With only 27 contestants remaining that's vying to become Season 8's newest American Idol, now's the time to watch every remaining moment of each episode and do your homework to get a feel for who viewers are leaning towards to win the 2009 crown. Like any wagering event, staying abreast on all action gives you an edge and leg up on the books.

In addition to its tremendous value found at BetPhoenix, betting American Idol online has become so popular because of the large volume of information and insight that's just a click away, as countless resources on the net is available devoted to the number one show in America. As you know, in the gambling business knowledge is power and you can never have enough. Mark on your American Idol betting calendar the action is being aired on Wednesday and Thursday this week, starting at 8:00pm EST, instead of its normal's days of Tuesday and Wednesday.

Danny Gokey (Group 1) is the current odds on favorite. Adam Lambert (Group 2) and Matt Giraud (Group 2) are close behind. With oddsmakers top-three choices being males, if you bet on American Idol, you may want to invest in judge Randy Jackson's prediction of a guy winning Season 8. Gender odds to win slightly favor a male. ''These kids are different than any other season we've had, and I think these boys are some of the most talented we've ever had,'' Jackson told AOL.

Judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, also agreed that once again a male singer would follow in the footsteps of last year's winner David Cook and will win the contest. Jackson went on to say, "I said it before them, and you can quote me. I was the first to say that," he said with a laugh. "I just think for some reason this year...the boys are just on a whole 'nother level.

Last week, the first Group of 12 took the mic and the first three to be locked in was Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, and Danny Gokey. Up next is Group 2 on Wednesday, and it's a must see episode as these 12 hopefuls next hitting the stage include oddsmakers second and third choices - Lambert and Giraud. Three more contestants will be voted in and named on Thursday's show based on their performance on Wednesday that will provide American Idol wagering fans a great idea of the strength of both Lambert and Giraud.

Group 3 will be back to the regular nights and will perform Tuesday, March 3 with three more contestants advancing to be revealed on Wednesday March 4 and that will set the field of nine making it in by traditional voting procedures. This is the debut season of a Wild Card round, as the show's judges vote on three prior performers that failed to advance from the original 36. The three Wild Card names will be announced Thursday on March 5. That will set the 12 finalists.