Access Blogs
Inside The 'Idol' Finale: Archuleta's Knock-Out Punch?
After Simon called David Archuleta's performance a "knockout," it would seem like Archie's a shoo in to win "American Idol." Not so fast though. Several spoiler sites are already predicting rocker David Cook will be the winner including Zaba Search and Dial Idol. Both sites accurately predicted Syesha Mercado's exit from the show (although that was kind of a given). Dial Idol has accurately predicted that Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks were going to win, so I’m inclined to believe them. If Cook does win it's not because he is a better singer -- it's because he is a better performer. He's the guy you want to buy a ticket to a show to see. He is the guy you would go out and buy or download their album. Archuleta is still very, very young. I think he is adorable and that voice is a gift. I still have to wonder if he can have commercial success as a recording artist. Although I know that Grammy winner and songwriting guru Diane Warren is itching to write a song for him and is convinced they could have a number one record together. I have a better plan! They are filming "High School Musical 3" right down the road from where he lives. Now that's a place I could see Archuleta - the next generation of East High!
Either way, when the votes come down tonight both Davids are going to be just fine career wise.
Last night on my way into the Nokia Theater I caught a glimpse of Archuleta's dad, Jeff, with the rest of his kids. This meant that his wife, Lupe, was watching over David, as at 17 years old, he needs a guardian at all times. I also spotted Chris Sligh from last season heading in to the audience and David Cook's brother, Adam.
I was inside the Nokia Theater for the big "bout." I thought the whole
boxing them was kind of silly. I swear that the music they were using
in the taped pieces was the exact same music they use during those
cheesy results show pieces on "Dancing With the Stars!" Thanks to my
favorite gal at Fox, our Idol producer Celeste and I had orchestra
seats down on the floor. Considering at the Kodak Theater we were
always up in the nosebleeds for the finale, I felt very privileged to
have gotten these seats. We caught a glimpse of "Grey's Anatomy" star
Justin Chambers escorting his five children to their seats and later
saw Luke Perry with his two kids.
Unlike on Idol taping nights at CBS there isn't much to report that you didn’t see during commercial breaks. Mostly, because the place is so big and the seats are so low, I couldn’t catch anything that wasn’t happening other than up near the stage. The only moment that really stood out to me was after David Cook's third and final performance and a roasting from Simon Cowell, his mother met him on the stage with tears streaming down her face. It looked like she was trying to give him support, but ultimately, she was the one who needed comforting. After David walked off stage she turned back to her seat and was almost in convulsions from crying so hard. A minute later executive producer Nigel Lythgoe (looking casual in a striped Harry Potter style shirt) came over to console her before she took her seat.
Tonight, I will be back inside for the big finale, out on the red carpet and I'll spend the morning with the winner. So be sure and check bag for all the dish. Next week I’ll have all the details from my visit to the set of "High School Musical 3"!
Unlike on Idol taping nights at CBS there isn't much to report that you didn’t see during commercial breaks. Mostly, because the place is so big and the seats are so low, I couldn’t catch anything that wasn’t happening other than up near the stage. The only moment that really stood out to me was after David Cook's third and final performance and a roasting from Simon Cowell, his mother met him on the stage with tears streaming down her face. It looked like she was trying to give him support, but ultimately, she was the one who needed comforting. After David walked off stage she turned back to her seat and was almost in convulsions from crying so hard. A minute later executive producer Nigel Lythgoe (looking casual in a striped Harry Potter style shirt) came over to console her before she took her seat.
Tonight, I will be back inside for the big finale, out on the red carpet and I'll spend the morning with the winner. So be sure and check bag for all the dish. Next week I’ll have all the details from my visit to the set of "High School Musical 3"!
I prefer David A. At least he is setting a good example whereas Cavid C. has a shaggy beard and uncombed hair.
David C winning was a FIX!
David A is a much better singer!
David C's style and and music didn't appeal to me and it will not in the future.
i am soo happy that the fans finally got it right.
david cook so deserves to be the winner, he is a great performer and you really care about his songs, personality and kindness. much happiness to a real winner. it is great to see a real authentic person. Marsha
dear julie, i know ur david a.'s fan...i also know that ur one of those teenagers who voted for him...but let me set the record straight...david c didnt win cause it was fixed...he won because he deserves it. he's original and a true performer.he got the x-factor.trust me...it's true.
your both wrong , since when does a beard have anything to do with anything, hello, Abe Lincoln , hey, the world voted! yeh we finially got it right.just wait and see. honestly they are BOTH worthy of being the winner this year. David A will find his way, if your good you don't need to have a title.. GREAT JOB by BOTH CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!
Wow. Not sure if you meant to be but you were pretty disrespectful to David A. The superior talent is his and you are dismissing him to "High School Musical 3"? Of course he will be successful. I fully believe that millions of people will appreciate his voice for decades to come. Its one in a million.