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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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Comments

It makes my heart feel good to see all the people who so respect the musician in David Cook and just who he is. They got their Country American Idol who has been unbeleavable in her career... now it is time for the Rocker, because he has earned it. He composes, writes, takes risks so he can learn.... and to sing Rock then Music of the Night.... No doubt who the star is to me
David Archuleta, without a doubt, will win this season of American Idol. He has the best voice and is the most musically talented contestant that was on the show this year. His voice is like velvet, is face & smile is that of an angel. A lot of Cook fans continue to criticize David Archuleta for his age or his song choices, calling them only ballads, but if they looked at Cook's selections, none of his songs are great vocal arrangements, but whining whispering screeches lamely attempting to sound like Bryan Adams or James Blunt. He is trying to sell sex appeal, and although I do find him sexy, he would do well to audition for a role on a soap opera. Is this an explanation of why his first album is not being sold? Or is it because he is on the show illegitimately in the first place? Maybe he could do gay porn with that hair cut.
David C already has a career whether he wins or not.  Both young men do.  David A is by far the most talented and he has the most pure voice.  I hope that David A wins.  This has been by far the most talented year for American Idol.  I wish I was in their position - both are winners.
DA can only sing ballads and his voice is too clean-- it missed the emotion and depth of an Elton John or even Cook.  Cook showed range with ballad and rock. i was disappointed the judges were so taken by DA's notes that they missed the context. A DA album would be a remake of Bread.
Who will win depends entirely upon what they're being judged on.  If it's best vocally talented, then all you have to do is listen to the 2 biggest and highest esteemed powerhouses in the music industry, David Foster and Clive Davis and you know that David Archuleta is the winner.  If you're basing the contest on "revenge" for a previous season or the ability to play the guitar, or very talented, but not the best talent, then it's David Cook.  They're both very gifted, but who has the "it" factor vocally is David Archuleta..........
The Judges are entitled to their opinions, but the show is called American Idol because the only opinion that counts is that of the majority of the voting fans.  That majority will confirm that David Cook is the American Idol of Season 7.  David Archuleta is very talented, but David Cook is a unique and special musician, singer and entertainer who will be a superstar.
Truthfully, it really doesn't matter which one of them "wins" ... unless someone screws up big time both are going to go on to have fantastic careers. AI now is just a launching pad for talent regardless of where a contestant placed. Both of these guys deserve to be where they are and both are going to bring many years of enjoyment to many people.
David A. was my favorite from the beggining but David C. has grown on me each week. I'm lucky because I like ballads and rock so I'll buy both of their CD's. Cook fan in PA. you are right Taz in Texas needs to get a life...
I think that David Cook is much better, however, when I finally got thru on the phone lines last night, I had a problem.  I called 1-866-436-5701, David Cook's first number, the recording on the phone said "Thank you for voting for contestant #2"!!!  I didn't vote for DA, I voted for DC, how sad is it if they have to "fix" the results?  DC is better off without them, I've watched for years, but this might be the thing that makes me never watch again!
If David A. is not the next American Idol it will be proof that the contest is not the American vote but the producers votes that matter.  David A. has consistently had the stronger vocals and should win hands down.  If he does not it will not be for lack of talent, but how the producers feel about his Dad.  
If David A. is not the next American Idol it will be proof that the contest is not the American vote but the producers votes that matter.  David A. has consistently had the stronger vocals and should win hands down.  If he does not it will not be for lack of talent, but how the producers feel about his Dad.  
David A. has been the choice of the judges and producers since the very beginning of try-outs, He is s inmature and will not sell records or concerts. David C. is someone that will definitely seel records and will be another Daughtrey. If anyone bothered to notice David C. was much more varied in his song choices, while David A. did the only time song he can do. The real problem I had with all of this is the fact that in trying to vote for David C. last night I was not able to get one single call in on my cell phone, but could dial the same number on my land line and get through. I tried all three numbers with the same result fr over two hours. In years past I have been able to use my cell very well. I want to know what FOX had cooked up to make sure David A. alias (the nerd) won this contest.

I can not help but believe that this show has become very corrupt and has it's own agenda. If avid A. wins I believe that it will hurt the show. It will be strike three over the last three years. If you look at it the winner hasn't necessarly gone on to do the best. Season two is a prime example, Rueben hasn't come close to the accomplishments of Clay.

