American Idol down to the final bout
One thing is for certain. A teenage singer from the South will be the next 'American Idol'. The question is which one: 16-year-old Diana of Snellville or 19-year-old Fantasia of High Point.
The contestants were honoured with parties in their home states, Even the governors of their home states gave a good feedback about the girls. Georgia governor Sonny Perdue declared Tuesday 'Dial for Diana DeGarmo Day' in Georgia. In North Carolina, Barrino's home state, Governor Mike Easley also urged residents to show support for their 'favourite daughter.'
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 'Barrino is the better singer', said the show's judges -- Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, but the judges have only an advisory role. 'Either finalist could win, depending on the strength of their performances,' said Abdul in an interview Tuesday on Fox's Good Day Live.
Based on the British series Idol, the Fox Network reality series followed a pair of aspiring young singers, from a first audition to their ultimate brush with super stardom. More than 10,000 hopefuls signed up to take part in a nerve-racking TV talent contest, but only the top 100 made it to the first round. One hundred contestants were narrowed to 50, and then to 10. Once the field had been narrowed, viewers got to vote off two contestants each week. Each contestant faced the judges-- Simon, Abdul and Jackson, for a no-holds barred critique of their pop star potential.
Viewers saw about 10 performers every Tuesday night and at the end of the show phoned in a vote on who they think should go on to the next round. Winners were revealed the following night. Now, the field is narrowed to two - with viewers picking the final winner.
Compiled by Cultural Correspondent