So here we are – the top 8 American Idol finalists left standing. But who will win it all? Not so fast, David Archuleta – you’re a crowd favorite, but there are a few contestants who are gaining momentum with solid performances every week (David Cook, Michael Johns – I’m lookin’ at you guys).

As for the ladies, Brooke White has that Carly Simon vibe that may or may not translate to the masses and Carly Smithson, who is really old-hat at this with a failed recording career in her past, but may rise from the ruins.

So, check out these fab American Idol top 8 finalist bios, complete with the juicy gossip we could dig up and video footage of their performances. Then sound off on who your favorite is and who will win.

• Brooke White
• David Cook
• Jason Castro
• Carly Smithson
• David Archuleta
• Kristy Lee Cook
• Syesha Mercado
• Michael Johns