It's about time this show shut it down before it becomes a laughing stock, especially if it is going to rig the voting process. By the way it wasn't the phone because I tried two different cell phones. Something is very fishy about all of this.
David Cook is by far the better performer and singer.  He has the better voice and is certainly more marketable.  Archie is BORING, plain and simple.  I would never buy his cd unless I needed music to committ suicide by.  Not to mention the fact that he's too young and too self-centered.  Last week he (Archie) was only concerned that he wasn't voted off, Cook was truly concerned with Syesha.
David A. deserves to win this hands down, he is soulful, adorable and will continue to sing to the hearts of all of us, including the guys, he isn't just a teenage heartthrob, he will truly be extremely successful and definately desrves this win BIG TIME!!!!!
David Archuletta made a very wise decision to remain pure in his performance, and focused entirely on his vocal gift without playing the piano which, if you remember, he does extremely well ... Evidently he didn't feel the need of a 'prop' instrument - even Cook said he felt good "playing" in front of 7,000 people.  When did the standard of a vocal competition change to suit his agenda? I like that Archie isn't cocky, self righteous and conceited, and believe he is the most sincere, humble and talented vocalist I have ever heard.  I wouldn't buy a ticket to see Cook if my life depended on it - there are already wannabe's with glued hair, undersized jackets and false smiles everywhere already!  
Yes David A. did a very good job tonight and there's no denying that he has talent.  However, these ballads get rather boring after a while.  David C. makes the songs fresh and different and interesting to listen to.  I would buy DC's music anytime.  But whether he wins or not, he is going to have a MUCH more successful career than David A. I agree with some of the others, I think DA could have a great career on Broadway.  Best wishes to both guys!!
People should just get over it. David Archuleta had the desire and passion to win and came out with some of his best peformances. As far as David Cook being original, how original is it to take other people's arrangement and sing it. He just makes songs suit his style which Archuleta does as well. They sing what their voice is suited for. I think last night proved David Cook could not sing anything. It was almost like he didn't even really try. He sang all of his songs very plainly and didn't do anything original or unique to it. And He sang the song he chose from the song writer's list like you would hear anyone in a bar somewhere. David Archuleta has a distictive voice. If I were to hear David A on the radio I would know it was him whereas if I heard David Cook, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between him or another so called rocker.
Does anyone else feel that a child who still lives at home should not be allowed to be exploited in this competition? I cannot believe that the AI producers can place a maximum age limit on competitors, but no one raises an eyebrow when a high school student whose primary experience is performing in the school or church choir is placed under this type of pressure and allowed to miss his/her studies. What's next? A ten-year-old winner? I'm so done with this show.
I believe David Archuleta is and has been the best singer in the competition.  He has been the one that has been most consistant and really never had an "off" night.  Youth has nothing to do with it...they train athletes from a young age to perfect their skills and that is exactly what David Archuleta has done and now it is paying off!
This is a singing competition,not a favorite or fan of who you like better. I give my votes to David Archuleta because he went out there to win and he did what American Idol is all about, giving your best and ofcourse his voice is outstanding. This is not a performor audition, it's singing audition!
I remember Clay Aiken singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" about 10 times better than little David. I wonder why Simon never called him out on the fake humility like he did to Melinda Doolittle last season. Personally I have not cared so little about who was going to win since Fantasia vs. Diana.
This is getting all to predictable...the producer's, judges, and host promote who they want to win and everyone else was at a disadvantage...doesn't matter at this point
It doesn't really matter who wins.  David Cook will ultimately sell more records and be more successful.  Seriously, who would buy an Archuleta CD?  Not me!
I am going for david cook.not because I love him but he is mature and classy enough to get through everthing,I am sure that he has a contract already.david A is a child hanging by the heels of a dominering father and a controlled one.I feel like the look david A gets when he wins says to me I better win or my father will punnish me for not being good enough to win.His eyes bother me so much!!.I bought all of chris daughtrys cds and I will by David cooks to.I agree with taz David cook did not cry because of david a this was the last night a long season and he sung in front of 7000 people which he never thought he would especially since it was originaly his brother going to audition.I just hope david cook wins and lives his dream.
If David Cook does not win I will never watch AI again!  It will finally prove to me that AI has no credibility.  They haven't discovered a real American Idol since Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.  Little David as I call him sounds the same on every song.  What happened to "making it your own?"  He has no originality and is so naive!  The only reason he is getting any votes is the market of 10-13 year old girls. But for the rest of us who would like to actually listen to the winner on the top twenty we have been disappointed for the past couple of years.  Daughtry showed them what a huge mistake they were making!  Besides, why wouldn't they have each contestant sing the same song so they can judge them equally.  Little David could sing a rock song or alternative song if his life depended on it.  He will always be a little Catholic Choir Boy in my eyes.  And mark my word ratings will never be the same if he wins!  
If David Cook does not win I will never watch AI again!  It will finally prove to me that AI has no credibility.  They haven't discovered a real American Idol since Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.  Little David as I call him sounds the same on every song.  What happened to "making it your own?"  He has no originality and is so naive!  The only reason he is getting any votes is the market of 10-13 year old girls. But for the rest of us who would like to actually listen to the winner on the top twenty we have been disappointed for the past couple of years.  Daughtry showed them what a huge mistake they were making!  Besides, why wouldn't they have each contestant sing the same song so they can judge them equally.  Little David could sing a rock song or alternative song if his life depended on it.  He will always be a little Catholic Choir Boy in my eyes.  And mark my word ratings will never be the same if he wins!  
I have been an Idol watcher from season two, but this year's been so boring I've only seen about five episodes and I was rooting for Sayesha. I didn't even watch last night. Both the Davids are good singers, but I'm pulling for Cook. Archuleta seems like a nice kid, but his shiny wet lips gross me out...
Who wants someone who can sing the phone book.  Archuleta is a great predictable singer of ballads. Lets not forget that he is one of the few to make it to the finals after forgetting his words early in the season.  Cook is the most versatile singer of any that has ever been on Idol. He can sing rock and then belt a ballad like Roberta Flack.  The only two times Archuletta stepped out side his genre he blew it.  Cook all the way.  Archuletta will be a great Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr.
Taz, from Texas,

