It's the question we've been waiting to learn the answer to all season. Many of us have had our hunches about who would face off in the final show down but tonight we find out.

Everyone is pretty sure that Syesha Mercado is the one who will be leaving tonight but in this game, anything is possible.

And how many people were frantically dialing over night for the final tally to result in 56 million votes being cast this week.

The final three perform Ain't No Stopping Us Now

Fantasia performs Bore Me (Yawn)

After a long recap of all the performances and home town visits etc we're finally starting to get close to a result!

And with that, the predictions ring true. Syesha is out!

America, you're Grand Finalists for 2008 are:
David Archuleta and David Cook

I'm not even going to bother wrapping up the stats this week. We all know it - including Syesha, that she is going home.

However, if it isn't Syesha going home tonight, this will be the biggest surprize in the history of American Idol.

Results are next!

It's the final 3! WOW! In a week we'll be sitting down to the Grand Final of American Idol for 2008!

Tonight, Syesha and the two Davids are performing three songs tonight. One from the judges, one from the producers and one of their own choices.

Everyone is expecting a Double David Draw for the Grand Finale of American Idol but can Syesha pull out an upset?

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

David Archuleta

Original (Paula's Song Choice): And So It Goes
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

I see David has reverted to his bland performances again. Thankfully there are two more tonight.

Randy: "Check it out baby. You know what I'm happy about? Paula chose a dope song. The Billy Joel thing works well on you. You're in it to win it!"
Paula: "It was a pure and stunning performance. You were a storyteller. It was beautiful."
Simon: "It was very good, no surprises. But predictable. It was good but I didn't think it was outstanding."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Randy's Song Choice): If I Ain't Got You
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

It was a bit of a dull song choice from Randy and other than the runs at the end, nothing spectacular.

Randy: "I thought that would work really well. You did an amazing job. I'm so happy that you are peaking at the right point in the competition"
Paula: "It's difficult to do a song that's so identifiable with the original artist. I'm glad you're the last girl standing."
Simon: "It was good, but I was hoping Randy would choose something a little more challenging. Not enough in my opinion. But you look stunning"

---

David Cook

Original (Simon's Song Choice): The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

Well done Simon for getting some extra exposure for your girl Leona Lewis. A nice rendition.

Randy: "I've been a DC fan since day one. Love the high note at the end but I wish Simon would've picked something less predictable. I needed more rock from it."
Paula: "It's about you, David. That is one of my favorite songs and you are my second favorite person to sing it."
Simon: "This may sound a little bit biased but I think this is one of your strongest performances to date. Round 1 goes to Cook & Cowell."

---

David Archuleta

Original (David's Song Choice): With You
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

I really like this song on David. Absolutely awesome performance.

Randy: "So, I applaud the fact that you're trying something new and you but I'm not sure it was the right song. Seeing you singing 'my boo' I didn't believe it."
Paula: "This is a part of who you are. I think you did a great job."
Simon: "I applaud you that you didn't do a ballad which I thought you would. However, it was a bit like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. I thought the dancing was awkward and it just wasn't you"

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Syesha's Song Choice): Fever
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

Interesting song choice. Nice to see her do something a little different.

Randy: "A very interesting song choice but what I will highlight is you sang it amazingly well."
Paula: "You look lovely tonight. I'm surprised you picked this song. Interesting but not sure if it shows me Syesha."
Simon: "I think you will probably regret that performance tomorrow. You did quite a lame cabaret performance."

---

David Cook

Original (David's Song Choice): I Dare You To Move
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

A great song but a very poor performance vocally.

Randy: "Perfect song choice, I love that band. Performance wise it wasn't your best. A little pitchy."
Paula: "It's hard to get the song down to a minute and a half. It felt like you just began and you ended the song. I wanted more."
Simon: "I thought all three of you had an ok middle round. It was what I expected, not a very melodic song."

---

David Archuleta

Original (Producer's Song Choice): Longer
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

Another kinda boring song. Another fluffy performance.

Randy: "Very once again interesting song choice. It was another hot one from you."
Paula: "Very lovely. I expect nothing more."
Simon: "I'm not gonna criticize you because I thought you sang it well. However, I thought the song and lyrics were horrible. They were gooey. I do think you've done enough to get into the finals next week."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Producer's Song Choice): Hit Me Up
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

It came close to fitting but just a little short for me.

