Australian Idol / Chris Ryan / 21 November 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

As much as I dislike sounding like the late Michael Jackson, for the remaining two Idol contestants, this week really is it, writes Jayme Jenkins.

The stage is set and sounds crews in place for this week's final at the Sydney Opera House. After the departure of James Johnston last week, the pressure has been placed firmly on the final two contestants, Hayley Warner and Stan Walker.

Hayley Warner

Hayley had a very shaky start to Idol only scraping back into the competition in the final hour as the judges choice. Since then her confidence and onstage presence has exploded.

Her awkward onstage presence and very Pink-esque voice has made her a hit with the fans. Unfortunately for Hayley she has been no stranger to the elimination stage in recent weeks, being saved at the eleventh hour several times.

Last week, Hayley started out performances with "UFO", followed by her winner's single "Good Day". The judges and audience all enjoyed these two, but it was her third song, Rihanna's "Don't Stop The Music" that rallied the crowd and finished the night on a high note.

Stan Walker

The boy from New Zealand has been the favourite almost from week one and cemented it with his rendition of "Purple Rain" early in the competition.

Each week his perfect vocals and passion for the music he sings has translated into vote after vote. Stan has only visited the elimination stage once in the competition and that provides a good indication of what Australia really thinks of him.

Last week Stan began the night with some Bee Gees, followed by his winners single "Black Box". He clearly loved every moment of his performance and so did the audience. He finished the night with "Superstar", prompting Dicko to say that he has a ridiculous amount of talent.

Stan is the only contestant to be offered recording opportunities with Pete Wentz, Good Charlotte and Michael Buble and that speaks volumes to his amazing talent.

Pick

Even though there is good money to be made on picking Hayley as your winner, the sensible and probably correct bet would be Stan Walker. Australia has voted week after week almost every time keeping him safe, Hayley doesn't have the same track record. So in keeping with my predictions of the last five weeks, Stan, Stan he's our man.