May 19, 2008, 04:49 PM | by Michael Slezak
Categories: 'American Idol', Idolatry
Dawnie Walton, Annie Barrett, and I ponder the two most important questions of the modern era the week while chowing down on Central Park vendor treats. Watch for yourself, then join the Great Idol Debate in the comments section below.
nick Thu, May 22, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST
it was fixed 4 weeks ago paula said david cook was the next idol and he didnt even belong in top5 pretty sad choice david a. was cheated badly.do not beleive that the show is not fixed,that is pathetic....
Thu, May 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST
David Archuleta should of won. He has 100 times more talent hands down. I think all of the judges were truly shocked when Cook won. Anyone can say what they want, but no one can deny Archuleta has much more talent and potential than Cook. His vocals are unparallel and his performance the night before was a "knock-out" as described by Simon in all three rounds. I wouldn't say the "majority of voters got it wrong", the fewer Cook fans kept voting over and over, while the Archuleta fans probably voted once thinking their votes would be assured a victory.
maddy Thu, May 22, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST
Your the BEST David COOK!!! I cried when you won.............Of so much joy!!! I knew you would win.
Val Thu, May 22, 2008 at 04:05 AM EST
Commenting on the whole "pure and beautiful" Archie voice and DC sounding like a lot of other artists? I completely disagree! 5 years ago you had legions of guys aka boy bands who sounded just like Archie.
Both guys have talent but Cook is very adaptive! I'm sorry but why doesn't anyone remember that Archie messed up and forgot the lyrics to his songs? What's going to happen if he's on tour and gets nervous again? The point is simple. Give the boy a chance to be...well a boy and find his own path.
David Cook is the most creative talent they've ever got on the show. He doesn't just sing the songs, he makes memorable and surprising renditions. He'll always win me over with his rearrangement of Always Be My Baby (Live Performance).
Eric Thu, May 22, 2008 at 12:38 AM EST
wait who won????oh wait Supriseeeee David Cook who blew America away. So yea Lil Deb and Janette way to be right about that one. Truth in the votes David A is borrrrrinngggggg. When i need to fall asleep at night ill play one of his songs how bout that. When i want to be inspired and enjoy music ill listen to David Cook.
mrs david Wed, May 21, 2008 at 09:05 PM EST
I think its a tie.. Both will be crowned American Idol 2008 since the votes will be the same in number .. SHOCKINg!!
Nicki Wed, May 21, 2008 at 09:04 PM EST
Both David's have amazing voices, however David A. is very predictable in the fact that all he is capable of singing is ballads. The one time he tried to do something different, he was commended but every single judge stated that he needs to stick to the ballads. It's great that both of them are true to who they are, but this is American Idol. Simon himself has always said that they are looking for the full package...voice, looks and personality. David A. is way too young and he is very unsure of himself and is obviously uncomfortable on stage in front of people. Then you have David C. whom is more than comfortable on stage, has a personality and has the look. Aren't we supposed to be searching for the next great performer/pop star? Although David A. does have an angelic voice, anyone can see that he isn't ready and doesn't have that "it" factor. They will both come out of this with contracts, but for the entertainment factor and the show, David C. should be declared the winner.
Nigel Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST
alright
'm not a big fan of either contestant
so i think that id be able to make a more accurate judgement on what will be going down on tonights show than some other startstruck "david" fan. I think that Arhculeta will win, isnt it obvious ??
madison Wed, May 21, 2008 at 07:31 PM EST
DAVID COOK!!!!!! ARE U PPL CRAZY!! DAVID A IS SO STUIPID AND HE'S AWFULL!!!!!! DAVID COOK HAS TRUE TALENT!! DAVID A MAKES ME S-I-C-K!!!!!!
xdavidfanx0 Wed, May 21, 2008 at 07:25 PM EST
david archuleta all the way. david cook screams and sounds like EVERY OTHER ROCK SINGER. david a is so not boring all of you people who say so just dont understand what the meaning of a good SINGER means.
xdavidfanx0 Wed, May 21, 2008 at 07:25 PM EST
david archuleta all the way. david cook screams and sounds like EVERY OTHER ROCK SINGER. david a is so not boring all of you people who say so just dont understand what the meaning of a good SINGER means.
