Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, it’s David vs. David in the 2008 Amercian Idol final, a showdown that seemed inevitable way back in … well, wow, it was a long time ago.

And my apologies to David Archuleta, but this title round should be a slaying of Fantasia Barrino vs. Diana DeGarmo proportions.

No doubt young David A. can sing. But over the last 10 weeks, David Cook has demonstrated that he can sing, rock and perform. What did Paula tell him weeks ago? “You’re ready to go sell records.” No doubt.

Last night, Idol said goodbye to Syesha Mercado. Remarkably, she stood center stage six times in the previous nine weeks, facing elimination, and survived each time.

She did it with consistency and stage presence, and the lovely 21-year-old just might walk away as the most marketable long-term talent from season seven.

I wouldn’t be surprised to hear her on CD and see her on television, in feature films and on Broadway over the next couple years. Idol provides that type of career launching pad these days.

Anyway, on to the rankings … and then there were two.

1. David Cook: I’ve had him in this spot for a long time. The reason: Check round one of Tuesday’s competition, when Simon decided the rocker should sing Roberta Flack’s “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It had the potential to be the night’s biggest disaster. David Cook turned it into the night’s strongest performance. That’s called versatility.

2. David Archuleta: I’ve had young David A. as low as number three in the rankings over the course of season seven. The reason: Check round two of Tuesday’s competition, when he decided he should sing Chris Brown’s “With You.” It turned out to be the night’s biggest disaster. You want someone to sing a pop ballad? David A.’s your man. You want versatility? Look elsewhere. But, hey, the kid’s only 17.

As a countdown to next week’s show, we’ll be taking a look back at the best of worst of Idol season seven, starting with …

Simon’s snarkiest …

Check back tomorrow.