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David vs. David: Is Simon using reverse psychology?

Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 6:11 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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SPOILER ALERT: This post talks about Tuesday night's "American Idol" sing-off. If you don't want to know what happened, come back and read and comment after you've seen the show. You have been warned.

If you'd been in a coma (or on maternity leave, like yours truly) and hadn't seen a full episode of "American Idol" before tonight, you could be excused for thinking that David Cook had this one in the bag. Young David Archuletta had his fans, sure, but the general opinion floating around seemed to be that Archie was heading home, and the older, more worldly Cook would take home the title.

And once Tuesday's show began, you could also be excused for assuming that the first two rounds of singing would be divided equally -- that each David would be awarded a round by chief arbiter Simon Cowell. Doesn't that always happen on "Idol"? And doesn't the show like it that way, to keep the suspense cranking till the last possible moment?

It didn't happen that way. And there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of suspense going into tomorrow's announcement of the winner (five seconds of excitement draaaawn out for a whole two hours).

Simon Cowell didn't seem concerned about keeping up the suspense. He awarded the first round to Archuleta. Cook fans weren't worried, though. Surely the second round would even out.

Wrong. After the second round, Simon again crowned Archuleta the winner, telling him he chose the better song. Two rounds to none with only one round remaining? Well, surely Cook would pull out all the stops and shine on the third round, wouldn't he?

Not according to Simon. After Cook sang Collective Soul's "The World I Know" and Archuleta revisited fan fave "Imagine," Randy called Young David the "best singer of season  seven," Paula proclaimed him "stunning," and Simon used the night's most creakingly overused metaphor, saying it was a "knockout."

Vegas probably would refuse to take odds on this one. It looks like Archie in a walk.

But my co-worker Paige has another theory: Sports teams that appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated are considered cursed, doomed to lose now that they've been called out as winners. Could there be a Simon Cowell curse, meaning the singer he championed in the finals ends up losing? Viewer votes will decide.

Does Archuleta have this one wrapped up? Or will Simon's comments only light a fire under the fans calling in for Cook? Share your thoughts in the comments, and we'll find out tomorrow night.

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Before tonight, I thought it was close and that David C. had the upper hand. However, David A sent it out of the ball park. He has an incredible nigth and did everything beautifully. I will be shocked if he doesn't win.
I absolutely love David Cook and I still believe he'll win. Sure, Archuleta has a good voice, but all he sings are pop ballads. I'm more of a rocker myself so maybe that's just me and I like faster songs. But, AI hasn't had a rocker win yet...he deserves it. I think Archuleta is just too naive and young to know how to handle it. I've never been a fan of him since he sang "Imagine" the way he did. If the boy can play piano, why not play it on that song? It's super easy to remember. I don't know, I just hope the fans will decide who should really win it. If Cook wins, I will know for a fact, the first time ever that it was a singing contest this season instead of a popularity contest.
Thousands and thousands of people paid $10.00 each for a chance to enter the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest, And look what they got.......So how many will it take till someone calls this fraud? 1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD's. 2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD. 3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show "Unhitched". 4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors. 5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll's CD. 6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Regie Hamm) (FYI...USAToday.com has named him the Songwriting Winner), is a co-writer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD and he's also a co-writer of the winner of 2007's American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne......Anybody see a pattern Yet? 3 of the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest Top 20 songwriters get credit on Clay Aiken CD's. Out of thousands and thousands of entries, 3 out of 20 work with Mr. Aiken. and nobody has a problem with this? The 2008 American Idol songwriting winner and  2007 American Idol songwriting winner are song co-writing partners and that's fine with everybody? If not then please visit .......    http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com  .......for all the facts
I still think this years win will go to David Cook. He deserves it. He is the most marketable and really is the best singer. He is the one out of all the Idol winners that I would buy his CD tomorrow!
Yes, I do believe Simon was using reverse psycology on the voters. He has said several times outside of the show that his favorite is David Cook. We'll just have to see how it all pans out tomorrow night.  
David Archuleta is the better performer of the two, has a better more consistent voice and clearly out performed David Cook tonight.  Archie will win hands down.  D. Cook however is destined to greatness!
I've never cared for Archie (David A), and I'd never buy one of his cd's, so I really don't want him to win.  I'll be buying Cookie (David C.)'s cd when it comes out, so while I'd like for him to win the title, in the end it doesn't matter if he does or not.  In fact, it might even be better for him if he doesn't.  Would Chris Daughtry have had the freedom to do what he did if he'd won?  It seems to me that the winner would be tied up in all sorts of obligations and have less freedom than one who didn't.  Oh well...Wednesday night will definitely be interesting!!
If you just listen to the voice, Archuleta is the best by a mile.  David Cook is a much better performer though.  I have loved his originality all season long.  

