American Idol Finale Part 1: Cook Vs. Archuleta

Last night (5/20/08) was the first part of American Idol's finale, you know the one everyone has been looking forward to? As the show began, everyone witnessed both of the contestants dressed in boxing gear to the tune of Rocky Balboa, but it was the actual performances that made the first part of the finale so grand. As David Archuleta and David Cook continue to switch favoritism back and forth, last night's show might have sealed the deal. L.A.'s Nokia Theater was filled to capacity with a little over 7,000 fans, and both of the Davids experienced what it was like to perform in front of a massive audience. Now if I may?

"Let's Get Ready To Rumble!" This being a direct quote from professional ring announcer Michael Buffer.

David Cook: Age: 25, Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For:" Legendary record producer Clive Davis selected U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and after he finished singing it, the judges were quite happy with his opening performance. Randy said that the performance was hot, and that it was a great starting song choice. Paula stated that Cook might have not found what he was looking for, but they found him. Simon thought it was phenomenal.

"Dream Big:" The second round for Cook had him singing "Dream Big" by Emily Shackelton (kind of an odd choice), and while I thought it wasn't that bad of a performance at all, possibly his best, many of the judges weren't as psyched about it. Cook selected this song choice out 10 possible choices. Let's see what the judges had to say about his song choice... Randy said that Cook made it his own because he sang his face off. Paula was in awe as she normally is with Cook. Simon called the performance "a bit of a lightweight" and that it felt it failed to live up to his expectations of a "winning moment."

"The World I Know:" The third and final song that was performed by David Cook was "The World I Know" by Collective Soul, which was a song that has never been performed by Cook on American Idol. I had assumed that Cook would have chosen a song that he had already performed, but I was shocked to see his choice. Overall the judges were "OK" by it, but Simon didn't like it at all... Randy told David Cook that he is showing many different sides of himself, which included a "very nice, sensitive side." Paula called Cook "one of the nicest and most sincere contestants" in Idol history. Simon was unhappy and labeled the performance "completely and utterly wrong."

David Archuleta: Age: 17, Hometown: Murray, UT
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me:" David Archuleta's first song choice was a tune by Elton John, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and he delivered amazing vocals that countered Cook's first performance. Perhaps Clive Davis knew this would be Archuleta's nitch? Similar to Archuleta's other song performances on American Idol, he always brings the goods, and he rarely ever misses a note. The judges agreed. As Archuleta stood on stage in an emotional state, Randy told him that it was one of the best performances of the whole season, and that he picked the right time to peak. Paula told Archuleta that her heart is still beating fast, and that she has chills all over. Simon told him that last week was an "ok" showing, but declared that this was arguably the best he has done so far. Simon called the first round of the finale in Archuleta's favor.

"In This Moment:" Choosing 1 out of 10 possible song choices, David Archuleta picked "In This Moment" by Ryan Gillmor, and as he always does, he performs as perfect as a singer can perform, such flawless talent. As I critique Mr. Archuleta, I am sure most people reading this would agree with what I am saying. At the end of the performance, Randy said that he wasn't crazy about the song, but that Archuleta could sing the phone book and still sound great. Paula said that it was another heartfelt performance by David Archuleta. Simon said that Archuleta chose the better song choice once again, and that round 2 went to David Archuleta.

"Imagine:" We all remember this historic performance by David Archuleta back in late February. Well he decided to perform "Imagine" by John Lennon once again seeing that it was arguably his best performance on American Idol... Before the finale at least. Closing the night being ahead by 2 already, the judges didn't have much more to say about Archuleta's final song choice. Randy said that David Archuleta is so good tonight. Paula agreed with Randy and told Archuleta that he was pure magic and a star. Simon declared that this is one of the greatest finals in American Idol history, and even though he liked both of the performances by the two Davids, round 3 would go to Archuleta. Simon directly quoted: "You came out here tonight to win, and what we've witnessed is a knockout." I suppose there can be some pun intended.

Conclusion:
I totally agree with the judges, David Archuleta performed 100 times better than David Cook, and that's not me saying that he performed bad, because he didn't. I just think that Archuleta is fit to win this competition hands down, and that Cook will receive a record contract anyway. Archuleta will receive one as well if he doesn't manage to win, but I believe we have all witnessed the next American Idol last night.