Shocks, leaks, and ringers -- and that was just Hollywood week on "American Idol." So far Season 7 trimmed down the backstage drama and onscreen bonding and it may have helped "Idol" hopefuls: Unlike last year, the top 24 has been reaping significant searches. With host Ryan Seacrest repeatedly reminding us of this year's strong talent pool, the buzz should only get louder. Click through this slideshow as we reveal (in order) the most searched for semi-finalists and see who appears to be starting off with a leading edge.Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 9:19 PM

#1: Before "American Idol," there was "Star Search," in which an even younger David Archuleta vanquished. The experience might be more helpful than prior recording deals -- that and having Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, and Jordin Sparks as MySpace pals. Among the top 24, the 16 year old attracts the largest teen following. Another possible accomplishment: After Mitt Romney catapulted Mormonism into the political limelight, Archuleta could imprint LDS on the pop culture map.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#2: One of the many Season 7 ringers, Kristy Lee Cook discloses a failed deal with Britney Spears' production company and her first album on her MySpace profile. Her bio also dubs her "a blonde, blue-eyed Brooke Shields." Cook's got the looks and online popularity (especially among men). She'll have to prove her musical breadth, now that she's used up her "Amazing Grace" quotient. If not, the kickboxing horse trainer could try for first female on "Ultimate Fighter."FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#3: Ramiele Malubay may hail from Florida, but California is taking the strongest interest in the petite powerhouse singer -- as does New Jersey, Washington, New York, and Virginia. The geographical appeal bodes well, and that's just in the United States. Philippines media has been rooting for the "Fil-Am" competitor. Most importantly, her buzz among the traditional "Idol" Search audience (ladies in their 30s) are better than number 2 Kristy Lee Cook.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#4: Conspiracists, salivate: A 2002 Wall Street Journal article profiled Carly Smithson, formerly Carly Hennessey, as a cautionary tale about MCA's oodles spent to create the next Britney. Blogs digging up the not-so-distant past (which) also found a possible tie to judge Randy Jackson, but more cynical observers think "Idol" producers are promoting controversy. Certainly the outcry attracted more men to her Search corner… but Buzz history shows it's the ladies who see the "Idol" winners through. FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#5: Kady Malloy received the Simon Cowell Blessing, and he's not the only man watching her back: Males conduct 73% of her searches. Cowell's "feeling" about the Houston native might've been because she's no innocent in the music world: BuddyTV outed her album, produced by the same man behind Mandy Moore and Natalie Imbruglia. She proved she can be a Britney Spears doppelganger -- maybe the two should pull a page from "The Prince and the Pauper" and do a switcheroo to give each other a break.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#6: One of six children, Amy Davis posited herself as the poor kid on the block. Perchance that earned the male sympathy vote: They make up 7 out of 10 of the Hoosier's searches. At 25 years old, she's one of the more mature female competitors -- coincidentally, the same age as fellow model Joanne Borgella. Davis is also the only grad student of the 2 (management), but more relevant studies have been auditions for "Nashville Star" and "Maxim's Hometown Hottie." FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#7: The nanny who shuns R-rated films snagged the spot reserved for ultra clean cut, but she too hides experience: Brooke White is yet another ringer who has an album, "Songs from the Attic," under her belt. Her keyboard performance during Hollywood week earned comparisons to Carly Simon and Carole King -- although whether America is yearning for a '70s groovy pop remains to be seen. A suggested song choice for New Wave week: Adam Ant's "Goody Two Shoes."FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#8: In his second try, Danny Noriega survived the Hollywood round, but he had the judges at the "Proud Mary" audition. The most popular among the teen set after David Archuleta, the high-octane Californian claims the Golden State's backing in his buzz right now. Pundits have called Noriega the long-lost twin brother of Jessica Alba and this year's Sanjaya Malakar addiction. The latter comparison may not be the most flattering -- but then again, he may want to have styling gel handy just in case.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#9 (tie): With so little "Idol" airtime, Jason Castro is fortunate to score a high female proportion in his modest buzz: Women doing due diligence make up 69% of his online look-ups, the highest proportion among all 24 contestants. His scarce onscreen presence ironically stems from great song choice: He reportedly did a kick-arse rendition of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," but "Idol" didn't have permission to air the tune. Castro may have to call up MTV faithfuls who recognize him from reality show "Cheyenne." That or play up those dreadlocks.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#9 (tie): The plus-sized model made much about her appearance holding her back. Then again, her top 24 status means Joanne Borgella has a good shot of joining the ranks of Mandisa, Jennifer Hudson, and LaKisha Jones. The New Jersey resident has had several brushes with fame: She was Miss F.A.T. 2005 on "Monique's Fat Chance," and apparently has sung with Patti LaBelle and "Idol" alum Bo Bice.