'American Idol' Banter: Which David rules this playground?

In a 2006 talk about America's obsession with precociousness, "New Yorker" writer and noted Big Idea guy Malcolm Gladwell made an interesting observation about what it means to be an adult.

"What a gifted child is, in many ways, is a gifted learner," he said. "And what a gifted adult is, is a gifted doer. And those are quite separate domains of achievement."

I can't think of a better summation of the difference between the two nascent stars who stepped into the "Idol" ring for the final time Tuesday night. (That, by the way, will be this piece's only reference to boxing. Framing this episode as "Rocky VII" really didn't work, though one understands why the producers found it irresistible).

David Archuleta is this season's Wonder Kid, a prodigy so innocent he seems like he fell out of a book by J.D. Salinger. He's awash in natural talent: there's that gorgeous vocal tone, and his stunning instinct for finding a song's melodic contours. But he's also proven himself adept at absorbing guidance. Allowing Andrew Lloyd Webber to persuade him to open those fluttery baby browns  -- a happy life lesson revisited tonight -- was an obvious case. The influence of his forceful dad, Jeff Archuleta, has been more fiercely scrutinized. But Archie's performances are what really prove that he's a gifted learner.

From his breakthrough "Imagine" (also reprised Tuesday, as a show-topper), to his reverential readings of Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey, to the uptempo numbers that foundered because he's just too uptight, Archuleta showed himself to be the ideal teacher's pet.

And his teacher? Certainly not judge Simon Cowell. No, it's pop itself, the clear source of all of this kid's comfort and emotional understanding. He is the latest embodiment of that wondrous, somewhat sad figure, the young dreamer who lives inside his chosen art form. The fondness many viewers feel for him reflects not only his singing talent but also the otherworldly aura that comes from Archie's utter absorption in the world of song. (That same quality makes others find him a bit creepy.)

David Cook, on the other hand, is a red-blooded, baseball-loving, starlet-dating, all-American doer. He came to "Idol" fully formed, his alternative rock credentials forged in the bars of the dusty Great Plains. The judges like to call him "original," but the gift that kept pushing him forward this season was savvy.

He unearthed the little-known bar-band trick of interpreting R&B songs indie-rock style (Cincinnati band the Afghan Whigs might have started this tradition way back in the mid-1990s), chose relatively obscure numbers by mentors Neil Diamond and Parton, and promoted his favorite just-under-the-radar bands (tonight's was Collective Soul) whenever he could.

His demeanor is cool; his favorite vocal strategy is to pull the notes out ever so slightly, lagging behind a song's beat, to create a sultry kind of tension. America thought he'd learned this from Eddie Vedder, maybe, but during Webber week, Cook admitted he'd been into high school musicals, and that's probably where he picked up his impressively understated style of raising drama.

Cook did develop during this season; his fashion sense has improved, for one thing, though is a faux-hawk really better than a post-Beatles mop comb-over? More important, he figured out a way to negotiate success on "Idol" without compromising his commitment to whatever vision of "alternative" he's living. (Given that he's consistently chosen to cover songs by bands with a spiritual if not overtly Christian bent, I'd wager he's not the super-decadent type.)

It's important for Cook's career that he has fully taken on the maverick role that the "Idol" judges thrust upon him early on. "For me, this whole thing has been a progression," he announced in the face of Cowell's criticism that he hadn't reprised a past episode's hit. "Why do something I've already done?" That is how a rock star thinks, at least when he's young. There will be plenty of time for Cook to revisit past glories in a mid-life comeback, circa 2028.

Anyway, following Gladwell's logic, the doer should have outclassed the learner in this ultimate test of "Idol" prowess. For weeks, Cook has been the front-runner, growing ever more assured as Archuleta trembled, getting ready for his next role as Chris Daughtry's little bro on the meat-and-potatoes rock circuit.

But it was Archuleta's night. Cook was credible singing U2 and enthusiastic with the songwriting competition number he chose, and (I discovered, returning to the moment on YouTube.com), his cover of Collective Soul had more panache than the original. But this final contest just didn't seem that important to him, even when he dropped a few tears mid-show. "I'm playing in front of 7,000 people," he said. "I feel great." You could feel his anticipation of many more thousands of fans to come, and that confidence somehow lifted him away from the role of "American Idol."

Archuleta, on the other hand, went deep inside tonight, completely focusing on those ridiculously short performances, letting the world slip away. When he started to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," selected for him by Clive Davis, it seemed slightly ridiculous. One of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's most stentorian ballads, a favorite of Clay Aiken when he wanted to pull out his big gospel notes, the song expresses the despair of a tired, endangered lover, not a 17-year-old kid who murmurs "gosh!" when surrounded by cheerleaders.

