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Join Me! LIVE Blogging AMERICAN IDOL Tonight

May 20, 2008 by  

The American Idol Finale

The final performance is here. David vs. David – let the better David win. I’ll be sharing my random commentary throughout the night. And I have a feeling it’s going to be a loooong night.

  • Ryan is kicking up the drama and breaking it out battle style. He said the title of ‘American Idol’ is reserved for only a select few. They show Chris Daughtry. Um, hey producers…Daughtry came in 4th. Remember?
  • David Archuleta has won the coin toss and will perform second. My sister is worried that if Cook wins Papa Archuleta will whip out an oozie and kill Cook. I hope someone has locked him up.

  • The boy next door and the rocker have shaken hands and exchanged pleasantries. Maybe I’m being naive but I kind of get the feeling that Cook really doesn’t care if he wins or not. I think Archuleta does. And that’s not saying anything negative about either of these guys. I am a Cookie all the way, but I love little Archie too, so as far as I’m concerned the competition is over and this is all for fun. (Oh wait, I think I stole that from Cook). [It’s a commercial so I expect you all to be commenting along with tonight’s happenings. I’m not in this alone am I?]
  • Clive Davis is picking the first song of the night. And for David Cook it’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. Why am I nervous? There’s absolutely no need to be because he is rocking the sh#t out of this song. Amazing how he’s making this his own right now. I’ll be be buying this one tomorrow. Seriously, that kicked all kinds of ass. Bono would be proud. Wonder what the judges are thinking? Randy said it was a great way start of the duel of 2007…wait isn’t it 2008? Paula was loving it. Simon thought it was phenomenal. I knew I liked that Simon guy.
  • Papa Clive has chosen the big Clay Aiken Elton John hit “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” for David Archuleta and man what a fantastic choice to open the show. Archuleta is doing a fantastic job with the song. He is pushing his range like we’ve never heard before. He’s pulling out the big guns and giving Cook a run for his money with the opening number. Simply fantastic. Dude, Archuleta is going to throw up on the stage. I hope someone is ready to record that for YouTube. The judges are loving him and his performance. Simon said it was the best he’s done so far. I agree. Round 1 to Archuleta according to Simon. Hmmm.
  • I’m going to be living for commercial breaks. I forget how stressful living blogging is. YAY to all of you watching with me and sharing your thoughts on the craziness that is IDOL.
  • Already over the boxing theme. In round 2 the guys are going to be singing songs submitted through the IDOL songwriting contest. David Cook is singing “Dream Big”. Listen up people because you’re listening to what will most likely be the first single from each of these guys. There’s a hint of cheese to this song, but no doubt that Cook is ready to get into the recording studio and put this on his album. This is a hell out of a show already. Paula and Randy both heaped praise. Simon wasn’t a big fan, but that’s ok.
  • FRINGE promo followed by a SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE promo. Fox is clearly my favorite network. If you haven’t watched SYTYCD you should start this Thursday because we are going to be talking about it a lot here on GMMR this summer.
  • Archuleta is up with his second song of the night, a balled called “In This Moment”. This is definitely more of a finale song I suppose but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think it sounded like an upbeat Christian song (not a comment on religion so don’t bring it there). I thought it was kind of the perfect song for Archuleta, but I can’t say that I was that big of a fan. His voice sounded fantastic. Another great round for David Archuleta. Round 2 to Archuleta again (according to Simon). Not a good sign for Cook fans. But I contend that tonight really doesn’t matter, it’s all about who has more people voting for them at the end of the night.
  • WOW! This show is going by fast. I forgot that tomorrow night is all about the filler. In R3 the contestants get to choose the song they want. David Cook is going with “The World I Know” by Collective Soul. Fingers crossed. Oh I didn’t think I knew this song, but I do and I dig it. I’ve got to say, if I were Cook I would have really try to do what he’s done best all season and taken a song and completely rearrange it…you know ‘Cook it up’. Listen, this is a great performance and completely worthy of the finale, but it didn’t knock me out of the chair. Uh oh. Damn, David is crying. Oh come on now. Where are the tissues? Why am I crying during IDOL? Paula and Randy were once again down with the Cook, but Simon thought he should have gone with ‘Billie Jean’ or ‘Hello’. I’m agreeing with you on that one Cowell.
  • I’ve got to say that I watched David’s original performance of at least 100 times. This is Eva Cassidy’s arrangement and David is doing well by her. It’s so simple and beautiful. I’m a bit disappointed because he sang the song exactly the same way he did the first time around. Note for note. Nothing was different. But I guess I can’t fault him because I loved it. As do the judges. It’s up to the voters but if it’s up to Simon it will be Archuleta walking away tomorrow with the big prize.
  • Ruuuuuuuben Studdard just took to the stage. I’m so sad his career never really took off because he’s got a hell of a voice. Aw they are showing footage from the season and once again I’m crying. I really need to see a therapist.