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#9 (tie): Could this season of "Idol" have the most international appeal? Irish lass Carly Smithson, Filipina-American Ramiele Malubay, and now Aussie contender Michael Johns. He fronted two bands, including one nearly carried by Madonna's label. Whether it’s experience, his "white bluesy" vocals, or the Australian accent, Johns has so far won over the all-important ladies' vote: He pulls down more than a quarter of his buzz from females 30-44 -- and tracking their passions have historically led to the ultimate winner.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#9 (tie): Of the "Idols" competing in the top 24, Robbie Carrico is yet another one with a Britney Spears connection. His boy band Boyz N Girlz United opened for Spears back in 1999, and one source even alluded to a romantic connection between the two. The Florida man has since amended his boy-band ways, graduating his style to long-haired rocker and never taking off his knit cap. Lucky for him, females warm to the headgear at 67%. FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#9 (tie): Asia'h Epperson sadly wasn't the only "Idol" auditioner who delivered shocking news that her father had recently died (Angela Martin, ousted during Hollywood Week, was another). She's in the middle of the pack when it comes to her searches, and she also attracts the most gender balanced searches (46% female, 54% male).FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#14: Possibly one of the most unique performers among the top 24, Amanda Overmyer rides a motorcycle, tends to the wounded for her profession, and style-wise has the Janis Joplin edge. So far, comparisons to the 1960s blues rocker have failed to net her the teen girl buzz. Her moderate Search strength lies among people 30-44, although a surprising 1 out of 10 boys under 13 dig Nurse Overmyer.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#15: Luke Menard is one of three Indiana natives, and at age 29 ranks as one of the most mature of the "Idol" hopefuls. Like a few others this season, he tried out before for the Fox reality show but rejection made him stronger. Age and experience may not be pushing him among the buzziest of the group, but that and good looks may explain why his following is female-driven.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#16: Ready for the musical remake of "Cocktail,”"which Tom Cruise made so, um, memorable? Bartender-singer David Cook studied up Chris Daughtry's audition and wore Blake Lewis-like argyle vests for his tryout. The rocker approach might explain the heavily male appeal: He has the highest testosterone contingent at 76%. Then again, since more than a quarter of the searchers are under 12, the testosterone levels aren't overwhelming. The Missouri music man competes against Robbie Carrico for the rocker slot, but given his young fans, he might consider a boy band twist.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#17: What's a nice boy like David Hernandez doing quoting a motivational speaker? His "Idol" profile quotes Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Inspiration might've helped after he lost Arizona Idol to one Jordin Sparks. He'll need more since Simon Cowell said he didn't approve the top 24 pass, and he has to make up for not getting screen time until Hollywood week.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#18: Syesha Mercardo's below-average buzz is surprising, considering how much relative on-screen time "Idol" lavished upon her, including the Hollywood Week drama of her losing her voice. It could be a spelling issue, what with all those extra consonants in her name, but that hasn't deterred the men. They make up 75% of her searches, which is the highest male-to-female ratio among all the top 24 female competitors. As for low buzz, the Florida native's family should fix that with a campaign that even involves the NAACP.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#19: Virginia has always been a stalwart "Idol" supporter, so native son Colton Berry already has a built-in advantage. He did suffer from minimal screen-time exposure, except for that final moment when he had to share that last walk with the effusive Kyle Ensler, who still had Simon Cowell's heart. That's okay -- Colton may have snagged Kady Malloy's attention, if hand-holding at the dessert table counts. FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#20 (tie): Alaina Whitaker has copped to Carrie Underwood comparisons and a country flavor. Her audition showed her to be a strong-minded sort (maybe too much so for Simon Cowell, who said "You may not be as good as you think you are"). Audiences couldn't tell since she didn't have much Hollywood Week show time, but she did make it through. The Okie gal's buzz may be low right now, but a broad age range seeks her out, including a strong pre-teen following.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#20 (tie): Garrett Haley's mane and first name have inspired old fogies to conjure up long-lost memories of '70s teen idol Leif Garrett. Who knows -- the flashback could be a plus if the traditional "Idol" audience of 30-something ladies also had a fondness for bad boy Leif. Meanwhile, the Ohio singer has been called shy, but the camera seems to be shy around him too. Producers say not to worry, but we'll keep tracking the buzz for a stronger pulse. FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#22: Another contestant who hasn't had much exposure to television audiences, Lone Star resident Jason Yeager might be able to count on strong Texas support, if Buzz history is any indication. He may also have some lingering Branson fans, who call him a nice guy. Otherwise, he's being written off as cannon fodder by those Big City types.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM

#23: Atlanta noticed when its region wasn't represented in the semifinals. Now hopes are pinned on Alexandrea Lushington, AKA Miz Alex. Hotlanta though probably isn't thrilled with the lack of airtime, although her 93-year-old grandmamma got to chat it up with Ryan Seacrest during the auditions. Alexandrea, consider grandma your secret weapon.FOX - Tuesday, February, 19, 2008, 7:19 PM