American Idol' Finales: From Sensational to Snoozefests

Season 8 of "American Idol” has come down to a faceoff on Tuesday night between two very different performers: Kris Allen, the heartthrob with the boy-band looks and John Mayer vibe, and Adam Lambert, the highly dramatic belter with the androgynous sex appeal.

Almost every season finale of “Idol” has presented viewers with a stark choice like this, with added drama coming from the unpredictability of the voters.

PHOTO ESSAY: 'Idol' finales From Worst to First.

After all, some of the biggest stars who have broken out through the show were eliminated before the final two.

Here then are the previous seven finales, ranked on how well they provided us with drama, suspense, and the satisfaction of feeling that the deserving contestant got his or her moment.