Brooke Wed, May 21, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST
Honestly... This Person WROTE it best so I would like to POST it for EVERYONE to read!!!!
Let's recap. I will download DC's first and third performances and play them a million times (and maybe even the second one to be played on mute). I will not download any of the DA performances. The judges have spent all season praising originality and bravery, and when presented with it in the finale they chose to ignore it in favor of the safe and predictable.
The sites have all sorts of theories, including that Simon was trying to motivate DC's complacent fan base to vote. This sounds kind of far-fetched...but ya know, it may have actually worked out that way. I literally voted for 4 hours and I was not alone.
If there was a knockout tonight, it was the culmination of David Cook's season long dominance of the competition. He put his heart and soul into every performance and I can't thank him enough for the hours of enjoyment and excitement he's given me.:) WHAT A TRUE TALENT!
Wed, May 21, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST
The facts are that David Archuletta never misses a note and every note he sings is pure and beautiful. There are about 25,000 other people in the US who sing just exactly like David Cook. The winner is David Archuleta and there's no denying it. He may not get the most votes though.
liz Wed, May 21, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST
DAVID COOK!! While Archuleta may have a fantastic voice he is: BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and he is being controlled by his father which can't be healthy, plus the kid looks like he is gonna cry all the time--get it together! He is to young and too boring...
LIL DEB Wed, May 21, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST
I think they are both good and david Cook is original, however hello people. Was anyone listening last night!!! ??? Even simon said it was a knock out for Archie.
He wins hands down. I hope.
LIL DEB Wed, May 21, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST
I think they are both good and david Cook is original, however hello people. Was anyone listening last night!!! ??? Even simon said it was a knock out for Archie.
He wins hands down. I hope.
Eric Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST
old folks? what are you 16. you are the typical young teenage wanna be who just likes David A. because he is young. His music would be great if i was looking for an alternative to medicine for sedation before a surgery. David Cook is original, progressive, and knows what he is doing.
ash Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST
David Archuleta better not win!!!!!! he is boring and makes me wanna go to bed when i listen to him. David Cook should definitely win hands down. and all the teens are only voting for him cause he is cute and young they need to realize talent when its in front of them.
ash Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST
David Archuleta better not win!!!!!! he is boring and makes me wanna go to bed when i listen to him. David Cook should definitely win hands down. and all the teens are only voting for him cause he is cute and young they need to realize talent when its in front of them.
Betty Wed, May 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST
David A should win, he's the better singer & last nite proved it
maddy Wed, May 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST
Ladies and Gentelman... and the winner is......."DAVID COOK our
American Idol"!!!
Second runner-up:David Archuleta, due to all he can sing is BALLETS!!! They are all the same...and on and on and on!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wed, May 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST
Ladies and Gentlemen, DAVID ARCHULETA SANG! DAVID COOK REARRANGED, PERFORMED, and SANG! Now tell me, who has more talent again????
janette Wed, May 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST
Why do these old bats think that David Cook should win. Can't u hear the angel voice? Clean your ears, old folks, David A is the winner.
ANNE Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST
DAVID COOK HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING ALL SEASON LONG. HE IS THE MOST TALENTED, AND COMFORTABLE ON STAGE. A TRUE ENTERTAINER. WHY SIMON, WHO WAS SUCH A DAVID COOK FAN, TURNED ON HIM IN THE FINAL IS BEYOND ME. COOK STAYED TRUE TO WHO HE WAS........SOMEONE WHO TOOK CHANCES..........WHO PROGRESSED!!! COOK IS THE REAL THING. SHAME ON THE JUDGES FOR SUCH BIAS. RANDY IS A JOKE, HIS BIAS TOWARD DAVE A IS UNREASONABLE. I HOPE DAVID C PREVAILS, BUT IF NOT, IT HAS BEEN A GREAT RIDE. HE HAS MORE TALENT THAN ALL FORMER CONTESTANTS COMBINED. CHRIS DAUGHTERY WHO?
