"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell predicts Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry will be the finalists on the Fox TV talent competition.

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"If I had to put money on it, I think it will be between Chris and Taylor," Cowell told "Good Morning America."

An all-male finale would mirror the May 2003 sing-off between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, the New York Post said Friday.

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Although viewers voted Studdard the winner, Aiken has had a more successful recording career, the newspaper noted.

Cowell did not completely write off the last "American Idol" female competitor, Katharine McPhee, the Post said.

"You can't rule out Katharine because she's just getting better and better," Cowell said.

But he still predicted next week would be the end for McPhee or Elliot Yamin, describing them both as "vulnerable."