I am bias towards Archuleta because I'm from Utah but I love Cook too.   I'm really torn on this.
It was definitely David A.'s night. Based solely on tonight he would win.  But based on the season,  any one can win.  It will depend on their fans.  They both are great singers - just with different styles.
I was reall upset with Simon tonight. I watched him on Ellen this morning saying how much he liked Cook, and then he won't even give him a positive comment. I am definitely a big Cook fan, although I know that Archuleta has serious talent. However, in the long run, David Cook is MUCH more marketable and will do much better in sales in the future. Archuleta has a great voice, but he has not been showing change or ability to swap things around in the last few weeks...I don't understand all of the praise he is getting. David Cook has become popular for his ability to change to the music styles and every week puts his own twists on each song, which makes him great. I'm voting till 1:00 people, as I hope are you!
There can be no doubt that both of these young men are extremely talented in their artistry...There can be no doubt that they both have potentially long and distinguished careers in the music industry.  For this purpose, though, one singer must be crowned.  It really is a talent contest morphing inevitably into a popularity contest.  We can't help but gravitate to our favorite contestant and find comfort in the fact that perhaps millions are gravitating in the same way.  The challenge, as voters, is to look past the crowds supporting one another in their choice, and to focus exclusively on the performances.  I have spent the past few weeks closely watching the two Davids. When I hear a song sung, I want to be moved emotionally and spiritually...I want a goose-bump tingling feeling and I want to raise my arms in gratitude for a feast of the music.  I have looked for this in David Cook and, while there can be no denying his extraordinary talent, I have felt more DRAINED emotionally and spiritually...his music, to me, takes a great deal of physical energy to appreciate.  I can be exhausted after hearing him sing.  By contrast, when David Archuleta sings, tears have come to my eyes and I have felt compelled to fall to my knees in awe and appreciation for the purity of the voice coming out of his mouth.  Music, for me, is the antidote to the stress of everyday life and my days will end more peacefully with the melodic sounds of David Archuleta spilling gently from my iPOD...David Archuleta! American IDOL 2008!
I hope everyone doesn't jump to Simon's tune. How arrogant, calling the winner of each round even while stating it's just "his opinion. sorry!"
Voting for Cook as we speak..it's 11:44 and I haven't gotten a busy since 11:00 :( and the votes have been one after the other. He's the best and most prepared for what comes with the American Idol title. On a side note I hope Archuleta's father doesn't win.
If you were going to pay money to buy a ticket to their concert who would you want to see?
Cook or Archuletta?
Who is the more entertaining?
There can be no doubt that both of these young men are extremely talented in their artistry...There can be no doubt that they both have potentially long and distinguished careers in the music industry.  For this purpose, though, one singer must be crowned.  It really is a talent contest morphing inevitably into a popularity contest.  We can't help but gravitate to our favorite contestant and find comfort in the fact that perhaps millions are gravitating in the same way.  The challenge, as voters, is to look past the crowds supporting one another in their choice, and to focus exclusively on the performances.  I have spent the past few weeks closely watching the two Davids. When I hear a song sung, I want to be moved emotionally and spiritually...I want a goose-bump tingling feeling and I want to raise my arms in gratitude for a feast of the music.  I have looked for this in David Cook and, while there can be no denying his extraordinary talent, I have felt more DRAINED emotionally and spiritually...his music, to me, takes a great deal of physical energy to appreciate.  I can be exhausted after hearing him sing.  By contrast, when David Archuleta sings, tears have come to my eyes and I have felt compelled to fall to my knees in awe and appreciation for the purity of the voice coming out of his mouth.  Music, for me, is the antidote to the stress of everyday life and my days will end more peacefully with the melodic sounds of David Archuleta spilling gently from my iPOD...David Archuleta! American IDOL 2008!
I vote for David Cook.  ALL David A. can sing are pop ballads.  He tried one fast song and was put down.  He never tried another one.  He sounds like a Sinatra Crooner, a little old fashioned.  David Cook was able to make every song his own.  I know as a music teacher that David Cook is more versatile and marketable.  He could be a new "Beatle" in the future.
David Cook is an entertainer, whereas David A. is boring. He has no stage presence, and always closes his eyes and licks his lips when he is singing a song. David Cook can sing any type of song, whereas David A. sings ballads. David A. cannot sing up to date music. He attracts tweenyboopers. I think David Cook deserves to win, but if he doesn't he will out sell David A. in the long run.
As much as I love Cook, I think Simon said what had to be said.  You have to admit that while the Cook's final song was extremely well done, it was a really odd choice for his last song. And coming off of the chicken s### he was forced to make into chicken salad, he really should have chosen something a little better.