Why hate on Cook? So what if he got a little emotional, it was the first time ever,Do you look down on Little Archie, cause he looks like he is gonna cry every freaking week, It that genuine? probably cause he is still a BABY!!! I mean really, we are down to 2 and if the realization finally did hit Cook, and he watered up a bit, well I think that only means he is human. Its common knowledge that whether he wins the title or not, he is the most talanted singer this season. His career with take off with flying colors with or without the American Idol title.

Sure Little Archie might have a few ballads, because, being truthful... that is all he can sing. and they will probably be a great success too but they will only make it big on some easy listening channels, However, Cook is going to be marketable, and HIS cd will sell right from the begining, and it will be played on every Pop,and Rock station as well as the contemporary stations... I am just keeping real. You dont have to like Cook to know he is obviously more talented....unless of course your the type who just jamms out in his car to Josh Grobin Hits...Is that what you do Taz? if so, I totally understand your weird defense of Little Archie
Not to sound disrespectfull or anything, but
DA sounds more like a Christian singer than a pop star. If he does win we all know who will have the bigger Fame. Like some one else said he tried to do something different and forgot his words..... I dont remember David Cook forgeting words.... I think Cook should win... but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
I love both David A. and David C.  But though David A. has been my pick from the very beginning, I could not take it away from David C.  I based my votes on the best performance last night.  Sorry but David A. was the very best by a long shot.

This thing about who is the most marketable is about the most craziest thing I've ever heard.  The contest is about who is the best singer.  American Idol makes the money, so why let them take our ideas of who is more marketable, who cares... let the best man win.
David Cook will win tonight! All season long he has been original, consistent and worked thru all the crap songs they have given him. I have never been more excited for a performer, and every week David Cook has delivered. All you Archie fans you know I'm right. How can you be excited about a one dimensional performer? Please help me understand this?

Good Luck David C!!!!!!!!!!
If you can look past the emotion of last nights performance and evaluate both contestants body of work it is clear that David Cook is the more versatile talented artist. David Archuleta is better at singing the slow melodic emotional ballads and went with his strength on all three songs. I personally felt that Cook's performance on the first and third songs were better and demonstrated his depth and talent. Fortunately or unfortunately, the younger viewing audience cannot appreciate the maturity and breadth of what Cook brings to the stage and will ultimately choose Archuleta as the winner. He (Archuleta) is truly an unusual talent for someone so young but may or may not ever develop beyond a broadway stage type of performer. Good luck to both.
Whoever said that David A was a better performer has a screw loose. David C is so much better. David A has a lovely voice but he's 17 and acts younger than that. Most of the time he reminds me of a dog that gets hit with a stick too often. He's not ready for this and I hope for his sake he doesn't win (although I hope his Dad doesn't kill him emotionally if he doesn't). David Cook is the well rounded performer. His voice may not be "as good" as Archie's but I don't know too many people who just want to listen to sappy ballads all day. Cook is far more marketable and will sell a ton more albums. I predict that Archuletta eventually ends up a Christian music balladeer. Cook will follow the route of Daughtry and be on the mainstream charts. I was disgusted that the judges just showered praise on Archie. Sure, praise him for having a beautiful singing voice and hitting the notes right, but I'd get after him for having no dimension whatsoever. Nothing but ballads is sad. He can't do anything else
In my opinion David A. should not have even been in the finals! Week after week with boring songs that his Dad helped arrange. People should vote for the true musician and singing talent of David Cook.  Cook picked his own songs and rearranged them all on his own from the beginning.  Now that's talent! I would buy his CD in a heartbeat! Cook was and has been the most consistent performer of the season and I predict he will earn the most money out of any AI contestant!
Hands down Cook is the ultimate winner whether he gets the AI title or not.
DA won the talent show.  DC will win the popularity contest.
I am just one person, but my vote goes to David Cook..I would pay and set through a concert of his and I will buy a cd..Clive Davis will work the little bugs out of the songs...David A.. sings the same tone voices all of the time...he is a good singer but not someone I would buy a cd...as Simon says he's forgettable..I am 72 and David Cook could make me rock.....He's done great on Idol.
I am just one person, but my vote goes to David Cook..I would pay and set through a concert of his and I will buy a cd..Clive Davis will work the little bugs out of the songs...David A.. sings the same tone voices all of the time...he is a good singer but not someone I would buy a cd...as Simon says he's forgettable..I am 72 and David Cook could make me rock.....He's done great on Idol.
I agree with COOK FAN, PENNSYLVANIA

