David Cook and David Archuleta Are Set to Do Battle Again

David Archuleta, the runner-up on Season 7 of "American Idol," is set to debut his self-titled debut album on November 11. He will have one week to outperform "American Idol" winner David Cook, whose first major label album comes out on November 18, then it is competition time for the two Davids again.

David Cook appeared on "Saturday Night Live" on November 1 to promote his new album.

The friendly competition began on "American Idol" when it became fairly obvious at the beginning of May that the two Davids would be going head-to-head for the title with a few weeks left to go in the competition. Their only true competition, Michael Johns, had been shockingly eliminated early on and the truly talented Syesha Mercado, although she finished third, did not stand a chance against the screaming hordes of fans of the Davids.

And then David Cook won, which garnered him both prize money and an automatic album deal.

Then David Archuletawas quickly signed to a major label deal in early June.

David Cook's first single, "Time Of My Life," went to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Contemporary Tracks chart. It will appear on his first album as a bonus track.

David Archuletareleased his first single "Crush" on August 1. "Light On" debuted at the end of September.

"Crush" has already outperformed Cook's "Light On," which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart. "Crush" hit No. 1. On Billboard's Pop 100 chart, "Light On" peaked at No. 24, while "Crush" peaked at No. 14 (although it should be noted that "Light On" has jumped forward again after falling out of the Top 50 and might still outperform "Crush" in the end). "Light On" hit No. 17 on Billboard's Hot 100, while "Crush" hit No. 2.

But the release of Archuleta's and Cook's albums just might give the singles new life (or longer life, at least). Both albums have new 12 tracks (not counting Cook's bonus track).

But there is little similarity between the musical styles of the two "American Idol" alumni. According to the New York Post,David Archuleta's debut will be a slick contemporary pop album geared for maximum airplay and pop potential. Since he was more of a novice (he is still only 17 years old), Archuleta received plenty of help for his album. His songs were written and produced by some of the hottest names in the music business today, including Chasez, Rock Mafia, Eman, and Kara DioGuardi, the new judge for next season's "American Idol."

David Cook had been in the studio several times before, had recorded with his bands Midwest Kings and Axium, and had a solo indie album, "Analog Heart," under his belt. Cook got together with an eclectic group of rockers and songwriters to write and choose the tracks for his album, so his effort will target a more adult alternative audience. He worked with Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Jason Wade (Lifehouse), and Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra). Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) and Brian Howe (ex-Bad Company lead singer and Hinder producer) co-wrote "Light On." "David Cook" was produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Shinedown, Kid Rock, Goo Goo Dolls, My Chemical Romance, Fleetwood Mac).

But which of the two Davids will become the king of the charts? That remains to be seen. Both highly anticipated albums are projected to do well. Given the musical styling differences, singles charting seems to favor the younger, more pop-friendly Archuleta. But the buying public can be a strange and finicky bunch. So...

Despite the competition, the two Davids truly are friends. Archuleta told the New York Post, "He has seriously been like my big brother. He'll still text me once in a while to make sure things are going well. He's a really caring guy."

David Cook wore a bracelet throughout the "American Idol" summer tour, which ended in September, with the words "David Is My Idol" imprinted on it. It is a David Archuleta fan bracelet.

Sources:

NewYorkPost.com

Billboard.com