American Idol: Finale

Here's how it goes: David Archuleta will win American Idol VII, but it's David Cook's album I'll be buying and whose concert I'll attend. Both singers are wildly talented, but it comes down to musical taste — does America want a pop star or a rock star? Is tonight's result a Clay Aiken or a Chris Daughtry makeup call? The horrendous boxing theme aside, this was the best finale to date. Here's the order of how the two finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all tonight:

1. David Archuleta
You have to admit this kid is a phenomenal singer. Vocally, he's nearly flawless with each performance. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," which, by the way, may have been Aiken's best performance in Season 2, was a great song choice and shows even more range than we've previously seen. Closing with "Imagine" was smart. Really shows he wants this. Clearly well-prepared and delivers with precision and passion. It's amazing he's just 17.
Odds of winning: 2-1

2. David Cook
Would like him to win, but realistically can't see it happening. Judges gushing over Archuleta won't help in the voting. Terrific performances with U2 and Collective Soul covers, and makes a brand new song ("Dream Day") interesting. Would have a better chance if he had picked something more familar for his closer, but like he said, this is about "progressing." Like Daughtry, Cook will sell a lot of records and make an impact on today's rock scene.
Odds of winning: 5-1

Comments

[Tutu]

as much as I want David Cook to win he will probably be better off not winning. He won't have the contractual obligations and can do his own thing. I will buy his album but not Archuletta's. He just doesn't do anything for me. Same with Jason Castro, I liked him he was just out of his league but I bet he will put out a fun album and I will buy it too.

[ClayFan111]

I'm glad you compared David Archuleta to Clay Aiken - they both have probably been the best singers ever on Idol. I agree that Archuleta will win but I have to admit that David Cook came on strong in the second half of the season. He deserved to be in the final.

[Kate]

I don't know -- DialIdol and other sources have David Cook winning. I voted for him about five times last night.

I just hope he doesn't get Bo Biced with an awful pop-rock album. Even though Bo was a songwriter, he only got to co-write one song on his first album. That's scary.

Archuleta definitely had the best performances of the night -- DLTSGDOM was AMAZING and his best performance yet. But I think that Cook may have garnered more votes, and nobody can deny that he had the better overall season.

(And "The World That I Know"? Cookie, come on. Great song, and he sang it well, but it's such a downer! Can you imagine him singing that if he wins?!)

In conclusion: Cookie for the win.

Fancy seeing you in the blogosphere, by the way!

[Christine]

I only watched the recap at the end, as I was busy with the baby. But I thought Archie was a bit more soulful. I bet he wins. But I agree Cook deserves it more.

[Dan]

Tutu - I could not agree more. And look what happened. Rock on!

ClayFan - Archuleta will make a record you'll love.

Kate - thanks for voting. You made a difference, along with 12 million others. Cook rocks. Glad he won.

Christine - America got it right. Bo and Chris led the way.