Candice vs. Kree - Who Will Win?

(L-R): Candice Glover and Kree Harrison | Photo: Michael Becker / FOX

Last night was part one of an all-girls Idol finale since 2004, pitting Candice Glover against Kree Harrison. It had its ups and downs.

First off, let me say I think this was the quickest finale performance show in 12 seasons. It lasted an hour but everything seemed to be rushed. I could hardly keep up with who was doing what. Not to mention a performance by Carly Rae Jepsen, which could've waited until the two hour results extravaganza, was sandwiched in the middle of it all. 

I believe this was the first time there's been an additional performance on night one of the finale, other than those by the contestants themselves. If you were not really into the show and didn't know who Carly Rae Jepsen was, you probably would've confused her for a contestant!

Now, onto the performances.

Round One: Simon Fuller's Picks

Idol creator, Simon Fuller, was in charge of choosing the first round of songs. You'd think he'd want to choose great opening numbers for Candice and Kree - that didn't happen.

Kree opened the show with Sarah McLachlan's "Angel." It was good but there's not a lot you can do with a song like that. Plus, it's yet another sad, slow song which seems to be a prominent theme in this year's competition. 

I would've rather her sing a song like "Nothin' Better to Do" by Leann Rimes. Why? The song is fast paced and has a tremendous vocal. It would've fit perfectly with the country crooning Harrison and would've been a booming start for her, which was what she needed. It's the finale, so you've got to take chances. This was just a safe performance for her.

Fuller's pick for Candice was, like Kree's song, sleepy at best. The song was "Chasing Pavements" by Adele. She did try to, at least, make the song entertaining but it just wasn't a finale-caliber song - neither of them were. 

Despite that, both did their best to make something out of, well, nothing. Not a great start to the finale.

Round Two: The Winning Singles

As traditional with the finale, Kree and Candice performed their would-be winning singles, although both will probably release their respective singles win or lose. As always, the songs were cheesy but not bad.

Kree's song was called "All Cried Out" and it was a nice fit. This performance displayed the most passion I've seen from her all season.

Candice's single was "I Am Beautiful." This was a very nice song and it really fit her style as well. As always, she did a great job with it and I could see this song getting more radio time.

Round Three: Favorite Performances

The final round showcased Kree and Candice's favorite peformances from this season.

Kree made a smart choice of "Up to the Mountain" which she performed during Vegas week. This performance was her best one of the night by far. It had soul and power which brought her right back into the thick of the competition.

Candice also made a great choice with "I (Who Have Nothing)" which she performed during Top 10 week. She changed it up by starting out acapella, with only one or two spotlights on and fog billowing all around her. Then the orchestra kicked in and took the performance to "another level" as Randy Jackson put it.

Honestly, I almost fell of the couch when I heard both of these performances. I think Kree and Candice poured out everything they had into their third round performances and this was the best round of the night.

So, who will win? Based on the course of the season, I'd say it's Candice's to lose.

Find out the results in an amazing two hour grand finale TONIGHT at 8/7c on FOX.