Ranking the finalists

5/8/2007

Blake Lewis

Melinda Doolittle

Age: 29

Strengths: Experienced back-up singer who's mature, trained voice shines consistently from week to week.

Weaknesses: There has been no growth on the show - what you see is what you'll always get, and her modesty is getting old.

Chance of winning: 45 percent

• Read: Fox's reality show puts a spotlight on its 4 finalists.

Jordin Sparks

Age: 17

Strengths: Her bubbly, charismatic personality makes her easy to love.

Weaknesses: She may be too young and inexperienced with her own voice to last to the top.

Chance of winning: 35 percent

Blake Lewis

Age: 25

Strengths: Most original performer who knows how to choose the right song to show off his beat-boxing talents; a risk-taker whose gambles pay off.

Weaknesses: All beat-boxing aside, his actual singing voice is the weakest of the final four.

Chance of winning: 15 percent

LaKisha Jones

Age: 27

Strengths: America knows she has a "big, ol' voice" and knows how to use it, and easily connects with her single-mom status.

Weaknesses: Song selections include a boring list of R&B classics that keeps her centered inside her comfort zone.

Chance of winning: 5 percent