Candice Glover vs. Kree Harrison on 'American Idol' season 12 finale

Let's face it: "American Idol" is broken. Season 12, which ends with a two-part finale starting Wednesday night, was often painful to watch, and ratings fell more than 20 percent from last season, which already had ratings issues. Randy Jackson, the only original judge remaining, announced last week that he will leave, and rumors abound that all the other judges and some other execs will get the heave-ho.

It turns out the show's fan base didn't want to watch the passive-aggressive fights of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey or get manipulated into voting in the first female "Idol" in six years. Shocking!

The bigger surprise? All this season 12 dysfunction actually yielded two very strong finalists in Candice Glover and Kree Harrison. And, for the first time in years, it might actually be a tight race.

Here's how they stack up:

23

St. Helena Island, S.C.

Glover has a strong, expressive voice and an impressive range that allows her to smoothly incorporate jazzy runs without losing her R&B footing.

Sometimes, the runs get away from her, especially when she's not sure of the material. Also, is "Idol" nation really going to wildly vote for a jazz-leaning R&B singer?

"Lovesong" during "Songs I Wish I Wrote Week." Her jazzy interpretation of The Cure classic ended with a stunning, controlled run.

She needs huge moments like last week's "Somewhere" on every song.

4-1

HOMETOWN Woodville, Texas

"American Idol"

8 Wednesday night and Thursday night, Fox/5

Weak season ends with strong finalists.