 20, 2006

Zap2it.com

With “American Idol” moving into its public-voting phase, online bookies have begun laying odds on the 24 semifinalists. And if the oddsmakers are right, we could be headed for an Ace Young-Katharine McPhee showdown.

Online gaming site PinnacleSports.com has Young as the early favorite, with odds of 7-to-2 to become the first male “Idol” since 2003. McPhee is right behind at 4-1, with 17-year-old Paris Bennett at 5-1.

British bookie Paddy Power has McPhee and Bennett as co-favorites at 5-1, with Young and three others at 7-1.

“Idol” begins its semifinal rounds on Tuesday with performances by the 12 female singers. The guys follow on Wednesday, and two from each group will be sent home during a live results show Thursday.

The process repeats for two weeks after that to determine the final 12.

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