(andPOP) - Today, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood are equals. Tonight, one will be listed forever among Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, and Fantasia Barino. The other could be grouped with Justin Guarini.
The fourth American Idol season will end tonight in a two-hour finale that will drag on and on until finally one will be announced as the latest Idol.
It's been one of the more eventful seasons: a former contestant said he had a relationship with Paula Abdul, Idol favourite Mario Vasquez left the competition before it really began, and a web site urged voters to call in for the worst competitor, and he managed to last to the final 5.
But all that will matter after tonight is who will be dominating radio when their single is released, perhaps as early as tomorrow.
Bice and Underwood are unlikely finalists. Bice performs rock songs, not pop like most of the other finalists before him. Rockers have never gone nearly this far before. Underwood is pure country, something that has been absent in the previous three years.
Simon Cowell has said that he thinks Underwood will win the Idol crown, though the other judges said he told them something different.
Idol is far from over however. Fox just announced plans for a fifth season in a few months and if you're in Canada, Canadian Idol begins next week.
Fantasia is about to release a music video for "Free Yourself." You can watch it only on Wednesday at AOL