But Archie pulled it off. Climbing the song's long crescendo as if it were a stairway to the throne, he left his student's desk for a few minutes and unleashed something visceral. Maybe the motivation behind Archie's reading was just his burning need to win, but whatever it was, it belonged 100% to him.

The rest was frosting -- two more excellent interpretations, and three moments with Ryan Seacrest, during which poor Little David could hardly speak. But as most "Idols" past know, it only takes one instance of convincing transformation to become the final Chosen One. Making the leap from learner to doer, David Archuleta grabbed that ring. No matter what the voters decide about the contest, which can't be summed up in one night, Archuleta was your "American Idol" this hour.

-- Ann Powers

Photos courtesy of Fox

Comments

[Donna]

Boy did the judges call it wrong tonight. True, David Archuleta is an angel. An angel who's records I won't be buying, even though I have enjoyed listening to him on this tv show. Good luck to him, no matter what America decides.

[Bookaholic]

Ann, I've had some trouble with you in the past as far as David A. is concerned, but you redeemed yourself tonight. I could not have said it better myself.

David Archuleta was absolutely superlative! I hope America got it right because that kid won the night and the season--hands down! Out of this world performances, just unreal. David A. deserves the crown, no question about it. Even Cook applauded David at the end of the program...as he should.

If David Archuleta doesn't win American Idol, there's something rotten in Denmark.

[mikki]

Ann, I can't agree more with your observation tonight which is a far cry from what you have written early in the season about DA. These two competitors seems both nice, credible singer/person and worthy of being called American Idol. At the end of the day, it is a matter of preference of type of music.DC might win but DA has proven that he is real and not robotic and full of human emotion contrary to term geneticaly engineered. More power to both of them and hopefully.

[dannie]

Thank you Ann for providing an incredibly thoughtful take on last night's progress.

Early on this season, I knew you to be a fierce attacker on what you thought to be David Archuleta's hidden agenda, his seemingly impossible personality.

All I can say is: I'm glad you've come around. Haha.

The open objectivity is a welcome respite to the negative and cynical attitude usually going around these Idol segments. I hope others may find David to be as true and special as he really is.

[Charles]

Beautifully written. Your paridigm of gifted learner versus gifted doer is firm basis in judging the finals last evening. All along David Archueleta has been the more powerful of the two. Many factors contributed to Archuleta's success last night, but were you aware of something -- though it may seem trivial -- that was different?

Last evening, Archuleta was allowed to wear an earpiece. I had read that prior to that the producers (at some point if not the beginning) asked he not wear one because it didn't look good. For other contestants, yes, like Cook, that gave them an added advantage. It was more an even playing field last night. So the handicap removed, the listener heard Archuleta unincumbered. Thanks for the article.

[Charles]

Beautifully written. Your paridigm of gifted learner versus gifted doer is firm basis in judging the finals last evening. All along David Archueleta has been the more powerful of the two. Many factors contributed to Archuleta's success last night, but were you aware of something -- though it may seem trivial -- that was different?

Last evening, Archuleta was allowed to wear an earpiece. I had read that prior to that the producers (at some point if not the beginning) asked he not wear one because it didn't look good. For other contestants, yes, like Cook, that gave them an added advantage. It was more an even playing field last night. So the handicap removed, the listener heard Archuleta unincumbered. Thanks for the article.

[eric]

Archuleta does have a good voice but he totally played it safe and did the same boring stuff he always does. David Cook took some chances and, while the second song did seem a bit of a bad choice, he performed flawlessly on all three songs. He deserves to win this contest. Archuleta has absolutely no versatility. Even falling back on "Imagine" for the final number. That felt a bit of a cheat to me. I agree with Cook in not wanting to go back and do something we'd already heard before. Archuleta sounds the same in every song. So, if people want completely predictable and sugary ballads then by all means, give the kid the trophy but if you want someone who could truly be a pop/rock idol then it's got to go to Cook.

[Patty Hickey]

I thought David Archuleta was awesome on Tuesday evening! I love the clear tones of his voice, I can't wait to buy his CD. Good Luck to Archie!!

[Robin Delaney, Las Vegas NV]

David A should WIN! He came out fighting last night and scored a knockout. This young man is so talented and so nice to listen to.

[Sue]

IMHO, David Cook knew he couldn't beat the tween avalanche that will propell TCO to AI history and he decided to , instead of pandering to the kiddies, use this night to launch the David Cook Brand. I think it was a very smart move for the future of his career. I think he's too mature for the AI mantel. He looked so embarrased in the last couple of weeks doing "steps" with the other contestants.

