American Idol Weekly Rundown-Final 2

So the season wraps up at last. The final two were indeed the 'Davids'-Archuleta and Cook. And though the finale is usually somewhat anti-climactic, there were a few surprises, namely in the performances of David Archuleta.

The first round were songs chosen for the contestants by Clive Davis. David Cook performed "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 and it was very good. However, David Archuleta sang 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me' like his life depended on it, and it was was GREAT. His best vocal of the season so far.

Then, the two contestants had to perform songs written for them by competing songwriters across the nation. Evidently, they were given a selection to choose from and both songs were dismally mediocre. However, the difference was that David Cook's song sounded like something from a John Huges film. David Archuleta's sounded like a possible hit and he sang the HECK out of it. His voice was strong and pitch-perfect throughout. Plus, he sang with lots of evident emotion.

Finally, the Davids got to choose their own songs. David Cook chose to perform Collective Soul's 'The World I Know', a tune that could stand some re-working. His rendition was very sympathetic and tender...the best performance he pulled off last night. But then David Archuleta did a long-awaited reprise of 'Imagine', a hit for him earlier in the season, and I believe he nailed the coffin shut for David C. He made a huge impact on the audience and judges alike. Not only was he visibly moved by everyone's reaction, but he completely deserved it.

So the night was a bit of a surprise for me, especially since I expected David Cook to run away with the title. Now, I think it's more likely that, based on last night's show, David Archuleta will triumph. But I still believe that Cook will be the artist w/ the most 'staying power'. Unlike previous seasons, I truly think that both of these guys will be around for a while.