So here is my prediction and my conspiracy theory.

I heard today that Simon - who actually is the exec or owner of the record company that signs the winner to a contract has already agreed in principal to sign both to a contract. The only stip is that the winner gets their CD released first. So if that is in fact true - regarding the winner getting the contract tonight that is all mute. So I think Clay will now win because he is more apt at making the rounds on TV - talking up the AI experience etc - thus raking in more $$$ for AI than Ruben may. Ruben of course will go off and record his songs and hopefully do well at that - the man can sing.

In the end it all comes down to $$$ - and speaking of which tonight episode will basically be a 2 hour infomercial for all the products of AI year 1 and 2, the upcoming tour - the upcoming AI for Kids etc.