The stage is set for the grand finale. But before the show begins, let's take a closer look at finalists Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips and learn their lives before this American Idol journey.

Too young, too talented

Call her a prodigy if you want. Jessica Sanchez has the making of a star at a very young age -2 years old. At an age when everyone was still learning how to talk, Jessica was already crooning her way to people's heart. And she wasn't just singing contemporary pop songs; she was doing classics by her idols Beyonce, Whitney Houston and Etta James.

Her first major onstage performance was at age 10 and what a performance it was. She got a standing ovation after singing Aretha Franklin's "Respect" on Showtime at the Apollo.

With nowhere to go but up, Jessica owned the hearts of American audience when she reached the wildcard round of America's Got Talent - at age 11. There she sang "I Surrender", a song from another vocal heavyweight, Celine Dion. She has also released covers of Rihanna and Etta James on iTunes back in 2009, when she was only 14.

Fun Fact: Jessica Sanchez said during interviews that she can rap.

The Singer with Two Names

Charming. Unique. Gravelly. Throw in any adjective you want at Phillip Phillips, he surely will take everything with his usual goofy antics and sexy smile.

The bluesy rocker and his guitar had been together at a young age. Growing up in Leesburg, Georgia, he would watch his older brother perform onstage. He would later join him during gigs. He graduated from Albany Technical College with a major in Industrial Systems Technology.

He auditioned for Idol in Savannah, Georgia. He sang Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". The judges were so impressed they asked him to sing another song: Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Week after week since entering the Top 24, he would get praises from judges for his surprising choice of songs. Which obviously worked for him - he reached the finals without getting in the Bottom 3.

Fun Fact: Phillips used to work at a pawn shop.