So that’s it. This season of AMERICAN IDOL Is essentially over. What a utterly fantastic finale. I know the fans are split, but that just goes to show just talented both these guys truly are. I think both will be big stars, so I hope if nothing else they really enjoyed tonight. Thanks to all of you who watched along with me tonight…it was fun!

To vote for David Cook:
1-866-IDOLS-01
1-866-IDOLS-03
1-866-IDOLS-05

To vote for David Archuleta:
1-866-IDOLS-02
1-866-IDOLS-04
1-866-IDOLS-06

VOTE for your favorite. And if you don’t know who to vote for, how about you vote for my favorite…David Cook.

Comments

59 Responses to “Join Me! LIVE Blogging AMERICAN IDOL Tonight”

  1. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 7:43 pm

    i’ll be here to hear your expert opinion on AI. πŸ˜›

  2. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 7:46 pm

    I read your live blog from the very beginning of the season, so i think it’s only fitting i’m here for the finale! I’m very interested to see what this year’s ‘idol song’ is, since the inspirational genre is right in archuleta’s wheelhouse.

  3. fran on May 20th, 2008 8:04 pm

    can’t wait!!! i’ll be here!

  4. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:09 pm

    Do we know what they’re singing tonight? I’m guessing their favorite of the season, the winning songwriter song, but i’m blanking on what they usually do for their 3rd?

  5. fran on May 20th, 2008 8:10 pm

    okay that whole boxing opening was kind of bizarre… i am not really sure how i felt about. cookie played along and did his little dance/punch on the stairs.. but i feel like that was wayyyy too corny for him, haha.

  6. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:13 pm

    I agree the whole “fight” thing is kind of stupid… I hope Cook does win because he doesn’t care if he wins… Papa Archie would be PISSED and it would make me smile. That guy needs to be knocked down a few pegs…

  7. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:13 pm

    I’m officially sick of the boxing theme.

  8. fran on May 20th, 2008 8:16 pm

    i agree about cookie maybe not caring. up until last week i didn’t even know that he didn’t even MEAN to audition. i feel like this is just a pleasant surprise while archie (and his creepy ass dad) have been planning/wishing for this forever.

    DAVID COOK IS SO GOOD (first song… wow)

  9. Lindsey on May 20th, 2008 8:16 pm

    Loved Cook! made me actually like a U2 song!

  10. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:17 pm

    Hey randy… isn’t it 2008???

    Cook was good. He’s got some big feet- his boots look like clown shoes! πŸ˜›

  11. Kat on May 20th, 2008 8:18 pm

    Wait, is Randy thinking this is 2007? I would accept that from Paula, but from Randy…?

    DC’s first song was reallly good – and on a side note, his hair has improved since the first week.

  12. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:19 pm

    Cookie was AWESOME!!! Loved it. What’s the orange bracelet for? His brother?

    I noticed the Daughtry thing too. Hee.

  13. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:20 pm

    Not a huge fan of Archuleta’s first song… and his little bobbing dance thing is kinda goofy… he seems like he is super nervous though.

