Who Will Win "American Idol?"
Radio listeners in L.A. this morning got a little advance scoop on Tuesday's "American Idol" finale when producer Nigel Lythgoe dialed into Ryan Seacrest's radio show. Each David will sing three songs, and reportedly Lythgoe said that's one Clive Davis choice, one fan choice and one contestant choice. Cute David will likely reprise "Imagine" for his choice, and that's all we know. Rocker David had two or three highlights this season that he could repeat, but knowing him, he might try something new.
Some observers say rocker Cook would be better off if he loses to teen ballad singer Archuleta, because then Archuleta would have to spend the next year singing whatever crap the "Idol" brain trust puts on his plate, while Cook would be free to craft his own career, a la Daughtry and Clay Aiken. The two previous male "Idol" winners, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, haven't exactly lit a fire artistically or on the charts compared to those two also-rans.
From early on in the competition, Archuleta was marked as about an even-money winner, based on everything from his lovely voice to his puppy dog cuteness. The fact that he'd been on "Star Search" led "Idol" conspriacy theorists to suspect that he - and other finalists, including Carly Smithson - was a "ringer" chosen by the producers to create a more musically accomplished show after last year's Sanjaya debacle.
But. I have a feeling that the little girls and their moms who make up much of the "Idol" voting audience might just be looking for someone grittier than Cute David. Remember that Studdard, 300 pounds of southern soul man, beat out that darlin' little pixie Aiken. And Sanjaya, also the cause of much squeeing, failed to crack the top three. So I'm bettin' on Cook.
You'd think most voters would have already made up their minds, but this year has brought some of the closest votes ever; at least that's what Seacrest has been telling us. So it might actually come down to song choice. Tell us what you think in the comments...
It'll be Cook for sure, DA is cute and all, but DC is the real deal.
Posted by: Ann | May 19, 2008 at 04:25 PM
It will definitely be Cook if the producers pick the kind of songs for Archie as they did last week...could they possibly do anymore obvious pimping??? I mean, I like both Davids, but at least make it LOOK like you're trying to choose even song choices!
Posted by: Mitzi | May 19, 2008 at 07:30 PM
David Cook is a great performer. The camera loves him and if he were allowed to be himself,rather than have to cower down to the judges, his already developed stage personna is appealing and sexy. David Archuleta is a sweety, but I question the 'coming of the best voice' comments. I find his voice a bit disturbing...I hope he can find help in dealing with his father's verbal and emotional abuse. Perhaps neither the child or his dad realize it, but their's is a text book case of verbal/emotional abuse. David Cook has overcome his share of emotional pain based on his parents' divorce and his brother's illness. He seems more a person that a fan can identify with, feel shared experiences, and enjoy, while with Archie, it's like watching your kid do his first recital and you love him, but you surely know that he is not ready for prime time.
Posted by: phyl | May 19, 2008 at 10:58 PM
David Cook deserves to win. He is the only idol I know that has worked so hard to entertain the audience each week with a rendition of classic/current songs that fit today's genre. His voice is much more superior than Archuleta's voice.
Listen to the STUDIO version of INNOCENT to discover Cook's many voice ranges.
Listen to that song in its entirety and you will find that Archuleta has nowhere near the talent that Cook has. Archuleta's performance each week has been bland and boring evident by his ability to only sing in one voice range.
Cook has brought in more money during his time as an AI contestant than any other contestant. He is THE American Idol. To say otherwise, is a farce and an insult to TRUE independent music/singing artists. In this case, AI is masquerading as a glorified Star Search show for teens. Tweens and teens do not have the qualification to pick an American Idol for they focus too much on physical properties. They only have the qualification to pick a DISNEY/NICKELODEAN idol.
Posted by: IdolW | May 19, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I think it is already a done deal. It will be like the Ruben and Clay votes, you won't be able to get through to vote for David Cook, David A. will be your Idol, because this is who they wanted from day one and actually will be better for David Cook to be more successful on his choices.
Posted by: Liz | May 20, 2008 at 02:33 AM
Cook because the girls who voted for Aiken are growing up
Posted by: Eduard | May 20, 2008 at 03:25 AM
David Cook will be hard to beat but he isnt unbeatable. David Archuleta for the WIN!!
Posted by: Eva | May 20, 2008 at 04:35 AM
Uhhh... that cute little pixie, Clay Aiken, is 6'1". Ruben was 450 pounds and 6'5". Clay Aiken is a cutie but he isn't little in any way.
He isn't a crooner or a ballard only singer. You should hear his new CD. It has rock, funk, blues and soul, plus a few gorgeous ballads.
Posted by: Donna | May 20, 2008 at 03:20 PM