Randy: "Yeah I can see you doing a song Rihanna-esque. It was just ok for me."
Paula: "I dunno if it's gonna be good enough to get you into the finals [booos]"
Simon: "It was better than the second song. I don't think anything this week has topped your performance last week. It didn't give you a defining moment like I'd hoped."

---

David Cook

Original (Producer's Song Choice): I Don't Want To Miss a Thing
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

An average performance of one of the greatest songs of all time. David has had some serious issues with pitch tonight.

Randy: "For me, I love the song, it was ok for me but very predictable."
Paula: "This is an amazing song. David, see you in the finals!"
Simon: "One of the great songs of all time. And I have to tell you, David Cook wins the night."

---

Round One went to David Cook. Round Two went to David Archuleta. Round Three wasn't clear for me as they were all average. In any case, Syesha fans had best be voting hard if they want her in the Finale.

See you tomorrow for the elimination.

If you thought the 45 million votes last week was a lot, this week there were 51 million votes cast. Apparently the Top 3 were all within a million votes of each other. Oh dear for Mr Castro?

The Top 4 perform Steely Dan's Reelin' In The Years.

David Archuleta is SAFE!

David Cook is SAFE!

Maroon 5 perform their single If I Never See Your Face Again.

Bo Bice then performs Witness

Being ejected from the American Idol stage this week for shooting the Tambourine Man is: Jason Castro

We're getting down to the skinny end of the competition where no matter what happens from here on out, there are going to be a lot of upset people. With 45 million votes cast last week, that's a fair few tears that are going to get shed when one of the favorites of the competition is finally cut tonight.

So lets take a look at the polls from around the web to see what things look like - even though we all know what tonight's result will be, right?

Firstly, Idolblog.com. Our polls have David Archuleta on 43%, David Cook on 30%, Syesha on 16% and Jason Castro on 11% in the popularity stakes. When it comes to who you all want to see sent home, Jason Castro by a resounding 69%.

David Archuleta owned the night as far as most popular songs go while David Cook scored with Baba O'Reily. Jason barely managed double digits on his second song while Syesha got lost in the middle of the pack as she has done with her performances for this entire season of American Idol.

Rickey.org has David Archuleta's combined total at 50% with David Cook on 29% with most of that coming from one song. Syesha scrapes through ahead of Jason Castro.

Dialidol.com has green lights for everyone except Jason.

So, it's pretty unanimous and ominous looking for Jason tonight. May his wish be granted and his bags not be lost during his connecting flight home.

Results next!

Can you believe there are only 4 contestants left? Not far to the Grand Finale now!

Tonight the Top 4 are performing classics from the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.

Can Syesha pull out another miracle performance to save herself from elimination again? Can David Archuleta keep the tempo up again this week? Can Jason Castro earn a spot in the Top 3? Will David Cook blitz everyone again?

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

David Cook

Original: Hungry Like The Wolf
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-05

What a terrible vocal performance that was. Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, YUCK! I hope his next performance is better than that!

Randy: "I'm interested to see which songs you guys choose. It was an ok choice and an ok performance but it wasn't amazing."
Paula: "You've left me with a big appetite. It makes me realize why I tolerate being the only girl in the boys club."
Simon: "It was good and I kind of agree with Randy that it was copycat. Do I think it was good enough to make it through to next week? Yes."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original: Proud Mary
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-06

I'm a little over Syesha's predictability. She seems to be cruising through American Idol by not taking any risks.

Randy: "I'm laughing because this is the third week in a row that Syesha has showed up and is in the zone. Very nice."
Paula: "You look like a star. You have started this competition as a big girl with a big voice and when you feel it, magic happens."
Simon: "I'm sorry to put a slight damper on this but I thought it was a bad, shrieky version. It was a bad impression of Tina Turner."

---

Jason Castro

Original: I Shot the Sheriff
Buy all off Jason's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-07

Good Lord, are we back to the auditions tonight? Round one sucks this week!

Randy: "Man, dude. OK, look for me that was a really karaoke Bob Marley. There was nothing special about it. It's not about just having fun. I didn't get it."
Paula: "I never saw you perform this much to the audience. I wasn't crazy about the song or performance but your true artistry shines through."
Simon: "Stand back... That was utterly atrocious. This was like honestly a first round audition massacre. I don't know what you're thinking."

---

David Archuleta

Original: Stand By Me
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-08

If tonight's performances were to result in the winner of American Idol being named, it would unequivocally be David Archuleta

Randy: "I'm happy about the fact that at least one guy always hits the stage ready to win. He brought the hot mad vocals Paula, that was hot!"
Paula: "We forget you're only 17, it's hard. I admire that you're communicating with your eyes. You're taking in everything we're saying. You're seasoned."
Simon: "You could have whistled a song and it would have sounded better than the last song. Very good choice of song, I thought you struggled at the end of it. But in the grand scheme of things I'm gonna call that as the best performance so far."

---

David Cook

Original: Baba O'Riley
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-05

All I can say is "who was the person who sang in David Cook's place during the first song?"

Randy: "Check it out, I mean, I dunno there's something different going on tonight but that's the David Cook I've grown to love. Just be you cause you were great."
Paula: "I want more, more, more, more David Cook. I'm really humbled."
Simon: "Welcome back David Cook."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original: Change Is Gonna Come
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-06

Again, a good safe song for Syesha. Perhaps her plan is to play it safe and hope no one else screws up. I'd be worried though, at this point, screwing up makes your fans more intent on voting to keep you. Flying under the radar may ultimately cost her this week.

Randy: "I did not love this one as much. I didn't like the arrangement and I thought you pushed out for things and didn't make it. It felt all disconnected to me and it fell flat."
Paula: "I want you to know how you orchestrated your vocals. It was beautiful. You turned this into a beautiful performance. You have come."
Simon: "Syesha, I have to be fair. I'm going to agree with Paula"

---

Jason Castro

Original: Mr Tambourine Man
Buy all off Jason's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-07

How can anyone in the Top 4 forget their lyrics? As if the pressure isn't already enough, he's blown it. It'll be a real miracle if he's here next week.

Randy: "You're not in the zone tonight"
Paula: "It is what it is. Obviously it didn't blow us away but you blow me away."
Simon: "Jason, I'd pack your suitcase."

---

David Archuleta

Original: Love Me Tender
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-08

Outstanding night from David A. Untouchable!

Randy: "Dude you got it going on right now the hot vocals of the night!"
Paula: "I felt your heart it was fantastic and beautiful."
Simon: "You didn't beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition tonight"

---

As far as the bottom two is concerned, it has to be Jason and Syesha. Has to be.

See you tomorrow for the elimination.

45 million votes were cast last night which is what, a 50% increase on what it has been normally? That's quite significant and shouldn't leave any contestant feeling too comfortable.

The polls are all suggesting that it's Brooke's turn to vanish. How will it all play out? Let's find out!

First to learn their fate is Jason Castro - who is SAFE

David Archuleta is also SAFE

Big promos for So You Think You Can Dance which starts the day after the American Idol finale.

David Cook is SAFE meaning Brooke and Syesha are the Final Two

My girl Natasha Bedingfield performs Pocketful of Sunshine

Neil Diamond sings Pretty Amazing Grace. How much can they drag this out? The results show is the same length as the performance show and there is nothing to it!

The American Idol journey is all over for Brooke White

Sorry! I've lost count at how many contestants VFTW is now up to at failing to keep in the competition.

Next week it's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That should be good!

Again this week I'm going to be brief:

Our polls have Brooke White looking like she's the one going home with Syesha joining her in the bottom two. David Cook dominates on 43% with Archuleta on 25%.

Rickey includes Paula Abdul in his poll of best performances of the night. She brings in 4% which is still 2 more than Brooke White on 4% followed by Jason Castro on 10%.

Dialidol has both Syesha and David Cook as statistically safe while Brooke White looks like she's the one going home. Jason Castro is there in second spot.

So, is this finally going to be Brooke's week? It seems pretty unanimous this week. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

It was a great week last week. Carly Smithson was sent packing and all those folk who were adamant she was a plant by the producers to win American Idol in 2008 were proved wrong.

Tonight the Top 5 are performing songs from the Neil Diamand Songbook

Everyone will be crooning tonight wont they? Or will someone be mixing it up a little and putting some new spin on a Neil Diamond classic. I guess we're about to find outn.

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

Jason Castro

Original: Forever in Blue Jeans
Pre-Order Jason's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-06

Not a bad performance from Jason but really, he needs to put his stamp on American Idol and be identifiable.

---

David Cook

Original: I'm Alive
Pre-Order David's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-07

This was the first performance of David's in a long time that I haven't liked. Thankfully there are two songs tonight.