  14. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:21 pm

    What the hell is Randy smoking? That was boring and kind of sucked. Totally lacked charisma.

  15. Elizabeth on May 20th, 2008 8:21 pm

    I actually liked Archuleta’s first song, but it seemed more “like a last song of the night”.

  16. Kat on May 20th, 2008 8:22 pm

    I saw some interview on YouTube about the bracelet being for some guy’s daughter… I’m not sure who it was though.

    I think Little David might crash and burn later if he’s getting so emotional after the first song.

  17. Lindsey on May 20th, 2008 8:22 pm

    I want to like Archuleta but i just can’t, he looks like he is about to burst into tears at all times. I feel he is a little too young for this show?

  18. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:22 pm

    Am i missing something? I thought they both did well and i don’t understand the huge praise for archuleta thee.

  19. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:23 pm

    I agree Kat… i think if he is that emotional after the first song, he is goign to crash… it all comes down to the last song anyway and i’m sure cook has something up his sleeve.

  20. fran on May 20th, 2008 8:24 pm

    yeah wow that was really good. jumping back for a second- no way that archie is only 100 lbs. right guys???? i mean i know he’s little.. but… really?

  21. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:24 pm

    Ugh. I thought the judges were off the Archuleta is king thing. I guess not. Not sure I even want to watch the rest. Its pretty much a foregone conclusion, isn’t it?

  22. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:26 pm

    i want to hear the crap songs that were submitted and voted on in the songwriters contest… they each got to choose one out of the top 10 songs in the contest… that should be fun. πŸ˜› they are all super cheesy.

  23. Sara on May 20th, 2008 8:27 pm

    I’m just not getting all the David Archuleta love. Maybe I’m hearing something different, but he just bores me. David Cook just killed that U2 song. Archuleta just barely sang the Elton John song. I don’t get why the judges are so stuck on him being the second coming. Who knows….

  24. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:31 pm

    I’m guessing that there wasn’t a lot to choose from for him but I wasn’t a huge fan of the song. He sang it ok though.

  25. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:31 pm

    i like how cook made it his own… he made it work for him. i could totally see him recording that song.

  26. Kat on May 20th, 2008 8:33 pm

    DC did a lot better on that random song than Little David ever did… and he seems to be really enjoying himself instead of getting worked up over everything. Good for him!!

  27. jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:34 pm

    Song was okay, but David C was good at it. It’s hard to sing a song ( I think) that people don’t know. I know I have a hard time getting into songs like that. I wonder if DC was deflated after the fawning David A got. I just don’t get the DA love. He bores me. I can tell he’s good singer, but he really needs to work on his performance/presence.

  28. Lindsey on May 20th, 2008 8:34 pm

    what is up with the Cook hating… i liked that song considering what he probably had to pick from

  29. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:34 pm

    lets guess that archuleta’s song will be slow, boring and completely full of cheese? even when andrew lloyd webber mentioned those lyrics, i wanted to gag.

  30. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:36 pm

    kilwiggle – i thought the same thing about the lyrics he mentioned! lol

  31. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:38 pm

    every line of this song by archuleta rhymes… how many songs on the radio rhyme EVERY line? mediocre songwriting.

    he seems to be straining his voice a bit to hit some of the notes.

  32. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:39 pm

    This is definitely the “winning song” as Simon would say – cheesy, mentions moments, the classic Lite FM feel. David A is singing it very well, though. This is very much in his wheelhouse.

  33. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:40 pm

    in the past three weeks, someone has said that they could sing the phonebook (i think it was randy all 3 times)… since when is that a cool thing to say? can’t he be more creative?

  34. Elizabeth on May 20th, 2008 8:41 pm

    Archie sounded OK on that: little pitchy, dawg. I just don’t know where I see him fitting in to music today. He’s sort of Josh Groban-lite.

  35. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:46 pm

    Imagine? Really. Way to take a risk.

  36. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 8:47 pm

    I really like David Cook but i have to say i’m not a fan of this song choice as his final song.

  37. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:48 pm

    i’m so sad to see him cry! he’s so amazing!

  38. Elizabeth on May 20th, 2008 8:49 pm

    OK, I thought that was really beautiful. Very sensitive performance. Aaaaand….he’s crying.

  39. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:50 pm

    Sigh. David C just seemed to peter out there with that last song. Way to ballad-y, not enough rock.

    At least the judges are going easy. They know it’s over. I agree with Simon – needed a different song, but glad he didn’t repeat one from earlier this season.

  40. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:52 pm

    i think despite everything, DC is going to get a poop-ton of votes tonight by people that realize how versatile he is. archuleta has been doing the same exact thing for the past 13 weeks and it has gotten OLD

  41. mg714 on May 20th, 2008 8:54 pm

    I always think Cookie can do no wrong, but I was kind of waiting to be blown away a la “Billie Jean” or “Always be my baby” – i didn’t want him to sing a song he already did either, though. But yeah – it doesn’t matter – he’s going to be successful no matter what happens tomorrow.

  42. Kat on May 20th, 2008 8:54 pm

    I actually thought the judges were being a bit harsh on him tonight. No, none of those songs will be in the same category as some of his other performances, but he sang them well.

    I have a habit of tuning out Little David when he sings because he makes them all sound the same. But with DC, he gives us performances, not just songs.

    I’m worried that DC may feel defeated after tonight, but I’m still going to vote like crazy for him.

    (I didn’t realize they could recycle songs… could be a downfall for Little David if it’s worse than before)

  43. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 8:57 pm

    Randy- he is not the best singer… he’s the most BORING singer… ugh… Randy is getting on my nerves these days..

  44. Jenn on May 20th, 2008 8:58 pm

    Oh god. He was good. But the show is about selling records. He’s going to be another non-started, me thinks. I just don’t see David A as a star. Cook, yes. David A is talented, I see that, but where does he fit? What station would he be on? He doesn’t fit on Disney Channel. None of the pop stations. I just don’t know.

  45. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 9:01 pm

    Archie belongs on a light radio station… one of the ones my parents listen to, that you would hear that Delilah show on….

    his albums won’t sell because no one wants more than 3 or 4 songs of the same exact speed, melody etc with only the words changed..

  46. Sara on May 20th, 2008 9:02 pm

    I’m so sick of David A at this point. It couldn’t be any more obvious that the judges/show/producers have picked their winner. Sadly, it won’t be the one who deserves it. David A can fade away to Ruben/Taylor Hicks obscurity while David C will take the Daughtry loser path and sell a ton of albums.

    I’m making a promise right now to not watch next season if David A wins. It will prove just how rigged the show is. Crossing my fingers for a David C upset. πŸ™‚

  47. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 9:05 pm

    It might be better for David C if he does lose since he won’t be forced into a contract with AI… Thats the only way i see this as a good thing.

  48. Cathy on May 20th, 2008 9:06 pm

    Personally, i like David C way more than David A, but going by tonight alone i have to agree with the judges that David A won by a mile.

    I agree with several other posters though that I just don’t see him as a star and can’t envision his album. I’m thinking he’ll be Clay Aiken-ish in that his first album will do well due to the large # of crazy fans he has, but after that he’ll kind of peter out.

  49. Give Me My Remote on May 20th, 2008 9:09 pm

    I don’t think the show is rigged if David A wins? I’m not sure I’m seeing your point. The kid is crazy talented and he has a ton of fans that will vote for him. I’d prepare myself to give up IDOL next year because despite my votes I think Archuleta will win tomorrow night.

