American Idol Finale: A Tale of Two Davids

This seventh season of American Idol is hurrying to a close. And while it may not go down as a gladiatorial contest of wills, it has been a hard fought battle. The finale is only three days away. Both of the David's journeys to the finale are the stuff that dreams are made of. David Cook originally came to the competition to offer moral support to his younger brother Andrew. It's not clear whose idea it was for him to stick on a number and try out. I would say the rest is history, but this is only the beginning for David Cook. The fact that David Archuleta is even in the competition is equally amazing. He overcame a bout with vocal paralysis to arrive at this point in his journey. Rather than take the suggested surgery for his condition, David Archuleta opted to wait and see if he improved. Of course, we all know the answer to that.

Though the outlook for each is rosy, it is not without some thorns as well. David Cook has gone through this competition with the spectre of his brother's second bout with brain cancer hanging over him. He also had to deal with his own stress related high blood pressure. After one competition he was taken to the hospital for observation. According to the media, David Archuleta's dad has been one of his bigger obstacles during the competition. Reports of his father's antics and of his alleged ban from backstage have been fodder for the media for some time now. Regardless to what they have faced, each has risen to meet the challenge.

In this tale of two David's it has been the best of song choices and the worst. For me David Cook'a stellar performance of the Chris Cornell verson of "Billie Jean" was fantastic. However, his performance of the Foo Fighters' "My Hero" during his recent visit home to Kansas City, ranks a close second. David Archuleta's version of the Beatles, "Imagine" and Robbie Williams' "Angels" were two of his best performances.

However, there were some missteps along the way. Ne'er was a more awkward moment in television than when David Archuleta sung "With You" by Chris Brown. Perhaps I am overdramatizing, but it set the tone for the whole song. Dare I say "Eek!" Here I will add his version of "You're the Voice", which to be fair was probably more unfamiliar than it was bad. There was something weird about the arrangement. His voice got lost in the song. If you really want to hear a great cover by David Archuleta, check out his version of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles". David Cook, risk taker that he is, dropped the ball on a few occasions. "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace, went over like a lead balloon with the audience at large. To be honest, it seems he suffered the same fate David Archuleta faced singing "You're the Voice"; a song so unfamiliar as to seem unfortunate. While most people seemed to dig his version of "Baba O'Riley", I wasn't sold. As a fan of the original, I really think he could have done more with that Daltrey verse. I do think they are the right two to be in the finale.

Syesha did mount an admirable offensive at the end, but it was too little, too late to derail the momentum of the David train. Many have decried this season as lacking the umph of past seasons. I think that's a little unfair, because each season has its own vibe and character. Now I do have some thoughts on ways to make Idol better overall. There needs to be some more incentive for people to really give it their all. For those who make the Top 10, they are already on the tour. Making the Top 10 is kinda cushy. Yes it's sad to get voted off, but there's the tour to look forward to. Maybe they could reserve the right to pull someone in the Top 10 out and replace them with someone from earlier who they felt got booted without being given a fair shake. There's not really a lot on the line for the Top 8 who don't make the finale. I don't rightly know what can be done, but I'm sure American Idol has staffs of people who are pondering these very momentous decisions. I'll reserve the rest of my suggestions until I see how Season 8 shapes up.

I imagine that making it to the finale is great, but it has to pale in comparison to the trip the contestants take back home. I simply can not fathom the emotions that must overtake the contestants when they arrive and see their hometowns festooned and beribboned just for them. Add to that the sheer numbers of people who come out to show their support. I would wager that it is a phenomenal feeling. For the Top 3 finishers in any season, that has to be the icing. Whether you go on and win or not, for that brief moment, you get a chance to feel the adoration and be the superstar.

For my money, I'm picking David Cook to win. I think he brings something new and fresh to the musical forefront. He's ready for it. He has a unique sound and an incredible stage presence. I believe it's his time. I would buy his CD or at lest I'd download it from Rhapsody and that's saying a lot for me. Archies please do not stone with your cruel words. I think David Archuleta is a consummate musician and has talent to spare. As was evidenced by the "With You" debacle, I do think he needs to find his style and capitalize on that. Of course the flip side of that is that he is moldable so he can be produced in whatever fashion the Idol machine sees fit. Rather than let that happen, I'd prefer to see him mature into his talent and find his own style and sound to accompany his incredible voice. Win or lose this holds the promise of great things, not only for the Top 2 but for the other 8 Idol contestants as well. To co-opt the title from last years, finale song; this is their NOW!