'American Idol' '06: Who Has the Winning Stars?

It wasn't a surprise that Elliott Yamin was eliminated from 'American Idol' on Wednesday night. The cuddly crooner with the shy manner and chronic nervousness couldn't match the confidence and stage presence of co-competitors Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks. Now that it's down to the final two, who will be the next American Idol? The answer is in the astrology.

Taylor Hicks is a Libra whose gray hair and funky white boy routine set him apart from the crowd early on. Eccentric Uranus conjunct Venus -- the style planet -- in his birth chart shows originality that's as real as his down-home charm. But powerful Pluto conjunct his Sun reveals him to be an intense competitor who will probably pull a few more tricks out of his bag to surprise viewers before this contest is over.

Katharine McPhee is an Aries with velvet Venus in Pisces to soften the edges of her fiery Sun sign. Although she slipped into the bottom two in the uncomfortable waters of Elvis week, expect a better showing next time out. Her Moon in masterful Capricorn reflects the vocal training she's received from her ambitious mother, as well as maturity and discipline that sometimes battles with Aries impulsiveness.

Jupiter -- the symbol of good fortune -- is now in Scorpio, where each of the finalists has at least one planet. During the final show on May 24, Jupiter in the sky is conjunct Taylor's Venus and Katharine's Saturn, which would give Taylor the edge. But with the Moon in sultry Taurus, and feminine Venus forming a harmonious trine to Pluto -- the planet of rebirth -- on that fateful night, my pick is Katharine McPhee.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's "Your Astrology Guide 2006." A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and websites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the U.S. and abroad.