Photo via rickey.org
I don't know why, but for some reason the people behind American Idol want David Archuleta to win. Maybe they're hoping his presence will boost ticket sales for the summer tour. Maybe they're trying to gain a larger share of the adult contemporary market. Or maybe they're just plain loco. But the simple truth remains that lil' Davey, while technically a great vocalist, is certainly no star.
And yet on tonight's final performance show, the judges gave him near unanimous praise. Huh? Were they hearing the same sounds? Maybe the acoustics in the new Nokia Theater venue screwed with their ears because as far as I could tell from my cozy seat in the Hollywood Hills, David Archuleta was a veritable snooze-fest. Whereas David Cook seemed to command the stage unlike ever before, David Archuleta seemed to get swallowed up in it. As you can imagine, I was astounded when Simon said all three rounds went to the boy wonder. Let the headscratching commence.
First, let me say this about tonight's show. The whole boxing thing was way overdone. I thought it was just going to be an amusing joke to kick things off, but when I saw that the entire broadcast would be punctuated with faux-boxing segments, I couldn't help but groan. How much Jim Lampley must they foist on us before we cry uncle? And try as they may with annoying color filters, the producers simply could not add any excitement into this less than thrilling battle, especially since it's been a near foregone conclusion for the past several weeks that David Archuleta will be sailing into the winner's circle this time tomorrow night.
For round one of this showdown, record industry overlord Clive Davis selected songs for the idols to sing, and I was most pleased to see David Cook's tune: "I Still Haven't Found What I've Been Looking For" by U2. This is not only a classic song, but one that might not need the emo treatment. Sure enough, David Cook let the song stand on its own, but he still added his own unique flourishes. His performance was far and away the best of the season for me. It's slow but steady build was the perfect way to kick off the show, and as David belted it out, he seemed to have total control over the venue. For the first time, I really could see him as a rock star. It felt like a concert, not a reality show. My only regret was that towards the end of the performance, I kind of expected David to somehow take it to another level and really drive the song home. Instead, it just kind of ended. But that was okay. I still thought it was really great. And this is coming from me, the guy who's resisted David Cook all season.
The judges all loved the performance, and Paula gave the first of many flowery compliments that didn't always make sense. I'm still trying to understand what being in "good poise" really means. Simon called the performance "phenomenal," and for a moment, it felt like Cook might actually be able to steal the show.
Then came David Archuleta singing adult contemporary / Clay Aiken classic "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." Whereas David Cook stood up and above the crowd like a superstar staking his claim to glory, Archie merely sat on the staircase preciously, making millions of tween hearts go pitter-pat, pitter-pat. The performance was good, nay, very good, but after David Cook's, it felt simple and boring. There was nothing special about it, nothing exciting. It just was a very proficient vocal performance. He didn't own the venue. He didn't convince me that he could hold sway over thousands of ticket-purchasing fans. Part of it was the song-choice — "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a stronger rock/stadium anthem than "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." But as George Michael proved back in the '90s, the Elton John classic can still be a show-stopper, especially live. Archuleta unfortunately brought none of that to the table.
And yet the judges went apeshit. Randy full on jizzed over it, and Simon said it was one of the best of the season. Even worse, he said round one went to David. Wh-wh-wh-whaaa? Where did that come from? I swear, there must have been a disconnect. The music must have sounded different in the theater because on TV it was so utterly unremarkable. And this isn't just me. I watched the show with my friend, and he had the same reaction. We were both shocked.
For round two, the singers had to pick one of ten possible songs written by the public (remember that little contest that no one really cares about?). David Cook started things off with some song written by a girl named Emily. I think it was called "Dream Big." The arrangement turned it into totally generic rock, the kind that Bon Jovi spews out these days. And yet for some reason, it kind of worked. I'm not saying I'm gonna download it anytime soon, but the tune was surprisingly catchy (it got in my head for the next ten minutes), and I was supremely thankful that David Cook didn't give us the sort of treacly mess we've come to expect from these made-for-Idol tunes.
Randy and Paula liked it, but Simon felt it was all wrong. He made a legitimate point that the song didn't feel like the victorious culmination of a season's work, but honestly, I'd rather have something fun and upbeat rather than another sappy ballad that climaxes with some gospel explosion.
Speaking of which, next came David Archuleta, who of course sang a barf-tastic tune that was all about him being in a moment that no one could take him out of and blah blah blah. It was all bland and generic and absolutely awful. Yes, the chorus was a bit more melodic than David Cook's, but if anyone actually thinks it has a future on radio, they are totally delusional.
