Grease: You're the One that I Want!, The Finale – They're The Ones That You Want!

Billy Bush and Denise Van Outen welcome us to the live finale! Millions of people have voted, and tonight we'll find out the results. Max, Austin, Ashley, and Laura all look excited and nervous as they join our other Danny and Sandy finalists in a spirited rendition of “We Go Together.” Much singing and dancing fun is had by all. The crowd applauds furiously and we can see signs for the finalists up all over the audience.

Billy and Denise introduce for a final time producer David Ian, director Kathleen Marshall, and author Jim Jacobs. Billy asks David if he's confident America made the right decision. David says that all four finalists are fantastic and he'd be happy with any of them in his show. David then interviews on his opinions of the Dannys. He says it's Tom Cruise vs. Ben Stiller – a fantastic professional vs. a quirky comedian. Jim says that Ashley is more of Sandy at the end, and Laura is more of Sandy throughout the rest of the show. Kathleen says that Ashley is so lovely, but there's something a bit goddess-like about her. Laura would be a more down-to-earth Sandy. She thinks it's still a tough call between those two.

It's time for the inevitable show recap. Billy declares it the biggest open call in show history. We see flashes of auditions both good and bad and many angst-ridden competitors. We see the guest judges and a montage of finalists going home. Kathleen interviews that coming out of Grease Academy she would have cast Derek and Juliana. We see many shots of weeping wannabe Sandys. The final four interview about how much they want the parts and hope they'll get them.

Austin, Max, Ashley, and Laura then perform “You're the One that I Want” for us. The girls wear spandex pants, while the boys wear their standard black tee shirts and jeans. They all do a fine job. As I watch, I'm more and more convinced that Austin's performance would come off better in person, in an audience, then in the close ups of TV. He plays bigger than you would for TV, because he's used to acting in theater. If he loses, I think that may be why.

Billy now sits down with the final four. He notes that they all must be nervous tonight. No one disagrees. Billy asks Max and Austin how they feel when one will become a Broadway star... and the other won't. Austin says they support each other. Max says neither of them will lose, one just won't win. Ashley says she's stressed, but she's getting through it. Laura says the week has been hard, but it's out of their control now.

The eliminated Dannys and Sandys now get another chance to shine, performing “Born to Hand Jive.” They generally do a fine, bouncy job of it. Matt looks most out of his element, though. The audience gives them a nice round of applause when they're done.

Billy pulls Ashley and Laura up on stage. It's time to find out which of them has won the role of Sandy! But first, we get a quick recap of their journeys to this point. Ashley talks about how she messed up her first audition, but they gave her a second chance to sing. She knows she looks like Sandy, but she has more going for her than that. Ashley says the first three weeks of the finals were great for her. But “These Boots Were Made for Walking” wasn't her best. Still, she came back and performed well after that. This is her dream, what she wants to do with her life, and she'd be honored if America chose her as our Sandy.

Denise has Ashley's Mom and Dad in the audience. Her Mom says Ashley has been preparing for this since she was a little girl. Ashley's Dad says it's very nerve-wracking, but it's been a wonderful trip and she's met so many incredible people. It's been unbelievable. Ashley's Mom says her duet with Max was her favorite moment on the show thus far.

Laura's tape begins noting that two months ago she was playing Sandy in a regional theater production near her home. She says she was intimidated by some of the competition, but she made it to Grease Academy. She says it was very difficult. Laura says that she didn't start out as strong, but doing “Jesus Christ Superstar” was a turning point for her on the show. I have to say she's right about that. She really turned it on after that. Laura says it's an honor to be in the running for the role of Sandy on Broadway. Laura's fiance is here. Denise reminds us that they were supposed to get married yesterday and be in Aruba today. Her fiance says he wouldn't trade this experience for anything – and the wedding's on for May 11th now!

Okay, now it's really time to find out who America chose for the next Sandy. Last week I predicted America would choose Laura. Billy says that they've both worked so hard, and the girl America has chosen to be Sandy is... LAURA! Laura weeps in delight as Ashley graciously hugs her. Ashley gets a round of applause before seeking solace in the arms of her Mother. Laura looks like she still can't believe it. Billy now takes us to Times Square where a giant sign proclaims Grease starring Laura Osnes. That must be pretty cool for her to see!