Eric Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST
simon has the Priest syndrome and likes little boys cause he tells david archuleta great job even when he sings the same boring songs. so basically he has some young boy infatuation. Without a doubt David Cook is the best and most amazing musician american idol has ever witnessed
ruth Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST
Simon talks about origionality, and making it young and hip, but he pushed David A who is neither and slams David C who is.
Ruth Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST
David Cook will win. It was difficult to cast my 10 votes for Cook. I tried casting a vote for Archuleta and the call went through first time. My reasoning for Cook winning is more people were obviously voting for Cook. I'm going to purchase his songs from iTunes today.
nicole Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST
I think David Archuleta has a great voice but he gets boring after a few songs they all sound the same, and David Cook has a great voice and he is able to sing different types of music and sound great, I think David Cook will go farther in the music industry, I think Cook with no doubt should be the next american idol.
Omniscient Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST
David Archuleta deserves to win on 3 strong points.First,he can sing really well.Second,his singing did not involve screaming.And third,he did not have to announce that any of his relatives is sick with cancer or something.
tabetha Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST
i think it is a close call.. some people say david cook some say david A. but i really didn't want them to make it to the final round. thee were more talented people that should have made it to the final round. David A. is not a really talented person. but who cares who ever wins wins oh well. there should have been more talented people that made it to the finally. what ever happen happens oh well
tabetha Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST
i think it is a close call.. some people say david cook some say david A. but i really didn't want them to make it to the final round. thee were more talented people that should have made it to the final round. David A. is not a really talented person. but who cares who ever wins wins oh well. there should have been more talented people that made it to the finally. what ever happen happens oh well
May Wed, May 21, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST
David Cook is the best Artist,singer and preformer ever, he has it all!!! He sings in all ranges and has STAR quality and plus he make the song his own D. Archuleta is good but boring and all he sings is (Ballets), whats that all about...really! A true Artist has to have it all. David A. does not! But he does have the teenage boppers vote!!! But David Cook has the more mature audience vote, and thats all it takes.
David Cook WINS!!! by a landslide!
sue Wed, May 21, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST
David Archuletta is by far the best vocalist. He is the one that should and I hope will win. David Cook is not nearly the vocalist Archuletta is!
Get real! DAVID COOK IS PITCHY!!!!!!I think he is a good performer, but really kids...DAVID ARCULETTA IS THE NEW AMERICAN IDOL!
Wed, May 21, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST
Both Davids are great let the best man win.Me personnelly David A should win but they both have a career ahead of them good job guys and look luck.
sharon s. bowers Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:59 AM EST
Your right, Simon is smart. He know David Cook is the next American Idol.
maddy Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST
I know David Cook will WIN... David C. is my Heart... Simmon did praise Daivid Archuleta,and claimed D.A. a knock out and winner... But Simmon, knew what he was doing because this reaction will cause a ricka-shea reation causing more votes for David Cook. David Cook is a true Artist and much more!
maddy Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST
I beleive David Cook will WIN. David C. is my Heart... Simmon did praise Daivid Archuleta,and claimed D.A. a knock out and winner. But Simmon knew what he was doing because this reaction will cause a ricka-shea reation causing more votes for David Cook. David Cook is a true Artist and much more!
maddy Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST
I beleive David Cook will WIN. David C. is my Heart... Simmon did praise Daivid Archuleta,and claimed D.A. a knock outand winner. But Simmon knew what he was doing because this will cause a rickashea reation causing more votes for David Cook.
