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.
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21 Responses to “American Idol Finals David vs David”
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jake
21. May, 2008
Are you kidding? David Cook playing the guitar just proves he’s a real artist and musician. And that’s why he won.
patti
21. May, 2008
I think the right guy won! However – David Cook will have a brilliant career wether he’d win or loose. Archie may have a tougher time not having won. How can I get your DVD Per?
parker
22. May, 2008
I don’t really see why it matters who won.They both will end up with record contracts.Ithink cook could of been great but i never saw him sing the right song.he always seemed to be lacking.
Kim_D
22. May, 2008
I understand what you’re saying about the guitar, but I think that Cook is the one with a serious future ahead of him. Archuleta will get the teen crowd, for a while, and then he’ll vanish.
Lynne
22. May, 2008
I am so glad that David Cook won. I have loved him from the beginning. He is going to go very far in with this! Archuleta reminds me of a “teeny-bopper” and Cook is going to be so much more.
Griffy
22. May, 2008
I agree with those comments about David Cook and the guitar, I think it weaken his performances. I think they were both good, but glad to see Cook win. He was my favorite from the beginning. I always root for the rockers.
Mara
22. May, 2008
I completely disagree about David Cook and the guitar. He is an actual musician, as opposed to just a singer. I also think his song choices were very smart – he sees how successful Chris Daughtry has been, and is making similar choices. I think that he also knew that if he lost, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing…it made him loosen up and have more fun with the performances (which, of course, made him win)
Carrie
22. May, 2008
I was glad that David Cook won. Not only was he the superior talent but I really feel he will be able to make a career out of this instead of fade away like most of the other winners
K_La
22. May, 2008
I think both guys are quite spectacular in their own way. Cook though has an edge that Archuleta is lacking (still – he is young).
I am still unclear of what style Archuleta is doing. Cook’s album I will get for sure – guitar or not! He can do both live and studio recordings. I see that as the problem for a lot of these performers. They may be getting more comfortable performing live, but are they good enough to just listen to?
It will be interesting to see how many in the Top 12 we’ll remember next year this time – anyone remember last years’ I can barely recall the final two?
There will always be a few standouts – this year my bet is on Cook and Castro (possibly Michael Johns). Syesha we’ll see on Broadway!
LK
22. May, 2008
I disagree about the second performances from each David–I’ve never liked the coronation songs, I think they tend to be incredibly weak lyrically and musically.
So the fact that Cook made his song choice something that actually stuck in my head was huge for me–Archuleta’s song was a whole lot of empty, and while he performed technically well, I would change the station if I heard it on the radio. Not so with Cook’s song, which he made his own.
Terry K.
23. May, 2008
I actually loved the second performance by David Cook, but not really the one by Archuletta. Cook’s was upbeat and kinda catchy. Honestly, I also would have changed the station if I heard Archuletta’s 2nd song (The Ryan Gilmore one). It was boring to me. Both David’s were fabulous. Someone had to win. Tough to pick, however David Cook is an excellent choice.
Cera
23. May, 2008
I was sooooo happy that David Cook won!!! He is sooooo adorable! Although, Archuletta was talented, Cook just rock the stage as always!!!!
ObieJuan
23. May, 2008
Rock on! Nice blog.
patriciam
24. May, 2008
well, i seem to recall that one rationale for preferring cook over the younger david is that he is probably more immediately marketable than the teenager with an intrusive and overcontrolling parent. also he can make his own decisions, which until he is 18, the younger cannot. however all that side, i actually like cook’s performances a great deal better and feel that he is more versatile than the younger singer, who once he grows out of puppydog eyes, will have to redefine himself seriously!
Cookie
24. May, 2008
I’m glad that David C. won. He seems to have more marketability than David A.
misha
24. May, 2008
Did you see the clips from the Eurovision SOng Contest?
Here is the winner:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oS2fQ_9M1B4
And here is for you Per, the Swedish entry:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YaUNVZ6V4Rc
cangel
25. May, 2008
Thanks for sharing these clips. I had given up on watching American Idol because of all the extra stuff which detracts from the performances. I just wanted to hear these wonderful singers. Both Davids really performed as the Idols they are. Only one can win the prize but they are bother winners in my mind.
Listener
17. Jun, 2008
Cook will be marketable… coz he sounds like any other rocker in the market. No use comparing a 25-year old bartender with a band with a 17-year old student church singer. If we level the ground on their age alone…I believe the outcome would be very different.
Me2
17. Jun, 2008
Archuleta once again proved that he has the vocal talent, musical interpretation and his emotional connection with his audience. Something that Cook does not seem to have – esp on finale night.
linda_wm
17. Jun, 2008
Either cook was tire, didn’t really want to win or didn’t have anymore originality to pull out. Finale showed his weaknesses in performancing.
HK2ShviaUSA
17. Jun, 2008
Cook was good. Archuleta was superb.