'American Idol' betting odds: David Cook favored to win it all!

Well, “Idol” junkies, it’s finally down to the wire. Next week, America will choose its seventh American Idol. My money is on David.

But seriously folks, the tension is mounting! All season long, David Archuleta has been the presumptive champion. That angelic voice, that joyful smile, that aw-shucks demeanor; what more could tween America want?

Nobody could have predicted that a mysterious rocker with a 5 o’clock shadow would sidle up and threaten Archie’s crown, and yet that’s exactly what happened. Even oddsmakers who favored Archuleta all season are changing their tune to David Cook. 

BetCRIS.com has predicted the following shocking odds:

Odds that David Archuleta will win: 43/20 or 32% chance of winning

Odds that David Cook will win: 20/57 or 74% chance of winning

The oddsmakers at bodoglife.com agree that Archuleta has gone from top dog to underdog:

David Archuleta: +160
David Cook: -230

Nsawins.com also places Cook in the lead.

Bet365.com now lists David Cook at 4/11 while David the Younger stands at 2 to 1.

-- Stephanie Lysaght

Comments

[Vicky]

It's a real shame when someone predicts a winner before the final two have even performed for the finale. Both are very talented and either could win. Unfortunately, some viewers may be discouraged from participating in the vote when it appears the decision has already been made. Considering some of the reports on the internet,the legitimacy of the contest is already at issue. If anyone thinks the younger viewers aren't voting for David A, they have not seen the forums on American Idol's site. Both Davids are doing well with millions of fans and hopefully they will be given a fair chance before and during the finale.

[CornerJ]

This is the first year that I would be happy with either David as the winner. Both will clearly have a solid career regardless of which one "wins". But having said that, I'd still put my money on Archuleta. The oddsmakers have underestimated the fanaticism (i.e., hyper-speed-dialing) of his fan base. I don't think it will even be close.

[Ann]

Gosh, I sure hope DC wins. I felt all along that DA would win, given that his fan base are the teenyboppers, grandmas and bible-beaters who actually take the time to vote.

Go David Cook! I'll be voting for you!

[Tom]

Wow, Chosen One is easy money at +160. Believe me, these odds have more to do with casinos balancing their books than the actual odds of winning.

Most people who will be betting on this will be older people who like Cook and think he has a great chance of winning. There will be a lot less money on David A, hence the odds come out favoring David A to induce money being bet on him instead of Cook.

Vegas will clean up on Idol! They can't lose!

Seriously, anyone who doesn't think The Chosen One's tween army won't having bleeding fingers after phoning in 537 times to vote for TCO doesn't know much about American Idol.

[dave a]

"Unfortunately, some viewers may be discouraged from participating in the vote when it appears the decision has already been made"

first of all, Vicky, you're taking american idol way too seriously.

secondly, the producers decide who wins. duh. so yes, the decision has already been made.

[Philip]

Without Jeff Archuleta's wings, David Archuleta failed to soar in his own song choice! He took some risk and attempted Chris Brown's "With You". I'm 100% not with him. He can only sing one genre and it's ballad so forget about making big in the American charts that are dominated by very contemporary pop, R&B, hip-hop and rock songs. His voice was absolutely unsteady and weak when he sang "With You". It sounded like he was running out of breadth trying to catch up with Chris Brown. The one who is going to make it big in the tabloid is his dad aka Jeff Archuleta aka stage dad.

Archuleta was very lucky to have Paula Abdul and the producer to choose the right songs for him to sing. And guess what? More ballad. Randy Jackson said that David Cook was predictable. What about David Archuleta, Randy Jackson? Isn't he overly predictable? Or did you bank on him so you have to make sure that he grabs the title? Or do you already have song writers penning songs for him?

I've very strong feeling that Archuleta might win the American Idol title. But, can you bring your teeny boppers fan base from American Idol into the real world? Let's get real people. David Cook can sing better. He appeals to wider audience. I wish you advance good luck and congratulations. I guess Archuleta will tag his daddy along to his recording studios because he's the one who is making the choice, and not him. Daddy Jeff might even get barred from entering all recording studios because of his earthquake involvement from song writing to video directing.

Welcome to the world of entertainment, Jeff Archuleta. Walk slowly, laughing to the bank.

[gee]

I prefer Archie as a singer, however, who is going to have a more successful career? I think it's pretty obv. that Cook is a little more marketable. I mean look at the other successful Idols such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks. They all sang many contemporary and pop songs in their seasons and are successful because that is the type of music people buy. Fantasia has arguably the best voice of any past idol, however her style and voice just isn't what the public craves, same goes with Taylor Hicks. I mean yeah grandma and the tweens may vote on American idol, but are they the ones downloading millions of songs off of itunes and buying out concerts? No, they aren't. So, if Archie does win, I doubt his success will exceed or even reach the level of that of Kelly, Carrie or even Jordin. Sorry Folks.

