It's time for a full recap of last night's episode and it's the final one for this season! I am a little sad that it's just about over, but at least my Tuesday and Wednesday night's will be a whole lot less busy now. I'll say this about season seven, despite all of the controversy, the declining ratings, the producers' tricks and some of the blunders (ahem - Paula), this has probably been the most enjoyable season of American Idol yet. The talent probably wasn't as good as originally spoken about prior to the top 24, but it was pretty darn close. And in my view, especially since I never saw the Clay vs. Ruben final in season two, this is the best finale I have ever witnessed. I have a feeling the results are going to be extremely close! You and I probably know who should be the American Idol winner after last night's results, but never say never. So how did everything go down during last night's performances? Well, let me tell you...
Round One - Songs chosen by music executive Clive Davis:
David Cook - singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2: Glad to see the contestants are able to wear the ear pieces again. For those that may not know, the producers nixed the ear pieces about a month ago simply because "they didn't look good." They seem to help the singers and awful lot, though. Cook is starting off quite well with this song selection. This song really utilizes Cook's upper registry quite well, so no low notes to struggle with. He's really starting to rock out and have fun on stage and is really getting the crowd into it. They are even on their feet and Cookie is really looking like a true star with this performance. He has really embraced this song and what it means. He really did a great job with it and it proves to be an excellent song selection for him. To me, this is the best he's sounded in a few weeks.
David Archuleta - singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John: Previous American Idol contestants have tackled this song included Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and a few others. Some Archie fans have been a bit concerned about this song choice and whether or not David would be able to pull it off. This is David Archuleta now, he can sing anything. He starts off by sitting on the steps of the stage and looking very poised. He appears to be in the moment and very focused. He gradually gets up and slowly walks onto the stage itself; no struggles at all. It's a good song choice for Archie in that it's a song with a great message (he loves those kinds of songs) and it's not a completely dull and sappy ballad. His vocals during this performance are superior and he really appears to be in his element. He did magnificent with this song and the judges are giving him high praise. The audience can't stop cheering for the guy and Archuleta is in near-tears. He is so overwhelmed by the moment. A truly flawless performance.
Round Two - Songs selected from the American Idol Song Writing Contest:
David Cook - singing "Dream Big": I am so glad to see the contestants being able to change up the arrangement of these songs to suit their style. Even though David Cook can sing ballads, he usually ends up doing much better when he's rocking out to songs. To me, this song does not do Cookie very much justice. I guess I'd have to know if this song was meant to be sung this way, but starting out I'm having a hard time hearing the lyrics. It just does not seem like that great of a coronation song for me. I did not enjoy this performance nearly as much as Cook's first song. He's definitely rocking out to it and playing the guitar and he's simply making the most of it. It was the best he could do with it and it appeared to be arranged to suit his style. I thought it was good, but nothing outstanding. I totally agreed with Simon in that it did not seem like a truly "winning moment" kind of song.
David Archuleta - singing "In This Moment": Now you have to believe that before going into this second round of songs, this would probably suit Archie more than Cookie. Most of these songs are going to be ballads more than uptempo, rock songs, so Archuleta should do good with his song. And right off the bat, he sounds flawless again! It's a perfect choice for him as it's a ballad and it allows him to show off his vocals. The tempo even picks up a notch which makes it that much better. He is totally on fire and doing absolutely great with this song. He picked the absolutely perfect time to peak and he is actually making me love this song; it sounds so good. His vocals are absolutely on-spot and to me, it looks like I am watching this year's American Idol. Definitely the perfect song choice and to me, this is the right "winning moment" song. Picked the better choice over Cook, that's for sure.
Round Three - Contestants' Song Choice:
David Cook - singing "The World I Know" by Collective Soul: Ugh ... I love this song so much. We originally thought Cook was going to sing this one during the Top three week but he sang the Switchfoot song instead. Glad to see he's singing it now. It's an absolute perfect song choice for Cook and it allows him to do his thing. It starts off very low key, just as the original does while strumming away at his guitar. He picks a play from the David Archuleta playbook and chooses a song with a haunting message. That probably wasn't his intention as he more than likely just enjoyed the song as it was. He changed up the arrangement a tad bit and made it sound somewhat different, but to me, he's playing it the way it's supposed to sound - and that isn't a bad thing at all. For me, it's not a song that should be changed all that much. I think it was Cook's best performance of the night and I really enjoyed it. He was so into it he even got emotional.
David Archuleta - singing "Imagine" by John Lenon: There was some speculation early on from the fans that Archie would either sing this, Angels, Shop Around, or even Stand by Me. But for me personally and for the majority of others who've watched season seven from the very beginning, this song was Archie's defining moment and it makes sense that he's wrapping up his American Idol experience with it. It's the song that won over the hearts of millions and it's such an appropriate way to end. He could really put the final nail in the coffin with it as he's excelled before with the song and probably will again. He's mixing things up a bit and putting in a few different runs here and there. I totally admire what he did with this performance - not completely mirroring what he did in the semi-finals but still generally staying true to how he performed it before. There's not much more I can say about it - it was absolutely superb.
When I first heard that Clive Davis was going to pick two songs for the David's to sing, I was pretty disappointed. He was supposed to be part of season six and choose songs for the top three contestants, but it was quickly changed and he never appeared. I thought he was washed up as a music executive, so I was surprised he returned this season. But after last night, I am glad he made his return to the American Idol set as he picked two killer songs for both contestants. Good job, Clive! The boxing theme for the night was a tad bit overkill, but still enjoyable. I just couldn't see Archie as a prize-fighting boxer, heavy-weight or light-weight. LOL The boxing theme actually added more tension and suspense to what could've been an actually boring finale. So to that, I say well done to the Idol producers. And no matter what happens during tonight's results, it appears that both Archie and Cookie are glad to be where they are at and will take the runner-up spot to which ever one should win. Here's how I rank the final two contestant's after last night's performances:
Round One:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Two:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Three:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Based on the performances last night, David Archuleta swept all three rounds and should be declared this year's American Idol. As Simon Cowell commented last night after Archie's rendition of "Imagine," he provided the knock-out win. However, with that being said, I have been following the race between Cook and Archuleta ever since the top 12 began and know the huge following that Cookie has. It's even bigger than Archuleta, apparently. So, based on that, I am predicting an upset in tonight's results: David Cook will win American Idol 2008. I hope I am wrong, but I just have that feeling. Yes, Archie is more deserving and is the better singer. But as we've seen time and time again on this show, the results are sometimes not fair. You could say in season two, the better contestant didn't win. This same year could have the very same result. But whatever happens happens. I am content with whatever the results may reveal and I know both of the David's will be happy with the results. They've gotten the support from millions of new fans, the exposure of being on television, and getting the chance to do what they both love, singing and performing. I am proud of them both; for that matter, all of the contestants who have made season seven the very best yet for me. It has truly been a season to remember.
UPDATE (10:33 PM - 5/21/08): David Cook is crowned as the 2008 American Idol. Let's be honest, I've been an avid fan of Archuleta all season long and I thought after the results, I'd be really upset. But I am actually at peace with what has happened. Cookie is also an amazing guy and a tremendous performer and I expect nothing but big things from him in the future. The same goes for Archie as well, who may have a little more freedom to do what he wants with a recording contract than Cookie will with the management at 19. This is a season to remember and one that I won't quickly forget for a long time. Hmm, now I have to see if I can find a way to get to the American Idol Live Tour in September...
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