American Idol Finale Countdown: Jordin vs. Blake

The winner of American Idol will be crowned at the end of a two-hour finale on Wednesday, but not before Jordin Sparks, 17, and Blake Lewis, 25, are given one more chance to belt out their final tunes on Tuesday night. (Courtesy Fox)

After 18 weeks of controversy, mayhem and tearful eliminations, a grinning teenage diva and an contemporary beat-boxer will hit the "American Idol" stage this week to battle it out for the top spot in the world's most watched singing competition.

Jordin Sparks is the daughter of former National Football League player Phillippi Sparks. She won the judges' praise for delivering mature, solid performances and has charmed viewers with her smile, talent and youth.

Judge Simon Cowell said that Sparks is "a great singer," but added that "she hasn't done one performance yet which I can remember as a 'wow.'"

Her opponent, Blake Lewis, who Cowell said was a "brilliant entertainer... not a fantastic singer," has had a roller-coaster Idol experience. A musician from Bothell, Washington, Blake injects his own twist on classic songs by beat-boxing. At times, however, Blake took the beat-boxing arrangements too far and was criticized by the judges for doing so.

Who will be crowned the next American Idol? Bodog Sportsbook has your American Idol odds at Jordin Sparks -400, Blake Lewis +250. Catch the "American Idol" season finale: Tuesday 8/7c and 2-hour finale Wednesday 8/7c on Fox.