Chelsea Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST
David Cook deserves to win for MANY reasons but this is just a few.
Chelsea Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST
David Cook deserves to win for MANY reasons but this is just a few.
Chelsea Wed, May 21, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST
David Cook deserves to win!! For 3 reasons... 1. He has an amazing voice
aw Wed, May 21, 2008 at 04:07 AM EST
DC is the best thing to happen to AI. Their abysmal treatment of him underscores the idiocy of AI. The only knockout punch thrown tonight was by TPTB. They've thrown their own show under the bus, at least for me. They not only don't care about integrity, they don't care about their contestants or their fans. They care about $$$ and the great god Nielsen (ratings). They don't deserve the likes of DC, and DC didn't deserve tonight's imbecility (yeah, that's a word, look in the dictionary under AI)
Angelo Wed, May 21, 2008 at 02:08 AM EST
So David cook was obviously bamboozled by the producers. From the very beginning of the show, the producers have clearly shown that they wanted Archie to win. Sometimes, it's crazy what the judges actually say. In fact, some people just say that Archuleta is THAT good because Simon says so. This is an obvious propaganda device called the BAND WAGON. And it sucks to know tat Archuleta won because of the teen vote. Jesus Christ! Cook has shown that he is more musically-relevant and has obviously more talent. If Archie wins then Idol has reached the bed rock of their franchise. And it's so stupid how Simon broadcasts in different shows(ie. the Jay Leno Show) how he wants David Cook to win. Then suddenly he says that Archuelta is the winner. it's really frustrating to see all these things happen/ The,m hypnotizing the audience to vote for Archuleta. Urgh!
Irwin Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:57 AM EST
I feel that for the first time in Idol history, Simon could actually be wrong. I felt that, for the nth time this season, the producers showed who they want to win./ It's obvious who deserves to win though. David Cook has showed performance after performa
aw Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:25 AM EST
So DC works his arse off all season to end up as the punchline in a reality show? Talk about a sucker punch.
Susan Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:15 AM EST
I, too, feel that David Archuleta deserves to win, but I'm not sure that he will. I dialed for nearly the full 4 hours and hope that my votes helped "Archie". But both Davids are very good performers ... they will both get recording contracts and do well ... so it's not the end of the world if David A. doesn't win. He reminds me of Josh Groban, but even better! He's a good kid and has a bright future ahead of him. May the best David win (and let's not forget Michael Johns, who also has a great musical future)!
Omniscient Wed, May 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM EST
David Archuleta deserves to win on 3 strong points.First,he can sing really well.Second,his singing did not involve screaming.And third,he did not have to announce that any of his relatives is sick with cancer or something.
Jennifer Wed, May 21, 2008 at 12:10 AM EST
David C got my vote or at least i tried to give him my vote. He deserved to win. DA bores me to tears. Too much of the same thing all of the time. I couldn't get through on my land line or my cell. Go Cookie!
sonrisa Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:56 PM EST
We need to look at the whole season for this competition not just tonights performances. DC sang rock, broadway, ballad, alternative, etc. and worked it! Archie sang slowly, soft, and smooth ballads and yes they were beautiful but the same and put me in a sleepy trance. I need variety! DC gets my vote!
Nita Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:52 PM EST
Letr Archuleta win because it will free David from an American Idol contract that will produce half baked cd's. Carrie Underwood made it after she got rid of the A Idol tunes and style. The rest of the poor souls never made it far from American Idol. Sorry but the winners are pretty much the losers. David Cook is unique not just in his sound but personality. Archuleta is a kid who does nothing but cry.
Mary Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:48 PM EST
I love that David Cook said he did not want to do the same songs. I have heard "Don't Let The Sun Go Down" every season that there is a Clay clone. I played back all Archuleta tunes and it all sounds the same..Try it and you will hear it does. Archuleta will make it big for Disney and be seen on Direct TV kid shows. David Cook will make a great CD worth buying as well as do well as a writer. I think American Idol should for once give it to the person who does not just sing a ballad but has more to offer in style and acan write. If not, American Idol will go down the drain with the same ole same ole.
