The first part of Tuesday (May 20) night's American Idol Finale begins with what may be the cheesiest moment in the show's seven season history. Ringmaster Michael Buffer, accompanied by the theme from Rocky, introduces David Cook and David Archuleta. Yes, we've gotten ready to rumble, but who would gain the advantage in this not-quite-heavyweight showdown?

Singer: DAVID COOK
Song: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
My Take: That boxing-themed clip package was excruciating. The only thing that could have salvaged it is analysis from Bert Randolph Sugar. Jim Lampley isn't good enough, though I guess the show's producers must figure Lampley is huge with the target demo. In some ever-so-spontaneous pre-show banter, David "The Leader" Cook says that as far as he's concerned, this isn't about competition, it's about having fun. Will that lack of intensity carry over into his performance? Since David Archuleta won the coin toss, Cookie is up first, singing Clive Davis' pick, an intimidating U2 track. If you do this song straight-forward, you're just doing a Bono impression. If you change it, you're desecrating a contemporary classic. David has gone the basic route and the song suits him well. It's comfortable throughout and he's on-pitch and powerful from start to finish. He mumbles a little and warbles as he makes his move out to the rise in front of the audience, but this won't cause Bono any concern. And we all know that Bono, like David Archuleta, has all of the world's problems on his mind.
Randy, Paula and Simon (gotta keep it real for the finale, y'all): Randy says that they're boyz and that this was a great way to start out. Paula says that she's found what she's looking for. Amen, amen. Simon acknowledges David's early nerves, crowing that the eventual performance was "phenomenal."

Singer: DAVID ARCHULETA
Song: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
My Take: Bono's tough, but Little David's challenge is also monumental since he's got to conquer both Elton John and Clay Aiken. The Claymates will be glad to hear me say that as solid as Archuleta is, he lacks the revelatory quality that Clay brought to this one. I'm a cold-hearted man, but Clay stirred something in me. Archuleta doesn't make me feel anything. But don't get me wrong, he absolutely sounds great. Yes, he's made every stinking song this season into a soaring ballad, but his voice better fills the arena tonight. Clive's two picks were really spot on and neither singer let him down, but did either Finalist do better than you'd have predicted? Both of them did exactly what I'd have imagined they'd have done.
Randy, Paula and Simon: Randy, though, says that this was one of the best performances of the season, unbelievably molten hot. Paula announces that the sun will never go down on David. Simon cautions about getting over-excited and then pronounces tonight's performance arguably the best David's done so far. Simon gives Round One to Archuleta.

Singer: DAVID OF THE COOK VARIETY
Song: "Dream Big"
My Take: At least Cook found a second-rate rock anthem for his coronation song, rather than being stuck with just a second-rate schmaltz anthem. David sells some emotions very well, but "inspirational" isn't necessarily one of them, but he pushes this tripe hard. I mean, if The Karate Kid was worth of Joe Esposito's "You're the Best," "Dream Big" sounds like the sort of song that would have been heard in a fourth or fifth generation Karate Kid knock-off. David makes the most of what he's given, but we all knew that if this season was going to be won or lost on the coronation song, Archuleta's unbeatable.
Randy, Paula and Simon: The song was just OK for Randy, but David was still singing his face off. Paula's mesmerized by him. Simon thinks it was a bit lightweight, saying this didn't feel like a winning moment to him, scoring him a 6.5/10.

Singer: DAVID OF THE ARCHULETA VARIETY
Song: "In This Moment"
My Take: Is Andrew Lloyd Webber back because he's being groomed to replace somebody next year? Randy, perhaps? Please? "In This Moment" is even more over-written than your typical Idol coronation song, which is a problem for Li'l' Archie, who mumbles his way through the first verse, overwhelmed by the music. Archuleta barely opens his eyes and he's occasionally doubled over, as if in pain. But he isn't in pain. And he hasn't gone blind. He's just doing that thing where the emotional weight of the song is squishing his sinus cavities and twisting his pancreas. The judges won't even notice the one or two sharp notes that burst from his nose as the song approaches its climax.
Randy, Paula and Simon: Randy tells Archuleta that he's in the zone and that he could sing the phone book. My head just exploded. If the producers don't can Randy after this season, FOX should fire them and then relieve Randy of the duties he obviously cares so very little for. Yes, Randy. You think Archuleta's a molten-hot phone book singer. Check. Paula says something nice. Simon prefers David's choice and he scores Round Two for Archuleta.

How'd their third performances go?

For the full recap, head over to Zap2it's It Happened Last Night blog.

Comments

u guys need to read the hysterical american idol reviews at www.pophangover.com - finally some reviews that are hysterical and hate both contestants equally! i hope david archuleta wins, david cook belongs behind a bar sopping up spilled beer!!!

jordan | May 21, 2008 11:03:30 AM | #

---

David Cook is sooooo creative and is consistant in his creations of singing. He has been the best in all performances and not just predictable. Gets out there and takes chances and is just gusty and creative. Shown to be a true talent.

Linda Walker | May 22, 2008 5:44:58 AM | #

---

Post a comment

Name:
Email Address:	optional
URL:	optional
Comments: