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'American Idol' Finale: The Davids Enter the Ring
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. "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.
Singer: BIG DAVID
Song: "The World I Know"
My Take: So Simon has the night scored 2-0 for Archuleta. If this were a boxing match, Cook's cutman would be working ferociously to close the gash over his left eye and his trainer would be telling him that he can't win on points, that he's gotta go for the knockout. And let's be real, even Butterbean goes four rounds. The Contestants' Choice song is always about selecting your best performance from the season, going out with the surest thing you've got. For that reason, Cook's pick is either ridiculously audacious or ridiculously silly. And since he's picked a freakin' Collective Soul song, my instinct is to go with the latter. Is he buying into that "It's better if he doesn't win" hype? It totally feels like it. Cook's interpretation is even more mellow than the Collective Soul original. There's nothing wrong with it. Nothing at all. It's pretty and emotional and Cook sells it. But if Cook really wants to win, he does "Billie Jean" or "Hello," because this last song choice was about reminding your fanbase of you at your most awesome, not just giving a good performance.
Randy, Paula and Simon: Cook is in tears at the end, as Randy tells him that one of the cool things about him is the sensitive side. Paula sees David standing in his truth and gives him a standing ovation. Simon calls David one of the nicest and most sincere contestants they've had and tells him it was the wrong song choice, echoing my preferences. I applaud Cook's feeling that the show is about a progression and he didn't want to repeat himself, but that's not true. The show is about making people vote for you.
Singer: LITTLE DAVID
Song: "Imagine"
My Take: So David Cook cares about showing his evolution as an artist? That all cute and noble. David Archuleta cares about winning. Period. That's why Archuleta comes out and gives the exact same performance of "Imagine" that he gave back in February. If you're looking for proof that after three months of the American Idol experience, David Archuleta has become a better singer or a more polished performer, you're out of luck. If, however, you've felt that Li'l' Archie's victory was inevitable and predetermined since the first second of the Top 24, I think you're right.
Randy, Paula and Simon: Randy says Archuleta's exactly what the show is about and that he's the best singer of Season Seven. Paula's speechless. Simon says we've witnessed a knockout.
THE VERDICT: David Cook didn't phone it in tonight. He gave three good performances. But when he said at the beginning that he didn't want to compete, he just wanted to have fun making music, it was telling. He didn't try to lose, but I feel like he was willing to let David Archuleta win.
What's your hunch? Agree? Disagree? Who do you expect to win tomorrow?
Is it weird that I automatically though of this blog and laughed when Randy said David A could "sing the phone book."
I agree, I think Randy's time has expired!
MDEP | May 20, 2008 6:36:51 PM | #I'll read the blog in a minute, but I just got done watching the show and I wanted to say that while it appears that David A did better than Cook, the producers of the show did David A no favours by allowing Ruben to sing live after him. What I'm saying is that while David A clearly has a better pure voice than Cook he isn't even in the same universe as Ruben.
Rishi | May 20, 2008 6:43:48 PM | #I'm so tired of David A. He hasn't changed one bit all season. Imagine was awesome in February but it was old hat tonight. Go David Cook!
Beth | May 20, 2008 6:47:45 PM | #Not your best recap. You sound BITTER throughout...that Cook let you down. And NO that was not the exact same performance of Imagine. Archie changed it up some...and sounded even better than the first time. But I guess you refuse to give Archie ONE OUNCE of respect.
I think Cook was trying to give a low blow by saying "why do something i've already done?" Contestants have repeated a song practically every year in the final 2. And especially since Archie was just about to sing his...
House | May 20, 2008 6:51:10 PM | #Wow, I thought I was only one that thought that Cook took a dive.
David A did what he did all year in that he gave fairly solid vocals with no emotional connection but with extreme facial contortions to make you think he knew what he was singing about although it was obvious that he had no clue.
I'll laugh hard if despite his best efforts that Cook still wins. I kindof hope he does.
One last note about the show, regardless of who wins, both of those 'coronation' songs were terrible. They are switch the station bad. I can't imagine listening to either one of them even once on the radio and I'm considering very much about fast forwarding that performance part of tomorrow's show.
The last few weeks Cook has been far ahead of David A according to Dial Idol so I'm wondering if that trend continues. I expect that it'll be a close vote and not the blowout that viewers are probably expecting. This may not by Ruben/Clay close, but it won't be a Kelly/Justin blowout either.
I also want to commend Daniel on giving us an enjoyable blog to read. Look forward to reading it again next year - especially the audition parts since I don't start watching until the voting (at the earliest).
Rishi | May 20, 2008 6:55:02 PM | #In my opinion, I dont think many people will be swayed to vote for the opposite person they have been rooting for this season from what we saw tonight. They already have a favorite because they still prefer either apple style to orange style at the end of the day. Both guys sang their songs really well. Besides little slight moments for both here and there, they were right on pitch. No performance was a dud. They are both very nice, likeable guys and will both come out of this with a record deal.
......
They both were totally themselves and that should satisfy their fans. David C had 3 different style songs, didnt repeat a song, rocked a little and crooned a little. David A was excellent doing the ballad style he is best at. It wasnt out of what I would expect. Maybe people will be disappointed there were no shocks but I am glad for these 2 that they performed well.
......
David A has had a great competition. His voice is beautiful. I wish he sang more than one style and took more risks. I understand why people like him and why he probably will win the whole thing. He had a great night. I just wouldnt buy his album like I wouldnt buy any other non-American Idol finalist who came out with the same style. And as many probably know by now, David C has been my favorite and is still my favorite despite David A 'winning' the night. I still enjoyed him more, its just my taste. I just like his vocal style, how he makes his own arrangements, how he switches it up with his songs choices- and looking at the season as a whole, his best performances were the highlights of it for me. I want to buy his music.
..........
I expect it to be a close race, since they both have huge fanbases, I cant really say who will win. Their fanbases will probably be enough this season to make winning versus not winning not matter as much in the long run anyway. Good luck to both of them. I hope they make good choices after the show is over!
Daniel you could write the phone book and I'd read it, you are molten hot!
Randy Dawg | May 20, 2008 7:03:14 PM | #Yes Rishi, the coronation songs were still bad, unfortunately. The only thing it did do was let David C do a rock version instead of a ballad version.
House- I really think these 2 guys are good guys and not malicious at all against each other. I dont think it was a dig at David A at all. It was just stating what he wanted to do, whether people think it was smart or not.
Erin | May 20, 2008 7:03:25 PM | #I think Cook is confident enough to know he is a success, and maybe did defer to the Archuleta family drama, and how much would come down on the kiddo if he lost.
Rina | May 20, 2008 7:06:51 PM | #David C was good at what he does. Contrary to most posts I think his second song could easily be on his first album.
David A was David A
The judges were way oover the top for David A....on the whole he was probably a bit stronger tonite than David C, but the judges gushed so much about how good David A is...it totally tirns me off.
I hope Cook wins.
Little David will win and IMO I think Big David is better off. He does not need the American Idol title to jump start his music career. I know for me, I would buy anything Big David puts out over Little David any day.
K | May 20, 2008 7:18:47 PM | #Oh and Daniel, thanks for giving us another season of interesting and entertaining recaps.....And I do agree about Clay. While David's vocals were very good (it was my favorite of his 3 songs tonight), Clay's vocals on DLTSGDOM were better. (This song has been used too many times on this show really.) But do I think that David A could have a career and most definitely a music style similar to Clays, esp as he gets older!
Erin | May 20, 2008 7:25:10 PM | #I just fast-forwarded through the show, and yeah, the boxing crap was inane as hell! Seriously, if you want an example of what is wrong with this show, look no further than the contrived treacle they served up tonight.
And Randy! WTF? Did my ears deceive me, or did he say that it was 2007? My head also exploded when he said his usual phone book line. Why does this man have a job?
