A weekly feature here will be my Top 5 performances of the week, usually posted on Thursdays. Because this week was comprised of Season 7's first two audition sites, I thought I'd start by explaining how I came up with this ranking.

And, the formula could change week to week. In fact, it will.

The Idol audition is not only about offering great vocals but also about emitting potential star power. Each year, we watch these, and then when some of the contestants become successes, we wonder how they went from Point A to Point B.

What I'd submit is that this "star power" either exists or it doesn't, and not even our fairest judges always recognize it.

Check out Chris Daughtry's Season 5 audition:

Are you kidding me?

Simon said, "No?"

No charisma? No stand-alone star power?

Of course, in retrospect, we understand now that Chris Daughtry is the single most important Idol contestant of all time. Not the best-selling yet, and even with the controversy he's embroiled in regarding his comments to Rolling Stone, it doesn't lessen the fact that Idol must focus on pushing those with an edge to the forefront.

So, as I examine each audition, I'm looking for both vocal prowess and edge, with a focus on whether or not I think the contestant has star viability.

And that means, for me, Kady Malloy of Houston doesn't even make my Top 5 list. Sure, her impersonation of Britney Spears was uncanny. And, yes, her "actual" vocals on "Unchained Melody" were stellar, and most of America, I think, believes she was the standout of the week. However, making her the next American Idol would reinforce critics who say that the show has no real impact on the music industry in terms of critical quality.

It's not that she wasn't good. It's that she had no edge. No soul.

Watch Malloy, and tell me if you disagree:

OK then, here are my Top 5 auditions for Week 1:

No. 5: Joey Catalano

The high, soft soulful tone to his voice, combined with kind of a nerdy hip-hop look make this guy a sleeper in my book. He noted that ever since losing 205 pounds, he was "on fire," and that's what I want in a soul singer.

The challenge for Catalano is in being able to diversify without succumbing to the schmaltziness of any particular genre of music or theme week.

No. 4: Chris Watson

The 20-year-old talks like he smokes a pack of Reds a day but has an uber-contemporary style to his look and his voice. Given that he's interested in rock bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, I'm really eager to see how this guy performs in Hollywood.

No. 3: Colton Swon

I said it from the beginning: Idol needs to embrace its country audience, and to do so doesn't mean the contestant has to adhere to traditional country standards. The "red dirt" country movement, if you will, is super popular with young people, rural and urban alike, and the success of acts like Jason Aldean and Little Big Town reinforce it.

I would agree with the judges that Colton would have to work on stage presence a bit, and I would also acknowledge that put side-to-side against Chris Daughtry, Colton's audition doesn't compare terribly favorably. However, it's not THAT distant.

He's got the look, the style, the edge and most importantly a good enough voice to have a real shot at stardom.

No. 2: Pia Easley

Pia, or "Zpia" as she's called, offers kind of an urban rock edge, and she reminds me of Meshell Ndegeocello a ton. She's super urban, hip and definitely has that aforementioned edge, and my hope beyond hope is that she tackles some rock. A legitimate black female rocker would turn Idol critics upside-down.

No. 1: Kristy Lee Cook

What most of you don't know is that Kristy is already signed to a development deal with Arista Nashville. However, because it was not a record deal, she was allowed to compete so long, I think, as she severed those ties.

No, there isn't as much of an edge here with Kristy as there was with some of the others, but there was enough, particularly in terms of her personality. She's a cage fighter and is beautiful, and given that the country music industry is chock-full of brilliant writers who can help give her an edge, I think she is an absolute shoo-in for stardom, one way or another.

Look, I am not the biggest country fan in the world, but her vocals were perfect. Her vocal style is deceptively soulful, and unless there was something strange in the Hollywood water, I suspect she's one of your Top 24. Heck, I think she's a Top 12er.

Heck, this list, our speculation and any audition success these singers might have had don't mean squat when it comes time to perform in pairs and trios in Hollywood. Simon Cowell has admitted numerous times that certain singers have fallen through the cracks in the second round.

However, these are five singers that I personally think have massive commercial potential, if not the best vocal ability. It's based somewhat on look and style, but it's mostly founded on ability and edge. It's what I'd call the "Daughtry Factor."

Feel free to disagree or comment, but in fairness, watch all the videos first.