The 'American Idol' Finalists

Katharine McPhee

Why She Might Win: Katharine's rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine" was as close to a show-stopping performance as "Idol" has had all season. For that one week, she looked unbeatable. In subsequent weeks, Katharine has gone up and down and up and down and up and down again. When she tries to be Christina Aguilera or Whitney Houston, the judges are unimpressed. When she tries to be sultry and playful and sexy, she's the most polished performer left in the competition. She's got the looks and the voice to have a lengthy career with or without the "Idol" title.

Why She Won't Win: But does she have the right attitude? There are a number of "Idol" viewers who have become convinced that Katharine's a snob, that she's an elitist. It's unclear where this interpretation comes from, but it's made Katharine vulnerable. Her refusal to just ditch the diva songs and concentrate on her strengths is also a bit peculiar. For all of her training, her voice has limitations and Katharine sometimes seems not to know what they are.