May 20, 2008 7:42 PM
Mamma said knock you out
No one sang LL Cool J Tuesday, but there were boxing analogies aplenty during the first night of the American Idol finals, with a ring announcer introducing contenders David Cook and David Archuleta, and boxing commentator Jim Lampley offering obtuse video comments throughout ("Be brave. A faint heart never won the day.").
Clearly both of the Davids are talented, a fact echoed by the 7,000 fans at the Nokia Theater who never stopped screaming for their favorite.
Tuesday's show unfolded in three rounds, with veteran producer Clive Davis (the guy who discovered Whitney Houston) choosing songs for the first round.
David Cook kicked things off with U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. He came at it hard with a great voice and an even greater understanding of how to play to the crowd. He may not have had the best voice this season, but he's proven himself the best showman.
For David Archuleta, Davis chose Elton John's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. It was a perfect choice, and young David sang it with an intensity we've rarely seen in him. Finally, the kid understands what's at stake.
Even judge Simon Cowell called it his "best performance to date."
What do you say next year we let Clive Davis select all of the songs?
Round two found the singers singing songs sent in by fans.
David Cook did a mid tempo stadium rocker called Dream Big. It was big on pacing and bland on melody. You forgot it seconds after it was over.
David Archuleta fared slightly better on In This Moment, a song as gooey as cotton candy in a dryer, yet redeemed by Archuleta's pure, easy voice.
Nor did it hurt that he dressed better this time out: Designer tee-shirts and suit jackets with wide lapels. He almost looked 13. Almost.
Things went for bad to worse for David Cook in the third song, "contestant's choice."
He chose Collective Soul's The World I Know, an introspective, dirge-like song that failed to utilizie his aggressive vocals. Sure it showed sensitivity, but if he's trying to compete with David Archuleta on his turf (slow, heartfelt ballds), he'll fail.
If there was a moment that nailed the competition, it was probably David Archuleta's decision to end with John Lennon's Imagine.
Yes, he sang it earlier this year, and it remains the top iPod download this season by an Idol contestant. He sang it flawlessly, and the judges loved it.
What's wrong with going back to what's worked for you? Nuttin'.
The show ended on a nice touch: Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard singing Celebrate Me Home, the song that's been escorting the losers out this year.
For my money, David Archuelta is the better singer and David Cook is the better show man. The real question is, which does American want? We'll find out Wednesday.
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