Season 7 Final 2 – Recap

Wow, they were both good in the first round.

i cant wait until the nights over and we can vote, your going down ARCHIE :guns_tb:

Welcome back, MJ! Your site must be getting hammered: your domain was completely saturated with DNS lookups when the show started at 8pm eastern – we were worried!

OK – Round One:

The both look frikkin nervous as heck. The rumors of the Cadaverous One (Clive Davis) being involved were true! Oh boy! So David Cook has to go into Bono Emulation mode – and did well!
But the finale is a show about anthems, and that’s in Archie’s wheelhouse. The Elton John retread – did well! The judges are pimping the Chosen One it looks like, folks.

Round Two: Different song choices from the rumors! Cooks song sucked. Archie’s sounds like an Olympic anthem. Geeeze. A tie. They both sucked. Archie a bit less, I guess.

So Archuleta is kicking butt. In my opinion.

They’re throwing Cookie under the bus. That shocks me! But, Archuleta came out swinging, all 100 pounds of him. Cook’s voice sounds tired and strained.

Wow, Archie is on fire tonight! Cookie is too!

What a night!! I love these two

But Archie is definitely winning the night right now. Last round next… good luck to both!

YEEESH!!! Could they be pimping Archie more?!?! Damn.

What a great night for Archie.

Goodness! Can they make it more obvious? Good Lord…and with all this talk of DC being TCO…I don’t get it.

Cook is sounding like Daughtry on all of his songs tonight. What gives?

Since I don’t care who wins, I’m not bothered but …

Collective Soul?
Thanks for playing. Buh-bye….

Maybe Cook doesn’t want the win. Maybe he got a look at the winner’s contract. But, I’m sure his fan base will pull him through.

Cook just made ME cry…that was so sweet.

Loved The World I Know and loved David Cook. He did a fabulous job with it. I am truly shocked at Simon throwing Cookie under the bus. And Cookie just gave a great answer to Simon’s critique. Is this supposed to be reverse psychology or something – pimp David A. and rile everyone up to give Cookie the win?

There was nothing that DC could have done with The World I Know to make it a winning choice. It’s way too obscure to carry him through.

Skylight, should I just go back to my Jason thread and rewatch him?? What did the judges say about the two of them??

I’m not liking Imagine at all. Too many runs and riffs.

I am not drinking the kool-aid. Archuleta was pitchy in the 2nd song and the 3 stooges loved it. Well, AI has told the sheep they want DA to be their guy. Will the voters do as they are told? I hope not. Powere voting for Cook in this household.

Archie luv-luv-luvs them runs… Why sing one note when you can sing twelve?

If DC isn’t doing well it’s because he chooses to not win. Every other week with the exception of 1 or 2 he has killed. I think he doesn’t want to be tied to AI.

I seriously do not think they want Archie to win, he has 0 personality. Plus, Simon has been predicting on every show he has been on that Cookie will win.

I guess we will find out!!

I’m relistening, and, Archie is pitchy. They’re both tired and it shows.

Rebecamia – I cried, too.

DA was awesome tonight, but DC is the man! He’s an all around great musician. He has a style and a great stage presence. DA will grow in time, but DC is ready now! I’m voting for Cook!

whoa archie is amazing!! standing ovation from me! i really thought archie is going to go down down down since he told the pop tarts on monday that his voice is giving out (plus the pimping of DC by Simon on Jay & Ellen). I love cookie but heh? tonight he was not as good when he did hello and bilie jean. but i still LOVE cookie.

how long can we vote?

Round Three:

Cookie chooses a song by the band produced by Taylor Hicks’ (and Matchbox 20′s) producer, Matt Serletic. Cookie MIGHT be using him for the 1st album, methinks?

Archie wins. Slam Dunk.

Did Cookie back away? Nah. This show is about balladic format anthem songs. It was Archie’s to lose. And, in my opinion, he didn’t. Give the kid credit: he sung his buttocks off with one paralysed vocal chord all season long, and my have to go the laser route in a week or two to correct the problems he’s had. Cookie gets to start his 1st album. Let the kid go do the talk show circuit.

Good finale. Not as good as season 5, but good enough.

OMG, Archie you were unbelievable tonight. Always a fan but he really had one of the best nights I’ve ever seen anyone have on Idol.

I think I’m gonna vote for Archuleta. I’d like him to have the moment whereas I don’t really think Cook cares as lng as he gets a record deal, which he will no doubt.

DC’s Coronation song was way better and has a more commercial appeal

Archie was horrible tonight, pitchy all over the place, off key. He was happy about his being TCO all along.

Cook came in eyes dull, something not right (I did not see Adam there and him bursting into tears was ODD).

Then the judges ran the semi over Cook.

It’s ok Cook, you will pull a Daughtry, don’t worry.

The judges are so obviously pressing for Archie to win. How transparent. David Cook is clearly the better singer.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

What a night!

Archie was incredible!

Yeah, I will feel bad for Archuletta if he doesn’t win it all, so much pressure has been put on this kid to do well in this competition (by his Father no less). If he doesn’t win he may be devestated. On the other hand Cookie will be fine with not winning.

Even better, if Archie wins how long before he gets a new management team and fires his Dad?

I thought DC was brilliant. What the heck?

That sucked worse than anything I’ve heard all season….pablum pop judges will NEVER allow a REAL artist to go through.

Good Lord make this show end forever…..

Ok i do like Daivd Cook he did a good job duriing the competiton. Thier was some comaprison to Chris d early on but he is different..
David Cook why was he trying to remind me of Daughtry tonight or channel him it was not good at all.The first two songs he was trying too hard to rock them out..the third was a little better.

I dislike to say this David A came out swinging and seemed he wanted it tonight and IMO won the night.

Gosh that was boring!

I just witnessed the best night in Idol history…

For the sake of the shows Rep, please ppl archie needs to win- it will only hurt Cookie if he wins- then everybody calls BS

DAFTMFW!!!!!!

Watched tonight with no clear favorite, was rooting for Chileze early in the season and on the fence since.
Thought David A was completely on tonight, his vocals on for all three songs, his voice is beautiful, a little pitchy in parts tonight, but so easy to listen to
Loved David C’s first song, the second well sung ( but what a awful song), and the Collective soul song was a wrong move to me, he would have had the audience in his hand with Billie Jean,EVERYONE and their mother knows the song
He did sound a lot like daughtry tonight, what’s up with that?

Hey! I voted for DC a few times (I LOVED his last song and thought it was beautiful – I’D buy that record!).

ANYWAY, I thought when it came down to two we were supposed to get their individual voices on the phone, thanking us for our vote. What gives?!

Cook’s last song was the best of the night hands down, I don’t care what Simon says. He may not win but his ability to interperet songs will serve him well on his album.

Archie was damn good tonight though, he definitely performed better than he has in weeks past. It will be a close vote.

My impressions:

Round #1 – Clive David Picks

David Cook sings “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2
Grade: A

David Archuleta sings “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John
Grade: A-

Round #2 – Songwriter Contest

David Cook sings “Dream Big”
Grade: B (plus)

David Archuleta sings “In This Moment”
Grade: A-

Round #3 – Personal Choice

David Cook sings “The World I Know” by Collective Soul
Grade: A (plus)

David Archuela reprises “Imagine” by John Lennon
Grade: A (plus)

Best of the night: Mathematical tie (according to my grading)
Winner of Season 7: David Archuleta (slight edge)

I feel all icky from the undeserved tounge baths. Archie was good, but not that good.

I hope this works as reverse psychology on all the Cook fans, because he was much better than the judges thought.

David Cook- win or loose- I’ll be buying whatever you put out!

David Cook just got ran over by a huge bus.

That was sickening. David Cook is going to sell ten times more albums than Archuleta, and I’m going to laugh, laugh, laugh. Hope you like your winner AI. You deserve the Archbot.

And for the record, Cook was probably my fourth favorite this season (Brooke was my fave), but it was so clear what was going on tonight, and it made me mad.

Everyone is already calling BS Duke. There is getting ready to be a HUGE backlash.

I’m just glad I’m not voting for 4 hours, and, can enjoy reading other’s comments.

This was exactly the opposite of what I thought would happen tonight. I thought Archie would choke, but he used his emotions and was damn incredible. He kicked ass, it was incredible, and his crappy coronation song was not bad. LOL! What a great night. Then to top it off, my favorite idol closed the show. I cried. Shit, I love this cheesy ass show. Going to vote some more. DAFTMFW!

If the 3 stooges said its snowing in the middle of summer, how many would put on their snow shoes? This was a shill job started 3 months ago that DA was their guy. When DA was pitchy in song 2 and all 3 judges loved it, it makes me more determined to power vote for DC.

I’m so glad I don’t have a dog in the fight ( my fav Jason is movin’ on) but I would have to give the night to DA – all songs. DC screamed all of the songs. I have to wonder if it was planned. Also DC crying- what about that? Thank God Taylor kept his composure on tv. Sorry, the whole finale reaked(?) of preplanning. Give me back Season 5!

But would you buy any of that treacle that D’Arch sang? Clay done put out that CD …and w/ more personality.

TOTALLY Rigged.

The pimping of the young one started the moment the show opened, disgusting. Archie is so nervous I thought he was going to throw up! heh

Cook looked confident and I think the tears at the end were the culmination of the experience and the atmosphere- 7000 there live! I hate that we couldn’t hear him very well in the last song- but he did an awesome job tonight and I will buy anything he puts out- and I already have!

DC Rules, if for some reason you are 2nd- you will outsell the idol.

Go Cookie!

What the hell?? Apparently the judges & I were watching a different show.

Please, PLEASE reward artistic creativity, imagination & versatility over ballad pageantry.

The judges must be watching different performances from me. As Archie sang, we were picking out problems but not a peep out of the judges. If they want Archie as the winner, maybe they should be stuck with him. This is ridiculous…

Very disappointing night on both sides. Archie because of the performances and Cook because of the song choices.

Hey, why aren’t we getting a thank you message from David himself when we vote (like we always do every season)?

ANYWAY, I thought when it came down to two we were supposed to get their individual voices on the phone, thanking us for our vote. What gives?!

All I can say is this. Before the show ended, that five minute window, we all got alot of votes in. The second it turned on the hour, ALL THREE lines busied out.

I know your watching AI, what just went down is going to come back to haunt you in a big way.

On the good side, all the fans of Jason, and other contestants just came back with a vengeance for Cook. Not that it will help since no one can get through.

I must say, WAY TO GO AI.

I’m not a big fan of either of the Top 2 but Archie kicked butt tonight. I can’t believe that he’s only 17. (LOL)

Glad that I don’t have to worry about voting for 4 hours.

Oh my. I’ll say upfront David Cook has been my one true love this season. OK for all 7 seasons actually. I’m voting for him as long as I can. I think Archie was a bit strained & out of tune on DLTSGDOM & once again, the song was too old for him. I didn’t get it, coming from him. And I kept comparing to Clay. I don’t prefer the singing 12 notes when you could just sing 1 perfectly. I know The World I Know. It recvd heavy airplay, I don’t think it’s obscure. I thought it was perfect for David’s personal choice. He is perfect. I would rather listen to his albums over & over than listen to 1 of Archie’s of sappy, run-filled ballads once. David Cook is real life, connects to MY real life. Archie is an over trained singing 17-year old right now. David is NOT Daughtry. I liked Chris but I didn’t even bother voting or buying his album. He didn’t reach me like David does. I don’t know for sure but I THINK he wanted to WIN. Well gotta go, voting still!

I think this was the best finale I can remember, in terms of entertainment and quality of the performances.

Full disclosure: I am a Cooktard. I’ll buy his music, and I think lots (LOTS) of other people will too.

Even so, I think Archie was incredible tonight. Seriously. I don’t like his style of singing (those runs drive me insane in the membrane). I still have to give credit where I think it is due… and the kid held his own tonight. Heck, he was great. This is not to say that I think DC was bad. To the contrary, I thought he was also pretty great. The emotions seemed to overwhelm him — I sure hope his brother is OK….

Nonetheless, based on what I saw and heard, I think Archie was more Idol-istic tonight… I can really see the confetti showering down for him. I’m not giving up my Cooktard Card! He rocks. I wouldn’t call it a knock out (sorry Simon), but I think Archie was better… tonight.

Just my opinion. And think this was an awesome, awesome show.

Cook will definitely sell more records, I think. But that’s not really the point from my perspective (maybe because I wasn’t invested until tonight?) – it might be from the producers’ perspective but I’m not concerned about that.

It would be really nice to see this kid who has been a fan for so long win. I really don’t want to see his face when he loses. I feel like that’s a stupid reason to vote, but I really am just basing it on the few weeks I watched and tonight. The little one came out fighting against Simon pronouncing him as the “other guy” on Leno – which was very rude.

Glad that I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to worry about voting for 4 hours.

You’re just like me- not voting, missing Jason, but it kinda feels good to enjoy but not be so hung up on the winner that you have to stay up the whole night voting or worrying who was gonna win.

David Archuleta is a better singer, tonight. He came out TRYING to win and had at least 2 killer performances tonight.
But, he sang ALL slow songs and if these performances were put onto a CD, they wouldn’t sell 1000 records. He showed us last week during “with you” (terrible) that he cannot do pop or anything that is popular today. He would release an album with soul songs that would SUCK because he can only sing sappy, slow, old fashioned songs.

David Cook had three mediocre performances (although I loved the last one, it was very touching). He didn’t seem really INTO it like Archuleta was. I did admire that he didn’t reprise a song. He took a risk and did a new one which shows guts. His CD, whether he wins or not, will do MUCH BETTER than Archuleta’s. Unlike David A, Cook has had a least 5 performances where I have said “Wow, if he released that on a CD, it would do GREAT!”

My point is that David Cook, while not the better singer, has a great career ahead of him and has at least an ounce of personality (the other David has no personality at all).

My vote is for David Cook. He deserves it.

I think at this point talking of pimping is a little bit much…we all know exactly who these two are and most casual voters do as well. They weren’t mean to DC by any stretch of the imagination.

DA deserves to win this, after tonight. “Just an opinion.”

Also DC crying- what about that?

I dunno…how about having the biggest moment of his career with his dying brother in the audience? Or maybe it had something to do with his good friend Luke Menard being diagnosed with Lymphoma today? He’s got a lot of reason to cry and not a lot of reason to sing. I thought he was brilliant.

Oh wait I have to say this too. IMO David Cook is the better singer. I think anytime during this whole thing, he could’ve sung the songs Archie sung & it would’ve been an improvement. I don’t think the same can be said for vice versa. And I already know that Cook writes his own material, which is a BIG plus for me in choosing who I want to win this contest & recording contract.

Dial Idol is down due to the heavy traffic. Must be a whole lot of voting going on!

Congrats to both Davids for a great show!! I could’ve done without the boxing analogies and ALW, but oh well.

Archie was truly in fine voice tonight, and I teared up a time or two. Outstanding job on all three songs. Cook is a sweet guy and the Collective Soul song was much better than I expected it to be. But with that determined spirit and soaring voice, Archie emerged as the victor tonight.

I dunnoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦how about having the biggest moment of his career with his dying brother in the audience?

Was his brother in the audience? I missed that I guess.

:::sigh:::
I was disappointed tonight u guys… After the first “round” which went to Archie, I said to myself, there are still TWO more songs to go!
Then after the second song (which I liked Cookie’s better, but the judges kept pimping Archie) so I said, still ONE more song to go!
Then…. :::bigger sigh::: I dunno… then Cookie cried, well hell, then I cried… and then Simon finally let that last bus tire tread all over him and my poor heart sank down to my feet.
Did Archie want it more?
Did Cookie not do his best on purpose?
I gotta say I am a little baffled to be honest, b/c I thought the night would have gone ALOT differently than it did.
And I think Simon really WANTED Cookie to do good tonight (not that he did badly) but he didnt impress him like I think Simon thought he would.
I am still voting the full four hours for Cookie (almost 30 minutes in and havent gotten thru yet) but I just wish he had done better, b/c now I would almost feel a tinge of guilt if Archie lost just b/c he seemed to really be on point tonight and truly give it his all.
On another note tho, I seriously cant wait til the finale tomorrow just to see “the gang” back together.
And on a p.s. this was, imo, no where near as good as the s2 finale. =(

Thanks skylight. I was wondering about that–DI keeps giving me Jordin/Blake results.

ROTFDL @ David A singing, “Give me a chance and I’ll show you what’s real” then it shows a big ol set of hands reaching for him!

*still watching.. I’m behind!*

I have never seen such a display of bus-throwing-under. All 6 songs were as good as they could be. Would Cookie have been a knockout if he had gone last? I am just sick.

By far the best finale I’ve seen since Bo/Carrie and maybe better than that. It might be because for the first time I actually had a favorite make it but I thought Cook was very good but had a bit of an off night. Archie had the best night he’s had all season. He really rose to the night.

Cook will get his album and probably do a Daughtry on Archies sales but Archie truly deserves to win the title.

skylight1219
May 20th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Dial Idol is down due to the heavy traffic. Must be a whole lot of voting going on!

DC- 61.98
DA- 59.92

Dialidol.com shows the 2 Davids very close.
David Cook has a slight early lead over DA, by Barely 2 Points.
Still patiently waiting to see the show, here in AZ.
Did I hear correctly that phone voting is open for 4 hours?
It’s going to be a long night.
Go Cookie! Can’t wait to see you perform tonight.

Archie came out swinging. That said, I loved Cook tonight too. It was like Archie was an A to Cook’s A-. I wouldn’t be mad if Archie won, but if Cookie won, I would be thrilled.