[daisawesome]

Oh, I don't put too much emphasis on these odds, polls, etc. The bottom line is, win or lose, I am life-long fan of David Archuleta.

David Archuleta (DA) is probably the most unique, talented, lovable contestant that ever graced the Idol stage. Other older contestants have come and gone, but they were not as talented as him, and at age 17 (!), he can only get better. In fact, he saved AI early on before the top 12 with fantastic performances. His Imagine performance brought in long-term die-hard fans and his laughs, along with his good-nature personality brought in even more fans as the weeks went by. There were simply too many memorable performances to list. He's the only one that took risks and pushed himself more than all the other contestants this year. Even when he "screwed" up, no one did it more adorably. His interviews were breaths of fresh air and so interesting and fascinating to watch. I laughed, cried and hollered for no apparent reasons whenever I saw him on the TV screen. Who else but DA brought the phrases like "dang it", "stoked", etc to the masses. His voice has made crying babies silent, lifted downtrodden spirits, touched faraway souls, and healed broken hearts. He's sobered up drunks like Paula, inspired outpouring of love all over the world, and unfortunately, also brought out many bullies from under rocks. And to top it all off, his is a partially healed voice (from vocal paralysis), but oh so perfect nevertheless, with pure tone, perfect pitch, and outstanding techniques. Those licks and runs are priceless. His fans have fainted, passed out, and suffered severe ODD, but as diverse a background as they are, they all have something in common: they're full of joy and emotions when they hear DA sing. What is so sweet about this whole experience of seeing DA this year has been this: he wants to sing, share, and reach people with his voice/music, and to his surprise, we not only hear him, but we fall heads over heels for him. The connection he wanted to make with his fans has been accomplished long ago, simply because: he is as he sings; we are as we listen. Forever DA!

[Karen]

You say that grandmas aren't downloading songs and buying concert tickets???!! I beg to differ! I am a 61 year old grandmother and I have downloaded ALL of David Archuleta's songs and videos plus I just bought 2 tickets to the American Idol Concert in OKC. David A. is an incredible singer and I will be buying everything he does!! Not only that, I will be voting for him to win next week. David A. is a fantastic role model! You underestimate his talent; I hope he's making CD's for a LONG time....and you can bet that every one of them will be in my collection!!

[Planet E]

The producers do not pick the American Idol, dave a.
A producer would have never chosen Taylor HIcks.
Unfortunately its up to the masses.

I am really surprised that they have odds so lopsided.
I think it could go either way.
Everyone I know prefers David Cook, but a lot of them don't vote or vote a few times. The teeny boppers will get carpal tunnel on TuesDave night voting for Archie.

Now if there were odds on who will sell the most cds.....David Cook would be the sure bet =)

[wanda]

I hope david cook wins.....i've liked him since the first time i saw him.......david archeletta is good also i think they will bith make it big.

[Joey]

um some people think these "odd makers" are guessing, its a well known fact the david C has been getting more votes, just check out this link, basicly this site is setup to measure the busy signal of each idol.

I have been following this site for a while and its never wrong so last week David C had 1/3 more votes and thats why he is the favorite to win.

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

[brittany]

you guys are being waaay too harsh on david archuleta. he has an amazing voice or he wouldnt be there in the first place. although i do think david cook has a great voice too. i think either of them have a very high chance of winning and they both deserve it. neither of them are there just because of looks. and even though only one will win the american idol title, they will both make albums that fans will enjoy. if you dont like it then you have no obligation to buy it but there is also no need to be rude to david archuleta fans. they arent just stupid little tweens and old ladies who love his cuteness. he has a very nice voice.

[Jenna]

Cook needs to win and deserves to win. He has the potential to be the first successful AI male winner. I hope enyone who loves his music and what he does on the show will vote for him, because he wants it and IMO, that will be the only satisfying ending to this season - a true musician winning AI.

[Dropping By]

My wife and I like both Davids very much (we're in our mid-40s). Cook is quite likable, is more at ease as a performer, and is clearly more versatile. It has been a joy to watch him grow throughout the competition (in contrast to Archuleta, who started at the very top and stayed there). For all we know, perhaps Cook is the more marketable of the two. But no one can be serious in saying he has a better voice than Archuleta. The Chosen One's voice is absolutely beautiful, literally arresting in its haunting depth, with a much greater range and a terrifically evocative timbre. Furthermore, how Archuleta's father can possibly be relevant is completely beyond us. The tabloid-fueled outrage about any backstage involvement can't be fair. David A. is a 17-year-old high school junior. No one so young (at least, in my memory) has ever rocketed from virtual anonymity to international acclaim so quickly, and the Archuletas are navigating without a roadmap. If Mr. Archuleta has erred on the side of protecting his son, then good for him. Team Archuleta!

[Michael]

I don't trust in the votes, I am sure that David Archuleta will win if the people don't forget to vote.

