David Vs. David: Who Will Win American Idol? Past Seasons Offers Clues

David Cook and David Archuleta have become household names during the seventh season of American Idol. "Which of the "Davids" will win?" is a question on many viewers' minds. David Archuleta has been labeled as being "sweet as apple pie" while David Cook is known as "the resident rocker". American Idol viewers can't seem to agree on a surefire winner and even I have a hard time picking the winner from the two "Davids".

David Cook, "the resident rocker" on American Idol, started out as an arrogant yet talented contestant though I have noticed that his cockiness has been taken down a notch. While his self confidence is still evident it is not as annoyingly so as it was at the beginning of the season and I have wondered about this change. Could this more humble approach to being critiqued by the Idol judges possibly be a tactic in helping David Cook to gain more popularity? Of course I must credit his ability to take a song and give it a new sound, sometimes borrowed from other musicians and others on his own, as helping to give him the upper hand against other American Idol contestants. David Cook has had many memorable performances this season, my favorite would be "Always Be My Baby" during Mariah Carey week. Not only was it my favorite David Cook performance because he re-made the song himself but, it's hard to take a popular pop song such as "Always Be My Baby" and make it rock. As I watched a tear roll down from David's eye after receiving compliments from the judges I found myself becoming a bit choked up. David Cook is certainly a talented young musician and one of the best on American Idol this season who deserves to win.

When I first saw David Archuleta react to compliments from the judges I instantly thought of Melinda Doolittle, as did many other American Idol viewers. When it comes to the viewers it seems that people either like him or love him, a few however dislike him. What I don't understand is, "What's not to like?" David Archuleta is a sweet young man with an infectious smile and a voice that can only be compared to that of the angels. David Archuleta has also won over the hearts of young tween and teen girls who have fallen in love with his "Leave it to Beaver" personality and "cute" looks. While other contestants on American Idol may get votes simply based on looks, David Archuleta can actually sing. The combination of his "sweet" personality, looks, and singing voice has kept David from the bottom throughout season seven. David Archuleta has been able to impress fans from early on in season seven. Many American Idol viewers remember one of David's strongest performances when he sang John Lennon's "Imagine". I feel that David singing "Imagine" was my favorite of his performances to date. It was one of those performances people will remember after American Idol is over just like Katherine McPhee singing "Over the Rainbow".

So which one of the "Davids" has what it takes to win the title of the next "American Idol"? It will certainly be a close race but someone has to win. After having talked about the good it's time to talk about what will work against each of these American Idol contestants. First we will start with David Cook or "Rockin' Dave". While everyone loves David Cook for rocking out the stage not every American Idol viewer enjoys rock music or rockers. From past American Idol viewing experience I have never seen a "resident rocker" win the show. I can remember the disappointment of fans and the utter shock on Chris Daughtry's face when he was voted off of the show. Of course now Chris Daughtry is enjoying a rather successful career as a rock musician whose music sounds a bit like Nickelback. Will history repeat itself? If so, David Cook won't win the title of American Idol. Also, while David Cook has toned down the arrogance it is still apparent that he is rather self assured which can work against him and end up losing votes. David Archuleta, or "the Beav", may be sweet and loveable but it may end up hurting his chances at winning the votes and becoming the next "American Idol". Going back to the past, yet again, you will remember that Melinda Doolittle was predicted by many to win but instead was voted off of the show in a shocking disappointment. Will David Archuleta suffer from the same fate?

Which of the "Davids" has the edge over the other? While David Cook is innovative and could certainly have a hit album the edge must be given to David Archuleta simply because "pop" has overruled "rock" in every season of American Idol to date. You may remember Nikki McKibbin from American Idol season one who stood out from the rest for her rockin' style and looks. She didn't win. Or what about season four's Bo Bice with his long hair and rockin' attitude. He didn't win. Then season five we had Chris Daughtry. He didn't win. Finally in season six there was Gina Glocksen who I felt went home before her time. Obviously, she didn't win. Meanwhile young 17 year old Jordin Sparks with her powerful pop vocals won the title of American Idol, season six.

Then there were the winners. Season one of American Idol we met Kelly Clarkson, sweet with a "pop" perfect voice, who went against Justin Guarini for the title. She won. What about other past winners of American Idol? Ruben Studdard (the teddy bear), Fantasia Barrino (beautiful woman and singer), Carrie Underwood (country twang with pop appeal), Taylor Hicks ("soul patrol" a likeable guy), and of course last season was won by Jordin Sparks (sweet talented young lady). Can you see the trend here? American Idol viewers want pop stars not rock stars as their chosen Idol.

While David Archuleta has the edge over David Cook based on past seasons of American Idol it doesn't mean that the title will be his. If there was ever a season for change, it would be season seven. David Cook won't go down easy and he may not go down at all. After watching David Cook outsing David Archuleta on Neil Diamond night on American Idol, he may very well win this season's title. I can see the dollar signs reflecting in Simon Cowell's eyes every time he sees David Cook on stage. While David Archuleta can sing I don't think he would have as much success as David Cook will in the music industry. Still, I give credit to both of the "Davids" for their incredible singing talent. Good luck to both of the "Davids" on winning the title of American Idol.