American Idol

About the only thing these two have in common is a first name. And you’ve already heard every pun or play on the two Davids, so I’ll spare you another. American Idol Season 7 finale week is here. We’ve endured the bad auditions, the Top 24 — can you even still name them all? — and now, the moment everyone has waited for …

Tonight David Archuleta and David Cook each will sing three songs to battle for votes to win the Season 7 title. Of course, at this point, Americans have their favorites. But I do think it’s going to be a close one. So, let’s get to it.

7:05 p.m.

A slighty cheesy boxing theme has opened the show and, after last week’s coin toss, David Archuleta has decided to go second. After a few kind words from the judges and the final two, Ryan throws us to a break. But, when we get back, we’re promised some singing. Let’s do this.

7:12 p.m.

Round one gets started with a song selection from music legend Clive Davis. His choice for Cook is I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For from U2. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down is his choice for the younger David.

Playing to the audience of 7,000, Cook’s performance looks and feels like a real concert from a seasoned artist. The screaming fans in the audience, every last bit of the performance seems perfected. He sounds good; and he’s putting on the show. This is what it takes to be the first true rocker Idol winner.

“It was hot, baby,” Randy said.

“Well, you may not have found what you’re looking for, but we have found David Cook,” Paula said. “… You’re in great voice tonight.”

“You know, David, I could see at the top of this show, you looked very tense, very emotional,” Simon said. “Taking all of that together, I thought it was phenomenal.”

Now it’s time for little David. As always, he’s consistent. And pure. This kid has talent, obviously, but he looks young on stage. He doesn’t have the look of a seasoned concert performer — which is what, I think, puts him at a disadvantage. Of course, the big voice on a little guy routine is always one to win over the fans.

“It doesn’t matter what happens, right now, you gotta know one thing, this is one of the best performances all season,” Randy said.

“I gotta tell you, my hearts still pounding, David,” Paula said.

“David, I’m going to be honest with you,” Simon said. “I thought last week you were OK. I thought tonight’s performance was, arguably, the best you’ve done so far.

“Taking everything into account, round 1 goes to Archuleta,” Simon continued.

Visibly, both of the Davids are overwhelmed. You can tell they are in their element. This means the world to both of them — and that’s visibly more obvious than any previous season. (And speaking of things that are obvious, let’s not forget Ryan’s fake tan. Wow.)

7:27 p.m.

Round 2 is all about the Songwriter’s Competition. Both Davids got a chance to choose from the top songs. Cook’s choice was Dream Big, which likely will be his first single.

I have to say, at first, this song sounds like it belongs on the Disney Channel. I would maybe even go as far to say it could be the closing number for High School Musical 3. But, with Cook behind the guitar on it, you really believe it could be a big radio hit. After all, those Disney stars have done more with less when it comes to a song.

“You were singing your face off,” Randy said.

“David, a song in your heart, a guitar in your hand … this is a great way to take a song we don’t know and fall in love with it,” Paula said.

“Using the boxing analogy, it was a bit of a lightweight, actually,” Simon said. “Keeping in mind this is supposed to be a winning song, this didn’t feel like a winning moment for me. … That was a 6 1/2 out of 10.”

Before David Archuleta tries his hand at an unknown tune … it’s time for another one of those famous Idol commercial breaks.

7:36 p.m.

We’re back, and David Archuleta is taking the stage with In This Moment, another unknown song from the songwriter’s competition. There’s no question this was the better song choice, lyrically, for this round. It’s a little too similar to A Moment Like This (even in the title), which was the song that put Kelly Clarkson on the map. But the only thing I really can say negative about this performance has nothing to do with the song — but what in the world is happening with that jacket he’s wearing? Anchors, really? Good song choice, though. That actually could be a song you hear him sing before tears stream down his face … should he be crowned the winner.

“Right now, you are so in the zone,” Randy said.

“It’s just another heartfelt performance,” Paula said. “It’s like you’re on fire tonight. It’s pure magic.”

“You definitely, definitely chose the better song there,” Simon said. “Round 2 goes to David Archuleta.”

Um, if my math is correct, that’s Cook: 0, Archuleta: 2. But that’s just Simon’s opinion. So, what are you thinking? Does the younger David have the title locked away after just two songs tonight?

7:45 p.m.

We’re back, and Round 3 is about to start. This final chance for the contestants to prove themselves allows them to be in full control of the music. This is their song choice, and David Cook chose The World I Know by Collective Soul.

David Archuleta chose Imagine, a song he already has performed this season. It was an incredible performance the first time around, but is it a mistake to repeat at this point? We’ll find out … but first, it’s David Cook.

There’s no question Cook chose a great song for himself. This is the type of music you certainly can expect from his post-Idol debut. I have to say, I have chills listening to him sing this song. There’s so much passion for music there. His professionalism is coming through more than anything on this one. Definitely, this is his best effort tonight.

“That was a very nice, sensitive side for David Cook,” Randy said.

“You’re standing in your truth, and you’re delivering unbelievable songs with originality and integrity,” Paula said.

“You know, David, look, I just want to say publicly you are one of the nicest, most sincere contestants we’ve ever had,” Simon said. “… I’m going to be completely honest, that was the completely wrong song choice for tonight.”

I have to say, even though it seems Simon is pulling for Archuleta (clearly), this was a great night for Cook. And I think he deserves the title just as much — if not more — than his competitor. Of course, we have heard how much praise Archuleta got for his first time singing Imagine on the Idol stage. We’ll find out if he gets that much support, again … after the break.

7:53 p.m.

And we’re back. David Archuleta is taking the stage with Imagine. While I think it’s kind of boring he chose a song America already has heard him perform, I am reminded of how incredible he can deliver this tune. If there was anyone out there who thought this kid wasn’t packed with a vocal gift unlike most people his age, these clearly need to listen up right now. Archuleta’s effort tonight is making it seem clear he should win the title … let’s see what the judges have to say.

“David Archuleta, I’m really happy and proud it’s the two Davids standing on the stage,” Randy said. “Dude, you are so good tonight. … The best singer of Season 7 is right there.”

“You’ve left me speechless, as I was when I first heard you sing the song,” Paula said. “You were stunning tonight.”

“Tonight, I think we’ve witness one of the great finals,” Simon said. “In my opinion, David, you came out here tonight to win. And what we have witnessed is a knockout.”

THE VERDICT: My feelings about these contestants have been mixed throughout the season. I started off thinking Archuleta was incredible, maybe one of the best singers in the show’s history. But as the season went on, I wasn’t sure he was genuine. His “oh, golly gosh” attitude seemed a little too good to be true.

At that point, I started really seeing more talent from David Cook, who I think has stayed true to himself and his style more than anyone else in the competition. He seems like the clear should-be winner for the past several weeks. So much so, I actually started losing interest in Season 7.

Then tonight happened, and I have to say, David Archuleta proved, once again, why he should be given the crown. This is a singing competition, after all. Would I rather buy a David Cook CD? Sure. Would I rather see David Cook in concert? Of course. But I know I’ll have that chance, too. So, I guess I’ve come sort of full-circle this year. David Archuleta, congrats on an incredible night — arguably the best showing from any finalist in the history of Idol. You deserve to win, kiddo.

American Idol, David Cook, David Archuleta, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest