Speaking to his fellow judge on her talk show this week, Simon said: “If you’d asked me five or six weeks ago, 100 percent I would have said Crystal. But now I’ve changed my mind.... [Lee] is talented. He hasn’t had any real breaks in life, and this has given him a shot, and I like that.”
So that's Cowell's take on the finals, which gets underway tonight. How does THG handicap the matchup between Lee and Crystal Bowersox? As follows...
WHY CRYSTAL WILL WIN: She's different, she has an incredible voice and her rendition of "People Get Ready" was the best of any contestant this season. It's also about time a woman took home the crown, isn't it?
WHY CRYSTAL WON'T WIN: She may have peaked too early. She also fails to connect with the audience, almost coming across as condescending to the show in general. She's been the favorite for months and votes often like an underdog.
WHY LEE WILL WIN: He's come on strong over the few weeks. He has Simon's support. He makes an emotional connection with the audience during every song. He also reminds us of David Cook and, hey, that guy won.
WHY LEE WON'T WIN: Viewers are sick of male winners. He lacks a winning personality and he reminds us of David Cook and, hey, that guy already won.
Now it's your turn, readers. Who do you think should win American Idol?