But if anything, this should put to rest a lot of TCO talk. Wasn’t everyone convinced yesterday that Cook was pre-chosen? I guess not anymore. LOL. Maybe the judges just say what they think, after all?

WOW.
Great show tonight. Really good. Archuleta was outstanding tonight. That kid gave it his all and left it on the floor of the Nokia. His voice is gorgeous. Cook was really good too. He will be an incredible recording artist and has hitmaker all over him. The emotions these two must be feeling are immense and overwhelming! Kudos to both Davids on a great show, but IMO, Archuleta took the night. Way to go, kiddo.

Clarify——–I luv my head…

Daivd A for me did a little better tonight….

David Cook overall should win the whole thing for his game plan and singing..” Not good at all “comment first blog was not the songs but seemingly tryng to channel Daughtry sorry for the confusion..

Thanks for the dial idol percentages. It’s very, very close at this point.

i didnt start voting until 9… has anyone gotten thru either line yet?

I’m a westie and won’t see the performances until MJ kindly posts them, but I want to buck up the Cookie fans. I can only guess that Simon is using reverse psychology to gin up the votes for Cookie. The only contestants for whom he showed genuine enthusiasm this season are Cookie and Jason. Honestly, he almost always seems bored with ArchuD2.

A well-matched finale is good for AI, but our MJ is right — as always — that AI needs a superstar winner to bolster the franchise. Tay Tay’s assessment of Archie as the next Wayne Newton seems about right to me. Having DC win AI probably does more for the show’s reputation than for Cookie’s career. Regardless of the final results tomorrow night, Cookie’s first post-AI album should outsell Archie’s.

This may be the closest matchup since season 2, which Ruben won technically but Clay emerged as the de facto winner.

That said, keep voting, WordNerds!

I don’t understand what’s the pimping with the boy diva all about, i would guess it’s a strategy for ratings, and what are all the boy diva fans doing posting about the boy diva winning, gosh sappy ballads song fest, I’m puking.

Wow, AI line percentages are pretty damn close, too… lol

DC#1 – 64%
DC#3 – 63%
DA#1 – 62%
DC#2 – 62%
DA#3 – 61%
DA#2 – 59%

DC’s best friends from Top 24, he has said, were Jason Yeager, Michael Johns, and Luke Menard. Reportedly, Luke’s had a cancer diagnosis. Ten bucks says that’s what was with the subdued performances tonight. Okay…gotta vote. Gonna be a close one, y’all!

This is a singing contest and Archuletta outsang his opponent tonight.
Congrats, Archie! Great win.

i didnt start voting until 9à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ has anyone gotten thru either line yet?

I’ve been voting since 9 and have only gotten through twice, both times on IDOLS-05.

Dial Idol is giving me Jordin/Blake results too. LOL. Talk about retro.

To Terrie– I honestly dont think Simon was doing any reverse psychology 2nite.. I think he was being dead honest when he said Archie’s overall nite was a “knockout.” I feel sick…

I liked Cookie’s last song, but I just thought that of all nights to be a bit off, nasally etc. it was strange for me. I thought if anything he threw himself under the bus with more or less meh performances. I expected the U2 song to be amazing and it was just okay. His coronation song was even worse than Archie’s and he picked it.

On the other hand Archie came out swinging and he was effective. His voice is beautiful and he was more in the zone and energetic tonight, he used his nerves to his benefit. I think Cookie peaked too early and Archie had his best night when he needed it.

Tay Tayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s assessment of Archie as the next Wayne Newton seems about right to me.

Wayne Newton has been the biggest draw in Vegas since Elvis died.
Being compared to him is not a bad thing.

Cook gave 3 strong performances; but not enough to win the title, IMO.

Do people actually vote on the basis of one night? How about the rest of the season?

That said, I have had about a dozen busy signals all season, up til tonight. Tonight, about 3 votes have gotten through in the first half hour. Very busy phone lines tonight. I’m surprised that there are only 3 lines. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t be–that’ll make for a closer vote.

On the good side, all the fans of Jason, and other contestants just came back with a vengeance for Cook. Not that it will help since no one can get through.

Count this Michael fan in. I felt bad for David C tonight because he sang really well yet Simon and Randy crowned David A. Maybe the sound is different on tv because I didn’t think David A was as good as they did. The thing that annoyed me the most was when Simon told DC that he should have sang Billie Jean or Hello because I get the feeling if he had, there would have been a criticism that it wasn’t as good the 2nd time around. :mad_tb:

Yep, voting text and landline. Getting through with the phone-ins on all 3 lines, ONCE IN AWHILE! Oh and that would be on 5701, 5703, and 5705, please.

Could Randy POSSIBLY pimp Archie more?

I think it was actually a pretty lackluster finale, and I wasn’t very riveted away from the tests I was grading. It just felt like it was missing SOMETHING.

The craptastic coronation song? BAD all around, although Archie did better on his, obviously. That’s his kind of song.

Which is why Archie will win.

HATED the dumb boxing references.

Felt slightly bad for Cookie. Thought he was slightly thrown under the bus, specifically Randy. Wait! Who did Randy want to win?

Even though I think Archie has it in the bag, I’m power voting DC tonight!

I have never seen a more manipulative finale in all the time i’ve watched this show. I’m stupified.

David Cook’s song choices are very good, it shows that he can mix it up, and he sang ISHFWILF and give it the David Cook Energy. It Rocks!

The World I Know Is Just Awesome, it’s a good way to end the season.

Dream Big is miles miles better than In This Moment.

The boy diva did good, but he was pimped because he might cry and throw a tantrum on Nokia theatre. *LoL*

I am a little bit blah over the show tonight. Archie had a good night, cute sweet kid. I liked Cookie’s coronation song more, and I wanted so much for him to have the best performances of his life.

I guess I’m just still pissed off because we had to see the relics. It must have been a scary week for The David’s to have to endure talking with those two old geezers at length, when they could have been practicing. I appreciate what Clive and ALW have brought to the world… but enough already.

Ruben sounded good.

No I admit, I don’t vote on the basis of just one night’s performance(s). After a certain point, I’m voting for the person. However many performance it takes to win me totally over. The only contestant to do that on AI for me is David Cook. Oh, I did vote for Clay a few times! But I haven’t cared about anyone else really or bought any MUSIC, not even Daughtry’s. And I liked him a lot. SOOOO I’m voting for my fave to win…DAVID COOK. DCFTW!

Just keep on voting people, David Cook deserves it more than the boy diva, regardless of the pimping that happened tonite!

I think Cookie won round 2 and 3. i have no idea what the judges think they saw. It was so obviously scripted. Hope they realize that people aren’t as dumb as they think. If the show was losing ratings before, they should be ready for some real negativity in the press because of their manipulation tonight.
Even my son who doesn’t watch the show commented on the blatant manipulation and said the older guy was way better.

I mean 8 out of 12 critics/AI experts think David Cook should win this thing. The remaining 4 who think Archuleta should win–the 2 actually like David Cook and it’s just that they think he might be more successful if he does not win.

THE AVERAGE PERFORMANCE of David Cook tonight and bad criticisms could actually increase his votes. You know, just to make sure he wins. If he was incredible like his previous weeks– it would have satisfy people too much. I, for one, would be too confident for him so I wouldnt dare vote. But since his performances kinda suck (compared to his supergreat performances)–Im kinda worried.

I am disappointed with the coronation song. I mean, I heard Overdrive (or is it OVERCOME)– I wished he chose that song instead because it would suit his voice much better. Plus, it is an alternative song.

Umm, I think Simon and I watched a different show tonight; for me it was not a “knock out.” I’m in the “too close to call” camp. Both Davids were excellent tonight, neither was flawless and they were totally different. I think it will come down to a combination of fanbases, the musical preference of the casual voter and how much Simon influences the voters with his comments. I expect Archie to win, he was stellar tonight, and I won’t be upset if he does, but for me David Cook was/is the best. It’s his music I prefer, his performances I’ve enjoyed the most and him I’m likely to go see in concert. So I’m throwing my votes his way. And whoever is crowned as the winner tomorrow night, I fully anticipate that DC will be fastest out the gate in the post-Idol real world.

(As an aside, (and apologies if I saw it wrong) I thought it was interesting that at the beginning when they described the big stage as reserved for stars they only showed Kelly, Carrie and Chris D – does that mean Idol only thinks out of 6 seasons it has created 3 stars, one of whom didn’t even make it to the final 2? I think that’s about all we need to know – tomorrow’s results are merely a formality.)

Oh, they’ll both be fine career wise. It’s not THAT serious. I think Archie really went for it. Cookie played the game better overall this season, but Archie outplayed him tonight. I’m torn about who “deserves” it, but right now I’d give it to Archie.

You know, it’s funny.

Folks who root for either Archie or Cookie aren’t gonna switch their votes based on the performances tonite. It will come down to who can motivate their base to vote all 4 hours, and to sway the voters for other Idols (like Jason’s) to vote for them.

I apologize for continually referring to Season 5 for comparison but, as I have mentioned before, I believe Season 5 was the Zenith of this show so far.

On Season 5 – Kat McPhee’s fans sent hundreds of roses backstage for her. Very nice.
Taylor’s folks bought AT&T Go-Phones. THOUSANDS of them. And folks at the Birmingham Civic Center watched the show, were handed phones, and they all voted for hours.

Taylor won, in a landslide. Did he sway Kat’s voter base? Heck no. I remember that year: Elliott’s base were the closest to Taylor’s in enthusiasm (and deservedly so: Elliott was, and is, a great guy.)
His voters carried the day, in my opinion.

Do you think the voters for Syesha or any of the others will cross over for Archie? Or for Cookie?
That’s gonna be the difference here. I think they’ll vote for Cook. So even though Archie was better tonite, I think Cookie may win due to crossover voting.

Hrmm. Dial Idol is calling:
DC: 58.98
DA: 58.95

Yeah. Really close race here. David Archuleta was amazing tonight. Not going to comment on Cook because I’m really not a fan of his voice… David Archuleta for the win.

Glad I have a night off .I thought tonight was kind of all kinds of awfullness.
Have to give it to Archie though his coronation song was way better than Cookies .

Maybe the sound is different on tv because I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think David A was as good as they did.

We might also have judges judging the rehearsal again. In Cook’s recap at the end, I thought he sounded off, not as fabulous as he did live. Maybe he saved himself for the big event, but the judges weren’t paying attention to the live version we heard. Or, they’re just towing TCO line. Or, it’s reverse psychology. Hm. I’m going with TCO pimpage.

Very disappointing. Archie may be a good singer, but he bores me to tears and bleeds the melody out of a song with his runs.

I’ll be heartsick if Cook doesn’t win under the confetti tomorrow.

OK guys, now think! It is a clever mind game! Simon has let it be known that he prefers David Cook. Producers know Archibot is a one trick pony! They don’t want to end up with Archibot and his control freak dad!

People vote the most when they think their contestant is in trouble. They vote more if the judges give bad reviews.

Simon gave Archibot the props tonight because he knows that all of the COOK fans are going to work extra hard to save him! He knew is we got complacent and felt David had it wrapped up, we wouldn’t work the phones too hard.

Think about it! Evil genuis, but I like it. :devil_tb:

I was thinking reverse psychology too for Simon because he has said all week that he wants David Cook to win. I thought David Cook was brilliant tonight in his musicianship and his stylings of the songs. He made the most of a sucky song #2. It was a lightweight song, he did his best with it. I got through on line #5 but not on the other two and I hope that’s a good sign.

Almost an hour later and I think I’ve only gotten through three times.

If the competition was based on one show, then David Archuleta would definitely win tonight. David Cook had three good performances (though I do wish he’d chosen something with more oomph than the Collective Soul song) but I think David Archuleta came out strong and better than he has all season (and I’m not even a fan). That being said, I’m not voting based on one show because everyone has off nights. I do think Simon saying it was a knockout was a bit over-the-top and uncalled for. A knockout would be if Cook didn’t represent himself in a good light at all and totally sucked, which he didn’t. He just wasn’t as fired up as Archie was.

Is anyone else getting the dialidol.com site down? I can’t get on that either. The lines are all busy. Looks like it’ll be a long night.

I dont understand why people say that AI is pimping David Cook to win this thing. Really? I dont see that tonight. If they really are pimping Cook, they would have sung his praises even if his performances were just OK..

Cook had to work hard for everything to get the praises he received in the past. So give him the credit he is due for.

Maybe more will vote for him, because of the Carly/Brooke/Castro fans who will vote for Cook instead of Archuleta.

I am still disappointed with Cook. I mean this is the finale. If all of your three performances are terrible it is hard to imagine victory. I mean he was good tonight but I am used to Cook=brilliant

Soooo confused about the pimping comments. Simon has gone on every show possible saying DC, DC, DC. He has continually said that DA was just OK. DA was better tonight. Both were great. It was a great show, but the kid was better. I’m a DC fan. I can admit it. It’s probably better that he does lose so he can do the type of album he wants, and I find it hard to believe that TPTB want Archie for the kind of record he’ll probably put out.

The fix? The fix was probably giving DA “Longer” last week and not allowing him to make it more contemporary, and then Syesha prob messed that up by picking Fever.

The two seem to like eachother and both are getting a deal. Win-win.

Honestly – their interaction together has made me a fan of both.

Great job AI, the finale was fun and emotional.

The pimping of Archie was obnoxious. Latest numbers on DialIdol have Cookie ahead. However, what is the trend on voting when it hits the West coast?

outside of your phone plan, does it cost $$$ to text in a vote??

I don’t think David Cook ever liked the “competition” aspect of the entire show. And when it all came down to it, with the boxing reference and all, between he and a 17 year old boy — I don’t think he had it in him to take him out. Simon was disappointed that he didn’t come out swinging, with Billy Jean in the end, but DC wanted to show a progression — his own progression. I loved his third song. He doesn’t have that killer attitude, does he? This is music, this is what he loves — not to take out some boy. There’s more important things in his life right now — and, well, he’s just too kind.

The videos are up..

“But if anything, this should put to rest a lot of TCO talk. Wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t everyone convinced yesterday that Cook was pre-chosen? I guess not anymore. LOL. Maybe the judges just say what they think, after all?”

Took the words right out of my mouth Tina…

Dial Idol:

DC- 58.41
DA- 54.88

I am suddenly getting through a lot on 05. Get those votes in now before the Mountain time zone starts voting in a few minutes (is that right?).

A well-matched finale is good for AI, but our MJ is right à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  as always à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  that AI needs a superstar winner to bolster the franchise. Tay Tayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s assessment of Archie as the next Wayne Newton seems about right to me. Having DC win AI probably does more for the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s reputation than for Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s career. Regardless of the final results tomorrow night, Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first post-AI album should outsell Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s.

I agree. Remember what Simon said about KElly Clarkson, that they also owe AI to her? Because if she wasnt that successful or incredible, the show wouldn’t be this BIIIG as it is now.

Now, AI is losing grip on things and maybe they need change and different image. COOK winning would certainly boost AI image. Plus, I do not have doubt in him succeeding. Thus, the first male idol to be really successful.

1st round:

Cookie was pretty freakin’ good, and for me to admit that is huge because I can’t stand anyone covering U2. Good job DC!

Archie was boring as usual. Par for the course, and the judges are full of crap. I seriously wonder if it sounds that different in the studio?

2nd round:

Cookie *phew* was not as bad as I was expecting. I still didn’t really like it (but that was because of the song itself, not his performance), but it was upbeat and dare I say… fun? I’m actually ok with that! I would have really liked it had I not been exposed to the original. The judges are all over the place tonight… I’m so confused by them

Archie sang his song really well, but it was so boring. Sounded like a song from some Disney movie or something. Simon was right as far as the song choice was concerned, but not as far as the execution.

3rd:

Cookie’s was very pretty and he sang it extremely well, but that was not an appropriate song choice for the finale. It was too understated and boring. Simon was right that it was a bad choice of song, but wrong that he should have sang Billie Jean or Hello. David’s reply to Simon, that he didn’t want to sing something he had already sang, was right on.

Archie was once again predictable and I don’t think he sang Imagine as well as he did the first time. Again, I think it was a bad song choice for the finale. The judges once again, are deaf. Whether or not you like Cookie or Archie, it was so not as black and white as they said. This will be a close race.

DC deserves it, but I won’t be surprised either way. I’m off to vote.

Many posters are saying thing I noticed about DA being pitchy on the 2nd song. Yet, the 3 stooges who are in the tank all say they loved the performance and Simon says rd 2 goes to DA. A blatant shill job by the judges.

It is reverse psychology people. Just keep voting for DC. Having good luck on 05.

Loved David Cook tonight, he was awesome.

But I have to say that for pure entertainment I got huge laughs watching David A trying to keep his eyes open while singing. That struggle was fun to see. And they were never completely open, just a squint if he managed it.

OMG…

First impressions.

First round: Archie!

Second round: Cookie! He made the terrible song somewhat fun. Kudos. Archie was all kinds of pitchy.

Third round: Cookie! I am not a fan of Collective Soul, but that was beautiful. Archie… not as good as the first time he did it and I wasn’t a fan then. I don’t like runs and riffs on that song. He doesn’t understand the song. Sigh.

I’m pretty shocked at the bus they tossed towards Cookie tonight.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“But if anything, this should put to rest a lot of TCO talk. Wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t everyone convinced yesterday that Cook was pre-chosen? I guess not anymore. LOL. Maybe the judges just say what they think, after all?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Took the words right out of my mouth Tinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Couldn’t disagree more. Cookie served them a purpose and then they chewed him up and spat him out. Obviously, his performances had nothing to do with Simon’s comments. They got their David vs David finale. David A’s popularity is slipping so they had give little D a slamdunk in hopes that he will win. Gah.

archie just turned RED on Dial Idol!

03 is open alot . but for the 1st 10 mins i got like 2 votes lol

Everyone cracks me up. Opinions go in so many different directions. Either all DA or DC. I think that DA will win in the end because in the long run, DC wanted to go on his own. It will work so much better for him in the long run.

DA was awesoome and unfortunately DC was okay.

Cook was definitely the chosen one going into the finale. And Cook was good tonight.

However Archie was completely on fire tonight (not literally, stop that). He beat Cook hands down.

If it was just tonight, it would be a complete slam dunk for Archie. However, Cook’s got an army, so we will see how this turns out.

David Cook stayed true to his artistic identity, and he rocks!!!
David Archuleta stayed safe and went to his ballads sappy route, as that was the route they gave to him, seriously I think he doesn’t want this route, if you watch his audition, he like more uptempo songs, he got molded into this Clay Aiken balladeer role, and it made him boring.

Raise your hand if you think they just threw COOK…..UNDER the BUS!!! I haven’t read the rest of the comments, so I apologize if someone else has already said this. I suspect they have!

Thanks for the update, Sally. My DI is still showing Jordin beating Blake.

archie just turned RED on Dial Idol!

Keep voting for David Cook!!! We the people will not be denied!! AI does not control us!! That was the most blatant shill job I have ever seen for a AI contestant. It made me sick.

Wow, I couldn’t believe the over praising of Archie. Either Simon’s trying reverse psychology or he’s afraid of PapaArchie being so close to him in the audience. I usually only vote until I get through once, maybe twice. But tonight I voted until I got through 10 times. DCFTW!

i cant get on DI it wont load….ARGGG

If DialIdol doesn’t have Archie ahead after tonight, DC will win. His fan base is just bigger. Too bad kid, you had an incredible night. If you lose, it’ll be the third year in a row the best singer has lost IMHO. But you’ve joined Elliott, and Daughtry in my favorite losers ever. And they’re doing fine. Join the club, Archie. You’ll be fine.

The judges comments tonight made me want to barf. I was expecting Randy to drop to his knees and kiss pageant boys feet. They were brutal to Cook who showed versatility and he was great. Diva , on the other hand – all ballads – all sound the same – all boring. It was shameful what they did to Cook tonight but should we expect anything else ? David Cook will sell cd’s for a long time , Botboy will end up like so many other kids in the entertainment industry ( ala. Spears , Lohan etc. etc.) His dads eyes see nothing but dollar signs.

What I don’t understand is why the judges seemed to be favoring Archie and tossing DC off the subway platform (because that’s what they did). Cook is so much more marketable and is set up to challenge Daughtry after Idol. I even like DC and didn’t care for Daughtry much at all. So what’s the rationale? Archie will have Jordin-esque sales… not horrible, but certainly not multi-platinum. I don’t get it.

I’m just wondering how long Archie fans would be willing to buy nothing but a CD with ballads? Maybe the older ones, but, the younger set? I don’t think so.

What I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand is why the judges seemed to be favoring Archie and tossing DC off the subway platform (because thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what they did). Cook is so much more marketable and is set up to challenge Daughtry after Idol. I even like DC and didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for Daughtry much at all. So whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the rationale? Archie will have Jordin-esque salesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ not horrible, but certainly not multi-platinum. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it.

maybe they know Achuleta NEEDS to win in order to sell some records. His career is down the toilet if he loses. Cook on the other hand will have success no matter the result so they want to cash in on both and they can only do that if Archuleta wins.

David Cook did three songs in three different styles, two of the songs had his own guitar accompanyment. He showed more skill by a mile than Archie who sanfg three safe sappy songs. The middle one was a disaster tonally and his Imagine was not nearly as good as his firt effort on it.

I was shocked by the judges and I don’t shock easily. this should make even Kirsten break down and vote for Cook.

an hour and 20 mins in, my thumb is already blistering, and i’ve only gotten thru once! i guess thats a good thing tho!

again about simon.. i think he REALLY wanted cookie to win, and cookie let him down, therefore he said, u know what screw it then, archie has a “knockout.”

waaahh, i love dc (have since day ONE) and am sad the judges didnt give him more props.. paula was actually the only one that seem to have given him any kudos at all.

wonder tho, if cookie DOES win, will all archie fans be screaming “foul” tomorrow nite b/c of the pimpage from the judges.. correct me if i’m wrong, but on any prior season, when simon says, in so many words, you’ve won.. havent they? (ruben, fantasia, carrie???)

Well I have been voting for 1 hr and 15 minutes for DC and STILL not able to get through. I am a JC fan now voting for DC. I am extremely pi$$ed at this show and their manipulations. shenanigans. I like DC for versatility and uniqueness. DA is a mini robot. And those who I think DC didn’t give his all, how do you know that? Just saying

Cook’s phone lines are f’ed up. I keep getting “All circuits are busy.” Could they really be that busy on all three lines?

Remember guys, dialidol doesn’t count text messaging or am I incorrect. If they don’t DC will be in trouble as alot of younger people text dial. I will be texting at least 400 times.

It’s a win/win for them if Archie takes the title,and, Cook is the runnerup. They get 2 for the price of one. That isn’t too hard to figure out, is it?

Definitely having good luck with 05 now. Getting through is easier as the night wears on.

im still getting alot of votes in on 03, im really surprised. I thought it would be harder

Thanks, cricket. I agree. David Cook was in this to do what he wants to do, which is share his music and do it for a living. And that included LEARNING something along the way, for him. It was another singing contest/talent show for Archie. Cook is the most original, truest, talented, gifted, real-life guy I’ve seen on Idol. Or anywhere really. I’ve seen a lot of bands & singers, in a lot of different venues & situations. I’ll buy his albums and I’ll go see him live because he connects. Love Mr. Cook. Voting some more……

I’m in Northern VA, and have been working 03, getting in perhaps once in every 10 calls…. for Cook, of course.

I’m pissed off and I’m voting.

I’m getting through WAY too much on line 03. Keep voting people.

Also, whoever is posting the Dial Idol numbers…please keep it up. I can’t get that site to load to save my life, and it’s driving me nuts.

Current DialIdol busy percentages on lines:

DC#1 – 57.4
DC#3 – 56.8
DC#2 – 54.9
DA#1 – 51.4
DA#3 – 50.6
DA#2 – 47.5

Goodness . . . after what everyone was saying about DC getting thrown under the bus I was expecting it to happen! It didn’t . . . Randy and Paula loved him, Simon liked him too . . . just not the song . . .

I actually really liked DC’s 2nd song . . . but I have to agree with Simon that DA’s was more “I just won” worthy . . . the song itself, not necessarily the performance of it . . .

I completely got chills DA’s 1st and 3rd! Wow!

My report: DA won the night . . .

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think David Cook ever liked the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“competitionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  aspect of the entire show. And when it all came down to it, with the boxing reference and all, between he and a 17 year old boy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he had it in him to take him out. Simon was disappointed that he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t come out swinging, with Billy Jean in the end, but DC wanted to show a progression à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  his own progression. I loved his third song. He doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have that killer attitude, does he? This is music, this is what he loves à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  not to take out some boy. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s more important things in his life right now à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and, well, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just too kind.

I’d agree with that sentiment. I believe that David Cook does want to win but I also think a huge aspect for him is the opportunity that being on Idol affords. He’s mentioned on several occasions that Idol is an opportunity and so he’s grasped it with both hands and gone out and shown the world and music industry who he is and what he can do in the hopes of furthering the career he so desires. He wasn’t in it to “take anyone down,” just do the best for himself right up to and including the finale – if he wins it will be his bonus.

The coin toss matters. DC did a fine job on all 3 of his songs but DA getting to go 2nd and nailing his songs didn’t help. He got bigger comments and longer interaction with the judges each time. I wonder if the positions were reversed if DA’s comments would have been so gushy. ‘Cause really, DC did do a great job and his comments reflected that.

Well, that was interesting. Actually, I’m kind of impressed with the way Archie came out swinging tonight. He was playing to win – which gives me hope that the kid has more backbone than I originally gave him credit for. (Or his dad was stage left with a cattle prod).

That said – I’m in complete disagreement with the stooges. I think Cookie won the night (and that’s the way I’m voting).

The coronation songs were both heinous. But I thought that both of them did the best they could with the drek. Cookie rocked that shitty song out.

I really thought Archie did a good job with DLTSGDM – but I think it’s a tough choice – because we’ve seen it done well on this very stage before.

I thought Cook’s first song was really good, and his third song was quite beautiful. It may not have been the overt kind of oversinging the judges tend to favor, but to me it was really lovely.

I’m not a fan of Imagine, or Archie’s run-a-plenty take on it. But, clearly the kid’s got talent.

I was disappointed in the excessive gushing about Archie tonight, not because he didn’t do well, but because it was completely disingenuous. The judges gave the impression that somehow Archie was miles better than Cookie – and I completely disagree with that. I saw this as a pretty damn close race tonight. For me, Cookie edged his way to the front.

I’m just a huge fan of what David Cook can do with even the crappiest songs, and I’d really love to see him win. That said, if he doesn’t, I’m not even going to blame it on the bus tonight. While I think the bus driving over Cook was a big one, I still have to give Archie credit for doing his best and leaving it all out on the stage tonight.

Even if the cooktards lose tonight at the ballot box, surely we’ll win at the cd store

Ruben Rules! Randy Sucks! Clive is an irrelevant fossil!

For all those wondering what’s up with the pimping of David A – Lordy Mercy they have been pimping him all season!! Why stop now.

Archie easily won the night, I think this was overall his best week of the whole competition (talk about picking the right time to peak). However, I think Cook easily wins on an overall week to week basis, so for that reason my votes will be going to him. I definitely think this is gonna be the closest its ever been in votes, and I will not at all be surprised regardless of which one wins. Will be interesting to see the results tomorrow, which is way more than I can say for any of the four seasons prior to this I’ve watched (I knew Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor, and Jordin had it in the bag by the time the finale came.)

I’m afraid for David A., his voice went out when he was talking. And he acts like he’s a nervous wreck or just damn tired.

If nothing else, David Archuleta has made this very interesting. So I gotta give him some credit. he really upped his game tonight. This is going to be one of the closest votes ever.

Both Davids were terrific in the first round. If Archie won, it wasn’t my much.

However Archie’s coronation song was clearly the better of the two in the second round. It sounded like a coronation song, and he sang it very well.

I really liked ‘The World I Know’ because it was new, different and progressive. ‘Billie Jean’ or ‘Hello’ would have just been a repeat of flashbulbs going off around DavidC’s head, an image of which I had grown tired.
Archie’s ‘Imagine’ was just more of the same only worse. Don’t agree that lyrics should be manipulated to change the intent of the song writer.
So DavidC won round three, but Archie won the night(it was hardly a knocklout).

Based on the track record over the season, DavidC should win. But, Syesha picked most of her support from casual viewers, and based upon the judges’ over the top reaction to Archie tonight, he is going to get a majority of votes from those driveby voters.

So it is a toss up which really sets up huge ratings for tomorrow’s finale.
I’m loathe to say it but good work by TPTB.

I’m sorry, I know I’m biased, but I’ve listened to all the songs again, and I think “The World I Know” is one of the most underrated songs I’ve heard on this show….I just still can’t get over Simon. Ughhhh!

“The judges comments tonight made me want to barf.”

me too. I will be voting for Cook until my fingers fall off. Not going to let those judges get away with manupilating the process.

dial idol:

Cook 53.54
Archuleta: 46.88

My Jason Castro GoPhone is coming out of retirement. I have one more week of unlimited text messages and now they all belong to Cookie. That’s one way to get around the busy signals.

Another is to vote with a cell phone in the other hand. I rarely get busy signals with my cell.

I’m dedicating every vote to Adam Cook and Luke Menard. I may be falling for Simon’s manipulations but, hey, this is my now. Dream big, Cooktards!

Well I’m not a young ‘un and I’m voting for COOK. I added a txt plan to my mbl just for this! After I spent about $40 texting a week or so ago… Keep voting! Yes, texting is a good way to go.

I was thinking reverse psychology too for Simon because he has said all week that he wants David Cook to win.

Yes but he said that about Daughtry too and look where that got him.

Maura Johnston’s live blogging of the finale is hilarious. My favorite line is her description of Archie’s coronation song: “This song sounds like “Don’t Cry Out Loud” neutered by a grape-juice-and-communion-wafers hangover.”

panz
May 20th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Thanks for the update, Sally. My DI is still showing Jordin beating Blake.

panz, up at the top to DialIdol, there is a “Season” button.
Use the scroll bar to find “Season 7.”

whether you think that Archie always sings “boring” and “sappy” ballads or not, American Idol is in the end a SINGING competition. NOT a be musically diverse competition. DAVID ARCHULETA HANDS DOWN WAS THE BETTER VOCALIST TONIGHT. DAFTMFW!!!!

No one has answered, is dialidol counting text messaging. Also, they haven’t counted the west coast. What is up with that?

Guys, DC has a chance. Please don’t think he doesn’t, and please don’t give up on him. I’m voting as hard as I can, because dammit, he was so much better than Arch all season, I’m pissed off as all hell at the bus throwing tonight. It was ridiculous.
I’m hoping for a miracle, and I’m hoping the Cooktards make that miracle happen. If DI is to be believed – It’s entirely possible for DC to win it all yet.

Am I the only one who actually kind of liked David Cook’s “Dream Big” song? I thought, while not perfect, it was a fair amount less cheesy than “In This Moment” or “A Moment like this” or “This is my now.” anyone? anyone?

I doubt DialIdol will mean much tonight because of the text voting.

Screw you AI. First what they did to Michael now this? I feel like I got sideswiped and kicked in the stomach.

Can someone give a DI update? It won’t work for me.

Didn’t DC even say tonight that in his opinion the competition was over and tonight was just for fun (or something along those lines?). I think with Simon’s coming out and pimping him the last few days and the whole weird boxing theme going on, DC winning makes him almost look like a bully (this of course is not stopping me from voting, lol).

If I have to be inundated with DA’s syrupy coronation song being played out on the airwaves, I’m going to stalk Randy and Simon and beat them with a stick.

All this being said, I have to admit the way the judges throw contestants under the bus is painful to watch. I saw it with Jason, Syesha and now David C. Win or lose, I think they should leave the contestants (and their fans, who are supposed to be the ones purchasing their CDs last time I checked) to their fate. You’re only there to judge their individual performance, its not necessary to riddle them with potshots throughout. The “what were you thinking?”, “crushing the competition”, “not good enough to get you through to the finals”, and “knockout” comments – which provide no useful feedback for the performers – should be kept to a minimum.

Thanks, NOLA. All the usual buttons on DI aren’t there tonight. Now, I can’t even get to DI.

Oh well, this reminds me of the old days, when I had no idea how things were going.

Folks it doesn’t matter what we think, David A has won it….Clive likes him…he’s young and he’s got the girl teens….But don’t you wonder about maybe he will crack his voice wide open….can he handle the pressure?

My Jason Castro GoPhone is coming out of retirement. I have one more week of unlimited text messages and now they all belong to Cookie. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one way to get around the busy signals.

Another is to vote with a cell phone in the other hand. I rarely get busy signals with my cell.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m dedicating every vote to Adam Cook and Luke Menard. I may be falling for Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s manipulations but, hey, this is my now. Dream big, Cooktards!

Yay, Terrie! I’m voting for Cookie because he deserves the win over Archie. I’m also voting for everyone else who has been tossed under the bus, especially the ones who have shown some originality and creativity!

ETA: And when Josiah outsells Archuletta, I’m going to throw a party. No ill will towards Archie, just TPTB.

DI update:

DC–52.12
DA–44.76

No one has answered, is dialidol counting text messaging. Also, they havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t counted the west coast. What is up with that?

DialIdol does not count text messages.

DI counts the west coast as they start voting. Patience!

No one has answered, is dialidol counting text messaging. Also, they havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t counted the west coast. What is up with that?

The answer is no.

Rebecamia May 20th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Can someone give a DI update? It wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work for me.

cook: 52.12
Archuleta: 44.76

Dialidol results:
David Cook 1
52.85
– -

David Archuleta 2
– -
45.83

DI results just given.

Just heard the second songs sung tonight.
Can’t really believe all the DA pimping either.
I loved DC’s second song. DA’s had good energy, but not the best notes.

Back to the show…………..

“Chicago-sally
May 20th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Folks it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter what we think, David A has won ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Clive likes himà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s young and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got the girl teensà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.But donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you wonder about maybe he will crack his voice wide openà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.can he handle the pressure?”

Can he handle the pressure??- When you dominate a Finale like he just did in frot of millions of people…I think he can handle the pressure sally…

correct me if ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wrong, but on any prior season, when simon says, in so many words, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve won.. havent they? (ruben, fantasia, carrie???)

If I remember correctly, in season 2, after Clay cheesed out Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon declared that he probably just won with that performance. The reason I remember that is b/c I was a big Ruben fan, and therefore disappointed.

Anyway, I don’t guess anyone’s still crying shenanigans with Simon like they were this morning. Way to totally toss Cook under the bus, AI. Ugh!

I hope it all blows up in their face. Randy nauseates me with his ridiculous, over the top praise fest of Archie.

Don’t blame DA for Randy’s gushing.

OOPS

Folks it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter what we think, David A has won it

He has not won it untill the confetti falls on his head! VOTE for Cook! He has done so much this season to deserve this win!!!
I can’t believe Simon threw him under the bus like that. I’m still shocked.
The only thing that would make this right is him winning. Against all odds – DCFTMFW!!! Dammit!!!

I still say kids don’t have the lockdown on texting ability. Those with greater years have greater funding. heh.

Folks it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter what we think, David A has won ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.Clive likes himà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

well, I think it does matter what we think – if we’re voting right now. And, at this point, even if AI trots out Clive to boost his ego, that fossil is nearly powerless at the record company these days. So, who he likes isn’t an issue in my opinion.

“I doubt DialIdol will mean much tonight because of the text voting.”

Don’t people text every week? Dial Idol is not 100% accurate, but its close!

Kids are given text messaging all the time. Especially in CA etc.

Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t blame DA for Randyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gushing.

I hold no ill will toward Archie whatsoever. My Randy hate existed long before he came along.

Simon NEVER told Clay he won. He may have said he won that round. He was never in Clay’s camp. I have that entire season on tape.

2 hours in.. have gotten thru 3 times so far. will continue to vote the full four hours! will look and feel like shit in the morning for work, but its the price to pay for having the best of the season win…

about the finale tho, am i the ONLY one who thought the boxing thing was cute? i liked when they came out w/ the gloves and the “david babyface archuleta” weighing 100lbs soaking wet was hillarious! oh well….

i feel good about cookie being ahead w/ the phone percentage, but the texting part makes me all kinds of nervous!

keep voting.. next stop: cooktardistan!!

Hi, I’m new here. But has anyone considered that we might have been duped by Simon saying he was for Cook? They originally wanted Archie, and maybe they did all along? The push for Cook might have been to make Archie the underdog going into tonight so he would get more votes. How else can you explain Simon’s turnaround? I know Archie gave his best performance tonight. But what about Cook for originality? For not playing it safe. Nothing was said about that and if Simon had really been behind him wouldn’t he have mentioned it?
Just my thoughts. Any comments?

Back to dialing for DC!

Question:
Why don’t we get to hear Cook’s voice thanking us for voting, like we have in previous seasons on finale night?

And when Josiah outsells Archuletta, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to throw a party. No ill will towards Archie, just TPTB.

PJ, can I get on the guest list? I’ll bring dessert.

we old folks can text too and have more phones and money to do so than the young whippersnappers.

Folks it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t matter what we think, David A has won it.

Isn’t that what President Thomas Dewey said in 1948?

Cookie fans, don’t get discouraged. He’s been ahead on Dial Idol all night and is widening his lead.

This made me feel better:

http://theresmyidol.com/ithoughtsbackup/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1316&Itemid=848

Idol Thoughts — and she gets Cook. Progression, not competition. Artistry and connection to the listener over pushing the right buttons, or checking off all the right boxes….

I love Cook. He’s the real deal.

DCFTMFW, tonight and always.

i’m hoping the archie fans will be getting tucked into bed soon. hee.

So…I guess this is what Simon meant by “a humdinger”. I am not amused. AT ALL.

I am NOT and have never been a David A fan but I was SOOOO impressed with him tonight. I KNEW David C should have sang one of his songs from before. He was tired , not all there vocally tonight at all. But I still like David C better from past performances. But my son gets to vote for David A tonight – I will throw some in for David C when I can yank it from his hands. My son is 11 and his bedtime is 9:30 so he has until then at least to vote for David A then I will for Cook till 10

ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hoping the archie fans will be getting tucked into bed soon. hee.

Don’t they roll up the sidewalks in Utah around 9:00pm?

lastminute, I agree completely. I was wondering just that as I watched the show.

Simon NEVER told Clay he won. He may have said he won that round. He was never in Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s camp. I have that entire season on tape.

He told him at the end of Bridge over Troubled Water that he thinks that just won him the competition.

Uh oh, on my local news station, they just reported listeners calling in complaining there is something wrong with the phone lines for David Cook. I’m in the central Ohio area.

Maura Johnstonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s live blogging of the finale is hilarious.

Beesims, thanks for the tip. Maura is too funny. Where else can you read an American Idol play-by-play with references to Mike Watt and Iggy and the Stooges?

AI just started here on the west coast. Was darling Jason yawning again? Heh.

I got distracted by DWTS there for awhile but I am back to voting again. Still breezing through on 05. I’ve had one or two “dead air” moments on 05 but no other problems.

I think Simon said that Clay might’ve won the competition .

Uh oh, on my local news station, they just reported listeners calling in complaining there is something wrong with the phone lines for David Cook. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m in the central Ohio area.

I call shenanigans!

the dial idol margin keeps getting wider:

almost 9 points now

Cook: 50.39
Archuleta: 41.43

Cook’s fans are probably jamming the lines.

Dial Idol is down.

Duke,
I don’t believe for a second that he dominated tonight. I think the judges gave it to him on a platter. Did he really dominate-didn’t sound that way at my house. I think cookie was better in round 2 and 3. I saw no domination and this is being completely honest. My son who doesn’t watch the show didn’t see archie being dominate either. I guess sometimes we see with our hearts but who knows.

The boxing bits were cheesy. We actually didn’t hear any singing until 14 minutes into the stupid show.

Cook was phenomonal tonight. I loved his AI cheesy song and his other two performances. He proved once again that he can sing anything and, out of all of the kids this year, I will buy anything he puts out.

And the kid stepped it up tonight – who would have guessed that? In my world of AI conspriracy theories, was this the game plan all along for little David as instructed by Evil pappa? After a couple of break out performances (Shop Around and Imagine) to develop a strong fan base, did he coast for a while? Did he hold back until he needed to pull out the big guns again, like during the final two? Because he was a different kid tonight and pretty impressive. I’m not one of his fans, but you got to give credit where credit is due, even though I still would not buy his CD. Maybe I’m just being silly!

The kid had the edge tonight, I hate to admit because I would really like to see Cook win. I don’t think it was Cook’s singing or performances that were overshadowed by little David, I think it was the shock of little David stepping it up instead of caving into the pressure, which I myself expected him to do. He was the same goofball when he was talking, but, tonight, he sang every note in every song with confidence and passion.

But………I still think this is a very close contest and it’s still anyone’s game. Cook could most certainly win the whole thing. He’s been consistent throughout the entire competition while staying true to himself. I guess some people will vote based just on tonight’s performances, but I think most have decided who their favorite is and who they want to win, so don’t count Cook out!!

I’m holding my breath and hoping all the little text messengers of the world are in bed.

And I think a slew of college kids, a nice big generation of text messengers, would vote David Cook over Archie….at least I would if I were still in college.

I don’t text. Hate the contraption. Phone’s are to talk on, but regardless, I’m betting a slew of text messages Cookie’s way once the fangirlies go to bed for Archie.

Thank goodness for bedtimes.

I was very pleased with David Cà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performances. What a delight to have a Cornation song that rocks. I also thought Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s last song was outstanding. How brave to not go with the safe choices. I also appreciated his emotionalism with that last song. He was much better than what Simon gave him credit for.

With the build up that Simon gave to David A. everyone will be shocked if he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t win. This young man has a beautiful voice, but I was disappointed that he stuck with three ballads. Is it possible that his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was not as good as the first time? Did anyone notice that he seem to be hyperventilating after his second song. Poor kid was indeed nervous. I hope he will have some training for interviewing.

I think it is a 50/50 chance for either one to win! Personally, I think David Cook can handle the pressure better and his music is more marketable. David A. will have a career that will go beyond making a CD. It was a GOOD show tonight.

Sorry, I’m not going to be told who I should like or have somebody jammed down my throat.

DC is almost 10 points ahead on DialIdol.

Keep voting!!!!!

Keep voting!!!!!!

Keep voting!!!!!

wow cook is way ahead on dialidol. wow.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe for a second that (DA) dominated tonight

He pretty much dominated my gag reflex.

Last week, DC had a 10 pt lead over DA on Dial Idol, and he barely edged him out, according to Zabasearch. This week is about the same. We’ll see….

One of the wonders of the world for me is the love for DA!!!! I just don’t “feel” him. I especially didn’t get all the love for DLTSGDOM – heck, Bo’s version was better!!!!!!

I’m breaking my voting silence this season tonight for Cookie!!!

My brother doesn’t even watch this show. Watched tonight because of me. Didn’t agree with the judges at all. In fact, the pimping was so blatantly one way that it made him want to vote for Cook. Can’t say that I stopped him.

Bottom line, I think Cook sang brilliantly. The last song will go down to me as one of the most underrated performances in the history of the show. I really felt his pain through that song. I don’t think he threw the competition at all. I just think that he was aiming for something else, something different, and Idol doesn’t necessarily reward that. The way Cook went into that chorus on “The World I Know”…that was the stuff moments are made of. Nothing big. Nothing fancy. Just a good song with a good voice singing it.

But to be perfectly honest, hearing about Luke Menard today and knowing Adam Cook was in the audience is just a perfect reminder of what David Cook has been saying all along: that American Idol is just a television show. I’m sure to him, there is just so much more than winning the show. Regardless of what the judges said, to have that moment in front of his brother, to me, is worth more than a simple title.

its 11:11 everyone, make a wish!!
DCFTMFW!!!

I am so happy to see the voters are ignoring that over the top shill job by the judges! Keep voting for David Cook!!!!!!!!!

you know Holly i kept waiting for simon to bring up his treacly (sp?) ballad remark and when he didn’t, i was stupified. When a contestant goes the unsafe route and does a song not done before-i think they deserve some credit for that. when a retread is done-i think it should be pointed out that no guts were involved there. cookie could have played it safe but didn’t. He did clives song which was a way harder song to sing than the one give to archie. He rocked the second song and it was likeable. He totally changed direction for the third song. Archies songs-all.the.same and not a word about it. Manipulation galore.

Gwen, Zabasearch is phony.

And, I agree, Bo’s version of DLTSGDOM, was superior, mainly because of the deep, rich, texture of Bo’s voice. But, Archie did a good job with it.

Zabasearch just called it for David Archuleta. They’ve never been wrong at this point. They called it similarly early for Jordin Sparks last season.

St. Lucia,
i bet the little texters will be hiding under the covers with flashlites. they are tenacious.

The newscasters on the Fox station I get here came on afterwards and said Cook came out like a seasoned professional giving a concert rather than treating it like a competition, and because of this, apparently Archie should win.

So we take from this the lesson that a seasoned, artistic professional should automatically take second place to a pageant singer who lacks originality but hits all the glory notes and runs on cue? Sorry, just no.

If David Cook played safe, he would have done a cheesy ballad and showed the whole world that he is at least as good as Archuleta vocally (we have seen it in “Music of the Night” and “First time I ever saw your face”). But he chose to be himself (as a rocker) and poured his heart out in his final song (this was why he had tears in his eyes). It takes A LOT OF GUTS to do that. With a crown and a contract before you, an ordinary person would be tempted and play safe (like DA when he chose to sing “Imagine” again (duh)).
This is actually what we love about David Cook. So, David Cook is still the winner to me no matter whether he wins or not. And I am definitely buying his albums.

I just watched the videos. The World I Know was brilliant. All 3 of Cook’s songs were REAL. He left himself on that stage. Archie left his oh-so-trained voice, with it’s classroom practiced songs & runs in the air. Yeah, it’s a singing contest. But the PRIZE is a recording contract, to make & sell albums & I hope tour & do live shows to support said albums. I suppose it’s just me, but I just do not connect with David A. Cook rips me up, makes me smile, makes me THINK, breaks my heart, & puts everything back together again.

dulce,
goodness, your post is making me tear up.

Zabasearch has been wrong most of the season. they predicted Syesha’s outster every darn week.

If people dont want American Idol to lose all of its credibility as a SINGING COMPETITION where people are judged on SINGING ability, then they would pray to God that Archie wins.

I hope for Cook’s sake that he doesnt win because of the backlash that will follow. I like em both, but I pray, SIMPILY FOR THE STAKE OF THE DECLINING AMERICAN IDOL, that DA wins because he deserves it.

So what do you love more, Idol or Cook?

“And I think a slew of college kids, a nice big generation of text messengers, would vote David Cook over Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.at least I would if I were still in college.”

im in college- and im voting for Archie…as are about 10 other people in college i know…there goes that theory

YEAH, votedc! I wish I’d said that….

Gary,
i think at this point, if cookie did win the votes, they would still give archie the win because it would be such a huge embarassment to pimp someone so unjustly and have the other guy win. This was the worst night i ever witnessed from the judges. something fair and impartial would have been nice.

sumidol May 20th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I am NOT and have never been a David A fan but I was SOOOO impressed with him tonight. I KNEW David C should have sang one of his songs from before. He was tired , not all there vocally tonight at all.

I agree. David SHOULD have done Billie Jean or Hello. His song choices didn’t have enough of a competitive drive. Too bad someone didn’t tell him how Kat re-sang Rainbow after just having done it recently. Cookie should have finished with a bang. I liked the song he did. It was real pretty, but…

how can zabasearch call it when voting is not over? Voting just started on the west coast

I think there are more important things than who wins AI. And, I personally, don’t care about their credibility. There’s much more to winning than singing. They have to do concerts, interviews, endorsements, etc. This is where Cook has the advantage.

But, back to my grassy knoll to watch the proceedings as they unfold.

And, to answer the above question, I love David Cook more than Idol, and, I’m not voting.

I’m in college too and my whole floor is voting Cook. David A always sounds tongue tied to me. Best vocalist is a VERY subjective title.

gotten thru about 4 times now…
i dunno u guys, i mean is it really OUR decision to make? sometimes i wonder.
s2 finale, i voted for clay til the lines went dead and he still didnt win. yes, i am only one person, but that season rubbed me wrong (not that i disliked ruben).
also s4 (and i LOVE carrie) but i voted for bo and look what happened there.
just seems like everytime the judges pretty much come out and say “you’ve won,” they indeed have…
::sigh::
still voting tho!
DCFTMFW!!!

duke
if this were only a singing competition Elliott would have won as would have Melinda. takes more than the ability to sing.

Yea, don’t rely on zabasearch, they were pretty unreliable this whole season. I would go with dialidol before them.

After this season, I love David Cook way more than Idol! I could live without Idol ever again. I will not live without David Cook and his music. The World I Know was incredible. David A. played it safe. Cook was doing something else entirely. AND…he can SING.

I thought they were both great tonight, but I was pleasantly surprised by Archie. I think he had his best night of the season.

I always thought the U2 song was going to be a big ask, just because it’s difficult to personalise. I thought DC was great but not as good as DA tonight.

However, I have no problem if he is crowned tomorrow night, as I think he has had an outstanding season.

Personally, I don’t think Simon threw him under a bus. I think he still prefers DC, but that Archie surprised him tonight and he would rather have seen DC reprise a song. Right or wrong, that was his opinion. He couldn’t have made it clearer how much he likes and respects DC as a contestant.

Sally, I’ve heard that zabasearch goes back after the AI results are announced and changes its numbers then. They are basing it on searches, not on votes. As you point out, West Coast is just starting and, here in the Midwest, we’ve got 100 minutes left.

If people dont want American Idol to lose all of its credibility as a SINGING COMPETITION where people are judged on SINGING ability, then they would pray to God that Archie wins.

I feel exactly the opposite. Idol needs to crown a winner who can sell records and become a major recording artist. It’s the ‘search for a superstar’. Considering that DC outsold Archie on iTunes at every turn, including having FOUR number ones on the iTunes top 100, I’d say he’s the superstar they are looking for.

Can someone give me the number to text VOTE to for DC?

I’d love to believe zabbasearch and not dialidol but the West Coast voting hasn’t even begun.

Sorry guys, but the best singer should always win. If they don’t, winning turns into a joke. Cook is a good singer though but I see Archie as a young Josh Groban. He’s that good.

kiwi,
is this the same simon that called cookie smug and arrogant? Simon was never on his side. I couldn’t believe when he said tonight what a great guy cookie is because he never said that before. called him smug.

So what do you love more, Idol or Cook?

I love Jason more – but I will vote for Cook tonight (as I listen to Jason)

But, when Simon tells a contestant, you’re really a nice guy, etc., you’re toast. He said it to Bo. But, we might be surprised.

on a somewhat O/T (sorry), but geez, the winner is supposed to be on leno thursday nite. guess if archie wins, i can finally get to bed on time!
and also, the tour coming up! archie will sing last and i’ll have to sit thru 5 or 6 one trick pony ballads until i can get to the good group sing.
oh well, good time to go pee i guess. =)

Zabasearch is always wrong! They change their predictions after the fact.
Just KEEP voting.
We can do this. DC deserves to win. This season will be a complete wash if Arch wins this.
I’m sick to my stomach. Voting helps.

dulce – my family are exactly the same. Never watch Idol, but I persuaded them tonight. I was delighted when they called afterwards not only to say they’d watched, but commented on how fabulous Cook was and what on earth was wrong with the judges.

Current DialIdol:
DC – 49
DA – 39

Best vocalist IS subjective. For me, Cook wins that part of the competition hands down as well. He proved he can sing anything in ALW week. I can absolutely appreciate though why Archie’s voice appeals to others.

OK thanks for the info on zabasearch being wrong. I knew something was not right unless the thing was rigged

But what if you don’t think Josh Groban is good, LOL

Dialidol.com update
DC 48.81
DA 38.68

Keeping sending Cookie your lovin’ votes!
Did anyone get the touching comment Paula made to DC about living in the truth? I heard it and cheered, but can’t remember it exactly.

If you remember, Please LMK.
It was beautiful!

Groban may not be your thing but I can’t see voting for the winner of Idol based on who’ll do a better job on interviews and endorsing products.

AInoob- text VOTE to 5702

I have a feeling that Simon was right in his assessment that Cookie made a fatal mistake by singing a new, and not particularly memorable song for his personal choice rather than reprise one of his standout past performances. Still It galls me that Archie’s interpretation of “Imagine” is looked upon with such reverence. First he edits the verses to find the one least offensive to the religious right and then he tarts up the chorus with all sorts of runs and oversinging. The lyrics of “Imagine” are so powerful in their simplicity that the song demands to be song with understatement and the most simple arrangement.

I am voting off and on for Cook but I won’t be destroyed if Archie wins it all. I don’t think Cook is fated to be the next Kat McPhee, Justin Guarini or Blake Lewis. He’s too smart and too talented to become this season’s joke.

At the rehearsal and taping, the audience was probably 50-50 on who their favorite was– maybe a few more Cook fans than Little David fans. But David’s songs got everyone going. Don’t Let The Sun brought the house down. And as the crowd responded to David’s very obvious passion, I could see David feeding off of it. I actually saw him straighten up and step up his performance as he heard how much the crowd loved it.

Both Davids got to pick 2 of their 3 final songs, and those were the second and third performances of the night. So both had an equal playing field. David A. chose a better Idol-esque coronation song and a better final song. David C. erred by not choosing one of the songs his fans loved during the season.

Considering all the pressure he was under, I think David A. picked great songs and delivered them. I told MJ that my impression of David A. at rehearsal was that he was in it to win it, and that David C. held back a little.

It’s a shame either has to lose. I’ll bet DC’s fans are voting like crazy for him right now.

By the way, DA messed up Imagine in rehearsal and was quite rattled by it. The clip at the end was from rehearsal; there is a very noticeable bad note. Pretty good comeback from that.

By the way, I sat next to David’s dad during the show. Winters in Alaska exude more warmth. Sorry, but he was a cranky old man (with a trophy wife).

The local fox news talked to Paula, who was marveling that Cook was the first finalist EVER to sing three new songs.

I’m not – I am voting because I think Cook was phenomenal. Is that an acceptable reason?

Is the West coast actually starting yet? I was under the impression that they were 3 hours behind me…if so, they won’t start voting for another 1/2 hour or so. Am I wrong? Believe me, it wouldn’t be the first time! :biggrin_wp:

Paula redeemed herself tonight in my eyes with her comments towards Cook. I know she always gushes about people, but given the context during which she said it as Simon and Randy were throwing him under the bus, she did good.

Fez (70′s show) is singing Don’t Worry Be Happy – this is better than AI!!!

Sorry, I didn’t mean that comment to you. Just to the people who feel Archie shouldn’t win because he’ll do a bad job on interviews. To me that’s not a good reason. But people vote for all kinds of reasons on Idol and that’s their right. The good news is after the show, the good singers usually prevail.

just curious… do u guys think archie got randy’s head out of his ass b4 bedtime??

Caffiend- I’m super Jealous…thats uber-cool.

i think they will crown DA the winner regardless of votes…truely i do.

Nice try, Duke, but I’m assuming its 5701. LOL, props for the pimpage though.

Wow, so he’s leading by that much on DialIdol? I’m shocked by that.

Since they were so close in votes last week, I just figured those two would be going into tonight about even fanbase-wise and the performances would be what would determine the winner. Archie outperformed Cookie tonight IMO. Not by much, mind you, to me Cookie was really good. But still, Archie won. So I just assumed he’d win, or if Cookie won, it would be in a squeaker.

It will be interesting to see where DI is after the pools close. This is SOOOOO interesting, I must admit.

Cook FTMFW!
East coasters, you’re got an hour and a half left. We can do this!!! Don’t quit on DC please. If someone has family members who can take over the button pushing for a little while, use them. Otherwise, just imagine DC winning… And use some ice for those fingers when the time is up.

Please, we need to get him there. Don’t stop.

They will not risk the credibility of the show by fudging the vote.

Dang. I’ve tried to vote for Cook a few times over the last few hours (pretty apathetically I might add. I thought he got shafted tonight by the judges, but I’ve got no horse in this race really), and I haven’t gotten through one. single. time. The Cook fans are damned determined.

i agree w/ duke.. whoever gets the most pimpage on finale nite will win (sadly not to mention UNFAIRLY!)
regardless, keep voting i shall!!!

Cooktard- real mature…dont be made 17yr old boy whomped up on experienced vet man

Have now watched the videos,,thanks MJ!

I think Simon mentioned “Hello” and “Billie Jean” to remind the audience of past DC performances. Love what DC said to him-a true artist!

i meant mad***…whoops, now i look retarded

KathrynTX – I have to post again tonight to say that I agree with you. This is the first full season of Idol I have watched. I’m not sure I will watch again with the same intensity but I WILL be continuing to follow David Cook.

I agree with everyone who says singing ability is subjective. Archie is probably technically better as he’s had a lot of training but he has a totally different tone and style to Cook. And I’ve said it once tonight but I’ll say it again, DC showcased himself and his artistry throughout the whole competition, not just his singing ability. That is why I give him the edge. The original premise of the Idol concept (I was still living in UK when Pop Idol started) was to find a contemporary recording artist, not the best technical singer. Obviously the winner ought to be able to sing, but the best technical singer is not necessarily the best pick as a contemporary recording artist. IMO DC has that over DA, and that’s why DA doesn’t quite have it in the bag …yet….

Oh, and just to rant on Simon – so you wanted a reprise from DC huh? And what would you have said if it wasn’t quite as good as before? Called him on it, or let it go like you did with Archie who sang Imagine very well but not as good as the first time? I stick by my initial thoughts that reprises are risky in a competition, totally different in a concert situation. I think DC made a smart choice – but as Simon always says, “it’s just an opnion.”

whoever gets the most pimpage on finale nite will win

so we all agree that clay should have won.

duke.. not mad.. just a little disgusted..
i have no prob w/ archie.. i dont even have a problem w/ him winning.
i just felt cookie got majorly disrespected 2nite at every turn.
jmo.

Just read this review on boston.com. She made this point about DC and winning……

Or maybe he didn’t care. He certainly doesn’t need to, and he knows it. Best-case scenario, he’s the next Daughtry (with a better singing voice). Worst-case scenario, he’s singing “Beauty School Dropout” in a Broadway revival of Grease. Either way, he’ll probably never have to put on a pair of fake boxing gloves and a red satin robe again. And if he is, indeed, the mensch of all mensches – which comes across on TV, and which Simon confirmed – then perhaps he sensed that this was more important to David Archuleta, and didn’t try too hard. At any rate, he sang what he wanted to sing. When Paula told him that “you’re standing in your truth,” I’ve got to admit, she had a point.

Something to think about.

http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/blog/2008/05/idol_boxing_ana.html

Duke, please give me a break. We all know what your agenda is. You’re fooling no one.

VOTE DC! VOTE for the musician, the artist, the daring soul who chose to stay true to himself and not backpaddle.
DCFTMFW!!!

judy, let’s not give the victory to Archie just yet, huh? This isn’t over by a long shot.

I just realized that this was my fav top 2 ever…anyone else feel the same way?

ps. I bet MJ is working real hard on her recap which will ever-so-carefully discredit Archie’s performances…

I’m looking for well-rounded artists, so I hope that prevails, despite the pimping tonight. I’m not quite sure TPTB know what they’re doing at this point.

Terrie, you’re first on my guest list.

Sorry MJ…I can’t help it……SHUT -UP DUKE..You are little brat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve been voting for Cook all night on 01. Only one busy signal so far? What’s with that? I’m a bit worried.

Just anybody try to pry my land line or my IPHONE out of my hands.

DCFTW!!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve got an hour and 19 minutes left to vote. What happens if I try to vote past the time limit? Will I get a message?

cook will win

lastminute – I’m on 03 and can’t get anything but a busy signal. So, cheer up!

I have no idea who will win tomorrow.
I loved DC’s last 2 performances, but Archie did will, too. [:

However, zabasearch has already proclaimed a winner and East coast isn’t finished voting and the Westies haven’t started? O_o

duke– i wouldnt say this is my fave final 2. i think i liked clay/ruben better. but regarding the top 12, this has been my 2nd fave season (right under s5).
and would have been my fave top 4 if mj or carly had gotten syesha’s spot (again s5 w/ the top 4).

Four hours of voting tonight so about 1 hr, 20 mins left. West Coast hasn’t started yet, right?

I just realized that this was my fav top 2 everà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦anyone else feel the same way?

ps. I bet MJ is working real hard on her recap which will ever-so-carefully discredit Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performancesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I do love this top 2.

That said, leave MJ alone, because its getting hella annoying. You are baiting dude. I know there are a lot of DC fans here and it pisses you off and all, but stop the madness already.

I now await my smackdown from MJ.

Jolene- Not trying to fool anyone…DA will win. Idol’s rep is at stake.

With the right songwriters/producers, DA can make a killer album. And i think he deff needs it more than Cook to succeed. So, since DC has a career in the bag while DA’s career is questionable, why not crown DA the winner in hopes to have 2 big stars in one season? thats what i think is the best case scenario, and honestly i fear for Idol’s future…no really, im fearful. I like Cook and will buy his album no doubt- i just think if the Idol gods are awake this week, DA will win.

east coasters: how many times have u gotten thru via phone (for either contestant)? almost 2hrs in now, and i’ve only gotten thru 5 times. am hoping that is good news tho!
DCFTMFW!!!

Have to come out of lurking to say that DC’s last song was pure love for me. The emotion he put behind that brought tears to MY eyes. I also really liked his first song, and I’m a huge U2 fan (like lots of others), so he had a tall order. The coronation song is what it is, but I sure liked seeing someone rock one out after watching poor Blake last year hop in the middle of the stage and look lost.

I haven’t voted all season, but have watched most of the performances, and DC had me at “word nerd”. To top that off, he has amazing range and power to his voice, and he’s just so very real. So yeah, he gets my votes.

That being said, if Archie wins, good for him. He deserves it. The kid has a wonderful tone to his voice and he fought hard tonight (still couldn’t see myself actually owning one of his albums). But at the end of the night, it was DC that touched me with his last song and to me, he took the risks tonight.

Sally – where are you? Voting ends at 1:00 a.m. ET

My GoPhone is cookin’ hot (said it on purpose). I’ve been two fisted voting for almost 3 hours. 300 texts and 200 phone. My heart will be broken if DC doesn’t win.

I’m voting for all of the weeks he was the best!! Back to it.

Judy,
Thanks for the Paula quote:
To DC, “You’re standing in your truth.”
I teared up at that one.
Go Cookie!!!!

Jolene,
Thanks for pointing out the obvious to D-ster.

Dialidol says,
DC 46.79
DA 35.55

Time remaining to vote from AZ: 3 hours, 15 minutes.

Back to the phones for DC!!!

Musical taste is so subjective. For me, Jason Castro is the best musical performer of season 7. AI is a so-called reality show, but Jason and Cookie are actual real world musicians, not children who have been programmed their entire adolescence to win a music contest.

How do you define “real world musician”? That’s easy. Just look at your own collection of vinyl, CDs, MP3s, etc. Which genres dominate your collection? Do you own more adult contemporary or rock? How many Wayne Newton albums do you own? Celine Dion? Josh Groban? Il Divo?

Do you own any Rolling Stones? Springsteen? Nirvana? Pearl Jam? Who’s a better singer, Kurt Cobain or Mariah Carey? Kurt’s singing breaks my heart while Mariah leaves me cold.

I have my share of classical, Streisand, Sinatra, Lou Rawls. I think Fred Astaire was one of the most underrated vocalists of the 20th century. But I’m a rock’n'roll baby raised on imperfect voices and self-taught instrumentals. That’s the world where I live.

Almost 3 hours in and DC’s lines busy busy busy. Da’s nope.

Cook won the whole season, and two of tonights. So we are voting like mad for him after they tossed him under the wheels.

I’ve been voting the last hour for Cook on 05 and only just now getting through. I’d say I’ve got in 20 votes in 100 tries.

Looks like I’ve got a long night ahead of me…

Hour 15 left to go on the east coast, and the west coast begins voting in 15 minutes.

Do not pay any mind to zabasearch, they have no real sources, they are probably just going by what the show was trying to sell. It’s up to us and our votes, and I won’t give up untill it’s done.

I’m in the South East and I am getting through everytime on 03. I’m not taking it as bad news though since my area isn’t really invested in idol this year. To be honest this is the first time I voted in 2 years.

You all have no idea of the number of Cook fans out there that don’t post anywhere and are right this minute voting like crazy. Some I’ve personally recruited!!!

DCFTW!!!!!!!!!

I’m getting through A LOT for David Archuleta. So his fans should be voting instead of blogging.

cooktard- ruben/clay is a close second for me…real close…ditto the top 12 thing…and it would have been carly swapped for syesha for me…MJ would have been 5th, brooke 6th…

If you are having trouble getting through the phone lines, try a different number. I’m getting through on 03 and 05, about once every 3rd phone call try.
With multiple busy signals, I change numbers and normally get through.
Good Luck!

DCFTW!!!!!!!!!

I wonder if this is how my grandmother felt about Elvis?

Where is DC from? I know DA is from Utah. Just wondering if there will be a later timezone pull for either one.

OH and btw…. Why did Simon wink at DC after his last song? If he was trying to stir up a hornet’s nest with his comments, he succeeded.

Well…..I should start by saying that my fave has NEVER won EVER. Every year on finale night my hubby asks why I still watch this show. HA!! And while I’ve far less obsessed with AI this season than any other, I have to say that David Cook has been right up there with Elliott as my favorite all time AI contenders (but Elliott still reigns as my all time fave!!!) I don’t get the crazy pimping of DA all season – while I can totally appreciate his pretty voice – I just don’t see him as a superstar. All season we’ve made the joke of “puppies and rainbows” everytime he’s on stage…..tonight we were even joking that Archie was all choked up because his dad would put him on restriction for evah if he didn’t win. Kinda sad when I think too much about that possibility….

I’m in the camp that believes AI needs a superstar to win or they’re dead. D.E.A.D.

It was definitely funny to me that when they showed the superstar montage it included Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry who DID NOT WIN.

So it probably doesn’t really matter if DC wins or not, but after voting like mad for the likes of Elliott and Bo over the years, I really would love to see my fave under the confetti just once…..

Back to vote for DC. The first night I’ve really voted all season. It really is funny when I think of it – every year I’m obsessed. I watch and rewatch every show. I love MJ’s blog and it may be even more entertaining than the actual show for me. I’m the go-to person for all my friends’ AI needs. We to to the tour every year and act like crazy teenagers. And yet every year I click off the finale with a disgusted huff. Funny, huh? Maybe this is the year it all changes and the bus throwing was really reverse psychology??? Time will tell and one can hope.

In the last round, what was with Simon starting his critique of the Collective Soul song with his comments that David Cook was genuinely a nice guy. Huh? Wasn’t this the same guy who called him smug and arrogant a handful of weeks ago? Was this his version of – sorry, you’re a nice guy but someone’s getting hung out to dry tonight and its going to be you.

Honestly, I don’t think I’d have been as irritated if not for the judges. I’m a Cook fan but I’ll admit that for today’s show, Archie was better. And that doesn’t take anything away from Cook because I don’t think he put on bad performances at all. And that’s why the judges annoyed me, I found their over-the-top praise for Archie (or rather Randy’s and Simon’s) to be unnecessary.

Oh, and somone PLEASE fire Randy. He’s been impossible this season…

If people dont want American Idol to lose all of its credibility as a SINGING COMPETITION where people are judged on SINGING ability, then they would pray to God that Archie wins.

I hope for Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sake that he doesnt win because of the backlash that will follow. I like em both, but I pray, SIMPILY FOR THE STAKE OF THE DECLINING AMERICAN IDOL, that DA wins because he deserves it.

I think David Cook will help AI gain credibility. He’s a creative musician who knows how to come across well on stage, and sounds great on his recordings.

Most of us voting for Cook are voting because we thought HE DID THE BEST JOB TONIGHT. I’m not basing my vote on saving a show that may have some ratings declined but is still THE MOST POPULAR SHOW in America, and doesn’t need to be saved.

I don’t see any backlash if Cook wins. I do however see a crazed fanbase war on the level of Ruben/Clay. And, I predict a big cd battle – that will probably help them both sell more.

I believe Cook is a credible winner, and I believe he deserves it, and I wish Archie the best in the future (and hope his punishment for losing isn’t too harsh).

We will see how it all pans out tomorrow, but now is our time to give back (pun intended) for all the great moments and music we got from DC all season long.
This season will not be complete without him winning it.

I cannot fathom what came over Simon. He is directly responsible for the DC bus throwing. He was driving that bus in full speed. I can’t wrap my mind around it.

OH and btwà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. Why did Simon wink at DC after his last song? If he was trying to stir up a hornetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s nest with his comments, he succeeded.

I noticed that, too, Lisa. Those comments on him being such a nice person were interesting, and he sure was watching the effusive reaction of the audience pretty intently during Cook’s last performance.

I’ve been voting for 3 straight hours and my finger is about to fall off. One more hour to endure…

cooktard76
May 20th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
east coasters: how many times have u gotten thru via phone (for either contestant)? almost 2hrs in now, and ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve only gotten thru 5 times. am hoping that is good news tho!
DCFTMFW!!!

I’m in AL, and have gotten through a bunch on 05. I’m on autopilot now. And the more I think about it, the more I want to vote.

WTF – My phone started ringing busy at midnight when I have been getting through all night. I thought we could vote until 1 on the East coast?

nvm – musta been a fluke

I’ve finally gotten a busy signal! The West Coasters must have joined in!

Keep voting, don’t give up or go to bed!

gggrrrrr DC’s phones are busy. I am getting in tons of text tho.

The West Coasters must have joined in!

That makes sense – first busy signals I got all night.

Sally use a knife and pretend the redial button is one of the judges. That is what I am doing. lol

j/k….but close to it lol

“Oh, and somone PLEASE fire Randy. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been impossible this seasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦’

I am with you. These judges aleady know what they are going to say before the show even starts. Paula made that obvious when she got ahead of herself and ripped Jason Castro on a song he had not even sung yet!

Ok, I have NOT been paying attention – how long can we vote tonight?? 4 hours?

Neo – me too! I went to line 05 and it’s somewhat less busy! Weird…

DC’s 05 line has definitely gotten busier now that the West Coast has joined us. I am really tired but just an hour to go.

Sumi, yes 4 hours. So 1 am eastern and midnight central.

Sally use a knife and pretend the redial button is one of the judges. That is what I am doing. lol

j/kà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.but close to it lol

I will pretend it’s Randy and I’m botching his gastric bypass surgery.

I’ve been having no trouble getting in on line 1. Going against my no voting rule to throw some love to DC.

I miss getting to hear the contestants thank us for our votes. Wonder why they stopped doing that?

“I believe Cook is a credible winner, and I believe he deserves it, and I wish Archie the best in the future (and hope his punishment for losing isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t too harsh).”

haha if archie doesnt win, i’m calling he winds up floating in the nearest river thurs. morning

My partner even forced me to vote for over and over again for Archuleta since my favorite this season Carly is already out. He blackmailed me to keep redailing for Archuleta in order to get out of walking the dogs tonight.

They must have gotten some complaints about showing Daughtry with “Title Winners”, because someone at the BB said he was pulled from the West Coast feed.

I had the same problem. The lines seemed to close for a minute or two at midnight, then came back

I’m on the East Coast and I’m getting through fine on 01, with only the occasional busy signal. Up until 10 EST I only got through 3 times on any of the three numbers so I’m making up for lost time.

By the way, I sat next to Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s dad during the show. Winters in Alaska exude more warmth. Sorry, but he was a cranky old man (with a trophy wife).

Not to nitpick – because I agree that David’s fugly dad married well above himself, but…. if you have been married to someone long enough to have a 17 year old son with them – you’re officially not a tropy wife – just a good looking woman who looks great after all of the wear and tear a few decades and a few kids can put on you

And Duke seriously – I completely disagree that Archie needs to win for AI’s credibility. That’s ludicrous. Also – it’s bad form to insult the blogmistress before she even writes her recap.

Take this as you will. I just checked the previous years’ results from DI. I gather they’ve been around since season 4? That’s how far back the charts went. Anyway, they accurately predicted the winner in seasons 6 and 5. In season 4 they were also “accurate,” in the sense that their tallies were so close between Carrie and Bo that both were listed as possible 1 or 2.
Right now, David Cook is at 45.27 (in the green) and David A is at 33.24 (in the red.)

I have been calling steadily from the midwest and rarely getting in.

Oh, and hello. Now back to dialing.

I miss getting to hear the contestants thank us for our votes. Wonder why they stopped doing that?

cuz Archie’s gaspy voice sounded too much like an obscene phone call?

I’m on the west coast and can’t get in on any of the lines for DC.

so glad that i don’t have to get up for school tommorro, or have a mom who made me go to bed. Nice to be an adult who can text a mile a minute!!!!!

back to texting!!!

neonorange?, did you get an answer? David Cook is from Blue Springs, Missouri, a suburb of KCMO, but he has lived the last 3 (I think) years in Tulsa. Our time zone has about 45 minutes left for voting.

thx spritely

Why isn’t the poster Duke writing his little “gems” over on Rickey’s site? Why is he baiting MJ? He’s a curious one….and boring.

If AI wants to turn over a new leaf and start establishing some real cred in the music world, DC will win.

DA sang in the way that he has

It doesn’t matter who sang best or even who’s the best singer. It’s all about the votes. I think David C would be the better winner for the show because he stands the best chance of having good record sales and radio play. I’m sure they’d love to have another “Daughtry” who actually won.

I want to go on record on how much I hate that arrangement of “Imagine”.

hollygo9- hahahaha that was good. When i actually imagined it i started laughing, if singing doesnt work out, who knows, maybe he will get his own hotline.

Found an interesting recap: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/idol_chatter/19124149.html
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet?

Since the West Coast started voting, acc to DI, DA has gained the tiniest bit of ground on DC. It had been a steady 12 pt difference. Now it’s DC at 45.93 and DA at 34.18 so it’s an 11.75 difference on DI.

Little late here, but I also noticed the wink Simon sent DC’s way after his last song…I mentioned it to my family. None of them care at this point though. Lol..I’m always the only hard core Idol fan left by this time each year.

the west coast feed still showed daughtry for the title winners (not pulled as stated above)

if singing doesnt work out, who knows, maybe he will get his own hotline.

Well, his fans do know their way around a phone line…

Just a cheer-up for our fellow DC fans! If you can still vote, please do.
Watching DC sing on stage tonight is like he’s proposing to me (sorry, it’s getting sappy). He said he loves music and he loves me (as a fan) but take heed, he is what he is. He is this person, genuine, nothing to hide, rocker (i.e. not (always) a romantic cheesy balladier who sings with all sorts of runs). He poured his heart out and told me that he loved the music he was doing and he loved us, the fans that were cheering at him. So, we need to make up our mind: vote for him and this is the package you will receive, nothing more or nothing less. And if you are hesitant (and love those runs and those catching rainbow waving), please say “no” and he would be happier guy if he could be himself.
NOW, I have decided “YES YES YES!!! I WILL LOVE YOU AS A PACKAGE AND EVER!!” (And I will marry you if you ask )
Thanks Cook for giving us a beautiful and heartfelt performance on stage.

I didn’t notice when I watched the show live, but in the clips above I noticed DC’s wearing an orange bracelet/band type thing around his palm. I wonder what (if anything) that represents.

When does Utah kick in? I don’t remember which time zone they are.

ETA, never mind, I just googled it. Mountain. So they’ve already started huh? And Archie hasn’t had a surge on DI yet?

I want to go on record on how much I hate that arrangement of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Ditto. I always thought the point of the song was imagining simplicity with no complications – nothing but love. The stripped down no frills vocals of John Lennon personify this image. Even the video is all white with no extras. I think adding runs kinda kills the song. IMHO.

Duke, the comment about Archie floating in the nearest river was TOTALLY out of line. IMO

I went into tonight objectively, since neither David has been my favorite this year. In my house we thought Archie’s first 2 songs were winners, and Cook’s 3rd song was nice and understated, the best he’s sounded in awhile. I understood what Simon was trying to say, though, about how he’d have rather heard a reprise from Cook. I really wanted a professional recording of “Hello”, since that’s been my favorite performance of Cook’s all season. I don’t think Cook got thrown under a bus. From my living room, Archie was just better tonight, and usually he leaves me cold, so colour-me-pleasantly-surprised. Cook left me cold on his first 2 songs.
I won’t be upset with tomorrow night no matter who wins. I just want to see me some Jason Castro singing a duet with someone amazing!
Jason Castro for the win!

Mountain time zone tinawina. We have an hour and a half of voting to go.

Why isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the poster Duke writing his little à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gemsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  over on Rickeyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s site? Why is he baiting MJ? Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a curious oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.and boring.

Layla – ignore it(not sure male or female?) – I have never been able to figure out who it likes – it just likes whomever someone else dislikes and then gets to baiting I think? Sorry if I am wrong though – Thank you Panz -

Wow, there really was a teleprompter behind the judges scrolling during their songs. I’ve noticed it during group numbers before, but never individual performances.

Do they usually have a teleprompter at the finale? Afraid someone might botch a lyric when it most counts? I’m looking at you, Archie.

“Layla
May 21st, 2008 at 12:18 am
Why isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the poster Duke writing his little à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gemsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  over on Rickeyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s site? Why is he baiting MJ? Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a curious oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.and boring.”

first off- i’m not “baiting”

2nd- i like these boards better, and i’m trying to keep the cook fans honest.

3rd- you’re the one breaking the forum rules, so u might want to watch it. i’m entitled to my opinion. think its boring? than dont read it

East-coasters, only 30 minutes left to go! Don’t quit and don’t give up – We can do it!
West-coasters, vote for DC! He could win this, it is up to us to reward him for his brilliance all season long. Do not give up on him, and do not give up on his fanbase. We can make it a reality.

Utah has already kicked in. They are Mountain time zone which is my time zone. Perhaps that is why I could get through all night for Cook?

I want to go on record on how much I hate that arrangement of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Ditto. I always thought the point of the song was imagining simplicity with no complications – nothing but love. The stripped down no frills vocals of John Lennon personify this image. Even the video is all white with no extras. I think adding runs kinda kills the song. IMHO.

You know, I didn’t hate it the 1st time. But tonight I started to feel like you both. It was too much. I mean, he sang it very well, but I was wishing he would just stop it already. It’s not a damn gospel song. Ugh.

I’m thinking less a brat and more an a**hole

I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t notice when I watched the show live, but in the clips above I noticed DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wearing an orange bracelet/band type thing around his palm. I wonder what (if anything) that represents.

It was given to him at the top 12 party by the father of a 7 year old fan who is battling leukemia.

I’m not asking this to be mean or anything, but is Archie actually going down since his time zone kicked in? On DI, it says

DC 45.99
DA 34.34

Always Elliot– same here w/ my fave never winning (sort of). I started watching during s2, loved clay from the get go; no win. skipped s3 for whatever reason, tho i liked latoya from the times i did tune in (never voted tho). s4 i liked constantine (shut up) but in the finale voted for bo. s5 liked taylor, chris, and elliot (shoulda been the top 3) but did vote for taylor over kat so i guess i got one. and even tho i was not that interested last season (total bore) i threw some votes to blake (i do like jordan tho). so yeah, to see my fave (from the beginning) actually win, would be nice. =)

If DC isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t doing well ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s because he chooses to not win. Every other week with the exception of 1 or 2 he has killed. I think he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to be tied to AI.

I’ve been considering the above comment, because that has struck me too. Sorry, kids, but Archie turned on the juice tonight. I was for Cookie all the way, but the little guy did a real carpe deum. And after some musing, here’s what I think was going down:

1. Cook was playing along with the Idol BS, as one has to, all season – yet never compromised on his arrangements, and choose songs he alone could make surprisingly ultra-cool.

2. But given No. 1, I can’t imagine he wasn’t deeply ambivalent about the whole gig in some way. Here’s an indy guy to the bone, a kid who loves his Les Paul, his edgy semi-obscure band favorites, who was happy tending bar and doing his thing, who never expected to be there making Ford commercials or actively sought it — one of his strengths, really, since those who seemed the most eager to succeed on Idol (like Carly!) reek of desperation.

3. I can’t imagine he deliberately threw the contest. No way, he’s too much of a straight shooter. But his ambivalence showed in the song choices he made tongiht and even in his arrangements. For me, actually, his best number was the U2 song which he sang with passion and some dramatic arc.

4. Cook is really the artist here, the seeker, the experimenter, the guy who is going to make the most hip records and have the most interesting career. But there’s a somewhat perverse streak of rebellion in there that has cost him. What does it mean that his best choices all season were on very melodic songs by people like Dolly Parton, Lionel Ritchie, Mariah Carey?

It means, to me, he’s an amazingly creative interpreter of lyrical, catchy mainstream material but not always the best judge of other stuff. Sorry, but especially the final tune was, like “Hungry Llike a Wolf,” a terrible mismatch for the final 2-minute shot at the crown. It would be great to hear it in the middle of a David Cook concert (one I hope to attend!), but for a guy this smart to back away from a big boffo finale???
Look what he did with “Music of the Night”! And just last week he crushed that Aerosmith tune! Some defiant vibe kicked in tonight, and I guarantee you he was being advised by the musical staff of Idol NOT to do “The World I Live In,” because it just didn’t carry any punch.

5. I don’t think he consciously threw the contest to Archie, because he sang well, but I think he’s going to be relieved to come in No. 2.
He must know the differences between winning the whole enchilada and coming close. One, I hope, will be the artistic freedom he’ll wield in the recording studio. Another is not having the burden of all the absurd commercial expectations and other crap the Idol winner has to shoulder.

I do hope, though, that when his solo career gets in gear he’ll remember what people loved about him on the show. (Like Taylor DID NOT.) Does he have to record my Idol and youtube favorites — like “There Goes My Hero” or “Billie Jean” or “Always Be My Baby”? No. But if he can wrap his mind and heart around the idea of meshing his wonderful voice and musical savvy with great music old and new, melodic and edgy, he’ll be a star of wide appeal but without selling out.

DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wearing an orange bracelet/band type thing around his palm. I wonder what (if anything) that represents.

When the Tampa Fox reporter was interviewing the top 24 he gave David C the orange band. His 7 year old daughter has leukemia and she absolutely loves David C. Afaik, David C has been wearing it ever since. Her father said she was beaming when she first saw David wear it on the show.

The band has “Do Watcha Gotta Do” printed on one side and “Lindsey Rose” on the other.

Only 25 more minutes. Cookie’s gonna have to give me a finger massage.

No Rebecamia, I actually think the DI margin is narrowing slightly now.

Thanks, holly, I didn’t know that’s where the orange wristband came from.

Dial Idol
Cook 45.99
Archie 34.34

I’m new at this, so someone tell me is this correct? Is Cook ahead but this much? Did I get the right info?

Please le the gods allow for a true artis yeah…I’m talkin’ about DC…win this year! We had the 17 year old thing last year…let it be a win that could possibly revitalize AI.

No Rebecamia, I actually think the DI margin is narrowing slightly now

Thanks. I just started watching it again, and couldn’t remember previous numbers.

lastminute? Thank you so much for that link. It made me feel better.

I heard DC’s last song on the radio. I had to miss the live show, so on my drive home I turned on our local station that loves Cook. They played TWIK. I knew nothing about how the show had gone. All I knew was that the song I heard was so beautiful it actually hurt my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

I’m still dialing for the gold, because as he sings in “Silver,” the silver has never taken him home.

colette, I haven’t read your entire post because I’m too busy dialing my fingers off, but I get what you’re saying, and my reply is:
DC is already tied to 19E. Coming in 2nd will not change it or allow any benefits. It will only mean less promotion and later album release. He wants to win it. He needs to win it.
He WAS thrown under the bus tonight by Simon. Given different comments, his performances could very well be percieved as moments (at least 1 and 3).
I’m voting for him because of what he did all season AND tonight.
DCFTMFW!

ziggy– i might not have school, but i gotta be up at 5:30 for work, lol. tomorrow is gonna be a loooong day! oh well, hope its not for nothing!
DCFTMFW!!!

Sorry dont have time to read whole comments till tomorrow.
Felt the show was set up/push for DA. like them both (but think DC should win and fan of his). No offense against DA but neither one did any incredible performance. Both were good, not great. So it’s weird how they went nuts over one of them.
Also objected to the Daughtry insertion as winner thing. I live on west coast so yes it was there.

The second song of Cook’s was actually quite good. The poorly sung sap of Archie’s second song that got raves was shocking.

I could understand someone “winning” the night if this was a one-time hour long singing competition–but it isn’t. Fans have been watching for 2-3 months and have developed their favorite performer(s). I don’t see why anyone would think you’d abandon your personal favorite just because the other contender has a better night and Simon has proclaimed the winner.

Sure, I agree, Archie probably had the best performances of his life tonight, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to start voting for DA. I guess the true “casual” voters will throw a few votes Archie’s way based on his performance tonight, but the crowning of Archie as the Idol by the judges was a bit off-putting.

To be honest, I think a lot of the true casual fans, the ones that only vote on Finale night, cast one vote. I don’t think they realize they can vote more than once. LOL

Did anyone else pick up on Randy’s comment (after he performed the Collective Soul song) that that was the type of album DC could put out and “get by with”? What the heck is that all about? “get by”? That’s insulting.

cooktard, I have to be up for work tommorrow too, LOL!!!

I don’t care, I’d stay here all night and vote if I could.

Anything for our Cook Man!!!

West Coast bring the win home baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MrRJ
May 21st, 2008 at 12:44 am
The second song of Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s was actually quite good. The poorly sung sap of Archieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s second song that got raves was shocking.

Yessiree. All three of his were quite good.

Do you think the over the top, blatant, obnoxious pimp job by the judges for DA has fired up David Cook fans? You bet it did. We the people will vote til the end to give DC justice.

Dial Idol:

DC 45.62
DA 33.86

lastminute,

loved that recap….it was right on…but I’m still hoping for the win!

miss getting to hear the contestants thank us for our votes. Wonder why they stopped doing that?

Maybe cause all you would get on DA’s is….

hehehee….giggle giggle gasp….giggle …. Gosh…giggle giggle gasp

Still voting like mad here in Utah for DC. The lines have really opened up now.

gumby, I sure do hope that’s the case.
When I finished watching the show I was gutted by the comments DC got and by the bus throwing.
But if we manage to get him to victory after this – think about how much sweeter that victory would be?

7 more minutes, East time. West time – do your best for our boy!

oh, I envy you guys who can still vote now. My final 2 hours of showing my love and support for David Cook on AI (by voting, making international calls from Hong Kong, btw) is officially over. I so wanted to vote again but it gave me busy signals.
So, next, I will buy his CD when it’s released. But when????!!! How can I survive without Cookie for so long? I’ve been feeding on Cookies for weeks now.

taran33,

I’m still voting too!

Glad everyone liked the recap. I still think it’s important to keep voting though. i’d love it if we could prove the judges wrong!

Gosh, “The World I Know” was SO FREAKING GOOD! WTH, Simon?

Wow, am I reading this right, WY didn’t vote at all and DC got no votes at all in SD? Hell, he even got some votes in Utah but not SD.

http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp

I’ve never had such a problem getting through for a contestant for four effing hours. Good luck Cookie! You were the best tonight for me.

3 new songs…three different styles…played 2 types of guitars, actually used the judges stand and sang from the bottom of his heart…..
This is the guy who should win.

Gosh, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The World I Knowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was SO FREAKING GOOD! WTH, Simon?

Simon was too distracted by the revving of the engine of the bus he was driving all over DC to pay attention.
And…. East coast is out.
West coast – counting on you!!! DCFTMFW!

I’m still voting using Gizmo power-vote. 3 more hours for me too.

I did my part and voted for 4 straight hours. Now I have to cross my fingers that Cookie wins and my efforts were not in vain.

OK, the lines have officially closed on the East Coast so I can finally try to get some sleep, work comes too early in the morning. I hope my numb fingers have not suffered in vain.

Midwest and West Coast DC fans, do your worst! His fate is now totally in your hands

Night all.

My time zone just ended.
David Cook, I’m so freakin’ proud of you. You played to win, had some fun, cheesed it up and never surrendered your identity or integrity.
I can’t wait to buy your next CD.

Dial Idol has called the winner correctly in all six seasons, or so they tout on their home page. A lot of different parties have credibility riding on tomorrow’s results….judges, producers, Dial Idol….it should be interesting.

Dial Idol has DC’s 3 phone lines ALL busier than DA’s.

Please let it be true. I and my hands and fingers are exhausted.

DCFTGDMFW

My gawd I just voted for four straight hours and I’m going to bed. I feel sick to my stomach tho’.

Good luck Cookie!

hollygo9
May 21st, 2008 at 1:01 am
My time zone just ended.
David Cook, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so freakinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ proud of you. You played to win, had some fun, cheesed it up and never surrendered your identity or integrity.
I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait to buy your next CD.

Me too.

I was okay with either David winning and didn’t plan to vote. That plan got scrapped when the judges turned up their pimpometers to an ultra annoying level. My unlimited text package came in very handy tonight.

Hello, everybody.
Just got done putting in my 4 hours of voting for Cookie.
Yo, yo, yo, dawgs, listen up.
Zabasearch has changed.
It says that Cook is leading Arche(puke)a as of midnight.
He is also leading on DialIdol.
West, Mountain and Central time zones: I beg of you, for the future of Cookie’s career (and the medical treatment he will be able to afford his brother), don’t stop now!!!!!!!!
I have done all I can. Keep it up for me and Please, please, please bring this home for our boy. I will be damned straight to hell if I will let them roll over him with that damn bus.

My hands arent tired, i wish i could vote more . :annoyed_tb:

Has our conscience shown?
Has the sweet breeze blown?
Has all the kindness gone?
Hope still lingers on.
I drink myself of newfound pity
Sitting alone in new york city
And I dont know why.

Are we listening to hyms of offering?
Have we eyes to see that love is gathering?
All the words that Ive been reading
Have now started the act of bleeding into one.

So I walk up on high
And I step to the edge
To see my world below.
And I laugh at myself
As the years roll down.
cause its the world I know.
Its the world I know.

David Cook that took &@(($ the size of planets.

David Cook you have taken me on one heckva thrill ride this season. You have made me cry and you have made me stand up and cheer.

You are able to reach out and grab us and make us FEEL what you are feeling when you sing these songs.

You are magic, absolute magic.

It’s all over for the hometown folks…this “older” fan texted her heart out for four solid hours. No matter how it all shakes out, David Cook is the winner in my book!

DCFTMFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know MJ doesn’t like us to get all fangirly but didn’t DC look absolutely gorgeous tonight? He really did…love the facial hair on him.

o…..m…..g!!!!!!
u guys wont even believe this! :::bangs head repeatedly against keyboard:::
right after the show i started voting (east coast) on my cell. i got thru MAYBE 7 times! finally about 12:55 the cell goes dead. so i grab the landline. I GOT THRU EVERY F*CKING TIME!!! so if i had only done that to begin w/, i could have gotten in ALOT more votes. i got in more on my landline in those last 5 minutes, than i got on the cell in the first 3 hours 45mins! i am so super pissed! i had no idea it made a diff what u called from, but apparently in NC it did, ugh!!!!!!

I wonder how DC’s blood pressure was tonight…

AINoob, that’s how I read it, too. Weird. Doesn’t matter, though, if you’re a DC fan, as I am. That’s the “loser” map, where all those pink states are states DA is losing. It unnerved me the first time I saw it, because I didn’t realize that. Then I went to the wee menu, changed it to “winner” and saw that the USA had suddenly turned almost completely David Cook Maroon.

David Cook should have been a star before Idol…HE IS THE REAL DEAL!! David A…aka Archie has a great voice but I would not want to listen to the same song on every track of his CD. David C. changed it up and made every song his own Bottom line..I can’t wait to buy David Cooks CD. He made me want to listen to him each time.

I officially think that Simon has no taste after tonight. I can’t believe he said that David A. “knocked” David C out….WHATEVER!!! David C killed it all season. There has never been a better Idol contestant than Cook.

I understand the rallying cries. Cook is, as I said earlier, my huge favorite and the only real artist here in every way.

But am I the only one who saw in his performances tonight a guy who actually did not want to win this? And probably for some very good reasons?

Has the voting ended in the West Coast as well?

David Cook wins on DialIdol and ZabaSearch dialIdol Correctly predicted the idol for the past six seasons.

If voting is still on vote vote vote!

Here’s another good recap this one by EW. Hope that’s ok to post here?
Archie actually gives a lot of credit to Cooks performance. Gotta love the kid even if I’m not voting for him.
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/idol_chatter/19124149.html

Tbank you poppyfunk for the lyrics. Now, I get to know what the song is about. And now I know why our David was crying. I was crying when reading the lyrics (The youtube quality was not good and I was too excited to really listen to what he sang).

So, this is what you meant and this is why you sang to us. …….(speechless and sobbing).

CookieMonster… I’m on the west coast and we still have about 2 hours and 45 minutes left to vote

Off to continue voting on two phones for Cook!!

DCFTW!!!

Terrie
May 20th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Musical taste is so subjective. For me, Jason Castro is the best musical performer of season 7. AI is a so-called reality show, but Jason and Cookie are actual real world musicians, not children who have been programmed their entire adolescence to win a music contest.

How do you define à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“real world musicianà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ? Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s easy. Just look at your own collection of vinyl, CDs, MP3s, etc. Which genres dominate your collection? Do you own more adult contemporary or rock? How many Wayne Newton albums do you own? Celine Dion? Josh Groban? Il Divo?

Do you own any Rolling Stones? Springsteen? Nirvana? Pearl Jam? Whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a better singer, Kurt Cobain or Mariah Carey? Kurtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s singing breaks my heart while Mariah leaves me cold.

I have my share of classical, Streisand, Sinatra, Lou Rawls. I think Fred Astaire was one of the most underrated vocalists of the 20th century. But Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a rockà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢n’roll baby raised on imperfect voices and self-taught instrumentals. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the world where I live.

Terrie – LOVE LOVE LOVE it. You nailed my feelings precisely. Can’t wait to be buying me some more Jason Castro artistry for my iPOD.

Well, I just texted for four hours straight, and got in over 2,000 votes (along with a few phone votes with the hopes that they’d have Cook’s voice recorded in stead of that danged MovieFone guy…)

I, too, feel sick to my stomach at the way DC was thrown to the lions by Simon. Hopefully the voting really does matter, and it will be DCFTMFW as we had claimed all along.

Time to start trawling the web for glimmers of hope.

Thanks, MJ, for keeping us plugged into the pulse of AI.

After tomorrow night, I can go back to my single-minded obsession of the Red Sox. Hee.

I will happily buy David Cook’s cd. I want it as soon as possible.

Just keep voting you all!

A de-lurker here….

I’ve never voted before this season and here I am power voting for Cook. I’m finally getting through with some regularity (like 1 in every 10 calls) after the East Coast lines closed.

I was so upset with the judging that even my extremely anti-AI husband will help vote too.

If DC can pull this out, there can be no (or maybe less) “sour graping” from Archie fans/camp. He had the pimp spot, positive judging, and a producer song in his wheelhouse. Personally, I think Archie sang very well, but I don’t agree it was a knock out punch. My voting choice is for the best for the entire season and that’s DC.

dial idol
cook 44.93
Arch 32.79

um.. east coaster here… its 1:17 … i should be in bed… i voted for 4 hours straight… i’m not tired… what am i supposed to do now? =)

I voted for 4 straight hours…my mom voted…my daughter…my sister…all for Cookie!

I don’t think I can watch tomorrow night, I’ll just wait for the results online or something. I can’t take it!

*sigh* Okay, I’ll probably watch…

I was ticked off at the throwing of DC under that old bus. Ticked but not surprised. Still, I couldn’t help but think that there was a method to Simon’s madness. Maybe I’m giving him far too much credit. Heh.

West coasters, are you here?
Please let us know you’re voting hard for DC. We can carry it home for him!

Please do your best. He IS in it to win it, he is also a true artist and he remaind loyal to himself. That should be rewarded, not punished.

We are the ones who can reward him, by voting.

Collete, I didn’t see it that way at all. As I mentioned above, the first song I heard was TWIK, played on the radio after the show was over. And what I heard was beauty and heart and pain and passion. It’s the first time this season that he has sung me to tears, though god knows he has made me feel practically Every Other Emotion Known to Woman. Then I came home and watched him and all I saw was a consumate performer giving it everything he had. I thought DA did that, too. I just happen to prefer the “everything” that DC has. Our mileage obviously varies, but that was my take on it. He Gave Back.

I had noticied, being a Jason fan, that once the West
Coast started voting, things really kicked in for Jason and a whole lot of us Jason fans split votes with Cook until, maybe, the final couple of shows that Jason was on. I betcha us old Jason fans will help give Cook the final shove he needs to win this thing. Just my small opinion and just sayin

AInoob, you need to go the flipdown and choose *predicted winner*. Right now you have it on *predicted loser*.

This is the link for the *predicted winner*.

http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp?season=7&week=2&sort=Winning

David Cook is the one who has covered the map.
When you click on GeoPredictions it always defaults to *Predicted Loser*. You have to change the flipdown to read *Predicted Winner*.

ooh, how smart am i? i have a close friend that lives in chicago. she hates ai and in her words would rather “jab sharp objects into her eyes” rather than watch, but i pleaded w/ her (since she still has lines open for another 37mins) to call for me, b/c what are friends for? =)

West Coaster here!!

I have two phones going, plus I recruited co-workers and all of my family to vote for DC tonight. We can do this!

Well, I’m not west coast but Mountain and they are still letting me vote. If anyone out there is having trouble getting through try a land line, that seems to be working just fine.
Guess I have a half hour more to vote so here goes.

David Cook’s dial idol lead is diminishing, vote vote vote west coast!

I cried again reading this. He has to win. It’ll break my heart if he doesn’t.
Taken from the Kansas City Star:

Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s response: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This show is about progressing. Why should I do something Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve already done?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

After that, the show paused for a commercial. Cook shed his guitar and microphone, then started to exit when a stage hand motioned him to his mother, Beth Foraker, who had approached the stage. He went to where she was standing, buried his face in her shoulder, and they embraced.

DC is still ahead by 12 on DI, but VOTE VOTE VOTE Westies anyways!!!!

“My gawd I just voted for four straight hours and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to bed. I feel sick to my stomach thoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢.

Good luck Cookie!”

Awesome!!!!!!!!!

Awww! Thank you for posting that, Jolene! I agree. It will break my heart if he doesn’t win tomorrow night.

Thanks jolene for sharing….. aawwww…. That was SOOOO touching.

I can’t believe i voted for four hours. Never have done that before. I voted while on my treadmill, doing dishes, sweeping up the floor. Cookie moved me tonight. That last song was beautiful and he got no credit for it. The judges being so scripted pushed the wrong buttons with me tonight. I cannot believe the blatant unfairness of it. Archie has a beautiful voice but cookie makes magic. I hope dial idol is on the mark tonight because cookie was wonderful even with the push under the bus.

Dialidol
DC 44.7
DA 32.51

DC is gaining slightly, but holdin a strong 12 point lead.
90% of the Gambling websites showed he was favored today also.
Still, I am voting loud and strong for Cookie.
With less than an hour and 30 minutes left to vote, I decided to time my votes to see how effective I was getting through the phone lines.
6 votes per minute on the landline, 10 votes per minute on the cell phone.

Still sending the love to Cookie!

Hi all you Dc fans, I’m on the East coast and did my thing for 4 hours, too hyped to go to bed yet! Please all you central and west time zones keep up the fight. I can’t believe how David got totally thrown under the bus tonight. Smells a little fishy to me. I listened to DC’s songs about 5 times over again and each time I loved them more. I cried when he cried!! He has such integrity and passion, and is so true to himself I hope he is rewarded for that. Please keep voting those of you who can!!!! DCFTW

Oh, god, Jolene, you just broke my heart with that KC Star story about him burying his face in his mom’s shoulder. But my heart will heal if you West Coasters out there keep up your excellent work!

Could the Davids be any sweeter about each other than they are in that EW article from after the show? DA is actually saying everything we Cook fans are, that Cook was amazing and really in touch with his songs, and that he doesn’t know what Simon’s problem was, and that it’s just one man’s opinion. DA is a sweetie-pie.

jolene, can you give us the link to the star article? I’d love to read that.

From EW, David Cook speaks (and seems to confirm my point):

And what about tonight? Did you think you were going to win tonight?

Well, I think you go into tonight kinda seeing the forest for the trees, but winning’s never been what’s driven me about this competition. For me it’s just been getting to do something I love for a large audience, which is a trip.

DC saying that he was just glad to do something he loves for a large audience is probably true. I would not go so far as to say that means he doesn’t want to win. Perhaps he is pre-shielding himself for the blow that he anticipates tomorrow after tonight’s bus accident.
If I didn’t live in the East I would still be voting. Please, everyone, don’t stop.

ok this is my last comment of the nite, then i must make myself go to bed, as i wont be worth 2 shits tomorrow at work. these are my last words regarding the finale and season in general…

1) archie may have (in some ppl’s eyes) won the nite, but come on, cookie won the season, and isnt that what really matters and what should count when voting in the finale?
2) archie’s DLTSGDOM will never, i repeat NEVER compare to clay’s.
3) after TWIK, when cookie cried, i think the world cried (or at least the ppl in my livingroom).
4) i never have to hear randy say “dawg u could sing the phone book” ever again.. or at least til next season.
5) if anyone has a pic of jason yawning, please post it, i musta blinked!

thank u, good nite.. and for the last time…
DCFTMFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our mileage is varying agian, colette. I can definitely see how you can read it that way, but I see it as him cushioning the blow after getting creamed, and coming up with a face-saving device. I hope he even believes it, even if I don’t, lol. I do believe what he says about getting to do what he loves, but everything I’ve ever read about him (which is an embarrassing lot) suggests he’s competitive as hell.

colette, please stop trying to convince people he doesn’t want to win. It’s only natural that he would downplay it now that he feels defeated. Please – He wants to win, he said so emphatically over and over again. We won’t give up on him, and he WILL win!!!

Sharing a brain, sherryw.

Kansas City article – the part about his mom is on the second page
http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/629134.html

dial idol
cook 44.07
arch 31.85

keep voting west coast! they are cutting me off in a minute.

-round 1-
David Cook sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Still Havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Found What Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m Looking Forà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ -loved it

David Archuleta sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Let The Sun Go Down on Meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
-loved it

-round 2-( :sick_ee: gooey crap all around)
David Cook sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Dream Bigà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ -not bad,did the best he could with that crap of a song.

David Archuleta sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“In This Momentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ -not bad

-round 3-
David Cook sings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The World I Know”-pretty good
David Archuela reprises à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Imagineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  -As good as the first time.

:furious_tb: That was sick the overpraising of Archie,the kid is a good singer but Cookie did just as good tonight.
Thats totally unfair they would throw Cookie under a bus like that frickin b!@#$%^&*!I totally loved Cookie tonight he defiantly gave it one hell of a try and he passed with flying colors.I voted the whole time just for him. :wub_tb:

I rarely post, especially when so many others have said so well what I feel, but tonight it seems important to add my name to the list.

Tonight came off as such an obviously, heavily-scripted sucker punch. After Round 1 comments (especially Simon’s unnecessarily overt declarations), it was clear DC knew he’d been thrown under the bus, and DA knew he was TCO. DA’s confidence soared, and DC soldiered on like the professional gentleman he is.

It was Jason and others, all over again. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

I didn’t see it coming, though in hindsight it’s obvious. Paula-gate proved there was a man behind the curtain. They weren’t about to go into the biggest night of the season on live TV and not have a scripted game plan.

Thing is, one thing Cookie deserved is respect, especially after working his tail off this season and raising the AI bar like never before. Instead he was turned into a punchline for a reality show, and he didn’t deserve that.

Simon was wrong – the only knockout punch tonight was delivered by TPTB. More like a kidney punch.

What ticks me off? So now I’ll buy everything DC puts out – and part of every dollar I spend will go to 19E. (as part of my votes tonight pad the pockets of TPTB)

MJ – thanks for your hard work and the great site.

It seems my voting is closed on Gizmo as well.
Never mind – I’m here until the very end. If I can’t vote myself, I’ll stay with those who can in spirit.
Two more hours to go, west coasters. Let’s get the winner right this year, let’s get the happy ending. I’m crying as I write this, seriously… What have you done to me, David Cook?

It is very very clear, Randy needs to be hit with that phone book he wants people to sing and kicked of the judges table. Bring me Dicko

I’m still getting busy signals with a little less than 2 hours to go here in Oregon!

Jolene Jolene Jolene, I feel your emotion. DC is the brother I was never fortunate enough to have.

I agree he is “cushioning the blow” with his comment about not caring about winning. I mean this is the guy that thought his “ticket was punched” on Top 3 night, because he thought Syesha was going to clobber him. I really, really, believe he thinks Archie will win. I think he is really awed by Archie’s vocal prowess.

And to all those Cookie fans still awake at this hour, I’m on the West Coast still trying to get my calls through!! I just made two calls in a row, with no busy signal in between. That’s a first.

And ann11, I love your “rinse, lather, repeat” comment. LOL

OK, mission accomplished for the Mountain Time Zone!! While I think David Archuleta did a nice job tonight….I have a feeling that Simon was really just trying to push Cook fans to vote even harder. Last night on the Tonight Show and today on Ellen he said he thinks DC should win. DC was leading all polls today. And without a doubt, DC will sell more records and much much faster than DA. He’s ready NOW. I know the judges BS tonight ticked me off so I was definitely less complacent and voted HARD. It was not a KO — I think Simon knew what he was up to. Thanks David Cook for a great season.

Keep voting West Coast people. You have until 1:00 am to bring David Cook to the promised land.

Show those judges who’s calling the shots. Randy is such a tool. How did that CD do he put out? I hear they are being handed out for frisbee tosses.

The review at TVGuide.com has some great things to say about Cook, and he is leading in their “now that you’ve seen the two Davids” poll!

Review

Blog with poll

Sorry if this has already been posted!

AnalogGirl, I’m hoping beyond hope you are correct, but I truly do think Archie has once again proven that TPTB don’t change TCOs midstraem.
However, that’s exactly why I’m praying the public speaks up and Cook gets a victory he has already given up on.

We won’t give up.

Hour and a half untill the voting ends, zabasearch changed its tune to say DC has a slight lead.
Keep voting, westerners. It’s up to you to make that slight lead into a WIN.

Dial Idol has David Cook winning 43.49% to David A’s 31.35%. Here’s hoping that holds! I so hope David C. wins…fate brought him to the competition…his talent should let him win.

I voted for 4 hours for David C. and only got through once. I tried all 3 lines. Hope that’s a good sign!

Why should David Cook win American Idol?
Well, let me supply a list:
1.) He actually had to give a real audition; was not hand picked 6 years ago
2.) He stayed true to himself throughout the competition and was very good tonight; he simply didn’t feel the need to do a repeat performance or sing three saccharine ballads.
3.) He has kicked Archie’s a** virtually every night since the top 10, possibly top 16.
4.) He has the potential to be a top selling artist, not another “Where Are They Now?” winner.
5.) The blatant bus accident tonight was enough to make me sick.

Why should David Archuleta NOT win American Idol?
Well, let me supply a list:
1.) He sings the same song over and over again. I prefer Clay’s DLTSGDOM to his any day of the week. I personally find his version of Imagine to be disrespectful to one of the creative geniuses of our time, John Lennon. He probably doesn’t even know who Lennon was. (Heee, heee,um, a Russian?)
2.) IMO, he would be an awful representative of the American Idol title. He has zero personality (it is hard to fathom that he is the same age as Jordin was last year; she seems so much older).
3.) He received tongue baths all season when they were not deserved.
4.) He has absolutely no definitive sound outside of BORING. How will he possibly make hit songs and sell albums?
5.) The winner should be the best of the season, not someone’s opinion of the winner of one night. If one night decided the competition, he should have been sent home several times:
Top 12 flubbed the lyrics on We Can Work It Out – it was never mentioned
Top 10 sang some awful song that sounded like it came from a hotel elevator
Top 6 flubbed the lyrics on Think Of Me – it was never mentioned
Top 5 sounded awful on both songs and pulled the “America” card
Top 4 added lyrics to a song without permission and cost the show money – for many, I am sure that would have been grounds for dismissal, but not Archie
Top 3 flubbed the lyrics on With You and looked and sounded awful
Tonight repeated a song, for which both Melinda and Jordin were called lazy during last year’s top 3

If I were voting based on who the judges gave a tongue bath and who sang the same song the same way every night this season (when he remembered the words), my votes would have gone to DA.
However, my votes are based on the entire season (including tonight), and for that, DC wins hands down.

Please, West Coasters, keep it up!
And, don’t forget to text! Do it for the man who made this entire season endurable and is sure to give us some awesome music in the future.

I have to disagree with Simon tonight. I think tonight showed us who will be the better artist in the long runà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦We know that David C. is contemporary and will produce songs that will have a wider audience appeal. David C. has sustainability in the music industryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m afraid that David A. will be a one-hit CD artist and will get lost in this businessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦This entire season David A. has managed to get through almost every week without singing anything contemporary (he tried once but that didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go over so well)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and he never really made any of the songs he sang sound contemporary. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m afraid that David A. will go the way of Taylor Hicks because he is so one dimensionalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and that would be a shame because David A. has real talentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I just think he needs to wait a year or two to gain some maturity and be able to reach a wider audience. David C. is ready now. David C. is who this competition is all aboutà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦it was fate that got him into the contest in the first place. He was at the auditions to support his brother and it was the producers that told him he needed to enter the competitionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and so he didà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦on a whimà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I think fate brought him to us and his skill as a singer should make him the winner. The producers saw something in him and I do tooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I hope that David C. is crowned the winner of Season 7.

I actually broke my rule, and, decided to throw Cook a few votes. It wasn’t much, but, I did it for Jason’s roommate.

I would have loved to see Jason in the finals, but the writing was on the wall from the Judges starting a few weeks back when they saw that Jason was a threat to be in the finals…that’s when they started to really treat Jason like chit. So since my Jason couldn’t win, I hope David Cook walks away with the honors. I still think Jason will outsell most of the contestants from this season…it will be close with David C. though cuz he is awesome too…

Awwww, thanks skylight.

ETA: Just be thankful that Jason didn’t have to don that silly boxer bathrobe. Ugh for Cookie!!

I can’t sleep .. i was so disgusted with idol tonite
what obvious pimping of a singer that sang the same song the whole season .. only the lyrics changed…

david cook is so deserving to win this title… he has shown diversity and guts and talent all season long

david cook you did yourself and your fans proud YOU ARE MY IDOL

DCFTMFW!!!

David Cook has kicked ass for weeks now. I doubt anyone can deny that unless they’re totally fan driven.

What came down tonight was an absolute disgrace powered by the Idol Machine. Say one thing do another. But that’s beside the point.

The winner this year will be expected to sell a minimum of 1M or they’ll be deemed dead weight and gone. David Archuletta might, maybe, probably won’t meet that goal this year and won’t in years to come while David Cook has the potential to sell more than Daughtry.

David Archuletta has no stage presence or ability to conduct himself with confidence in an interview. He’s an extremely shy novice when it comes to presentation and PR, His talent is limited to ballads – ballads aren’t a bad thing but are clear limitations. (how many people do you know who bought an album chock full of ballads this year?)

So, I ask again, why would David Archuletta’s fans want him to again face failure. He has a lovely voice, one that could disappear tomorrow — his vocal limitations are obvious, outdated and dependent on weak vocal cords. If he were to win this farce he’s staring failure in the face.

If I wanted the best for David Archuletta I’d wouldn’t vote for him.

Why was he pimped so heavily tonight? I do think that he gave his all and it was very pleasant. Was it exicitng? No. Will he be successful in years to come? No.

Dial Idol score: David Cook 42.696 David Archuletta 30.741. Huge.

If I were a fan of David Archletta I’d set him free.

Please please, west-coasters. Only one hour and 10 minutes to go, and Cookie’s margin on Dial-Idol is decreasing. Whatever power you have left in you – now is the time to give it one last push and get him to win.
If anyone has family of friedns in the west coast who aren’t voting… any blackmail meterial available?
Kidding.

But seriously – this is now down to the wire. let’s go out of this on top.

DCFTMFW.

Oh, this has been a long night. Sorry for the spammage, mj.

I’m still going! I have my coffee, my cell phone and my landline…

DCFTW!!!

Couldn’t agree more Carolina…it would be kinder to let David A. lose so he could come back when he’s ready to reach a wider audience…now is not his time…but it is David C’s time…I’d bet that David C will reach 1-mil in sales in no time…There have only been 2 really successful winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood…did you notice that when they mentioned past winners that were highly successful they only showed Kelly and Carrie’s picture?…It would be nice to be able to say there were 3 successful winners of Idol…I don’t think the West Coast will let us down…Here in the Midwest the fingers must have been flying dialing for David C…I only got through 1 time in all 4 hours…on all 3 numbers! Midwest did our job…it’s now up to you, West Coast and Hawaii! Do us proud!

As a Jason fan, I can honestly say I didn’t want him in the finals. I’m very happy with where he placed in the contest.

Jolene – you rock! Back to voting!

Wherever you are in the world, vote, vote, vote! This is your way of thanking David Cook for all the music he has given us these past three months, he deserves the title more than anyone else:

Call these numbers!

18664365701
18664365703
18664365705

Jolene:

not trying to “convince” anyone of anything. just telling it like I see it, and you see it differently.

Oh, for perspective — the huge gap between Taylor and Katherine on Dial Idol — 8.0.

Today we’re looking at a difference of 11.95.

True skylight – Because of the way Jason went I think he’ll have even more success and more fans rallying around him…Look at Daughtry…fans got fired up and helped him get to number 1…I just selfishly miss seeing him on the tube every Tuesday night. Sigh…there’s just something about Jason that you got to love…his voice, his eyes, his smile…

WA state checking in. Still voting for Cook.

Reactions to tonight.

1. Hated the boxing analogy. Was that really necessary? I thought it was extremely silly.

2. Paula. Puh-leeze put a sock it Paula. In other words, do be quiet, there’s a good girl. :mrgreen_wp:

Mixed reactions on the performances. Yes Archie brought it on in a polished way. Cook took the less ‘safe’ road.
In terms of tonight’s performance only than Archie did sound better. Overall Cook has been more creative and consistant and I believe he will prove to be so throughout his career. Archie needs more time. I’ve thought that all season.

So, I just ran and bought Jason’s, Cook’s, and Carly’s songs from I-tunes so I can play them for the captive audience at work tomorrow.

Did anyone post this yet? From DialIdol, good news:

“Let’s be clear – DialIdol is definitively predicting that David Cook will win American Idol. No ifs, ands or buts about it. No crazy margin of error claims or anything. The DialIdol scores are significantly different enough to wash all that out the window.

This comes as a bit of a surprise to me (DialIdol) given that David Archuleta “knocked out” David Cook during the performance show so before you decide to skip the results show tonight you might want to consider that I myself will be watching with the usual uncertain anticipation that has become habit for me!”

LET’S BELIEVE IT WILL TURN OUT AS IT SHOULD BE! Cook will take the cake.

OK, the voting lines are closed for me.
AZ just got the busy signal after 4 solid hours of voting.
Take it away CA and West Coast. You’ve got one more hour and could help make a big difference in this race.

Vote for Cookie!!

I agree, Simon rubbed our noses in it tonight. He knew we would retaliate by voting for our favorite Idol. It was cold, hard manipulation period. It came off as particularly cruel and un-called for.

Does anyone know how much AI gets for every phone call or text message tonight? Just wondering. Behind all the obvious pimping, there has to be some money involved.

Carry on DC fans and help Cookie bring home the win he deserves.

Despite the huge dial idol lead, I am unconvinced that the show is not rigged and they can pick who they want to win.

Dial Idol is now showing…
David Cook 42.22
David A. 30.88
Difference of 11.84

And yes indeedy, they are showing David C. as the winner in green and David A. as the loser in red.

Fingers crossed, prays really really hard.

Somebody get Jolene some smelling salts. Dial Idol lead is increasing again……Woo Hoo

Honestly….based on the Idol season 7, who’s CD would you buy?

Fingers crossed, prays really really hard.

Gets on knees to join you, steeples fingers while they’re crossed.

No worries–David Cook will win. People don’t vote because of one night and oh, by the way, I loved all of his performances tonight. He sings my kind of music. Hell, I bought everything he put out. You can hear his “soul” when he sings.

On Dial Idol…
Here’s another way to look at the scores…

Busy Signal percentages
David C.
Line 1 – 44.97
Line 2 – 44.4
Line 3 – 45.03

David A.
Line 1 – 33.23
Line 2 – 29.8
Line 3 – 31.18

Oh how I love me the busy signals…

Continue voting, dial idol lead is diminishing, don’t let it sleep, David Cook is the winner!

The show can pick who they want but I think that’s limited to a reaonable margin of error.

What that margin is anyone’s guess. And, knowing how controlling the empire can be, it could be 2% and they stretch it to 30%. Who would know the difference?

If Idol decides to go to the other side and crown their chosen winner, I hope there’s enough voters who will stand up, speak out and turn off Fox.

Honestlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.based on the Idol season 7, whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s CD would you buy?

i’d buy anything put out by DAVID COOK and JASON CASTRO and Michael Johns

LETà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S BELIEVE IT WILL TURN OUT AS IT SHOULD BE! Cook will take the cake

Despite the huge dial idol lead, I am unconvinced that the show is not rigged and they can pick who they want to win.

I don’t believe the results are rigged, but I am very concerned about the texting. I think the Arch camp might have enough of a lead in texting votes for it to change the picture Dial Idol is painting.
That’s why I firmly believe DC needs every vote you can give him for the next 40 mins.
It’s almost over. It should end with the right guy winning.

colleen you called it!
it’s all about the money
simon was thinking financialy tonight-taking care of his bussines.
expect ryan to anounce tomorrow that this was the biggest vote in the history of the show
tonight’s show was aimed at reaching that goal!

David Archuleta blew Cook away. Cook might beat him, but Archuleta was awesome. I know this place is a Cook love fest, but the truth is the truth.

Oh, I am back to voting after I thought my voting time was officially over. I am in Hong Kong and I need to make international calls to vote. I used a specific international phone company (prefix) to make calls (meaning: cheap rate) and probably their hub was on the East Coast.
Just now I know the voting time might not be over, I used the more expensive prefix (about US$1 per call) and I got through about 10 minutes ago (their hub might be on the West coast)!!!

So, I am now dialing like crazy but it’s always busy signal since my first try. But I will continue to try until the voting period is over. But please guys, do let me know when it’s over. It’s like 3:21pm in Hong Kong. I have no idea when the voting will be over.

Liza, why are you here if you know this is a Cook love fest?

It’s not. Mj welcomes fans of every idol.

Jolene,
So you can’t sleep either?
Check out the story at bettorsworld. More of what this board has already said tonight. It’s an interesting analogy.
http://www.bettorsworld.com/idol-winner.htm

I have followed the stats on dialidol.com carefully each week. I chart the times and results each night. Next morning, when I log on the site, the numbers change again slightly. They have never been as forthcoming this early in the actual prediction however. I don’t remember seeing them call it this early. They show David Archuleta being voted off. David Cook winning the AI Title.
Taking some Positive thoughts to sleep.

dial idol up to the minute
cookie-41.68
archie-29.96

are all time zones in or is alaska and hawaii still voting. so far, alaska is going to cookie and Hawaii to archie

wee — really?

That’s huge.

damn. wee was right !

weelassie–I’m on the west coast and I have about 22 minutes left to vote!

Wow, I wouldnt have thought DC would be so far out on DI, especially the way the praising went tonight. But maybe the was a good thing, Way to go Fans!!
I didnt vote tonight but and the end, I felt DA performed the best, even though his style is not my cup of tequila.
DC was pretty solid and if he wins, Id have no problem with that.
I see myself probably his music and definately JASONS

oh luckybabe-keep on voting.

Hi everyone, I’m stepping out of lurkerdom for a moment just to give my two cents on tonight’s show.

I have no reservations about giving Archie huge credit for his incredible vocal skills-the kid can sing pretty close to pitch perfect in a technical sense, and I don’t say that lightly. He sang his heart out tonight, and he did a damn good job with all three of his songs. That being said, I had the same problem with him that I have every other week: I couldn’t help but be a bit bored. DLTSGDOM was very well sung, but the lyrics are so powerful and such an integral component to Elton John’s version that I can’t help but feel something lacking in Archie’s run-laden take on it. The coronation song was…well…”cheesy” is a given and not his fault to boot, but it just felt a little strained to me. I don’t blame him for choosing a ballad, it is indeed his strength and comfort zone, but listening to cheesy ballad after cheesy ballad from him, however well sung, sort of dilutes the initial effect his voice had on me. Yes, he can sing fantastically, but how many songs can I hear in the same genre without growing weary of the style? Especially a genre that, to me, is sorely lacking in an artistic sense. And as for Imagine, while again giving him vocal props, this is a song about a MESSAGE. Yes, it is beautiful and melodic, but listen to the words! They’re about a wish, an idea, a utopia even, that will stand as one of Lennon&