‘American Idol’: It’s all over but the singing

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So at last we have come to this – tonight on the Kodak stage the eyes of a nation will be on two young singers as they meet in a final gladiatorial death match. Resting on their performances tonight – whether Jordin Sparks or Blake Lewis will join Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks on the opening credits elevator ride to stardom.

For the two singers, the challenge will be greater than anything they have yet experienced. Having proven they could captivate the crowd in the 300 seat Idoldome, they must now attempt to fill the 4,000 plus Kodak Theatre with their still fresh voices.

Going in, the odds on online gambling sites and amongst Idol pundits heavily favor the 17 year old Glendale Arizona native Sparks.

However, a close reading of tonight’s schedule suggests that this – the most unpredictable of seasons – may have yet another surprise in store. Blake Lewis remains a serious contender in these final hours.

The pair tonight will each sing three songs: a reprise from the season to date, the winners of the songwriting competition and one new song.

The reprise, being previously viewed material, shouldn’t move the needle much for either contestant. There is every reason to think the winning songs from the competition will be extremely weak compared to the all-time hits they have been singing, so in all likelihood that round will be a wash. Which leaves the one new song in which to score a knock out punch. After this entire season – auditions, Hollywood week, the 24, the 12, Idol Gives Back, Latin night, Bon Jovi night, Bee Gees night – it will all come down to one song.

Jordin consistently performs at an extremely high level – turning in 8’s and 9’s every week. And yet, in her conservative arrangements and fairly safe choices, she has not yet, all season scored that knockout 10 performance.

Blake however, a risk taker with, as bandleader Rickie Minor told me – the greatest (along with LaKisha) understanding of music of any contestant, has the capacity to do something truly unforgettable, to surprise us as few have in the Idol finals. If you ask me who is more likely to do something that we’ll all be talking about tomorrow, and more important at ten o’clock tonight as we vote- I would have to say Blake.

However, on the grand Kodak stage, those risks could easily backfire and come off as self-indulgent juvenilia while Jordin’s classic chanteuse persona might be just the thing for the venue.

Tonight, America will face perhaps its toughest decision of the decade. At this hour, somewhere backstage at the Kodak, two very young people prepare for the fate of a nation to fall on their shoulders. Who will rise to the challenge? See you back at latimes.com/idoltracker tonight at Nine p.m. Pacific for a complete report from inside the Kodak.

(Photo courtesy Fox)