Well, once again, the judges absolutely praised David Archuleta, who looked like he was going to faint. Probably the only thing keeping him on his feet was the fear of multiple lashes from his dad's cat o' nine tails. Simon once again was ecstatic, which was surprising given that just last week he had lambasted the show for being old fashioned. How can you applaud this awful, awful song when it so accurately represents all the problems that have plagued this season: chronic blandness and an unnerving disconnect with youth culture.
For round three, contestants could choose their own adventure, and so David Cook decided to try something new: "The World That I Know" by Collective Soul. I really love this song, and I thought David Cook did a very nice and emotional rendition of it. I wouldn't say it was a powerhouse, but its tenderness was just right, and I was happy to see him again control his impulse to scream out the last third of the song.
The judges all liked the performance, but the critiques were less constructive and more conciliatory. Kind of like their way of saying, "Thanks for playing. Now GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE." Simon called him one of the nicest contestants ever, but then he bemoaned the song choice, saying David should have revisited "Billy Jean" or "Hello." It was a valid point, but personally, I was glad not to have to sit through a repeat performance.
Next up was David Archuleta, who did play it safe by returning to one of his most successful outings: "Imagine" by John Lennon. This was his best performance of the night, in my opinion. He sang it excellently, that's for sure. But the emotional connection? Eh, kind of soulless. I mean, it was definitely his most emotive song of the night, but between his eight-year-old behavior and forty-five-year-old performance style, I have a hard time getting invested in the kid.
Maybe that's why I was so shocked when Simon anointed him a star. HARDLY. There's nothing special or dynamic about David Archuleta. He's just soft and cuddly and inoffensive. If he wins, and he most surely will, he'll forever be a reminder of what happens when producers lose touch with reality.
Lastly, I think it's time for Constantine Maroulis to just go away. Three years later, and he still makes me nauseous when he mugs for the camera.
What did you think about the finale? Do you totally disagree? Or are you with me? (high five!)
Well, check out Constantine at www.youeithergetitoryoudont.com
Sorry B, gotta disagree. I went into last night's show expecting and wanting Cook to win, but he just didn't bring it. I think he was mostly a victim of song choice however. It's so much easier to pull off an exciting performance with "Don't let the sun..." than with that U2 drone. There was absolutely no build or climax for Cook in song #1.
The second songs both sucked (big time shocker!) but I could see Archuleta's on the radio sooner than Cook's.
In the third spot Archuleta recreated what was probably already the best single moment of the season, so Cook was out of his league - even though the Collective Soul was good. It just wasn't good enough to be his climactic moment.
As far as the Archuleta is a star thing goes, Um, No He's Not. He's a very good singer and can phrase nicely, but he's an annoying little dweeb.
This whole season was a disappointment, with no real potential stars once Carly got booted, so of course the finale kinda blew.
FYI, Paula said "in good voice", not "in good poise". It means his voice sounded particularly strong and flawless last night. I agree.
I agree with you B-Side. The lovefest from the judges towards Archuleta was downright gag-inducing. I think it really boils down to Simon's critique and maybe he just wants to ensure that he can take credit for being right this time (cause we all know Archuleta's got this in the bag, regardless of what we think).
I cracked up in the beginning when they showed all the contestants in loser row, and there was Jason Castro YAWNING. I don't know if it was someone on this site or the 'gasm or what, but I had not noticed it all season until it was pointed out. Too funny.
I can sum up Archuletta with one word- BORING! After listening to him last night, all three songs sounding exactly the same, I was yawning.
You're right, he will be crowned the winner tonight but he will turn into another Clay Aiken. Elevator music, anyone? I wish Idol would realize that the majority of the people watching aren't 101 years old.
And Randy needs to get off David Archuletta's leg. It is gross.
While I love David Cook, I did feel he kind of phoned it in last night. He just didn't seem to sing with the conviction he usually does. I'm thinking maybe he intentionally doesn't want to win? The American Idol contestants have become very savvy, I'm sure somewhere in his head he knows that he has a better shot with his own music then singing the "inspirational" drivel that is the first single the AI winners have to release.
Also, every time David A. cried I found it annoying and immature, whereas when David Cook cried, I found it genuine and touching. That right there sums up the final two, in my opinion.
From MSNBC, via Jezebel:
The rumor is that American Idol producers want David Cook to win. A source says, "David Archuleta cannot be managed the way that 19 Entertainment wants to manage their winners." [MSNBC]
Not that I give a crap. I only read the recaps because B-side writes them. Besides, he implored me to comment.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall and see what goes on behind the scenes with Idol producers and judges. Not saying it's rigged, but it's clear the producers know how to sway votes. What's most interesting to me is that Simon was on Jay Leno the other night singing David Cook's praises -- how he thought Cook should win, he's more deserving than David A., etc.
