David Vs. David: American Idol 2008 Finale

Last Friday night found two teen-aged daughters and a dozen of their friends sitting around my living room discussing the upcoming American Idol Finale. A few seemed disappointed that Syesha had been voted off, but the conversations quickly turned to the David and David battle. Which one...Cook or Archuleta would be the next American Idol?

Listening to their chatter, it was obvious that their feelings and convictions ran deep within the girls, and that loyalties had been formed way before Week 13. They argued over song choice, criticized cockiness, defended forgotten lyrics and rolled their eyes at each other. It was also obvious that with these 14 girls, those loyalties were split right down the middle.

Unfortunately for David Archuleta, America's voting wasn't split quite so close. As a matter of fact, the two were separated by 12 million votes. And David Cook was named the 2008 American Idol; joining the ranks of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino.
So what caused that many more votes to be cast for David Cook? In my opinion, it can be summed up in one word: versatility! I have to admit, that I love that silky smooth voice that comes belting out of 17 year old David Archuleta when he opens his mouth. I could watch those dancing eyes and dimples all day long if he would just sing "Longer" to me just one more time! But despite his obvious talent, I fully expected David Cook to win.

While Archuleta had weeks where he made what were probably fatal mistakes, such as forgetting the lyrics to the Beatles song he was performing way back on March 11th; Cook seemed much more consistent from week to week. When David A. looked nervous on stage, David C. appeared poised and at home. Cook plays the guitar, and his song choices varied from Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I saw Your Face" to "Don't want to Miss a Thing" from Aerosmith. The differences in his performances showcased his broad vocal range and ability to sing from almost any genre. Archuleta on the other hand seemed ill at ease doing anything other than a ballad.
Perhaps it was simply the difference in their ages: maturity giving Cook the little bit of an edge that he needed to draw in Syesha's votes after she was voted off.

But will it be enough in the long run? For front runners Clarkson, Underwood and Sparks, the answer is yes. But for entertainers who are supposed to be America's Idols...Hicks, Studdard and Barrino are strangely quiet....being out shadowed by those that they beat out for the title. Singers like Clay Aiken who is preparing to release his fourth album in just a few short weeks. Country stars like Bucky Covington and Kellie Pickler who are drawing in sold out crowds to their concerts and Josh Gracin who has been awarded three consecutive Top 5 singles from his debut album.

Only time will tell which David's star will rise the highest. I'd love to see them shining brightly...side by side.