Sportsbook.com Posts Odds on American Idol Finale

NEW YORK, NY -- After what has been called the closest voting margin in Idol history, Elliot Yamin was ousted from American Idol on Wednesday night, losing to fellow vocalists by less than a percentage
American Idol 5 - Simon, Ryan, Paula, and Randy  point. Sportsbook.com, the world's largest online sportsbook and casino had Yamin listed as a 7-2 underdog to win the coveted idol prize and the heavy favorite to be eliminated in the final three at 5-8.

Fans now have to choose between finalists Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, who face off to become the fifth American idol this Tuesday. Odds makers list Hicks as the favorite to win the competition at 1-2, but despite strong performances in the past weeks as well as positive words from the judges, the Birmingham, AL native has only received 9.5 per cent of wagers at Sportsbook.com. McPhee, who has stumbled several times with weak performances, has one final chance to redeem herself. Sportsbook.com gives her 17-10 odds of taking the prize. Bettors, on the other hand, have put almost three times as much money on a McPhee victory as they bet on Hicks.

"This season of American Idol has proven to be the most competitive yet," said Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director, Sportsbook.com. "Everybody bets on reality TV, and you can guarantee Idol voters will be sitting on the edge of their seats come Wednesday night!"

Final performances will take place on Tuesday May 23, with the fifth American Idol to be crowned the following day on Wednesday May 24.

Who Will be The Winner

Katharine McPhee 17-10
Taylor Hicks  1-2

% of Where $ is

Katharine McPhee 26.1%
Taylor Hicks  9.5%