DavidArchuletaWillWin Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST
i think David archuleta deserves to win and WILL win... he does more singer songs and and has the better voice which is what the show is about.. plus.. simon said, "Archuleta wins by knock-out".. simon has never been wrong.. for me.. David A.. being a mormon, which makes conservative is why he is shy and genuine (people call it fake cuz no one acts so humble.. BUT.. it is in hjis nature.. he is the much better role model.. I AM PRAYING TO GOD.. David Archuleta will win this
Omniscient Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:17 PM EST
David Archuleta deserves to win on 3 strong points.First,he can sing really well.Second,his singing did not involve screaming.And third,he did not have to announce that any of his relatives is sick with cancer or something.
Mary Kaye Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM EST
Archuleta should win... He really deserves to be the next American Idol. Good luck David Archuleta ! we are praying for you to win !
Mary Kaye Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM EST
Archuleta should win... He really deserves to be the next American Idol. Good luck David Archuleta ! we are praying for you to win !
Pauckets Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST
How could Simon tell David A. that he was definately the winner tonight? Now, if David A. does win, we'll be forced to question the integrity of the voting system. As I watched the results from the 19 page vote that EW set up, David C beat out David A by at least 50% of the votes. Now if this is any preview of what the call in votes will be like then the obvious winner should be David C. not David A.
Pauckets Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:40 PM EST
I feel like they trashed David Cook and put Achuletta on a pedestal tonight. It's been obvious they want to sign David A. but lets be honest. David cook has remembered all of his lines, has been consistant with his performances and has been entertaining throughout the entire competition. I am almost certain they will announce David A. as the winner and David C. will go on to be as big a hit as Daughtry whom may I remind you Simon said would never make it because he wouldn't conform. And was I the only one who noticed Daughtry's face on the finale show as they were flashing the previous winners? David A is a great singer but he can't cross over genre like David Cook can. So to me the most marketable and smartest win would be David Cook.
Juliet Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:26 PM EST
Simon was too harsh with David C. Simon told Ellen Degeneres that he thought David C. would do really good with his song choices and then criticised every song he sang.. David C. fans VOTE!!!!!!!!
wtf Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:10 PM EST
Slezak - I hope you are merciless w/ TPTB in setting DC up and then so savagely throwing him under the bus tonight - over & over & over. This is the final straw for a season that so obviously lacked the smallest semblance of integrity and respect for fans. They say they care about ratings, and then this? Simon especially. How could he tell Leno DC would win by song choice when he KNEW what DC would be singing - and then roast DC for his song choice? I could go on, but I hope you'll take the baton and continue - better, wittier, and much more fiercely.
Juliet Tue, May 20, 2008 at 07:34 PM EST
To the other "To Juliet"
Jason wasn't the best thing to hit Idol.. Chris Daughtry was.. and David Cook deserves to win.. I'll admit that his switchfoot song last week sucked and maybe a couple of other songs but David Cook is a great singer and performer.. besides why should I care what you say about me and why should that maya chick care what I say about her.. we don't know eachother.. this is just a random bloggng place where everyone gives their opinions.. and yes some of them suck..
archuletafan Tue, May 20, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST
David Archuleta should definitely win. As a musician I can't stand listening to cook, he can't stay in tune. And he is just too cocky. Archuleta's got everything - talent, humility, looks. And also, Cook has done professional recording work before. Shouldn't that not be allowed on AI? Archuleta all the way!
archuletafan Tue, May 20, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST
David Archuleta should definitely win. As a musician I can't stand listening to cook, he can't stay in tune. And he is just too cocky. Archuleta's got everything - talent, humility, looks. And also, Cook has done professional recording work before. Shouldn't that not be allowed on AI? Archuleta all the way!
