You have to think the producers of “American Idol” breathed a sigh of relief last night, as the expected finale of David Cook vs. David Archuleta was confirmed. Syesha is great and has come on strong the last few weeks, but she wasn’t really going to win it all. And now we’ve got a battle that really is more Goliath vs. Goliath than David vs. David. I haven’t seen any vote totals, but I have to believe these two have consistently been at the top each week, well ahead of the field. Also keep in mind that neither of them have ever been close to elimination. What we have here is a battle akin to Celtics/Lakers, Yankees/Red Sox, Steelers/Cowboys…yes, this is going to be a battle for the ages.
The only thing to take some of the lustre off……is the fact that these two Davids appear to be really nice guys. The X factor in that is young David’s dad, who was kicked out of the backstage area last week. Think about that. Ol’ Dad must really be an ass for that to happen.
Anyway, last night they began the ridiculous hour long show with the remaining three performing the disco classic, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” B-L-E-C-H.
Then Season 3 champ Fantasia performed her song, “Bore Me,” which was anything but boring. I mean, this girl can sing, and reminded us all of why she won. She did, however, put the fear of God in Simon Cowell with her stomping around…yeah, it was a bit over the top. Also, I am quite sure I saw the butt crack of one of her backup dancers, whose dresses were so skimpy they shouldn’t have even bothered wearing anything. This is a family show, people!
Anyway, each contestant went home last Friday to perform and do various TV and radio interviews, and each of them was awed by the reaction and love from hometown fans. Imagine that…you leave home pretty much an average Joe, and return there to throngs of screaming fans…no wonder each of them started crying at one point. David Cook even got to throw out the first pitch at a Royals’ game.
The most remarkable thing is something I didn’t even realize and I’m sure most of you didn’t either…David Cook did not plan to audition for the show in the first place. He was just along for the ride as his brother Andrew auditioned in Omaha, and some producers coaxed him into it. For that alone, I have faith that, despite the awful song choices they made on Tuesday for the performers, the producers of the show might know something after all.
Anyway, the three of them stood on stage at the end and David Archuleta was the first finalist announced. Down to Syesha and David Cook. I was afraid, really afraid, that Ryan Seacrest was going to utter “Syesha,” but instead it was Mr. Cook. Folks, ignore the fact that these two Davids are going to be humble as always next week….both of them are fierce competitors and want to win badly. It should be an epic battle, maybe one of the best finales the show has ever offered.
Yes, in the words of Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens, “Get your popcorn ready!”
