Simon Cowell has identified the American Idol contestants he's tipping for the top in this year's competition.

The record exec has picked country singer Carrie Underwood as the early winner. "I still think she's the best, I really do," he told Extra. "I think she's got a run for her money, though, with a couple of the guys, maybe this guy Bo for instance."

"I wasn't sure about him in the early stages," he added about the hard rocker. "But I like him because he's authentic."