Bubbles Tue, May 20, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST
I think David Archuleta is a very gifted singer but I would love to see him signed by a Christian record label and sing all the inspirational, feel good, message songs that he loves and sings so beautifully. Let him mature over the next couple of years and then sign with a more mainstream pop record label. I hate to think what the pressure of being the American Idol would do to him and his voice. As it is, he looks as though he's going to be sick every time he takes the stage. He's too young to deal with all of that at his age. Give him time and he could have a long career.
Innocentgirl Tue, May 20, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST
Should win-DAVID COOK
Will win- Doesn't matter. David Cook is going to make it big! With or withour the AI title.
DA will get a record deal, with or without the title as well.
Sorry I won't get a chance to listen to his music. I Don't listen to the Disney Station!
Jasmine Tue, May 20, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST
I believe they are both great and both deserve to win cause they are both amazing singers, but if i had to choose, i would choose David Archuleta. I think he needs it more and deserves it. And he a total hottie!!!
Little Miss Sunshine Tue, May 20, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST
No matter who wins, David Cook will always be the one who should have won, just like Chris Daughtry. Sometimes on AI, it's better not to win I guess. David Cook is the winner all the way baby!!!!
jo Tue, May 20, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST
David Cook should win, but all the "girls" will be voting for the other one, unfortunately. I can't see him selling any music though.
Don Tue, May 20, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST
My vote is for David A. He is an incredible talent and can actually sing and not just scream his songs. So many rockers would rather just get their buzz on and listen to music where you can't understand a single word, but that is typical of this callused and cluless world we live in.
socalgirl Tue, May 20, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST
I couldn't take it another second, so in defense of my favorite word nerd, I looked up these definitions in my dictionary:
Confidence - Belief in oneself and one's abilities
self esteem - realistic respect for oneself
David Cook has confidence and self esteem. Isn't that exactly what we're teaching to kids in our schools, churches and homes all aross this country?
Here's another definition:
arrogance - offensive display of superiority
David Cook has never once, ever, made anyone else feel less than his equal. In fact, he has said over and over how humbled he is to be in the company of his fellow contestants including the kid he's facing off with tonight.
Please stop faulting this guy for being lucky enough to be well loved, mature and emotionally healthy. We could use a few more role models like him, I say!
scottannadotcom Tue, May 20, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST
David A. should win. David C. is a very good singer in his genre, but remembering back to the first couple of season's, the judges stated that what AI needs someone who can sing good, looks good on camera, is a good performer, and most of a can be looked at as a role model for others. David A. fits the bill on all accounts.
H2 Tue, May 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST
Who is the best singer? David Archuleta
Who is the best performer? David Cook
Who should win? David Cook
Who will win? Not so easy, particularly given the rabid David Archuleta fan(atic)s and their voting plans
Best of luck to both Davids for tonight and for the future - may you both remain true to yourselves
donna Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST
I think David A. should win. I am so sick of Cook being so arrogant and also tired of his screaming. This is a singing contest not a screaming contest. We know you can scream. Stop screaming and get off the stage!!!!
Chris Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST
David Cook should definitely win!!! although he is arrogant!!! Archuleta is fake!!!
Shirley Speed Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST
I think it will be David Cook. But they are both good. I am a Grandma and I am of the Flower Child era, and I love music. This is going to be a close one. I feel that David Archuleta will get a Recording chance. I think they both should go on and make records and sing their hearts out. I just pray they stay away from all the drugs that most of the time goes with becoming a Star, specially a Singing Star. Guys, stay away and make us Proud! You are both great.
nina wachenfeld Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST
If David A wins,his voice will be done with come next year.He'll suffre the fate of Jordin Sparks who ruined her voice with overexposure.
David Cook is in for the long haul.
He is probably the best singer ever on the show.
