The American Idol will be named next week, but before the finale extravaganza can begin there was one last piece of business to deal with: elimination. For this special night, all the judges and contestants dressed in black and white (or, one or the other).

The Top 3 Idols danced around the stage and judges’ island singing “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” I didn’t really love the performance, but nerves probably played a big part for the singers. The week’s Ford video followed, Idols crooning “Heaven” inside an MTV Cribs theme. This one was actually pretty cute, which is more than what can be said of weeks past.

Former Idol winner Fantasia Barrino took to the stage next, sporting bright red hair and a terrible black outfit. Honestly, I like Fantasia. I did not like hearing her sing “Bore Me,” however. I found I couldn’t understand a single lyric - no not one - and the whole thing was rather manic. Her dance moves were literally frightening. The look of utter horror on judge Simon Cowell’s face actually said it all - the whole thing was terrible. For those who are interested, Fantasia has a new album coming out soon. Ryan Seacrest, who couldn’t think of anything to say about her performance, praised her for “great energy” on stage.

Fifty-six million votes were cast for this second-most important Idol elimination show. Favorite David Archuleta was brought out on stage first. Clips of his Murray, Utah trip were played. Archuleta was greeted in Utah by cheerleaders and screaming fans. David was brought to tears by the warm reception, crying “Gosh! I didn’t mean to cry,” as he wiped his eyes. He went back to his High School, where May 9, 2008 was declared David Archuleta Day by the mayor of Murray. David sang “Imagine” for his loving crowd. After calling this year’s race “very, very close,” Ryan Seacrest showed off clips of David’s Idol experience (usually known as the good-bye clip).

No news on elimination was given, however, as David went to sit and wait for more. Syesha Mercado was brought forth next, and her trip to Sarasota was highlighted. Syesha day was declared in the county to commemorate the event. She was greeted by sign-waving fans on her front lawn, both her parents smiling proudly and wearing Syesha T-shirts. She sang Tina Turner again for the mayor and a multitude of fans, growing extremely emotional once it was all over. Syesha’s Idol clip then played, before attention was turned elsewhere.

Elsewhere in this case is named David Cook. His interesting audition story was highlighted, as well as his Kansas City trip. Cook first arrived at FOX and did the weather report before he performed “Livin’ on a Prayer” for an extremely huge crowd. He delivered flowers to his elementary school music teacher, participated in a parade, was awarded a plaque and even threw out a pitch at a baseball game. David’s good-bye clip then played.

All three Idols were finally brought to center stage, and the crowd held their collective breath to wait out the results.

“You guys did an amazing job,” Randy Jackson told the Top 3.

“The world’s gonna remember every single one of you,” Paula Abdul assured them.

“I like these three,” Simon Cowell admitted. “I think we’re gonna have a real humdinger next week,” he predicted.

All season long, the judges and producers have been pushing for a David-David final. Last night, they all got their wish. Syesha Mercado was bumped, leaving only the two final Davids for the finale.

“I don’t know what to say….I just wanna say thank you,” Syesha smiled to the audience before she beautifully sang her very last Idol song. And just like that, the die was cast.

And so it is that Davids Cook and Archuleta will compete for the title of American Idol. They share the same first name, but here the similarities end. Cook is a smug rocker with confidence oozing from every pore. He uses his gravelly voice to best effect with songs that allow him to get big and bad in the chorus. Archuleta couldn’t be more different. Shy, sweet, humble almost to a fault, Archuleta is more inclined to blush and find himself tongue-tied in the role of ladies’ choice, while Cook seems to lap it up and exist in his element in the face of mass attention. Even their sounds are different - Cook prefers something of a dark, badboy rocker mien while Archuleta gets lost in dreamy message songs that let him softly croon, ballad-style, to the ladies.

Only one will win, but both will be remembered as two of the most popular contestants American Idol has ever seen. As to Syesha, she is young, beautiful and highly talented. She will be a big star.