'Idol' down to the wire

After 18 weeks and the tearful eliminations of thousands of wannabe pop stars, a bubbly teenage diva and an edgy nonconformist will hit the "American Idol" stage this week for the top spot in the world's biggest singing competition.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the end of tomorrow's two-hour finale -- but not before finalists Jordin Sparks, 17, and Blake Lewis, 25, are given one more chance to strut their stuff tonight at 8 (Fox5-WTTG).
Not even the show's acerbic judge, Simon Cowell, dared predict the winner.
"I can't call it at this stage because I think they've both got different strengths," Mr. Cowell told Reuters news agency during a conference call with reporters. "One is a better entertainer (Mr. Lewis) and one is a better singer (Miss Sparks)."
Now in its sixth season, "American Idol" has grown from a cheesy summer talent competition into a cultural phenomenon and television's most-watched show. The program, which puts contestants through auditions and performances that showcase musical genres ranging from country to hard rock, has produced a list of successful stars from both its winners and losers.
Kelly Clarkson, the first-ever "American Idol" winner, has become a Grammy-winning pop star -- and booted season three finalist Jennifer Hudson (who placed seventh) won an Oscar this year for her role in the movie "Dreamgirls."
"Idol" also has become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen, with appearances this season by megastars Diana Ross, Tony Bennett and Bon Jovi.
The winner of "American Idol" is chosen by telephone vote and receives a recording contract. Often, however, many ousted contestants land their own record deals soon after the show winds down.
Miss Sparks, who hails from Glendale, Ariz., wowed audiences with her big voice, belting out such songs as "I Who Have Nothing" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." The daughter of former National Football League player Phillippi Sparks won the judges' praise for delivering performances worthy of artists much older than her 17 years and charmed viewers with her youthful good looks and upbeat personality.
Mr. Lewis, who Mr. Cowell said was a "brilliant entertainer ... not a fantastic singer," had a somewhat rockier road to the finale. A full-time musician from Bothell, Wash., he puts an original twist on classic songs by using a vocal percussion technique known as beat boxing. The judges have panned some arrangements, however.
Last week, Mr. Lewis and Miss Sparks beat out older, more experienced singer Melinda Doolittle -- considered by many, including Mr. Simon, to be the front-runner -- for their slots in tonight's finale.