Cookie Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST
David Cook has come closer than any other contestant I can remember to beating the karaoke machine. Just as in the visual arts and all other fine arts areas, there are genres and "schools of" (such as surrealism in art, fantasy in lit, R&B in music. All artists are allowed, expected, and even encouraged to inspire one another. If they out & out plagiarize, they may be and usually are sued, e.g. MC Hammer. Many of you already know all this; but apparently many of you don't. Sometimes it's a fine line artists walk. But we're talking Idol here, a singing contest using established, copywritten & cleared songs. Interpretations of copywritten songs can't be copywritten. David has stolen nothing. He's an original on Idol because he's the first to alter other versions of songs artistically AND create some of his own arrangements, too. He's not without vocal flaws, thank goodness. What rocker wants to be? My only criticism is his fav pop rock genres. That's where he needs to grow.
WildKAT Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST
Should win: David Cook
Will win: David Cook
Why: Talent alone David Cook is it.
He has an amazing vocal range, is a trained singer and musician and is a great humanitarian with his support of charities like the American Cancer Society, etc. He is creative, a risk taker, has a lot of stage presence and poise. He is articulate. He'll make an interesting interviewee on talk TV because he is a college graduate and is not one dimensional. We are ready for a rocker Idol. Enough of the drippy ballad singers who appeal to tweens and fat middle aged women in the audience. We want hip, we want rock and we most of all want a REAL talent like David Cook.
Go David Cook. You da' bomb!
socalgirl Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST
Let's stop already with the "Cook should win, but DA probably will win." That would just be dumb. This notion that pre-teen girls are better at dialing the phone than the rest of us is absurd. When Cook fans vote tonight, he will win. It's like a ball game - you don't show up thinking your team is better but they'll probably lose! C'mon people - support Cook with your votes. Be in it to win it. He is!
And, is he better? Week by week his performances had a much higher level of difficulty. Singing a melodic ballad is as easy as it gets. Singing an edgy rock song, live and in 90 seconds is really tough. Risky? Yes. And what do we like? Contestants who take risks! He never, not even once, played it safe. And, he was never once boring!
And as a recording artist? Go to iTunes today and download every Cook song - it will be the best CD you own until his next one is released.
My wish is that they both give great performances tonight and we get a really good show.
VOTE COOK!
theresa Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST
i think that both davids have a awsome voice... but it is america that chooses the winner an the winner will be based on who is liked the most. it is going to be a tough decision but i think david cook is going to take the season 7.
wtf Tue, May 20, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST
Forgot to mention - I heart you Slezak - other than DC, you and your vids have been the best part of AI. Enjoyed the MTV interview, too.
pinkf Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST
you guys are just hateful. cook is an average singer. he never was original as much as he was a thief. archuleta is not only popular, he is the talented one.
wtf Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST
This is AI's fork in the road. They can take a step backwards into the past of mostly (not all) glorified lounge singers with DA, or they can take the road less traveled with DC - a road that celebrates unique performers which this season was full of - Carly, JC, MJ, Brooke, Chikezie, Amanda, Lushington. If DC wins, it will raise the bar for AI, raise their credibility as being a launching pad for relevant recording artists. DC's songs have already topped the iTunes charts. He's going to be very, very big. If he doesn't win, AI will slink back into the tired schlocky irrelevance of the Hall of Fame for lounge singers hoisted to victory on the speed-dialing votes of obsessive tweens & grannies.
JerseyGirl Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST
I don't see how people can enjoy David A.'s performances. He has an amazing voice but his performances are SO BORING and his song choices are SO BORING and his arrangements are SOOOOO BORING. He belongs on one of the "smooth-jazz" radio station my father made us listen to on car trips when I was young. David A is near vomit-inducing to me. I haven't heard him sing an entire song in weeks because I can't stand to listen and must change the channel or leave the room. Once again, amazing voice, but everything else about his performances is horrible in my opinion. Not idol-worthy at all. Not that it matters as I have yet to buy a single American Idol contestant's album.
piper Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST
Why are you people still whining about Jason? He's a non entity. Get over it!