Siansonea | May 20, 2008 7:43:54 PM | #I think both Davids gave their all. But I think Archie wants it more, and he totally deserves it.
Chloe | May 20, 2008 7:45:50 PM | #Appreciate your comments Erin. I'm just a bit ticked that people still refuse to give Archie some respect. The guy sang his heart out tonight and you can tell he wants this. Yet all I keep hearing on certain forums is how the judges are so pimping him. Gimme a break. They're calling it like they see it. Even Simon went on multiple talk shows and publicly stated he wants David Cook to win.
Bottom line is Archie was better than Cook tonight (and even a lot of Cook fans agree). Although I don't know if that'll be enough to put him over the top.
Daniel, seriously I usually enjoy your recaps. Not today. Not when you can't muster ONE good thing to say about a guy who just gave everything he had into those performances. Maybe you did have Archuleta dreams the past week.
House | May 20, 2008 7:57:15 PM | #david archuleta absolutly perfect
ivan | May 20, 2008 8:01:19 PM | #But when he said at the beginning that he didn't want to complete... you mean compete, right?
greg | May 20, 2008 8:02:10 PM | #Greg - Por supuesto. It's fixed now.
House -- I just can't like Li'l' Archie as much as you want me to. But I'm pretty sure I said he sounded great on the first song. And, heck, I liked "Imagine" the first time. I thought it was good the second time, even if it was 99% identical.
Two hours of fun tomorrow night, y'all... I may semi-live-blog it, rather than posting the minute-by-minute at the end...
As you were...
-Daniel
Daniel | May 20, 2008 8:16:19 PM | #I think your verdict was spot on.
BabyDavid bores me to tears, but let the kis and the grannies have their Idol. Not that we'll be seeing his CD on the Billboard charts.
Can't wait for DC's cd to drop. Hope his career goes as well as it should.
Dianne | May 20, 2008 8:29:26 PM | #Oh, Daniel and your exploding head.
Coincidentally, I'm watching _The Boxer_ tonight on HBO, instead of AI. Weird. I always think of Mr. Feinberg watching AI so I don't have to. Thanks, Dan.
The thing about Archuleta is that although he's got good pitch, he lacks any tonal warmth in his voice. The emotional "round" quality you want to ring through on certain phrases. For all his facial contortions, DA rarely smiles (lifting certain muscles in the face essential to achieving this kind of sound) and instead, as Dan says, tends to push things out through his nasal passage, which winds up sounding tinny and kind of...young. Maybe he'll grow into emotion -- or just better vocal technique.
Cook could absolutely sub in for Collective Soul's lead singer or Soul Coughing's or any number of late-90s alterna-rock bands. He's a little of a throw back, but I still liked him better than Archuleta because he's got some presence up on the stage in addition to decent pipes.
ideal reader | May 20, 2008 8:50:58 PM | #david a won it
| May 20, 2008 9:10:32 PM | #Ideal Reader, you don't know what you're talking about. David A's voice is warmer than ever, and while maybe a little tinny at times, his vocals are excellent and he is an incredible singer. Some people would say the great Stevie Wonder's voice is the definition of tinny and nasally - that has no bearing on how great a singer one truly is. David A knows exactly what he's doing. While he may be cheesy and fare for all the little teenie boppers, he is a gifted singer and a natural. I don't really care who wins, because I lost interest in the show the second Jennifer Hudson was voted off. (Yes, I'm still not over it.) But your judgement of David A's vocal quality is off, and I can't let it go.
Nick | May 20, 2008 9:25:35 PM | #I think there are a lot if jealous older peole who can't sing. Arch won.
| May 20, 2008 9:31:56 PM | #the little dave won
| May 20, 2008 9:43:13 PM | #Let's be honest here - can anyone imagine hearing a David A song on a top 40 or rock radio station? He'll be singing the songs the mellow stations play at night with the velvety-voiced DJ putting everyone to sleep. I just don't get it.
Debby | May 20, 2008 9:59:05 PM | #
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