Kellie Pickler Leaves American Idol, Bettors Surprised

NEW YORK -- Simon Cowell predicted she would be in the top three at the start of the fifth season of American Idol, and sportsbook.com bettors felt the same way about Kellie Pickler. But the journey
Kellie Pickler from American Idol  of America's new sweetheart came to an abrupt end when the 19 year old from Albemarle, NC got the hook Wednesday night. Last week Pickler had 5-1 odds at sportsbook.com and 17.0 per cent of the wagers in her favor, but her rendition of Unchained Melody didn't score with audience voters.

The number one and two favorites at Sportsbook.com remain unchanged with Chris Daughtry, a 13-10 favorite received 24.7 per cent of wagers to-date and Katharine McPhee at 11-5 garnering 21.8 per cent of bettors' backing.

"This week more people voted on American Idol than ever before and it was no different at Sportsbook.com," said Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director, Sportsbook.com. "As the popularity of reality TV continues to grow so does fan interest in wagering on the outcome. Everybody bets on Reality TV."

The likeliest contestant to be sent packing next week is Paris Bennett. She has the worst odds of winning at 20-1, according to the odds makers.

American Idol Season 5 (FOX)
                Who Will be The Winner     % of Where $ is
Chris Daughtry     13-10                      24.7%
Katharine McPhee   11-5                       21.8%
Taylor Hicks       12-5                       10.9%
Elliott Yamin      9-1                        4.7%
Paris Bennett      20-1                       10.0%
Rest                                          27.9%

Female    2-5      47.6%
Male      9-5      52.4%

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