Final Two Go After AI Title

It was a diva showdown on American Idol Tuesday, as the final two, Diana DeGarmo and Fantasia Barrino battled it out for the title spot.

Each contestant sang three songs, two of their own choosing, and a song written by season one contestant Tamyra Gray called " I Believe." Diana DeGarmo opened the show with her version of the inspirational song, and the judges raved at her powerful performance. " You really gave a stunning performance," said judge Paula Abdul. Simon Cowell agreed, saying DeGarmo sang the song "really, really, well," but noted the song may have been too mature for the sixteen year old.

DeGarmo's second song was "No More Tears," which she originally performed on disco night. Randy Jackson applauded this performance, saying she sang as if she "really came to win this thing tonight." Her final song was "Don't cry out loud," which was a hit with the judges when she performed it last week. This performance seemed to have all three judges less enthused. "You had one last chance to come out here and nail this competition, and I don't think you did," said Cowell. Abdul agreed there were problems with the performance, but told DeGarmo she was still wonderful.

Fantasia Barrino started the night off with her own version of K-Ci and JoJo's "All My Life." While Barrino gave an excellent performance according to the judges, they agreed the musical arrangement might have taken away from the song. " I honestly thought it was a complete mess," said Cowell. Barrino's second performance was "Summertime," which she originally performed on movie night. Afterwards, Cowell said she was the best contestant to appear on any Idol competition, which moved the performer to tears.

The judges described Barrino's final performance, her own rendition of "I Believe," as "brilliant." " Fantasia, that was your acceptance speech," said Cowell.

Closing the show was music legend Paul Anka, who sang a special American Idol version of "My Way," as footage of the past season rolled across the big screen. The next American Idol will be crowned on Wednesday's two-hour season finale. The festivities will begin at 8:00pm on Fox.