[Smash]

Ok, first. I don't know anyone older than 13 that will buy David A's record. Secondly. I don't want David Cook to win if it means getting saddled to a cheezy pop, american idol recording contract. If he doesn't win, he can go with someone else who will better understand what to do with his talent. And David A....should be doing voices for Disney. He should be doing state fairs in Kansas or something.

[Berrie]

Remember that American Idol is a Reality Show and David Cook will win. So many people say David A is going to win but wait and see . Watch to see the upset . That's your American Idol

[Jay P]

Arguably the best AI article written all season...go David Cook! Although I think Archie has it...no matter they both have record deals the difference is I would buy Mr. Cook's CD!

[kathy foster]

David A. is cute but can only do one thing, David C. is the real thing & very versital. David C. is the top performer.

[Emily]

just as an aside, "Cincinatti" is actually spelled Cincinnati...

[Laura]

Sue I think you are dead on.
I think that coming in second might be the best thing for David Cook's career. And I am sure everyone associated with the show believes they can make more money with David A.'s "style".

[Kathy]

Well, I'll admit I was blown away by David A's performance and decided to vote for him, although Cook had me convinced for a long time. I thought if he had one lackluster performance, what will happen on the long haul. He has a career in the making anyway, regardless of the American Idol brand, he has his own brand, just like Ann said.

Please tell me one thing though. My friend also called the right number for David A and the recording said :"Thank you for voting for contestant number ONE! He clearly called the right number for David A...he simply used redial for the same "04" number and the recording said "Thank you for voting for contestant number TWO!" He redialed again and it said "ONE"

WHAT'S UP? Can somebody tell me? If he hadn't used redial, he would have never known. Something's messed up somewhere.

[Dave Stevens]

I too like the learner vs doer labels. In fact, I would extend the labels a bit.

Cook is forward looking; he's an artist in the sense that he is eager to create something new, to provide the listener with an experience never before known.

Archuleta has the more impressive skills, but lacks that forward-looking perspective. He's content to be nostalgic. He wants to move the lister every bit as much as Cook, but it's an indiscriminate desire. He's not concerned with the need to create something new. Just moving the listener is enough for Archuleta.

Cook wants to change the listener.

For me, that's the big distinction between the two Davids.

[DC]

I also will not likely buy David A's music but will definitely buy David Cook's. It is about personal preference and while David A may be the "Idol" by the show's standards and the block of actual voters it appeals to, I anticipate David Cook's career to be a very, very successful one. Congratulations to both of them for shining in the moment and staying true to themselves no matter what the machine may be asking of them. There were two winners as far as I am concerned.

[Steve]

Who is going to buy David A's albums? The same folks who buy Clay's? In the end the kid has a better voice and if he takes acting lessons he can make something of himself. But for making money as a recording artist, it is David C.

If I were producing my money would be on him.

[Vicky]

Archuleta did not play it safe. Why would he want to sing a new song and have to learn three? He took the pressure off of himself. Anyway, that is what most of the former Idols have done. It would be a little silly not to repeat his best performance of the season. . It all comes down to taste in music. I happen to think that we need more ballads. There are too many rockers out there. David Cook is a really good performer, but he doesn't move me with his music, as does David Archuleta when he is singing from his heart and soul.

[pups]

David Cook performed with such class, style and dignity...why pander for the votes...a true artist doesn't. David A. vocally is good but big deal, have anyone seen that Filipino 15 year old belting out a song that is circulating in youtube? David A style is boring...for his age - won't be interested with his CD.

[Simon Says]

Thousands and thousands of people paid $10.00 each for a chance to enter the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest, And look what they got.......So how many will it take till someone calls this fraud? 1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD's. 2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD. 3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show "Unhitched". 4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors. 5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll's CD. 6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Regie Hamm) (FYI...USAToday.com has named him the Songwriting Winner), is a co-writer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD and he's also a co-writer of the winner of 2007's American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne......Anybody see a pattern Yet? 3 of the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest Top 20 songwriters get credit on Clay Aiken CD's. Out of thousands and thousands of entries, 3 out of 20 work with Mr. Aiken. and nobody has a problem with this? The 2008 American Idol songwriting winner and 2007 American Idol songwriting winner are song co-writing partners and that's fine with everybody? If not then please visit ....... http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com .......for all the facts.

[Kenny]

Well the one thing to look at is that Simon Cowell has predicted the outcome of the voting every time this season with the exception of the Michael Jons upset. And last night I do have to agree with this article Archuleta did win for sure, and I think that David Cook should have finished up with "Elanor Rigby" or his rendition of "You'll Always Be My Baby" which is AWESOME. Either way no matter who wins they are both off to be super stars and they BOTH deserve crowns.

[Kim]

Hopefully, all of last night's praise for Archuletta won't create a backlash and have Cook win by default.