American Idol Finals David vs David

Posted on 21. May, 2008 by Per Bristow in American Idol, Performance, Singing

The grand finale. of American Idol David vs. David as was expected. Watch the videos and read my comments. What can we learn from watching?

David Cook  – I Still Haven’t Found  What I’m Looking For

For months I’ve been bugging him to step away from the mic stand and really communicate – really own the stage, and finally, that is exactly what he did.Yes! That was the best performance from him in my mind. Now he took on the role of the world class, big stage star that he is there to be. He completely owned the place. Bravo.

David Archuleta – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Did you also feel the energy within you when he stepped up and approached the crowd? What a smart choice to start sitting.  That was not sitting because of hiding, like I’ve commented other contestant have done before (when they hide behind the mic stand or instruments throughout the whole song).  This was an artistic choice – a brilliant choice – that got us curios and pulled us in and then socked us with an emotional build that was phenomenal.

David Cook – Dream Big

This was his opportunity to rock the place and be a mega star. When standing there strumming the guitar it’s impossible for him to do it. He can’t do anything other than rely on his voice, which obviously is great. If he had gotten us all on our feet, it could have been the most memorable moment of this competition. Now it was only okay.

David Archuleta – In This Moment

Another great performance from David.  It’s moving because he is moved. Great energy and true authentic expression. 

David Cook – World I Know

I don’t know what he’s thinking playing the guitar in two songs.  Just like a song needs to build, a performance needs to build. Here his three song set went downwards after that terrific opening song.  He sang this one beautifully and it could be a great recording, but energetically on a big stage it wasn’t the cooking experience he has within him.

David Archuleta. – Imagine

From the first line he had me. Savoring every note, every word, every phrase, every intent of the meaning of the words – and communicating this to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s a ballad or an up-tempo song, it is still is about building the intensity of a song as well as the intensity of a performance.  David did just that.  Hats off to David Archuleta.

Having said all this it is very possible that David Cook has a bigger fan base.  His strength as an artist will be the very fact that he plays the guitar , is a great musician and has great dynamics to his voice.  I hope David Archuleta continues developing his voice so it gets stronger and that he also develops a healthier speaking voice so he can continue using his artistic brilliance with even greater dynamics.