the buzz log

The duel. The face-off. The toe-to-toe, mano a mano singfest. "American Idol" is finally down to two. But before we leave Top 3 week behind, let's examine the lore of the Third Place Curse.

Coming in second isn't the bummer as it used to be. While the runner-up isn't an understudy who steps up in the event of laryngitis or rehab, more than a handful have gotten decent stage work and sitcom guest roles (Idolheaded blog has an impressive round-up of almost-rans through 2006).

Visits from Chris Daughtry (season 5, 4th place) reminded audiences (and competitors) that winning isn't everything. And Jason Castro, who got the boot in Top 4 week last year, signed on to big-name Atlantic Records.

But third place? Whispers across "Idol" forums speak of third place as purgatory. "Nobody who's placed 3rd has been successful," averred one commentor. TV Squad has a sympathetic once-over for that awkward spot, noting things like "Vonzell has the disappointing record of being the highest finishing Idol contestant to not get picked up by a record label."

But, the curse may be lifted thanks to Elliot Yamin's independent streak. Below, a Web ranking of the past season's 2nd and 3rd place finishers. At least their "Idol" rank doesn't necessarily determine their online popularity.

Top "American Idol" Runner-Ups, past 7 days

1. David Archuleta (season 7, 2nd)
2. Clay Aiken (season 2, 2nd)
3. Elliott Yamin (season 5, 3rd)
4. Katharine McPhee (season 5, 2nd)
5. Blake Lewis (season 6, 2nd)
6. Melinda Doolittle (season 6, 3rd)
7. Bo Bice (season 4, 2nd)
8. Nikki McKibbin (season 1, 3rd)
9. Jasmine Trias (season 3, 3rd)
10. Diana DeGarmo (season 3, 2nd)
11. Justin Guarini (season 1, 2nd)
12. Syesha Mercado (season 7, 3rd)
13. Vonzell Solomon (season 4, 3rd)
14. Kimberley Locke (season 2, 3rd)