American Idol Finale Preview: War of the Davids

For weeks American Idol fans have waited for the inevitable final competition between David Archuleta and David Cook for the Season 7 title. Few will dispute both are incredibly talented and will have successful careers no matter the outcome. Their styles are so very contrasting yet many of us love them both. But let's get to it... May the best David win.

Archuleta has by far the better vocal abilities. His voice is clear, pure, strong and classic. Of course, he's had some goofs along the way, but his "wow's" have been more plentiful. Cook could never match Archuleta's gift. Cook does have a really good singing voice. He brings out the gravely rocker voice from time to time and a bit of shouting, which may be entertaining but isn't a great talent. Cook's best performances were never because the vocals just blew everyone away; they were because the songs were interesting and risky. Archuleta is a singer first and entertainer second, while Cook is the opposite.

Being the stronger entertainer gives Cook the edge regarding stage presence. He is always confidant (a likely reason his chancy song arrangements have been so successful). He is comfortable with himself and on the stage. Simon has remarked from time to time that he seems smug and arrogant. There is some truth to that. It may be that bit of conceitedness lets him shine. Many performers that come to mind demonstrate a good bit of bravado on stage. Archuleta has stage presence, but this young one needs more self-confidence and perhaps a better understanding of connecting to an audience. He has a very sensitive soul and really searches for the artist's intent while singing. When asked about why he closes his eyes when he sings, he answered with something to the affect of he just gets into the song so much. I believe him. He needs to work on connecting with his audience as much as he does the song. Archuleta takes instruction very well, though. Since Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber told him to open his eyes, he obviously has been quite conscious. He can be trained to take handle a stage better. Archuleta does manage to keep all eyes on him though as his voice is so remarkable and he is just so darn cute.

It's such a shame to be superficial and judge the physical-appeal of the performers. But, it is part of the business. Archuleta is absolutely adorable and looks like the boy every parent of a daughter hopes will show up at the door on prom night. I imagine the presses are already preparing the pullout posters for every teen magazine. Cook, on the other hand, sigh...I thought by this point in the show the contestants were helped by stylists? The pink comb-over has to go. He wears the typical rocker garb, which is sloppy, but the look he is trying to achieve. On a positive note, he has nice eyes. (Did I just channel Paula Abdul desperately looking for something good to say?) Unfortunately, they are on a gigantic head. Am I the only one who thinks his head is grossly out of proportion to his body or am I the only one mean enough to write it? (Perhaps, I'm channeling a bit of Simon, now.) Luckily, Cook is talented enough that he won't have to rely on good looks.

What really matters in the music industry, or any industry for that matter, is if a person can sell. Which David has the potential to sell more records? Both will do well. I think coming out of the gate, Cook will sell more records. Plenty of us will want to see what he can do when he has more flexibility than the show allows. He is very unique. Those who favor listening to music in Cook's genre, tend to buy more music. Archuleta will be on his heels, though. Archuleta's more standard style, which showcases his vocal ability, appeals to a larger audience. While I will buy both, my 60 year old mother is repulsed by David Cook and swears she will buy Archuleta's CD. The last American Idol CD she purchased was Clay Aiken's. Archuleta appeals to the 12 year old girl and to the 60 year old lady. There aren't many artists that can capture that age-range. Due to the popularity of American Idol, Archuleta has the exposure to win that broad audience.
Initial record sales are just the start. Maintaining sales is the only way to have a profitable long-lasting career. Archuleta's standard, classic style will allow him to have a very long and successful profession. I imagine, he will be molded to have a younger vibe and will be even more appealing to teens. When he outgrows the young fans, the outlets for classic entertainment are plentiful. Archuleta has the fortitude to make it in a tough industry. At seventeen he has already performed much of his life. He's been lavished with praise, yet still remains modest. He has had an upbringing that has him well prepared. David Cook will achieve success, but he isn't the next Chris Daughtry. Having watched American Idol from Season One and following careers of contestants, my opinion is he will have a good couple of years. He's creative and unique, but he is lacking the extras that keep a performance career going. Perhaps, he could find later achievement as a record arranger or producer.

The intangibles are the little extras that give a recording artist a career that can last years and a contestant the ability to win American Idol. First and foremost: talent. Archuleta's voice is significantly better than Cook's. Another factor is likability. For a career to really last, a person has to be liked. There are a few divas who have managed to side step this hurdle, but it's true for most. Archuleta is hard not to like. He's a good wholesome kid. He's shy, awkward, and humble. How can you not like the kid who says "Oh, gosh", while wearing a button down shirt and chinos? Cook, on the other hand, does seem a bit (OK, a lot) arrogant. Perhaps, he deserves to be, but I don't particularly care for people like that. His yoga-like bow when accepting praise from the judges honestly makes me want to puke. I think American Idol showing that he pulled the dream out from under his brother's feet did him a great injustice. Sure, events in life have a way of working out, but it must be a bit tough to watch your brother living the dream for which you had hoped. Archuleta's votes are likely based not only upon his talent, but also his appeal to teen girls, and an affirmation of his personality traits. Cook's votes, in my estimation, are more votes for the talent and genre alone.

Likely, by now, you have figured out my prediction for the Season Seven winner: David Archuleta. I always thought the boy was talented, of course, and most everyone knew from the start he would go to the finale. But, he wasn't my choice for the win until a few weeks ago. I really like David Cook. He's a very interesting artist. He just can't compete with the guy who IS everything expected of the American Idol. It will be the best finale in American Idol history. Season Seven will end with Ryan Seacrest's proclamation and confetti raining down on the endearing seventeen year old, David Archuleta, who will give us a look of disbelief and a tearful rendition of this year's single.