David Archuleta on American Idol

This week was interesting on American Idol. I made a few observations of the judges. Randy, no matter how you sing, will find an issue with pitch. Paula Abdul dares anyone, including Randy to question her "authoritay," especially if that person just doesn't agree with her opinions, and Simon Cowell will occasionally smile, AND compliment a performer.

Then there was David Archuleta, which as I found out last week, many people adore, and finally I understand the reason. Oh, did I have sky high hopes for this guy this week. As those of you who read my last review of him know, I feel in love with him last week. He sang "Smoky Mountains" grabbing my attention for the first time this season.

Before the guy had even performed, the local Fox affiliate agrees with me. When they were advertising the nightly news the exact sentence was "why David Archuleta won't go home tonight." Wow. Hype-a- Rama already.

His song pick was "Angels" and I am not surprised he played the piano this week. This is a talent that three fourths of the "Beehive State," seem to have (although not yours truly), and I thought that it was a mistake. To have him sitting down behind a piano, like he was Elton John, seemed to rob him of some of his usual power. His song choice was great, and he did a good enough job, that he will not go home this week.

Most telling was Simon Cowell's critique of him were he admitted he was being nitpicky because there wasn't a lot to criticize him on. You know you're on the right track to the finale when Simon is saying that... about you!

However his time on stage was not without it's surprises. When the girls started to get crazy at one point, he actually acknowledged them, he kind of waved his microphone toward them as if to say thank you... what? Our awesome David is learning what girls are for! To me, that simple wave was a shocker.

All in all David appears to be a very strong contender for the American Idol crown.