David Cook and David Archuleta Face Off in American Idol Finale

After over 50 million votes from American Idol fans, the final two contestants to perform in the American Idol finale have been determined...David Cook and David Archuleta. On Tuesday, May 20,2008, Cook and Archuleta will take the American Idol stage one last time to fight it out for the title. Considering the talent and determination displayed by both of these young men throughout the competition and the horde of dedicated fans each has acquired, this finale promises to be the closest race in the history of American Idol.

Here's a closer look at the weaponry each performer brings to the American Idol stage for the final battle.

Singing Talent:

American Idol Contestant, David Archuleta -
David Archuleta sings with a vocal maturity far beyond his years. When listening to the pure, controlled tone of Archuleta, it's easy for one to forget he's only seventeen years old. The ease with which he sings difficult musical runs and sustains the high notes is a true testament of his singing ability. Factor in that he's also a talented pianist and David Archuleta seems to have found his niche as a ballad singer.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
David Cook, a rocker at heart, brings an edge to his performances with his powerful upper vocal range and gifted electric guitar playing. Cook possesses a surprisingly melodic voice for a rocker and exercises skillful vocal control. He has proven his talent with his impressive ability to be able to take a song from any style of music, from country to Broadway, and perform it with excellence.

Stage Presence:

American Idol Contestant, David Archuleta-
While performing on the American Idol stage, David Archuleta remains focused and poised. He exhibits true professionalism even in the midst of difficulty. Take, for instance, the performance in which he forgot his lyrics. Instead of making his mistake obvious to the viewers, Archuleta continued the song without even flinching. If not for the mention of his misfortune from the judges, most viewers would have never noticed the blunder. David Archuleta proved his stage maturity with the way he handled that situation.

While David Archuleta is an excellent singer, I feel the one area in which he needs improvement is his interaction with the audience. His performances are always polished but often lack excitement. By maintaining eye contact, singing directly to his fans, and pouring on his boyish charm, Archuleta will melt the hearts of many viewers and listeners.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
This year on American Idol, David Cook has proven himself to be a very dedicated, focused, and hard-working artist. He also shines as a natural entertainer. Cook manages to bring an aura of drama and excitement to the stage each time he sings. He is also extremely aware of how to work the stage, his fans, and the camera. For me, these details are a guarantee that David Cook will offer an awesome concert for his fans.

One area in which David Cook has received criticism is in his demeanor. Cook exudes a confidence that is sometimes misconstrued as cockiness. I personally don't believe he is over-confident. He's just comfortable with himself as a performer, which is to be commended not criticized. In the long run, it might help Cook's image and popularity among fans to show more of the humble side of this performer.

Physical Appeal:

American Idol, Contestant, David Archuleta-
David Archuleta is a handsome, clean-cut, and innocent-looking young man. These physical attributes have helped him build a large fan-base among tween and teenage girls, as well as many parents and grandparents. There is little physical change required to mold David Archuleta into an American Idol image.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
David Cook is a naturally good-looking man with an alternative rocker look about him. His appearance, edgy but not over-the-top, appeals to an eclectic crowd of high school and college students, adults in the 20 to 40 year-old range, and diehard rock and roll fans. Again, as with David Archuleta, very little physical change is necessary to make David Cook look like an American Idol.

Record-selling Potential:

American Idol Contestant, David Archuleta-
David Archuleta has the potential to sell many hit records. He has the talent and drive to be extremely successful in the music industry. I believe his niche will be in performing mostly ballads and slow songs, but with the proper guidance and song-writers, David could also branch out into a more mainstream style. Judging from the popularity of other teen idols, such as Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers, David Archuleta faces the possibility of making many high-selling records.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
I believe David Cook will make a killing in the music business. Through the creative licenses he has taken with his song choices on American Idol, David has already exhibited a great potential for writing his own music. He's already a seasoned performer and gives a great concert, which will bring him even more devoted fans. Given the current popularity of rock music and David's amazing ability, I feel confident in predicting David Cook's great record-selling and record-breaking success as an artist.

Career Longevity:

American Idol Contestant, David Archuleta-
Whether he stays true to ballads, like Billy Joel, or breaks into pop music, like Elton John, David Archuleta has a lengthy future in the music industry ahead of him. With his talented voice and drive, he has the potential to change his style with the times and remain in the music industry for a long time.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
David Cook also has a lengthy career ahead of him in the music industry. Rock music and many rock stars, such as Aerosmith, have been a huge part of musical history for years and will remain a constant for many to come. David Cook has already exhibited the ability to cross genre and time boundaries with his musical talent and promises to have a long-lasting and successful musical career.

Intangibles:

American Idol Contestant, David Archuleta-
David Archuleta is an extremely talented musician and has a promising career. For some reason, I'm not sure he's quite ready to be an American Idol. Chalk it up to innocence or inexperience, but I don't think he's ready for life on the road. Watching his giggly interviews and awkward interaction with his fans, it's obvious he's still very young and naïve. The world, especially the entertainment business, is very hard and cruel. I'm afraid David Archuleta might get eaten up by the industry! Given some time and the proper guidance, David will be successful.

American Idol Contestant, David Cook-
It's obvious to many that David Cook is an amazing entertainer and musician. He also possesses something more...star quality. Sometimes an individual comes along with talent but no pizzazz. David Cook was born with both. He also carries himself in a way that says, "I'm ready for success, so get out of my way!" I believe Cook is ready for the music industry right now and can handle anything it throws at him. He's destined to be great.

Which David will walk away with the American Idol crown and a major recording contract? Judging from the great fan response for both young men, the outcome could go either way. My pick is David Cook...he's ready for it now.

Honestly, both contestants are deserving of the opportunity and have what it takes to be successful. The American music industry will benefit from both of these talents. Regardless of the outcome of the American Idol competition, I believe David Archuleta and David Cook will both be heard from again.