---

Brooke White

Original: I'm A Believer
Pre-Order Brooke's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-08

If ever anyone needed a song to be the final nail in the coffin to send them packing from American Idol then that was it. Someone else is going to have to majorly screw up in order for Brooke to stick around for another week.

---

David Archuleta

Original: Sweet Caroline
Pre-Order David's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-09

Finally Mr Archuleta pulls out a successful upbeat performance. Congratulations David! Well done! Finally!

---

Syesha Mercado

Original: Hello Again
Pre-Order Syesha's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-10

No, no, no. Not a great start for Syesha tonight. I hope her second song is better.

---

So the judges are weird tonight. Not making comments after the first performances. When it comes to the the end of the first round of performances, Paula totally messes it up by critiquing Jason's second song. Um.. say what? Yup, that's right. Obviously not paying attention and reading notes that she took from the dress rehearsal. Simon quickly interrupted to try and stop her from talking further but really, she'd already made a meal of it!

Jason Castro

Original: September Mom
Pre-Order Jason's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-06

Is it just me or has Jason Castro become an even more boring version of Jack Johnson

Randy: "Dude, I dunno what's happening tonight but it was just ok. That was just another ok whatever performance."
Paula: "I thought you took the same liberty on both songs."
Simon: "We don't recognize you at the moment. No attempt to make the arrangement your own. Both were forgettable."

---

David Cook

Original: All I Really Need Is You
Pre-Order David's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-07

A much better performance second time around. In fact, it's really good. This could almost be a single

Randy: "I'm a huge David fan right now because you rocked the house again tonight."
Paula: "I'm so proud of you, you picked two of Neil Diamon'd less familar songs and pulled them off. I feel like I'm looking at the next American Idol"
Simon: "I thought the first song was ok, the second song was brilliant. You made the arrangement your own. That was smart."

---

Brooke White

Original: I am...I said
Pre-Order Brooke's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-08

The second song was better than the first but I just don't see her as Idol material. It's time for her to go.

Randy: "Very vulnerable. That Neil Diamond song is one of the tougher ones but nice job."
Paula: "I think that what you did was you had fun and it shows your vulnerability and everyone loves who you are."
Simon: "I really hated the first song but this is the Brooke we like. It wasn't incredible but it was a million times better than the first one."

---

David Archuleta

Original: America
Pre-Order David's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-09

Two in a row? What has happened to David Archuleta this week? Is he building towards something here? This is the best he's been as far as I'm concerned as he's finally proved he can do more than simply put people to sleep.

Randy: "For a young man you are definitely in the zone right now."
Paula: "Perfect song to sing, voice is on point."
Simon: "That was a smart choice of song. That was clever. It ticked all the boxes. It was absolutely the right choice. Check, check, check."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original: Thank the Lord for the Night Time
Pre-Order Syesha's version here
or the video here
1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-10

I'm not sure about Syesha tonight. She's been improving a lot but I don't feel tonight was very strong for her at all.

Randy: "I think you're finally realizing who you are. That is also in the zone. This is where I like you."
Paula: "Your first song showed a vulnerable side that is beautiful and magic. The second song showed a whole different side and that's your theatrical place and your pop side is like Corrine Bailey Ray."
Simon: "This is officially the strangest show we've ever done. I think what you demonstrated is that you're a very good actress/singer. I think you might be in trouble tonight because there are five of you left and you didn't have a memorable second song."

---

A mixed bag for me tonight.

Tonight's bottom two for me would have to be Brooke White and Syesha.

I guess we'll see what happens with the results tomorrow night. Till then...

One more contestant will bid farewell to Hollywood tonight and be sent home giving the remaining contestants a little more hope that they're going to be crowned the next American Idol. Unfortunately for them though, the majority are going to be left majorly disappointed.

One of the biggest new comers to pop is performing tonight, the winner of UK's The X Factor - Leona Lewis.

38 million votes were cast tonight but as the final 6 perform All I ask of You you can't help feeling that this is a complete waste of time for one of them so they'd better be enjoying every final second of performing on that stage.

Both David Archuleta and David Cook are safe!

Leona Lewis sings her World Wide smash single Bleeding Love

Brooke is SAFE! Syesha in the bottom two

Jason is SAFE! Carly is in the bottom two

BOTTOM TWO
Syesha and Carly

There is a God! Carly is out!

Next week the Idol's get some crooning lessons from Neil Diamond