Lee or Crystal?  Geesh I remember Kelly or Justin and Rubin or Clay.  The years fly by!

This is a tough one this year.  Last year, it was fairly obvious to me that Kris was going to win despite my feeling that Adam should have won.  This year, I have absolutely no idea at all. 

American Idol: Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox singing "Falling Slowly"

What will make the difference tonight? Unless someone bombs in a performance, I don’t think performance will make a difference.   The final vote will likely come down to popularity.  I think these two performers are fairly equal performers, however.  It’ll come down to who is the most popular.

Lee Dewyze.  Lee quietly made his way through the season, but improving as he went along.   His confidence grew, and his singing got better as a result.   How can he win? He needs to move everyone in the audience.  He’ll be singing a few songs.  One will be a new sappy American Idol anthem…which should not be counted.   If he can give one soulful ballad and one stand up and dance rock song.  He will win.  He needs to be flawless, because Crystal always is!

Crystal Bowersox.  Crystal, I believe, peaked too early.   She seemed unbeatable early through the first few weeks of the Top 24.  She was fantastic.  Her ‘off’ weeks were still solid, but her voice never crackled and her confidence never waivered.  She’s a solid performer.  How can she win? She needs to make the audience stand up, too.  She needs to stick to popular songs, and mix ‘em up a bit.  She cannot make an obscure song choice!

Who will win? I haven’t a clue, but I’m leaning toward Lee Dewyze.

We’re all about American Idol for the next few days.  Be sure to watch the Rhode Show Wednesday and Thursday mornings…and also our Idol special at 7:30pm on Wednesday.