This is tough for me to write because at the end of the day, I would much rather own a David Cook album. However, it totally looks like tonight David Archuleta smoked David Cook. They both were strong, although the editors did a great job of putting their bad notes in the episode recap at the end...

David Cook was given a fastball right down the middle of the plate with "I still haven't found what I'm looking for." However, instead of a grand slam, he hit a solid double. Archuleta did a solid job as well, but again it wasn't amazing. The second songs were fan written, and I agree with the judges in that they were not the most amazing songs ever, but I can't complain because I submitted a song to the contest and didn't even make the top 20. Anyway, the tale of the night was in the final song.

David Cook did well with his last song, showing what his album may sound like. He showed emotional range and really proved that his album might be interesting and not just a collection of 12 songs that sound the same. At the same time, however, it did not sound like a winning song. I agree with Cook that choosing a new song to try and blow the top off of the place was a better idea than just repeating your best from the season, but in the end his new song did not top Archuleta's "Imagine." I am not sure what was behind Archuleta's song choice, whether he really thought it through or just saw that it was his top single on iTunes. Either way, the song was the right choice for May 2008 in America.

So, in the end, I think Archuleta should walk away with the prize, but I think they both leave with careers. Who knows how long an American Idol alum's career will last after 7 seasons of winners and season favorites, but I think both of these guys bring a uniqueness that could give them staying power. David Cook, as Simon said, truly seems like one of the most genuine guys ever to be on the show. In case you didn't know, Cook has been a traveling independent musician for years and only came out to the auditions to support his brother. He never even intended on auditioning, yet he is a finalist! Simon noted on Leno last night that Archuleta's youth may give the impression that he hasn't had to pay his dues yet, and that may be true, but I guarantee he has worked really hard to get where he is.

It sounds cheesy, but I really don't care who wins the prize tomorrow night. Many past alums have proved you don't have to have the title to have the career- so there is still hope for Brooke and Jason and the others- but tonight's show really proved why these two particular guys are still in it. I don't know about you, but watching the look back at the end during the closing song only cemented in my head how memorable these guys are and how forgettable some of the other contestants were. You kind of got the feeling early on that these two guys were going to stand tall in the end, and they have lived up to it. So, Archuleta, I think you deserve the win based on tonight, and Cook, don't worry, you will have my $9.99 when your first album comes out on iTunes.

Peace,

Dan