Archie did what he always does... belt the predictable power ballad.  This time he did it with just a little more passion... and since this contest is tailor made for the unoriginal, Cook got slammed because he didn't blow the doors off like he has in the past.
The only reason David C. got "emotional" and cried was because of the reviews Archuleta was getting from the judges. It was a self-articulated PITY party. I have a gut feeling that it is going to work much to Archuleta's demise. Is it fair? NO! Will it work to get him  sympathy votes? Probably. I voted over 300 times and had 6 others voting too. Maybe, just maybe, the real winner will prevail...and Cook can go back to bartending at "DICKS" with David Hernandez.
The greatest 'Idol' talent is Chris Daughtry.  Carrie is 2nd, Kelly 3rd and David Cook is 4th.  David Archuleta is an extremely talented young man, but Cook will sell out concerts and make humongous $$$ when it's all said and done.  

Chris ended 4th, and went Platinum his first release...which was only the 4th time in history.

DA is a prodigy, but more along the Brian Adams lineage.

Cook is 'Daughtry Lite'...he'll never be Chris, but he'll be darn close.
I'm so sick of this predictable BS, David A sang 3 songs, one he already sang before and the other 2 was also slow tempo songs, so far he has sang 2 up tempo songs this entire season and screwed up on both of them.  On the other hand David C sang a song by U2 which nobody dares touching since there is nobody that can do a song like that justice and for the first time this season I had goosebumps, how long did I have to wait for that?  Then he does some different and pick a 3rd song which he hasn't done so far he takes that chance coz that is how champions are crowned.  And to Alexa, i'm trying to get through and have not been able to get through on voting for David C i'm in LA, so don't worry, even if he doesn't win he's going to make it BIG.  Idols is becoming just as fake as boops in LA
Archuletta is a teeny-bopper who sings safe ballad-y songs and plays the audience.  Cook is a true muscian who follows his heart and sings it.  Archuletta may win because of the teen girl vote, but if the contest is for the better musician, Cook should be crowned the winner.
I totally agree with Alyssa from TN.  I would buy D.C.'s cd on day one.  Archie is really only good at ballads and who wants a whole cd of ballads.  Archie reminds me too much of Clay Aiken.  I am sure Archie is destined for broadway too.