I think Cook will be better off if he loses. Then he won't be bound up in recording contracts with Idol and forced to release utterly horrendous songs.
D.A. has a future in high school theater (Danny Zucko maybe?), and that's about it, methinks.
If Archie wins, the teeney-boppers get an album to angst by - playing it over and over while sitting on the floor hugging their knees and crying uncontrollably. How could we deny them?
Besides no one want Daddy Archie to go psycho.
Cook IS better but he just didn't "bring it" last night. Where was the big showstopper? Disappointment.
The boxing theme was hilarious - as if Archie wouldn't get tangled up in the ring ropes just trying to get into the ring. HA.
hb
You were spot on when you mentioned Archuleta acting like an 8 year old and performing like a 45 year old. It feels odd to me everytime he sings. I feel annoyed by this show this year. I completely agree with your recap; the judges are ridiculous. I kind of wish that for the last show, the judges weren't allowed to say anything. Just let the performances speak for themselves. Then we could see how the performers handled a "concert feel" over a reality show contest.
I almost fell off the couch after Simon declared Archuleta the winner of all three rounds, especially after he's been all over the media saying he thinks Cook should win. Cook was by far more entertaining and enjoyable to watch last night...watching Archuleta was like sitting through a middle school chorus concert.
My favorite Paula-ism of the night: "You're standing up there in your truth."
"in good voice" -- that makes more sense. Well, actually, it still doesn't, but it's a little less ridiculous sounding.
And fueldby_alison, i agree. That line cracked me up.
As for rumors that the powers that be want Cook to win, it does make sense because Cook probably has more potential as a recording artist, but there's been very little evidence to support it. Although, I don't know if anyone noticed it, but when the show played back clips of the singers, they chose one of Archuleta absolutely mangling some note. Conspiracy? PERHAPS!
Also, the difference between Archuleta and Clay Aiken is that as awful as Clay was/is, we still saw him transform before our eyes from total dweeb to, well, empowered dweeb. I'm reluctant to call him a star, but still, you have to admit there was a transformation, a maturity or something. David Archuleta just gets worse for wear. He's truly stunted socially, and I fear he will remain so until he snaps, which should be in about two to three years.
Dude, I'm totally with you on last night.
I've been on the Cook bandwagon for awhile, and last night was just bizarre. David Archuleta is SOUL-LESS. There's a difference between a singer and an artist, and we have one of each, here. Archie makes me physically ill, watching him. The squinting and the aw-schucks attitude are just vomit inducing because in the end, he's a robot. Sure, he can play the piano, but he sings without emotion. I'm sure his version of Imagine makes John Lennon roll in his grave...
I've heard Simon on the press junket lately touting David Cook, which made last night totally weird. Sure, Archuleta outsang Cook, but he certainly didn't outperform him. Not by a long-shot.
Oddly, if you check out DialIdol today, you'll see that Cook has an 11-point lead over Archuleta, which pretty much solidifies him as the winner? They haven't been wrong on the finale since they started. It's a bit mindblowing, and I really hope it's true. Maybe America finally figured out how to see through the AI machine?
I have seen one episode of Idol in the past 5-6 years - the Neil Diamond one - but just from the quiet hype surrounding this season my guess is that the producers see David Archuleta as a Zach Ephron/Miley Cyrus style teen singer/actor/money maker. He is awful in every way possible, but can make a lot of money in that market.
B-Side, I agree with you on the headscratching, but I don't think the fix is in for David A. I think the powers behind American Idol actually want David C. to win. What a better way to ensure people get fired up and call in to vote for him than to make it look like he's going to lose. Plus it makes for better TV if the judge's "pick" doesn't win. You always have to remember that it's always about the ratings and adding suspense to make sure viewers come back again and again.
I also realized again last night that I hate the way Archeleta takes the praise from the judges, because he does the exact same thing every time, slightly shakes his head as if in faux disbelief, closes his eyes like he might cry and then utters softly "Thank you " in a voice probably like the one he uses when begging his dad to let him out of a closet after a botched note.
I agree with Easy. As good as a singer as Archie is, he does NOT get invested emotionally in the song and John Lennon WOULD be rolling to see thsi dweeb sing his song. I loved David Cook last night. His last song made me cry- it was so beautiful. I don't think he'll win tonight. but I think he'll be the bigger winner in the end.
David Archuleta was incredible on the finale night. I get goosebumps every time he sings. I am a singer and I have to say that Archie's preformances were flawless. I bought his live finale preformances and have listened to them over and over again, they are some of the best live preformances. Archie is so humble which makes him so likeable. If you don't think he can sing then you obviously don't know what real talent is.