Jessica Sanchez vs. Joshua Ledet in 'American Idol' finale?

"American Idol" sorted out its final four last night, and it's a best-of-all-possible-worlds foursome, with Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanagh and Jessica Sanchez. In a rare feat -- dare one say for this show, an almost impossible feat -- the season's four best singers are heading into the finale.

 One of them, Cavanagh, was iffy a few weeks ago, but she grew in strength and range at the right time -- toward the end of the season. Ledet has been consistently good, and seems to get consistently better, which, as "Idol" fans know, can be dangerous because at some point people tend to forget to vote for the best. Sanchez, 16, is already a professional, at least in terms of poise and talent. Her future is assured. That leaves Phillips, who may have annoying mannerisms and extremely limited range for a show that esteems pop vocals but is at this point the most interesting of the four. 

  It's all talent versus talent here, which means "Idol" has remarkably lucked out. 

  In a way, you can credit this small feat to the judges, who have not acted as judges for much of this season but as boosters, who tub-thump for favorites so vigorously that they are effectively telling viewers whom to vote for instead of letting them make up their own minds. It's a remarkable display of boosterism, and suggests -- to me anyway -- that they lost all confidence in the voting body to get the choices right. Skylar Laine, booted last night, was certainly an OK singer with a nice, big, boisterous voice, but she was another country crooner, and country has co-opted this show in recent seasons. As "Idol" knows, that's been a bad trend because when country wins out, so-called A and B markets -- TV lingo for the cities and suburbs -- tune out, and that's been precisely the trend for "Idol" in recent years (older audience, fewer teens, less omnipotent in major cities).

  But now, the news is all good, or for the moment. My hunch -- everyone's really -- is that "Idol" wants a Ledet-Sanchez finale, and who can blame it? These are the two singers that can bring it on home -- big ranges and vocals that can energize the audience and make people actually care about who wins for a change. Phillips, I think, is simply too fringe for "Idol," and a Phillips finale would be a let-down.

  Phillips versus Cavanagh? No offense, kids, but a ridiculous let-down.

  No, this one has to be Ledet versus Sanchez. That'll be quite the show, and may the best man or (very young) woman win.