American Idol Countdown: With Only Three Left, Competition Down to the Wire

While it may not be the final three that was expected on Season 7 of American Idol, it is a strong final three nonetheless. In a season-long struggle, David Cook, David Archuleta, and Syesha Mercado have filled out the top three nicely. They are a unique mixture of talent, as each brings something different to the table. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner, and someone will have to leave the stage tomorrow night.

David Cook is in a wonderful position to take home the top prize on American Idol. He has proven himself to be able to step out of the American Idol created box and bring something different to the show. Instead of doing just enough to get by week after week, Cook manages to take risks and recreate himself on a weekly basis. That is going to be enough for David Cook to be the next American Idol. However, that is not necessarily a prize that a performer of Cook's nature would want. It could hurt him in the long run. American Idol winners are initially forced to do things musically that they would not normally do. Hopefully, Cook will be allowed to stay true to himself musically even after winning American Idol.

Not everyone will agree with this, and this will anger many people, but David Archuleta is going to come in second place. He has had a great run on American Idol. No one can deny that he has a tremendous voice. However, in the end, it will just not be enough. He may be able to sing, but he is boring. That is boring with a capital B. There are times when it is difficult to watch him on the stage. Instead of performing, Archuleta just stands there. Archuleta has spent far too long navigating in Power Ballad Purgatory. It's as if he's channeling his inner Peter Cetera week after week. That's a mistake on his part, as he is seventeen years old. Also, with the recent developments that occurred with his father, little David will now be going through rehearsals on his own. Papa Archuleta has been banned from backstage. That might be enough to have little David crack. Who's going to program the robot if his dad isn't around?

Unfortunately for Syesha Mercado, she's the only one left who needs a place. That puts her in third. While she'll be the next one to go home, that does not diminish the comeback she has made for the last month. Syesha has proven herself to be a tremendous performer. Not only can she sing, but she can really put it all out there when she's on stage. Still, she just doesn't have the same fan base as the two Davids.

In the end, the producers are going to get exactly what they've wanted from the start. It will be a battle of the Davids in the end. Archuleta's inexperience will keep him from winning the prize this season. Instead, David Cook will get awarded for taking chances.