TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "AMERICAN IDOL" FINALE, 7 P.M., FOX

Here's the big one, with "Idol" choosing its champion.

It could be Adam Lambert, who has a hugely theatrical approach and an astounding range of styles and octaves. Or it could be Kris Allen, the quiet Arkansas kid who masters the guitar and gentle ballads.
First, we'll see the final 12 perform, plus guest stars and hoopla. It's one of TV's biggest nights.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEES: "TAKE THE LEAD" (2006, CW), 7 P.M.; OR "LEAN ON ME" (1989, BET), 5 P.M

Here are two films based on real-life approaches to inner-city schools.
For "Lean on Me," it's tough love. Morgan Freeman is superb as a principal who uses rage, passion and a baseball bat; John Avildsen ("Rocky") directed briskly.
For "Take the Lead," it's ballroom dance. Antonio Banderas brings quiet dignity as a guy who showed teens that dance can be sexy fun.
Other films have shown real-life teachers succeeding with chess or Shakespeare. The overall idea seems to be to simply give kids something to obsess on.