There have been weeks of fierce competition. Nights ruled by '80s classics and smoldering show tunes. Surly judges. Teary eliminations.

LeeRoy Holmes photo: Really, they're all friends. We promise.And now, it's down to three. This ... is Pride Idol. (Gotcha.)

The third annual competition, part of the Pride Houston events, is down to three singers: AJ Cabrera, Hoja Lopez and Shauna Wood. Each brings a unique personality — and truly astounding vocals — to the stage. Tonight, each performs one song of their choice and a second to complement Pride Houston's theme, Out 4 Justice.

Here, a rundown of the remaining hopefuls (See photos of the full 10 in the video below):

AJ CABRERA (The nice guy)

First record ever purchased: Britney Spears' … Baby One More Time. I love Britney and was excited to buy my first CD by myself. I listened to it every day and learned all the routines with my little sister.

Influences: Carrie Underwood has a wonderful voice and always seems to be very humble and grateful for everything she has. Her music has the ability to touch people, and I hope to master that as well. Judy Garland has one of the most recognizable voices, and I love how she overcame tragedies to become one of the most successful live performers of all time.

Humble beginnings: One of the first performances I had was in second grade. It was Christmas, and my stepmom had me in a turtleneck and a lovely sweater. I had to sing the first verse of Go Tell it on the Mountain. I was so nervous but I managed to get through it. After that, I loved being onstage and singing and making people smile.

Personal idol: My stepmom, Kristi, is the most inspirational person I know. Not only has she been there every time I have needed her, she is a big part of who I am today. I remember growing up and listening to her sing and play piano at church and thinking to myself, 'I wanna be just like her.' I owe being in the top 10 to her.

AJ's best performance to date: His moving, mountainous rendition of Anthem from the musical Chess.

HOJA LOPEZ (the quirky diva)

First record ever purchased: I don't mind admitting it, the Spice Girls. My favorite was always Sporty Spice. The signs are always there. That, and the whole plaid shirts phase.

Influences: I absolutely love Radiohead, the Smiths, Sigur Ros, MGMT, Imogen Heap, Massive Attack, Björk, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Albert Hammond Jr., Devotchka, DCFC, Blonde Redhead, Dolly Parton. I could go on and on. No, really. Animal Collective, the Faint, Ghostland Observatory, Stevie Wonder, Dan Deacon.

Humble beginnings: I started singing in elementary school with my choir. There was no stopping me after day one. I would sing in class, during recess, at home, in the shower, at the park. I had 80 people a day telling me that I needed to be quiet because I had been singing Oh Happy Day for six hours straight.

Personal idol: I really admire Matt Flannery, the CEO and co-creator of a company called Kiva, the first person-to-person micro lending Web site. It totally empowers individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

Hoja's best performance to date: A delightful, deliriously sweet take on Björk's It’s Oh So Quiet.

SHAUNA WOOD (the Everywoman)

First record ever purchased: Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album. Because who didn’t love Opposites Attract? Come on, the video with the cat? Awesome.

Influences: Right now I would have to say that P!nk is tipping the scales as my favorite singer. Her voice is never-ending, and the passion she puts into her songs definitely brings the goose bumps.

Humble beginnings: Weekends of the Supremes, Lena Horne and anything else that made the chores easier to finish. In elementary school, I was told I would never make it singing, and of course that made me try harder. By junior high, I was top 10 in the state and just never stopped.

Personal idol: My mom. She raised me and my brother with such passion and dedication. She managed to pay the bills, be the best PTA mom ever and still have time for that special McDonald's trip when the chicken nuggets and playground were calling. She gives me the strength and drive to get up every morning.

Shauna's best performance to date: A smoky, sensual reading of Summertime.

2009 HOUSTON PRIDE IDOL FINALE: 10 p.m. Thurday at Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh. Free; 713-524-3359.