The American Idol finale kicks off tonight in the battle of David vs. David. In the first season when contestants were allowed to use instruments, as well as one of the best contestant cores since the shows inception, the final two will state their respective cases tonight.
David Archuleta, seemingly a child prodigy, makes the final two in what was almost a no-brainer from the start. When he walked into the audition room in San Diego, he walked right into the hearts of the nation. Stepping up to the occasion countless times throughout the season, Archuleta has been the front-runner for a long time.
David Cook, on the other hand, did not distinguish himself from the crowd early. Yet, as the weeks past, Cook continued to move on as his confidence-level grew. Easily the contestant this season willing to take the most risks by making the songs his own, Cook earned his current standing and is a force to be reckoned with.
If the finale were determined by this evening’s performances, attempting to predict a winner at this point would be an effort in futility. As is well-known, American Idol is not always determined by week-to-week voting. Much more an overall popularity contest than selecting the contestant who actually earned the title, the writing seems to be on the wall already.
While the two left standing are the correct the final pairing, it should be considered the upset of a lifetime if Cook wins over Archuleta. The show’s coverboy from Day One, Archuleta is the epitome of pop music, which is what the show is looking for after all. Cook, although talented and ready for a great musical career, cannot compete with the younger David’s fanbase voting tonight. More than likely, it’s better that way for Cook anyway.
In the end, Cook will play the David to Archuleta’s Goliath.

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