I do wonder if David Cook doesn't want to win, so he isn't tied to a contract with Simon Cowell.
They are both great talents, however, David Cook has the ability to expand the depthness of his talent with his arrangements and style of singing. I hope the voters will see that and hear it in his performances. I would be voting for David Cook.
if Archuleta wins we'll have a younger version of Clay Aiken.  How special.  Yes I'm being snarky.
I prefer if Cook wins.  Yes both sing well but I want something other than ballads on the radio.  
Doesn't matter to me who wins, just pleased to be aware and enjoy David Cook's talent.  I almost think HE doesn't care if he wins the AI title, he's won by all the exposure and respect and love for his talent and will definitely be a star.

As for Archie, everything he sings sounds the same and is not my personal "cup of tea".  But for all the tweens who love him, ENJOY :)
David Archuleta deserves to win season 7 by a mile. He is so consistant and has so much devotion for each and every song he sings. His emotional level is by far higher than Cooks and actually has feeling and expressions when he sings unlike Cook with no emotion or reaction whatsoever. If Archuleta doesn't win then this show is no longer worth watching.
My favorite is Cook, and I'm voting for him, though I think he will do very well as an artist whether he wins or not. He's a much more versatile and marketable performer, IMO. I do think that Archie has a gorgeous singing voice, and should do well in the teenybopper market. (Is there still such a thing? Menudo, anybody?) Actually, I think both Davids are great, but it's time we had not just a Pop Idol, but a true American Idol, in the true American Rock 'n' Roll tradition: David Cook!
It was a tough night. Both David's were terrific. DC was obviously struggling with his voice but seemed to use it to his advantage and IMO it worked. He's a Pro, a gentleman and a very talented and ingenious young man. I'm pulling for him now, more than ever, especially after Simon's snarky remarks. Oh yea. He did say "phenomenal" after the first song. The safest song of the night. For me, DC only got better after that. But the judges were almost condescending in their praise. Archuleta was great. No doubt about it. He brought it all tonight. It's anyone's guess but DC is already a winner in my book. I wish them both luck.
The article talks about the "Cowell Curse." I think your co-worker Paige is correct about that. Today on the Ellen show Simon said he felt David Cook was going to win, now tonight Archuletta pulverised.
Both guys have excelled during this year's competition.  I pray that that the people will not be swayed by Simon's comments.  We must remember all of the past performances during this year's American Idol, not just the finals.  David A. did surpass David C in tonight performance (finals), but the people know that the title belongs to DAVID COOK.  He is a risk taker and a very talented artist.    
TAZ, in Texas, you should be ashamed. Every other person on these boards was at least civil. Cook did not cry because Archuleta got good reviews. That was the end of probably one of the toughest times in his life, his last performance before teh votes, in front of 7,000 people, living his dream. The bartender hit was pretty low too, congratulations. I have been voting for 4 hours, and I hope with all my might he wins for your sake. Congrats on being the designated rude of the posts, way to be a stand-up fan.
The first time I heard David Archuleta sing I was stunned at how pitch perfect a voice he had.  If the judging happened on voice alone, Archuleta would win.  Unfortunately, people are voting for Cook and it has little to do with his ability to sing.  Archuleta is Groban II while Cook is a boring, unoriginal wannabe that will be as quickly forgotten as the gray haired dude from a few years ago.
Good for you, Cook fan, PA! As Simon himself said, DC is a genuine nice guy. I don't doubt the sincerity of his tears for a second! Did you other Cook fans catch the story about his wrist band for the young cancer patient? This guy is the real deal. Deserves to be an idol.
I'm rooting for D.C. He has been my favorite since the beginning of the show. I've been voting for him for the past hour.
Ever since david cook sang hello,he had me at hello.He is an awesome singer.He deserves to win this american idol.Last night he rocked the place out and DA should not win this.He is more a teen idol,and this is american idol DC has what it takes to win it all.Simon is old fashioned and should be a judge for the opera.Sorry DA but I realy hope for DC to win I would definately buy his first album.He has talent,he can take any song and sing his heart out to it.DC you are the number one singer I have seen and heard since american idol started.You are the one baby.
