American Idol really played into the battle theme by laying a boxing theme for their final performance show featuring David Cook and David Archuleta. Each contestant sang 3 songs – first was the choice of record producer Clive Davis, second were songs from the songwriters contest and third were songs the Idols chose, whether a reprise or a new song. David Cook sang U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, Emily Shackelton’s ‘Dream Big’ and Collective Soul’s ‘The World I Know’. David Archuleta sang Elton John’s ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, Ryan Gillmor’s ‘In This Moment’ and a reprise of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’. Which David did you vote for?
We’re one week away from crowning a new American Idol but before that, someone has to go. Over 56 million votes came in, in support of the top three finalists David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado. And after the votes were cast, Syesha was given the boot. That means that it’s going to be a David showdown next week. Was there ever any doubt once they dwindled down? I can give Syesha props for improving week after week but she just doesn’t have the same appeal as even half of either David. Sorry girl, you’re just out of luck.
Classic songs have been massacred every week on American Idol and it’s not any different this week. I just find it really sad that they still end up butchering the songs that inspire them. Michael Johns did piss poor with Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’, Syesha Mercado lost herself in Fantasia’s ‘I Believe’, David Cook got called on unoriginality with Our Lady Peace’s ‘Innocent’, Carly Smithson got pitchy on Queen’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ and Brooke White was just plain fine on James Taylor’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’. Sensational performances though from Jason Castro with a reggae version of Judy Garland’s ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, Kristy Lee Cook with Martina McBride’s ‘Anyway’ and David Archuleta with Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’.