Two Finalists Compete

Nokia Theatre, live from Los Angeles, 7 thousand fans in the house. Both finalists are from the Chicago auditions and both are 24.

Each contestant will sing three songs: first will be the contestant's personal favorite from this season; second, a track chosen by the show's producer, Simon Fuller; and last will be the song they'll release IF they win.

We walked down memory lane with Lee, then he sang "The Boxer". He sounded good, although I thought the sound was off; too much of the background track was drowning out his vocals. It was classic Lee, but there was no heart to it.

We took a walk down memory lane with Crystal, then she sang "Me and Bobby McGee". Again, classic Crystal, but not a lot of heart.

Lee sang "Everybody Hurts" next. I didn't know the girls from "Deal or No Deal" could sing, but it looked like they were the backup singers. Again, Lee, and a smidgen more heart, but it left me wanting more.

Crystal sang "Black Velvet". I agree with Simon; I'm almost allergic to that song, too. It was okay, but so far this show doesn't feel like the final competition.

If Lee wins, he'll release his version of "Beautiful Day". Really?? Lee, you write your own music. Couldn't you have chosen an original or even an older song or even some obscure song?? He sang it well, and there was a little fire in his belly, but still not what I had hoped for. If he doesn't win, I blame Kara for putting a negative slant on Lee with her comments.

Crystal closed the show with the song she'll release if she wins: "Up to the Mountain". Finally, we see some real desire to win, some real emotion (for only the second time) from this talented girl who has the power to move people but who is so guarded. She got me. That was her moment.

I'm hoping she won over all the little Casey girl-fans who might have voted for Lee. Because, as much as Lee talks about wanting to win, he didn't perform like he wanted to win.

He'll still make music, and he'll have a music career, but Crystal deserves to win this contest.