David Cook is the best, I would buy his CD today not Archie..    
While both Davids were good last night, I'm voting for David Cook. I was glad he didn't play it safe and sing Hello or Billie Jean. He truly is a versatile, talented, musician. I would buy a David Cook CD or see him in concert, not David A.The problem with David A is that he always sings predictable ballads, we never hear anything different from him. David C can sing anything and make it his own, he's fantastic!
If David Cook wins it'll be because he's a rocker and not based on talent because David Archuleta blew him away last night.
Cook will win, b/c Daughtry didn't win in 2006.  He is Daughtry with hair--no other difference in the two.
The producers desperately want a rocker to win, even though they have acted as though Daughtry won two years ago.  Simon's comments last night were made to fire up the Cook fans. I believe it may have worked.
I agree with alot of whats been written. I love David C. and in one way I hope he wins just so David A. doesn't win. And Taz your remarks were way out of line. He is one dimentional. And when he stepped out of that he did get bad reviews. Then like some else said David C. won't be tied up with the AI stuff. Two of my favorite Am. Idols are Chris Duaghtry and Bo Bice and neither of them won. The best AI winner has of course been Carrie Underwood. Like Paula say's after she hear David C. she wants more and so do I. I will buy his cd.
both are fantastic singers and  they will probably have singing contracts.  I'ts hard to pick the one but lets be fair, age and experience should not be a factor in putting Archuleta down.I don't agree he's a little Clay AIKEN and by the way he has done excellant in his career. SO BEST OF LUCK TO BOTH!!!!!
Please correct me if I am wrong but wasn't David C the only contestant Randy ever said was ready to sell records now?  I don't think that was just a comment about his singing.  Randy is a producer and knows it takes a lot more than just a good voice to make it in music today.  In 5, 10, 20 years do you see David A selling out large venues?  I don't.   I would would drive several hours to see David C in concert. I am afraid I wouldn't drive across town to see David A.  I think he has a good voice just no stage presence yet.      
I think Simon was playing up for tonights finale to boost Archy for a let down . He did say on Ellen that Cook would win. He also "WINKED" after Cook told him he respected what he said. I think its in the bag COOK is the winner. And I will be in line to buy the first CD. I am a big fan!!!!!!!!!
David Archuleta came out to win on Tuesday.  For a 17 year old he showed poise, confidence, talent and the desire to win.  I thought David Cook, although talented in his own way, was self-indulgent and really didn't show he cared whether he won or not.  For me, it's not about either singer--it's about the fans and David Archuleta showed more respect for his fans and much more professionalism than his counterpart.  And my David Cook fans, that is exactly why David Archuleta is the next American Idol.....
David Cook gets my vote.  He just has a presence and a unique talent. David A. only sings 70's-90's ballads and moves (can't quite call what he does on stage dancing) so stiff and ackwardly. Its nearly uncomfortable watching him trying to "dance" or sway to his own voice. You would have thought his father would have noticed that misstep. David Cook brings a mature, secure stage presence and a voice that has sung a variety of tunes, never selecting the easy or obvious choice and made the most of whatever material he has presented.  If David A. wins, I predict he'll be another Reuben who? And, just like the second place finisher that year, Clay Aiken, I am sure David Cook will be signed to a recording deal, and develop a mature, loyal, fan base who'll actually be able to drive themselves to his concerts.
I think it was disgusting how the judges made it clear who would win the Idol spot.  If David A wins I will never watch that program again for since day one the judges favored David A.  There were many more singers better than him.  I guess the teeny boppers were probably his biggest fans - and callers!  I don't usually call but for the last two weeks I have been a phone call-in junkie.  Hope fans of David C stayed up till 1 am calling.  He deserves the win - not a 17 year old "kid"
David A has a good voice but he is completely boring. He can sing only one type of song, slow ballads, and that's it. Can't imagine paying to see him in a boring, slow 2 hour concert! He definately does't have the "pop" sound to him.
David C. on the other hand rocks!! He has a great voice, he is entertaining, can sing fast, slow, and everything in between. I am hoping that he wins tonight!!


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