American Idol: This is the End (Thanks to David Archuleta)

David Archuleta. What can one say that hasn't been said a thousand times already over the past few weeks? Has he completely ruined this series of American Idol? It certainly looks like it. The auditions were already a sign, as Randy actually joined in for some backing vocals. 'Hollywood week' was next, and they might as well have given him the trophy (or whatever it is the winner gets) right there and then after his rendition of Bryan Adams' 'Heaven'.

Obviously this was not an option, as there were still 23 candidates to send home. And that's exactly what he's doing. One by one, the contestants will have to realize that every so often a phenomenon appears that can not be stopped by anything or anybody. Nobody could have known that all it would take was just 2 songs. Where all the other contestants have already made mistakes (either by bad song choice or weak vocal performances), Archuleta raised the bar even more. An absolutely astonishing version of John Lennon's masterpiece 'Imagine' left both jury and fans in awe and there is no telling where it will end. They might as well call it 'The David Archuleta Show' or 'David and Friends' from now on, as there is no doubt in anybody's mind who will win it.

Never since the hula-hoop or the frisbee has there been a hype like this. On Youtube, his videos are played over a million times! So what could possibly prevent Archuleta from winning? Only some very unlikely event, like some video popping up from who knows where showing DA doing some strange things to the neighbor's dog. He might loose his voice completely. The audience doesn't like his superiority and goes for the sympathy vote for another candidate. Neither is likely to happen.

For David is not real. He is 17, gifted, and too perfect for words. Girls want to be with him, guys want to be like him, parents want him as their son-in-law. He's not shy in front of the camera, reacts smart and intelligent and has the looks of a superstar. If I didn't know better, I'd say the guy is a robot. Unfortunately for the rest of the field, a very likable robot that already won the hearts of the voters.

The other contestants will have to rethink their strategy. Come up with ways to make themselves so memorable, people will actually stop talking about David for just one second. Whether they do this by being arrogant, playing the cutesy card or confronting Simon, they'll have to come up with something. And in a weird way, David made it pretty easy on them: they all know who to beat, it should only motivate them even more.

The one interesting thing to see is whether Fox will try and interfere and come up with some special forced duets or rules that could break David's supremacy. Am I a fan of David Archuleta? Yes. I love music, and this kid embodies everything that music stands for. Even if he's only 17. Am I either exaggerating or overreacting and is he really not that good? Maybe, but who cares? That is what this show is supposed to be about. And I for one can't wait to see his next performance.