Stylists have their way with contestants

When Fox's "American Idol" finalists were first showcased March14, they were more dressed up than usual. That's because the show'sstylists -- wardrobe master Miles Siggins, his assistant and a teamof hair and makeup artists -- had stepped in.

Some looks fared well with the judges, others not so well.Contestants "know what they don't like, which is a good thing,"Siggins says. "They just don't know what they do like."

Here's the lowdown on the final eight's fashion sensibilities:

Kellie Pickler, 19

Simon Cowell compared the North Carolina resident to Dolly Partonwhen Pickler donned a dress and poufed-up locks. That comparison senther stylistically "backward" to denim and T-shirts, sighs Siggins."She needs to step out of the safety of jeans and a tank top. Peopleare going to get bored," he says.

Taylor Hicks, 29

"Every week we go over budget" investing in well-tailored suitsfor Hicks, Siggins says. A natural stage showman from Alabama, Hicksrealizes that he needs to dress it up a bit to showcase his talent. Asurprise leather jacket earned him comparisons to Clay Aiken.

Paris Bennett, 17

The Georgia singer "runs with her own thing," says Siggins, whocalls her "eclectic" and "very easy to work with." A plus: "She canchange it up, and a lot of people aren't comfortable with that."

Bucky Covington, 28

No "massive changes," Siggins says, for the "complete Southerngent," also from North Carolina. Siggins credits the hairdepartment's "obsession with curlers" for the skewering he took fromCowell over his lengthy locks.

Chris Daughtry, 26

Siggins introduced the North Carolina contestant to Lords Men, aMelrose Avenue boutique that caters to the heavy rock scene.

Katharine McPhee, 21

Stylists worked to "make her a little more feminine," saysSiggins, who hopes the Los Angeles singer will wear more dresses.

Elliott Yamin, 27

"He's very open to letting me do whatever I want to do," saysSiggins, who expects to see the Virginia singer in more ties andjackets.

Ace Young, 25

He's realizing "he'll need an edge" to stand out." We're going tomake him look like he belongs in front of 3 million people," Sigginssays.