The best two contestants (at least in my opinion) never face off in the finale. I started watching Idol in season 3 and thought for sure we would get a LaToya/Fantasia finale. The year after, I preferred a Bo Bice / Vonzelle finale (although I didn't think Carrie was bad, I just preferred Vonzelle to Carrie who I thought was rather bland). Last year, I wanted a Daughtry / Taylor finale (or even Elliott/Taylor).

Melinda should have made it on talent alone. Unfortunately for her, her listening audience isn't the same as the voting audience.