[LeAnne]

Well, I've seen some sites saying Cook will win by a landslide and others saying Archie has a slight edge so who knows? I do hope Cook wins!

[michael]

Hey Stephanie, the last time I know there are lots of .com site making predictions. Unfortunately you only chose a few prediting DC to win. How convenient of you to do that. Next time do your homework well. Do you know the meaning of balance reporting??

[crabpaws]

My favorite is David Cook but I don't feel it would be doing him a favor to send him into that heckhole of American Idol servitude -- oops, I mean celebritude.

David Archuleta, in contrast, would be thrilled thrilled thrilled to win and do Ford commercials.

Can I bring myself to vote for Archuleta? Probably not. But as I've said before, he and AI deserve each other.

[abigail]

I really think that david cook should win... hes so much better... david archuletta has become a bit too sickly sweet.. anyway..GO DAVID COOK!!

[persica]

Ann, your comment does not do David Cook any good at all. Very nasty, not to mention false.
I'm a fan of Both Davids and frankly I would imagine D.C. would not care for what you posted here.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Gosh, I sure hope DC wins. I felt all along that DA would win, given that his fan base are the teenyboppers, grandmas and bible-beaters who actually take the time to vote.

Go David Cook! I'll be voting for you!

Posted by: Ann | May 16, 2008 at 04:22 PM

[AI Luver]

DAVID COOK IS A FANTASTIC MUSICIAN, SONGWRITER, VOCALIST, AND PEFORMER. HE WILL BE AS BIG AS KELLY OR KELLY. DAVID ARCHULETA IS A CUTE KID WITH AN AVERAGE VOICE. HE HAS TERRIBLE BREATH CONTROL AND HORRIBLE STAGE PRESENCE. HE WILL DO OKAY IN THREE OR FOUR YEARS WHEN HE MATURES AND FIGURES OUT WHO HE IS VOCALLY AND STYLISTICALLY.

DAVID COOK FOR THE WIN!!!

[Ann]

daisawesome:

David Archuleta "took risks"?" "Sobered up drunks like Paula"? "Made crying babies silent"?
I understand you are a fan, but are you sure you're not his publicist? Or parent?

Creepy!!!

[Al Beeson]

DA may have "perfect" pitch, but his voice is horrible to listen to! No one will ever buy an album he produces. He has zero personality, he can't answer a question in an interview, and has no original thoughts other than what his father tells him. He's a novelty act that went too far. The good news - he won't win.

[Ann]

persica, didn't mean to sound nasty, but that's just exactly how I feel!

Go David Cook!

[lenje]

I find it amusing that many David Cook fans claim that only the tweenyboppers and grandmas will ever root for David Archuleta, that DA doesn't deserve to win, that his future will only show poor sales, nobody will ever come to his tours. In many forums, sadly, that 17 year old kid is often called names by these so-called "more mature" posters.

Guess what, 17 year old DA shows more maturity than most of his fellow Idol contestants by NOT being too dramatic, weeping on stage or constantly snapping back when criticized, and by standing up for his father amidst the ban and the chaotic news traffic following it.

And if these "adults" are actually sure that David Cook's success will outlast Archuleta no matter what, it shouldn't also matter to them who wins the title.

[teri]

Do you all really think that either one of these performers would appreciate people trashing the other one? I am by far a David Cook fan,he is from my hometown and I have followed him from the beginning.I love his voice and his talent,and all the comments about him being smug,is so far from the truth.If you have watched any of his interviews you wuld realise he has been very humbled by this experience and is greatful as well.If he able to show emotion in front a as many people as he has I say that alone speaks alot.That is difficult at best for a male to do.I hope DC wins,but they are both very talented and very nice people

[Kathy]

Obliviously, these two young men are two of the most talented in the land. But, there can only be one winner. As posted by many before me, David Cook is a magical musician. He gives me goose bumps. He looks in the camera so humble and is soul can take your breath away. David A. is so young. Surely he will have a wonderful life ahead of him in the music industry. David Cook and family have gone through so many hardships - and have stayed strong - to deserves the crown, AMERICAN IDOL.

[RC]

Both gents are extremely talented, good looking, they have respect for other fellow performers and I'd venture to guess that they've become good buds and will probably support each others future for some time to come. I think both will come out of American Idol doing very well.
DA needs some guidance and direction as most talent does who reaches this point, DC is ready to hit the stage tomorrowwith ax in hand. There's been a lot of money spent on other AI winners but only a few have made it to the top even with all of the exposure they've received. The recording business is tough one to make it in and that's not going to change for any performer. Good luck to both DA and DC.

[Patricia]

How can anyone say that David Archuleta can't sing? And David Cook is a screamer plain and simple. He has no personality at all and his voice is typical of a bad garage band performer. America missed the prize once again! He is not a rocker and to be put on the same stage with the great ZZ Top was an insult to them. I hope American Idol will be cancelled. It sucks. Always has.