AMERICAN IDOL
A Goliath battle of Davids on 'Idol'
By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service
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After four months of commotion and controversy, "American Idol" comes down to something basic.
It's a duel of the Davids. The final week pits two guys who seem like opposites but share charisma and pop appeal.
"David Archuleta has that beautiful smile," said Syesha Mercado, who finished third. "And he has that really, really good connection with kids."
Then there's David Cook, who also has some of that.
"The girls go crazy over him," Mercado said. "And the older audience, too."
Both have big voices, camera-friendly faces and (at times) shy, sheepish personalities. In most other ways, they seem like opposites.
There's "Little David," as composer Andrew Lloyd Webber kept calling him: Archuleta brings an almost elflike charm.
And there's Big David: Cook.
Here are some obvious differences between the two:
Still, they share key traits; namely, their standout voices.
"Idol" now seems to be taken more seriously by strong singers. "It's as if a door opened and all this talent walked in," said Debra Byrd, the show's vocal coach.
And both have fan appeal. Girls made that clear, Mercado said, when the final three were out in public.
"It was like, 'Syesha, Syesha, could you just tap David on the shoulder and get him for me?' ... I'm like, 'OK, guys,' " Mercado said.
Some people have seen this season as a lock. "People said Archuleta would definitely (win)," said producer Nigel Lythgoe. "Well, not necessarily."
Other strong contestants have soared and gone, Byrd said. "There were times when it was all about David Archuleta or Carly Smithson or Michael Johns."
Still, she said, Cook kept surprising people, finding unusual variations on familiar songs.
"David Cook started (Michael Jackson's) 'Billie Jean,' " Byrd said. "In the beginning, you could see people think, 'I know that song, but ...' "
Others also chose interesting variations, sometimes drawing big praise. When Jason Castro, who finished fourth, did different takes on "Over the Rainbow," as popularized by Hawai'i's Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, and "Hallelujah," in the style of Jeff Buckley, fans began downloading the versions that had influenced him.
"That was awesome," Castro said. "I couldn't believe (the) power that 'American Idol' has."
The power continues. After being on "Idol," Neil Diamond found himself No. 1 on the album sales chart ... for the first time in his 42-year career.
And the power propels "Idol" winners.
Among the first six champions, three — Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Fantasia — have soared to the top of the charts. So have some — Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry — who didn't win.
Now the show will have its next winner. He'll be talented and appealing; he'll be David.
