David's an "Idol" winner

I like this second-to-last week of "American Idol." Each person does one song chosen by a judge, one chosen by the producers and one chosen by his father. Then ...

Oh, excuse me, I guess I was thinking too much about David Archuleta's daddy troubles. Technically, the middle song was chosen by the performers.

Whoever did it, they didn't do it very well. The first round, chosen by the judges, was superb. The next two were iffy. Here are a few of my comments; please add yours:

1) I deeply respect little David A. Here he is, with a dad so overbearing that he's now been banned from backstage of both "Star Search" and "American Idol." Yet the kid remains sweet, likable and skilled.

2) Still ...

3) You remember when you got to play with the big kids and you kind of did pretty good, throwing a few passes and making a few set shots and such. Then they start hooking and dunking and such. Oh yeah, you remembered, you're playing with the grown-ups now. THAT, roughly, is what happens when little David is on the stage near bigger David.

4) David Cook is simply a consummate performer. He does it all with range and power. He's ready to be a rock star. Little David is ready to sing a few wonderful, heart-melting songs and exit the stage.

5) Syesha Mercado is a terrific singer with a fairly plastic surface. With all her precise moves, we're never sure we really meet her.

6) I'm afraid Syesha will be gone Wednesday. This will be one of my last chances to mention that Syesha Mercado is Spanish for Syesha  Shoppingmall.

7) While we're mentioning it, David Cook is English for David Cocinar. David Archuleta is Italian for David McDonald's (or maybe David St. Louis).

8) Why was little David wearing a jacket tonight? Is it really cold in there? I'm sure it couldn't be, or (last season) Haley Scarnato would have covered up.

9) No matter how cold it gets, however, you'll notice that no one wears scarves any more. When Michael Johns was prematurely ejected, it scared everyone else scarfless.

10) Now my should-will. Should go, David Archuleta, a terrific singer and a likable guy with a limited repertoire. Will go, Syesha.  Should and will win it all next week, David Cook.

Comments

[it figures]

Hearing little David sing abount undying love was eepy-cray.

[Maggy]

If David Cook hadn't screwed up the second song by Switchfoot, I'd say he is the clear winner. But that song was massacred - Randy called it pitchy, I'd call it completely off key. And that was a song that he supposedly was comfortable with and knew well.

Syesha's song choice (Fever) was something she seemed to pull from her high school talent show. Poor poor choice unless she wants to head over to New York Broadway rather than cut records.

And little David A reminds me a little of Harry Connick. . . someone who can sing beautifully (always with dead-on pitch) but whose voice matches ballads from mid 20th century, not boy band pop or alternative rock hits of now. I can see him singing slow tracks for Disney animated movies, but not much more.

My opinion: Based on ingenious, creative working of the songs and strong pipes, David C should win. Based on pure vocal ability, David A should win. Based on having vocal skills and a personality, Syesha should win.

[Populista]

I agree, David A should go home, but Syesha will go home. :( David C is the BOMB!

[Scott H]

A more compelling televised competition was shown on Fox Sports - The Tigers-Royals game. Here's a quick recap:

When bases are empty and bleachers are slack,
The Tigers' big batsmen are on the attack,
Then standing on second, they wave to the masses,
The fans, ever faithful, are raising their glasses,
When bases are loaded the scene is reversed,
The presence of runners appears as a curse,
The fans all envision a batted ball fly,
Yet into a fielder's glove the ball dies,
And fans plan to cheer on their Tigers tomorrow,
Their glasses-still raised-are now drowning their sorrows,
"They almost had it!" often is heard,
Yes - "Almost" - a loser's favorite word.

[Steve Bon]

I agree that the judges' choices for the three singers made for the best songs. The singers picked mediocre songs for themselves. For several seasons, Clive Davis, picked songs for the top three. He picked Roy Orbison's "Cry" for Carrie Underwood. He picked great songs for the talent that was there. The tv producers have picked lame songs for the last two years. They make good television, but lousy song choices. Bring Clive back. I look forward to the two David's battling it out - and I would go see Syesha in a broadway play anytime. Last thought: The final song picked for the contestants in the finale is likely to be lame as well.