David Archuleta vs. David Cook

And the winner of "American Idol" Season 7 is ... (dramatic pause) ... David ... (another dramatic pause) ... Cook!

What do you think? Am I off base? Join us on our "Going Gonzo" live blog and you can participate in our live chat as we talk about the songs, the judges and who knows what else.



David Archuleta


David CookWithout the benefit of tonight's show, though, I'm ready to predict David Cook will walk away with the title.

No matter how you analyze the showdown between goofy-cute David Archuleta and smug-rocker David Cook, the viewers will realize it's Cook's time.

We all know it's a popularity contest -- look at winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard to prove that point. But, as "Idol" matures, I think a lot of longtime fans are ready for a winner who rocks, and a winner who commands the stage using creativity.

I can excuse some of David Cook's miscues -- I can even look past some of his rock-star bravado -- because he is so talented. David Archuleta, on the other hand, just doesn't seem ready to launch a career.

Plus, he has all those issues with his controlling dad.

Tonight, make sure to join in on our live blog. Last week, we had a record number of viewers stop by to say hello, some from all over the world, and even California, where the show airs on tape delay.

http://blog.mlive.com/goinggonzo/2008/05/american_idol_live_blog_finale.html