Cook is the real talent here.
Hamburger Royal Tue, May 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST
Personally, I hope that halfway through the show a MechaGodzilla breaks through the stage and eats teletubby and the Swaybots. And maybe This - Is Ryan, too. On a conspiracy sidenote, has anyone but me noticed that the dude who won German Idol three days ago looks like the love child of Ryan Seacrest and David Cook?
brent wallace Tue, May 20, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST
I sincerely believe that David A. should win the competition. His voice his brilliant. No doubt that David Cook is good. However, when it comes to sheer vocal talent David Cook doesn't stand a chance.
Highland Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:46 AM EST
AND ANOTHER THING! Hee hee. Anyway, I forgot to say, Michael, that you are mistaken in thinking that fans of Jason (like me), Brooke, Syesha, Carly (also me), and Johns will ALL call in for David Cook. Why would that be so likely? Is it because he's closer to the same age as those other contestants? Let me tell you, Johns (and possibly Brooke) excepted, David Cook is nowhere near the vocalist that the others proved themselves to be (Chikezie was also far better than Cook). Also, DC is not THAT great on the guitar. He's able to strum a few power chords (a staple of each of his brilliant "reworkings" that everyone seems to think will save pop music), but come on, guys. His is really more of a Jon Bon Jovi- than a Richie Sambora-level of prowess, no? And is the MadBall face a total must when we get to that inevitable high note? Look, his arrangement of "Always Be My Baby" was inspired, and he deserves props for that. Praise for the rest is dishonest. Come correct. You're journalists.
To Juliet Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST
Re-read your blog about Maya. Yes, you were being mean and getting personal because you said she "sucks" (You didn't say her opinion sucks) I happen to agree with her as do many others, in that Jason was the best thing to hit Idol this year. I think the person who told you your name was stupid was trying to make a point. The point was that personal shots are immature and don't feel too good when you are on the receiving end of them. You proved that by your defensive reaction to the comment about your name. BTW, Cook's "Always Be My Baby" was HORRENDOUS to say the least. He can't hit a low note to save his life
Highland Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST
I'm pretty disappointed in how lame all of you have turned out to be. David Cook is not a good enough singer to win this competition. It's one thing to not hit a note or two (e.g., the endearing cracks of a Brooke or a Jason). It is quite another to be sharp (Syesha) or flat (David) at least once, if not numerous times, in every performance. I can do that. Probably all three of you can do that much. Cook's vocals are second-rate at best. Archuleta needs to show a little more deference to melody, that's obvious; his "runs" (aptly named, by the way) are getting tedious, to be sure. His nerves (quite likely due to the fear of paralyzing another vocal cord, hello?) are a bit of an issue as well. But the kid can really blow, dude. It's undeniable. As for a market, the same people that made Josh Groban's record the #1 seller of 2007 will buy David Archuleta's. Not so sure how many will line up for Cook's Autotuner-laden (by necessity) growling for an entire also-ran of a rock record.
Stephanie Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST
Should win: Cookie
Will win: Archie
I hope all the David C fans vote because I know all the teenie boppers & grandmas will!!
2 Winners Tue, May 20, 2008 at 08:50 AM EST
After going back and watching their earlier auditions, I'm very impressed. These 2 are stars and deserve to be here. But Cook's my fav.
I do hope Archie will sing 'Heaven' again, it was great in Hollywood.
I just can't call this one.
Cookie Fan Tue, May 20, 2008 at 08:40 AM EST
The comments here don't necessarily represent what the true vote count will be. I don't think a lot of tweens are visiting EW.com. So, while most people here want Cookie to win, I wonder.
Julie A. Tue, May 20, 2008 at 08:24 AM EST
Should:David Archuleta
Will:Definitely anyone's guess. Archuleta has done an amazing job this season and I just love his voice. I do have to say I have warmed up to David Cook ever since he sang "Always Be My Baby:,but Archie always has been my favorite and always will be.
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