American Idol - David Vs David? David Wins!

David Archuleta and David Cook are the final two contestants for American Idol. A double portion of Davids, if you will, (there were even two "Cooks" in the top 10) has all Idol watchers on the edge of their seats.

David Archuleta and David Cook both have a faithful fan base, with screams to be heard each and every time they take the stage. Each has their signature style of singing and can be picked out from a crowd. It is always refreshing to hear them both and fan-approval starts from the very first note of the song. A sigh (and screams) can be heard as they begin their performance. David Cook has the rocker voice that pulls you in, making you want to hear the next note and the next note until the song is finished and you sigh again. With a gracious "air" he stands strong and true to his style. "DC" (direct current as he could be called) will no doubt be gracing our homes with the sound of his voice on CD's (that's plural!) proving that you don't even need to finish your words to have millions of people clamor to hear you, you just have to sound smooth, and does he ever! Running the words together and deep breathing on the mic melts his fan base immediately!

David Archuleta has a completely different singing style, also creating the need to hear the next note and the next. With even a slight lisp his words slide out like melted butter and he is determined to enunciate each and every syllable so even the very essence is understood and heard. This is really refreshing and reveals a bit more about the "heart of David". He seems to possess a sincere desire to connect to the audience, or should I say, his fans and he wants you to hear what he is saying. In fact, the "heart of David" was visible from both Davids as they revisited their home towns last week. The overwhelming reality of their position in peoples' lives became apparent and emotion hit them both like a brick wall drawing out an apology from David Archuleta for crying. Don't lose that tenderness David.

Both David Cook and David Archuleta have huge potential for record contracts and both of them would be a wise investment for any company that would 'pick them up". It may only be age that would give Archuleta the longer contract because both Davids are creative in their vocal ability, from choice of songs to structure of melodic phrases.

Stage presence? Both Davids' have great stage presence; however, David Cook seems to be under less restraint than David Archuleta. It may be Archuleta's age that is a bit of a hindrance however, that is so minuscule a hurdle for him to jump that it is almost silly to mention. He clearly makes every effort to implement those things that better his performances. Just one example of this is keeping his eyes open when singing, heeding the advice of Andrew Lloyd Webber a few weeks ago, a plus for any recording studio proving that he listens and applies those things that really do make a difference. They certainly both have their own style though David Cook does seem to be a bit more relaxed strutting across the stage completely at home on the stage, with the mic and the crowd, pretty impressive for someone who had no intention of becoming a contestant for American Idol. Thank you David for following the "prod". David Cook usually followed behind David Archuleta when they both were called out by Ryan Seacrest, even though Cook was most likely being gracious to let young David go first, it just may have been a taste of things to come. (Meaning David Archuleta will remain in the lead). David Archuleta doesn't necessarily look nervous when he is on stage he just seems shy. He too has a deep desire to connect to the crowd, and even though he still has more growing and refining, for his stage presence to be more relaxed , he has already proven he can and will only get better and better.

Regarding Record-Selling Potential? Both are equally huge, however, David Archuleta has a huge "tweenies" following but ironically he picks songs that are more mature for that crowd, maybe he would be an "introduction" of a more "classic" sound to a younger generation that can be overloaded and lost in the everyday shuffle of "newness". David Cook has a huge following as well though most likely not the real "youngies" that David Archuleta has. Ever wonder why "they" still call it "record-selling"? Records have long since been replaced by CD's yet they still are referred to as records. (I know, I know, it is still called "recording" and it is a "record" of the song).

Does physical appearance really matter? Well, both Davids are similar in that neither one is necessarily flashy but David Cook "stands" just a bit taller (not necessarily in height) and straighter than David Archuleta, exuding confidence that he could handle this constant prancing on stage. "Cook has the look" of a seasoned performer and yet when finished performing still exhibits humbleness and gratitude. David Archuleta is still in school for crying out loud. He still has the innocent boy next door air about him that keeps him in his blue jeans and tennis shoes, but again, if that really needs to be changed it will be a small hurdle for such potential. David Archuleta has prodding eyes and that, along with his gentle essence, seems to seal his win. T-shirts, caps, pens and buttons, you name it, would all sell like hot cakes if they are imprinted with David Archuleta's face! His contagious ear to ear smile would brighten any room whether it was on a poster or other paraphernalia. He has a magnetic purity about him that almost seems too good to be true. You want to protect him like a puppy yet his ability to "hold his own" shines through each time he faced the judges.

So who is it? Who is the next American Idol? David? Yes, but which one? Once again, it just may be a popularity contest after all and if that happens, most likely, David Archuleta will take the cake.