The Battle of the Davids

It’s the final challenge, the battle of the David’s, youth and control vs. experience and creativity. At this moment, before either of them has sung a note, I have no idea how this will play out. This is the first season that I haven’t known in my heart who was going to win even if it was someone I didn’t prefer (Rueben, Fantasia), and it is also the first time I have felt that it didn’t really matter. Both of these guys have a great future, and I wouldn’t mind seeing either of them walk away with the Idol crown.
We open to the Rocky theme and Michael Buffer introducing the David’s in the first of many over the top boxing analogies this evening. Good Lord, how did they convince David Cook to put on those gloves? We are now in the Nokia theatre, with 7000 in attendance. Paula looks gorgeous, and even Simon put on a sport coat for the occasion. My excitement level has been successfully built up, despite the extreme corny nature of this finale. Let’s get ready to rumble….
Clive Davis picked the song for round one and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber provided some helpful mentoring. I like that they have brought him back, as he was the only one who seemed to have anything constructive to say to the contestants. The boys’ compliment each other in a Coke sponsored moment (what the f?) despite Simon’s assertions that they need to hate each other to win, and David Cook starts the night.
Round 1
David Cook "I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For" U2
Clive picked a hard song to duplicate, as Bono’s charisma is one of a kind, but David Cook comes out with a great vocal and connection to the audience. He doesn’t necessarily do anything very unique with the song, but he exceeds my expectations and I thoroughly enjoy it. The energy is fantastic and he controls his nerves and channels them into his performance. Randy thought it was a great way to start and he loved the scoop at the end. Paula said, "we have found David Cook, Amen, Amen…" and a bunch of other ridiculous stuff. Simon thought it was phenomenal.
David Archuleta "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" Elton John
Clive is equally, if not more demanding of David A, but what a perfect song for this kid’s voice. He starts singing on the steps and keeps his eyes open, and I am blown away at the flawless performance. His vocal is really one of the best he has achieved and I am rendered speechless by it. Randy says his usual "check it out baby, molten hot, blah blah blah…" Paula had chills and said "the sun will never go down on you, it was stunning". Who writes this stuff? Simon keeps it real and honest and says that last week David was just ok, but this was his best performance of the competition. Round one goes to David A.
Round 2
David Cook "Dream Big" Emily Shackleton (writer’s competition)
This song choice is not what you would expect at the finale (I am picturing Kelly in her ball gown with tears rolling down her face), and I am instantly a little worried. Don’t get me wrong, he sings really well, and this actually matches his personality and charm more than a ballad would. It just isn’t very Idol of him. And, true to the "written for Idol" song, the lyrics are kind of dumb, and get a little hard to follow in the chorus. Before he started to sing, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber had expressed concern over David’s voice, and I can see in this performance where that concern stems from. David pushed and strained his voice on this piece, to the point that he could damage his vocal chords. Randy says the song is just ok for him but he sang it great. Paula said he took a song that we didn’t know and made us fall in love with it. Speak for yourself, Paula. Simon said it didn’t feel like a winning moment, and then made the 500th boxing reference of the evening, saying that it was a bit of a lightweight piece.
David Archuleta "In This Moment" Ryan Gilmore (writer’s competition)
Now this is an Idol ballad, and I have to hand it to David, he throws everything he has into it. It too, is trite and predictable, but I am seeing the confetti raining down on him in a white tux with tears streaming down his face, standing (or sitting) with his right palm out and facing up. In fact, unless he completely falls apart on the last song, he has won the evening. Of course he looks wound tight, like he could come unhinged at any moment if someone touches him or something so it isn’t quite won yet-but close. Randy says "you could sing the phone book (can we be done with Randy after this season?) Paula said it was magic and another heartfelt performance. Simon said that he loved the egotistical lyrics and gave round 2 to David A.
Round 3
David Cook "The World I Know" Collective Soul
On this last song of the evening the contestants get to choose, and typically, in past seasons, they have gone back to a number that was a fan favorite throughout the competition. David breaks this tradition by going with song that he has never performed before. I am a HUGE Collective Soul fan, and I love the emotion of this performance. I recognize that this may not be the song to win it for David C., but it won me over completely. It was my favorite of the evening. It was the first time I felt I got a glimpse of the person behind the music, and I would buy a CD with that kind of rawness. I was really moved and glad that I was able to watch him achieve that song. Randy thought that David could record this kind of song right now. Paula said he was standing in his truth (oh for God’s sake) and gave him a standing ovation. Simon first said that David was the most sincere and nicest contestant that Idol has ever had on the show, but thought he should have done Hello or Billie Jean from earlier in the competition. He thought this was the total wrong song choice. I have to respect David’s guts, and win or lose I am glad I got to hear this song.
David Archuleta "Imagine" John Lennon
David goes back to the song that probably put him on the map in this competition. Hearing it the second time wasn’t as surprising for me, but he leaves his heart and soul out there and I am inspired. The performances added up together, along with this being the last performance of the evening, really stack up in David A’s favor from a purely vocal standpoint. I prefer the maturity that David Cook brings to his songs, but the quality of David A’s instrument is unbelievable. I can’t conceive of a finale without this kid winning after tonight. Randy says he is the best singer of Season 7. Paula is moved (for a change) beyond words. Simon said David A. came out to win, and the evening was a knockout. He also acknowledged that it was a great finale.
David A has a great future ahead of him, if he doesn’t flake out when he reaches the age where his father can no longer control him. I am picturing Brittany, Lindsey, and other child stars who have been molded and controlled in the way that David A has. He may turn 21 and shave his head and start clubbing, who can say? I know I gave Idol a lot of crap this season, but after tonight I am excited to watch it wrap up in all of its star studded glory. Plus I get to see my Aussie one more time. (Be quiet Gary, you will get to look at Kristy Lee and Syesha).
For those not going on with me to SYTYCD on Thursday night, I will chat at you next season! For the rest, you won’t even get a night off and we will be dancing the night away! Tune in tonight….