  50. Millie on May 20th, 2008 9:38 pm

    I’m a D.Cook fan all the way. I like D.Archuleta as a person, and I think he has a great voice and can definitely sing… but he also definitely bores me. I tried my best tonight to watch both performances the whole way through. When D.Cook was on the screen, I want to watch him. I want to see what he did next; what he did to connect with the audience; how he worked the stage. When D.Archuleta was on the screen… I found myself starting to do something else. All of his songs sounded alike, and they were all quite predictable. I think that AI wants D.Archuleta to win, and have wanted that from the beginning. I don’t necessarily think it’s a big conspiracy, just that they see him and think he will be the one to redefine AI to the masses and make it relevant again. Where they get that idea I don’t know, because there’s really no originality there. Oh and one more thing – as far as D.Cook’s last song… I thought it was haunting, emotional, unexpected, and beautiful.

  51. kilwiggle7 on May 20th, 2008 10:01 pm

    if you check DialIdol right now, Archie is in dange… I know it is just a sampling and it is still early since phone lines will be open til 4 am, but woah!

  52. Lisa (aka lmr) on May 20th, 2008 10:30 pm

    I think D. A. is going to take it. Lots of tweens with crazy texting skills. It’s not going to hurt D.C. though as he has such a strong fan base of his own. I love them both and don’t know who to pull for. I will be happy/sad tomorrow night either way. And it was so good to see my old fav Ruben. Wow, I wish he’d broken out more.

  53. bp on May 20th, 2008 10:31 pm

    David C’s maturity, showmanship and versatility outstrip David A’s voice every time. I’m bored to tears b y David A. He sounds the same every week (pitchy!) I can’t believe he was never slammed by the judges.

  54. sabrina on May 20th, 2008 10:37 pm

    Oh, they’ll both have great careers after AI.

    I don’t understand the whole Archuleta bashing thing going on around here. Well…I guess it is expected since this site is pro-Cook.

    Archuleta and Cook don’t have the same sound and won’t play to the same audience so it’s unfair to compare the two. I personally see myself buying both of their albums.

  55. Deirdre on May 21st, 2008 12:44 am

    I loved David Cook ALL season and tonight I just don’t think he pulled it off. I think David A is too young, but, don’t hate me, I voted for him because I thought he really pulled it off this week. Last week I voted 12 times for Cook and this week I voted 4 times for Archuleta.
    I still have time though…to vote at least 8 times for Cook. πŸ™‚

  56. Erin on May 21st, 2008 1:17 am

    For me, it’s about the performance. After every performance, DA looks like he’s going to faint or throw up as GMMR pointed out. I just can’t see him giving a solo tour like an American Idol would. Sure, he can do it with Ryan as a host and all he has to do week to week is sing a few songs. But with his own concert? I just can’t see it. DC, on the other hand, has a personality that will fit perfectly on rock stages everywhere. He’s just amazing. And he is so versitile that he’ll do great things with or without winning.

  57. Emily on May 21st, 2008 10:36 am

    What a fantastic show! Both David’s are unbelievably talented and will go far. I went and watched the show at David A’s high school (yes, I’m a geeked out fan showing the love for my hometown boy) and the energy there was great. It should be an exciting finale tonight no matter what happens! πŸ™‚

  58. jen on May 21st, 2008 3:01 pm

    LMAO! Chris Daughty came in 4th! I laughed when I saw that too. They went a bit over the top with the cheesiness for the fight idea.

  59. Kris on May 21st, 2008 5:10 pm

    I’ve been a Cook fan since day one and i think he did wonderful last night! But, i actually agree w/ another poster who mentioned that it might be a good thing if DC loses. I kind of want Cook to have that creative freedom, etc. that comes w/ losing versus being stuck w/ an AI contract and under their thumb. Archuleta would be a better fit for the AI contract. I was so convinced that i would be devastated if Cook lost, but, w/ the AI contract in mind, i’m actually hoping he loses. Cook is by far the superior of the two but Archuleta needs to win this. Overall, Cook is a performer and has more than just the voice whereas Archuleta, like many others have already stated, bores me. It all sounds the same–great voice, but it sounds the same. We’ll see how it all goes down. Here’s hoping for an Archuleta win (in my opinion).