Among thousands of souls that have been sent home, only three vocal warriors remain standing.

American Idol is not unlike the Hunger Games; a fight to the last man in a brutal competition. Talents are stretched to the limits, egos assaulted from all sides. The guts, the glitz, the glamour are broadcasted in their high-def glory.

The contestants' fates lie in the hands of eagle-eyed viewers, whose votes could be a death knell or a victory hymn for the participants.

Now it's down to three people - egos bruised, battered, but unbowed. Who will emerge victorious?

Will it be rocker Phillip Phillips, whose gravelly voice and contagious charm captivated the hearts of screaming teenagers and palpitating women alike? "U Got it Bad", Phillips was told.

Detractors attack his lack of range, his voice lacking the altitude and fortitude of his two rivals. He is just another WGWG - white guy with guitar. He wins and the monotonous string of male winners continues.

But hardliners love his silly antics and wily smile. His give-it-to-me-and-i-will-hit-you-hard comportment has divided the judges and viewers, which is what gives him the advantage. Be careful because I'm coming at you, just like I've always done, is what he seems to plan.

Or will the blessing go to gospel singer Joshua Ledet, whose heaven-serenading arias have melted the hearts and knees of the faithful? He bellows, he wails, he cries his heart out, then relapses into a cooing warbler - then soars again before you can even touch his bleeding-heart persona.

Will his projected vulnerability earn him the sympathy of everyone, including the most coldhearted voters, or will it drag him down to his demise?

Or will the smallest and youngest Jessica Sanchez stand tallest in the end? A Lolita of the stage, her gamine charm entices older listeners to drop their guards slowly as she sings to them "you are so beautiful".

She invites them with her siren songs, lulling them, indulging them, making them forget that these are nothing but dreamy projections of her vocal enchantments. Ageists debunk her youth and inexperience. Non-fans attack her to be too good to be true, undeserving of their praises.

As the book sayeth, may the odds ever be in these American Idol hopefuls favor.