Next week's showdown between Bice and Underwood promises to be a real cliffhanger. Both have the stage presence of longtime professionals and seem destined for healthy recording careers no matter who wins.

But Bice lurched ahead of Underwood on Tuesday night, providing the season's defining moment with a devastatingly effective a-capella rendition of Badlands' In a Dream. Underwood, who has been safe all season, is in danger of pulling a "Diana DiGarmo" -- last year's No. 2 contestant, who pushed so hard during the final show that it actually hurt her.

Vonzell Solomon, the bubbly ex-mail carrier from Florida, left Fox's top-rated TV show this week after receiving the fewest call-in votes from viewers. Solomon, 21, made many strong impressions during her run, including a very Donna Summer-esque On the Radio on the last show, but she was clearly outmatched by Bice and Underwood.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent