Psychics on Kyle's radio show hadn't come up with any definite answers, and the judges didn't seem to have any idea which way the nation would vote.
"The bad part is we're going to lose one of them," Dicko said. "The good side is we're going to hear this beautiful woman [Marcia] sing."

As for the Idols themselves, the couch was an even bigger bundle of nerves. Asked how they thought they performed last night, they all admitted they'd let those same nerves get to them.
"You can only do your best," said Carl, "and I think I did that."
Natalie had no idea what Verdict Night would hold for her. "My gut tells me absolutely nothing," she admitted. "I am so nervous."
"I'd be so stoked if these two ... [made it to the Grand Final]," added Matt. "Honestly. We're all such great mates."

Next up Delta Goodrem took the stage with the world TV premiere of her new single "Believe Again", featuring a massive choir. Her performance earned a standing ovation and afterwards Andrew and James asked her thoughts on the industry our winner would soon be entering.
"We'll be neighbours, guys!" said the singer, who is also signed to SonyBMG. "It's a long road, but it's an enjoyable one."

After semi-finals all over the country the My Mum Rocks winner was finally announced, with Marcia, Kyle and Erana Clarke picking Dani Fry from Victoria. Dani will be joining the Idols at the Sydney Opera House to perform at the Grand Final.

Marcia Hines showed the Idols how it's down when she performed her new single "Everybody Hurts" from her new album Life. Ms. Hines admitted she found the experience nerve-racking, but her fellow judges and the audience were all thrilled.

Finally it was time for the nation to have their say and James invited all three of them to join him and Andrew on stage as the Bottom 3.

The first contestant through to the Grand Final was … Natalie Gauci.

With less that 4% of the vote separating our finalists, Dicko admitted he hadn't expected it to be so close.
"Firstly, congratulations to Natalie," he said. "I'm stoked that she's there."
As for Carl and Matt, the judges had plenty to say.
"If Matt goes, we all have to chuck – that's what Kyle said," offered Marcia.

Of course Kyle's MattLove hadn't gone anywhere. "My whole family loves Carl," he said. "But I can't get past Matt. To me he's the bomb."

The audience was put out of their misery with the announcement that Matt Corby was the second and last Grand Finalist, and Carl Riseley would be going home.

Carl was genuinely pleased for his fellow finalists – "I love you guys," he said – and performed a very emotional rendition of "You Give Me Something", which included kisses and hugs for Matt and Nat, the judges and his friends.

And so it was a very sad farewell to Carl as Matt Corby and Natalie Gauci make their way to the Grand Final at the Opera House. Next week the Final 2 will perform three songs each – including the winners single. From there it will be up to you who will become this year's Australian Idol.