I truely think David Cook should win..Sure David A had a good night tonight. I do not believe he has the maturity for what it takes to be # one David Cook has been true every week no matter what song he does he makes it his own I would  PAY TO GO SEE HIM. David A feels like a disney singer good but kinda boring ..always sounds the same.Wish we could vote here in Canada. Good Luck David Cook..you have earned the title ..
I think David A was definitely the winner tonight and I am voting for him as I write. If David C would have sung better I would have voted for him. I think they both have great futures ahead of them. PS David A has lots more than teens voting for him; I'm a 62 year old Grandmother.
JD Hear.  I'm not into rock,and it comes down to the wire.  DC did take risks and was good, DA also took chances. I didnn't do drugs growing up, so I still believe in the system that has worked for me. Ballads have always united the world. Look at history and enjoy his innocence as long as it lasts. DA gets my vote.
Ever since david cook sang hello,he had me at hello.He is an awesome singer.He deserves to win this american idol.Last night he rocked the place out and DA should not win this.He is more a teen idol,and this is american idol DC has what it takes to win it all.Simon is old fashioned and should be a judge for the opera.Sorry DA but I realy hope for DC to win I would definately buy his first album.He has talent,he can take any song and sing his heart out to it.DC you are the number one singer I have seen and heard since american idol started.You are the one baby.
I really enjoy Cook he can put out a great record tomorrow.Archie would do well singing for a Disney Movie Theme or the Ice Capades..
Did anybody notice the KARAOKE BILLBOARD in the middle of the audience that shows the words to the songs that the contestants sang.  Check it out, you can see it when David Cook is singing his second song if you recorded the show.  Amazing.  I guess they didn't want anyone to mess up.
Both David's can sing but David Cook can sign all types of song and make it his own. I vote for David Cook because he is a much more versatile and marketable performer.
taz in texas: How interesting that you have voted for David A. over 300 times. After three hours there are those of us Cook fans that still can't get through to vote.  I wonder why it is so easy to vote multiple times for Archuleta?
DAVID COOK ALL THE WAY!!! I VOTED LIKE 100 TIMES
David A. is too one-dimensional, if he wins his concerts will be boring. David Cook is edgy and reminds me of Daughtry.  My vote is for DC!
David Cook is the whole package. This yr most of the contestants lacked stage talent. I am 55 and female and I would buy a CD of DC's. David A has an awesome voice but he sang the same type of songs over and over and he has the stage talent of a slug. He would be great on the Disney channel. He will be another Josh Grogin?  If David Cook does not win then I am too old to be watching teeny bopper idol.
I think Jason Castro will win this whole thing. Now, Melinda Doolittle was good tonight, but Jason hit the homerun. Many think Amanda Overmyer was victor last week against Jason and Melinda, but you just can't sing "Mary had a little lamb" and think your going to move to the final two! Of course, Jason singing his 6th straight Bob Marley tune may not help though he does fit the image...you think???? Jason Castro Will win tomorrows american Idol!!!
I think Jason Castro will win this whole thing. Now, Melinda Doolittle was good tonight, but Jason hit the homerun. Many think Amanda Overmyer was victor last week against Jason and Melinda, but you just can't sing "Mary had a little lamb" and think your going to move to the final two! Of course, Jason singing his 6th straight Bob Marley tune may not help though he does fit the image...you think???? Jason Castro Will win tomorrows american Idol!!!
During the whole season and through the show last night, everyone was saying in order to be the AI, you have to have guts and take chances.  David Cook has done that with his song choices ALL SEASON LONG.  David Archuletta always played it safe with boring ballads.  I hope America could look past all the Archuletta smoke the judges were blowing last night.    


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