Real Kato Blog: American Idol 2008 Week 14: Finale

So here it is, the final competition. It almost doesn't matter how they sing any more; it's really down to popularity. So even before watching them, I predict David Archuleta will win, even though David Cook deserves it more.

Round 1

David Cook starts with U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". It's pretty solid. He sings it well, hitting all the high notes on key, and he does some interesting variations.

David Archuleta sings Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". Hmm. Also pretty solid, if also predictably treacly and grandma-friendly. The judges rave; I'm not quite as excited as they are.

Round 2

David Cook sings "Dream Big", a viewer songwriting contest submission. The song is terrible, like some 80s Journey b-side. But he manages to put some energy into it. It's just okay.

David Archuleta sings "In This Moment", another contest submission. This is like a 70s Captain and Tennille b-side... even worse than the other song. And the performance is weak, particularly at the beginning, though he manages to end it pretty well.

Round 3

David Cook sings "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. This is really the sort of thing we'll expect to hear from him in his career, I think. The problem I have is that in the quiet parts of the song, his voice isn't edgy enough. He's good when he rocks out and sings loud, but he can't sing like that through a whole song, or it'll sound too monotonous. I kinda like the song, but it's not going to change anyone's vote. Simon, oddly, says he should have sung "Billie Jean" or "Hello". WTF?

David Archuleta sings "Imagine". Again. It was his best performance of the year, so he might as well do it again, but it's not going to surprise anyone.

Conclusion

Like I said at the start... it's almost predetermined that David Archuleta will win this thing, unless a last-minute contrarian vote springs up. And wow, the judges are pushing hard for Archuleta; it's like they've already crowned him. He'll have a fine career singing at pageants and other events all around the country, but he'll have a hard time selling albums. David Cook, on the other hand, has a legitimate chance of having a pop music career.

So, thus endeth another season of American Idol. Kind of a yawner of a season compared to last year, I think. Let's hope next year is edgier and more original.

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