Although I disavowed the current state of “American Idol” not too long ago, I do have to say, this season has really impressed me so far. I started watching around the top 24 (my mom got me sucked in, and, hey, it’s the last season), and, now that it’s down to the top five, there’s not a single contestant I don’t like. Not everyone can win, though, so read on for why I think each member of the top five can win in a few weeks — but also, why each member could get voted off in the coming weeks.

Mackenzie Bourg

Why he’ll win: Today’s music industry eats up Bourg’s acoustic singer-songwriter style of music. He has a talent in that he can turn pop songs on their edge and make them sound completely different, but still great, like what he did with “Billie Jean” last week. From the cheers I’ve heard on live shows, he seems to have the teenage vote on his side too, which can’t hurt.

Why he won’t: After a while, a lot of Bourg’s music sounds the same to me. He tries to switch it up every now and again by leaving his guitar behind, but he’s definitely stronger while playing guitar, so one non-guitar song could break his success leading up to the finals.

Trent Harmon

Why he’ll win: People who steer toward soul music tend to be pretty successful with ‘Idol,’ and Harmon should be no exception to that. He sings with emotion — imperative to his success with soul music — and he seems to be one of the most sincere of all the contestants when he performs. When Harmon performs, he isn’t restricted by genre either, as he proved last week that he can even kill a Lynyrd Skynyrd song.

Why he won’t: Harmon usually succeeds on slower songs and ballads, so a more upbeat or pop-oriented song could make him fade away as a not-as-memorable performance. Also, he’s competing with the other “Idol” resident soul singer, La’Porsha Renae, so he needs to do what he can to stand apart from her.

Dalton Rapattoni

Why he’ll win: Rapattoni’s slightly punk-influenced rock has never been well-represented on “Idol,” and, with this being the final season, America might just be ready for a rock winner to succeed in the pop world. His experience as a vocal coach means he has great technique, but his true talent lies in making the songs he performs different, like he did with a heavily orchestrated “Eleanor Rigby.” And, like Bourg, the teenagers are on Rapattoni’s side.

Why he won’t: He may be innovative in his performances, but Rapattoni’s vocals aren’t always as big or impressive as some of the other contestants. On the flipside of Bourg, Rapattoni doesn’t excel behind the guitar, so if he has another moment like he did with “Numb” this past week, that could spell out the end.

La’Porsha Renae

Why she’ll win: Renae has been an early front-runner in this year’s competition, and rightfully so. The same R&B-soul mix she performs brought success to Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and Candice Glover in past seasons, and she’s on her way to following in their footsteps. Renae clearly sings with passion and purpose, and her past experiences in an abusive relationship make her performances, particularly last week’s “No More Drama,” especially inspiring.

Why she won’t: Sorry, but I have nothing here. I don’t. She’s my choice to win (even though I want Rapattoni to be successful as well).

Sonika Vaid

Why she’ll win: Of all the contestants, Vaid seems to be the most ready to succeed in pop music right now. I really appreciate that she incorporates electronic instrumentation into a lot of her songs, which shows she has a great perception of the pop landscape. She can sing big songs as well, like the legendary “Idol” song “I Have Nothing.”

Why she won’t: Vaid has had a ton of run-ins with near-elimination, and was most recently saved last week. If voting patterns stay the same, she likely won’t be around for much longer.

Even though I’m sad to see a cultural touchstone like “American Idol” go away, I couldn’t have imagined a better final season. I can’t wait to see how it plays out, and, regardless of outcome, I truly believe the season 15 winner will have earned the title.

Senior Justin Curto is an avid music lover whose tastes range from alternative rock to dance pop. He enjoys supporting the Kansas City music scene by listening longer to 96.5 The Buzz, rocking out to local music and seeing artists live at his favorite venues in the area.