'American Idol' Banter: It's one for the rockers

“WHAT does it look like when the No. 1 show reaches its critical mass?” said Ryan Seacrest as this year’s  “American Idol” finale began Wednesday night. “THIS!”

And there they stood, the oddest couple to grace a soundstage since David Bowie and Bing Crosby bonded beneath Christmas tinsel and sang “The Little Drummer Boy.” Though they share a given name, finalists Archuleta and Cook embody two strains of pop that could  be fairly compared only in a competition like this. For most of this century, in fact, scruffy rock dudes like Cook have considered sugar pop purveyors like Archuleta mortal enemies. But not on “Idol” — a Top 40 lovefest designed to heal such divides by touting universal qualities, like “originality” and “making it your own.”

With Cook crowned king, it would seem that “Idol” voters have embraced classic rock as this year’s universal language. But reality is not so simple. The problems “Idol” faced this season, which a very fine finale almost washed away for two energetic hours, reflect the dissolution of any kind of unifying force in pop, even one that can be maintained for the length of a television program.

“Idol” relies on a belief in what the venerable rock critic Robert Christgau has dubbed the “monoculture” — in pop, that means a sound and style most everybody hears and likes and thinks is important. This idea was always only part of pop’s reality, and in recent years it’s become very difficult to maintain: Blame identity politics, the Internet or niche marketing, but the era of blockbuster artists singing for all of us seems to be over. Panic over the monoculture’s death is aiding in the music industry’s slow collapse, making rock- and soul-bred parents fret over their seemingly superficial kids, and preventing even popular songs (like the huge hit OneRepublic performed Wednesday night with Archuleta) from seeming anything but ephemeral.

As a paradigm dies, the romantic side of human nature reaches for some last thread of it to love. “Idol” is that thread — 97.5 million votes were cast for Cook and Archuleta, Seacrest announced. They must be at the center of pop’s universe!! They deserve our passion, our faith.

What does it mean, though, that Archuleta’s and Cook’s own sensibilities are so disparate that they can’t sing a duet without discord? Their personal camaraderie can’t overcome the flat feeling that arose when their voices combined. Even splitting a power ballad by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger — a blandly ecumenical songwriter if there ever was one — their harmonies grated.

In fact, every group number the final 12  contestants performed in what was (in part) a long advertisement for their summer tour reflected this season’s mood of friendly friction. Chikezie’s soul man moments clashed with Kristy Lee Cook’s country twang. Ramiele Malubay’s  disco-flavored sensuality was buried by the big waves of rock belters Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. Even the Davids lost their footing in the group sings, unable to settle into their particular grooves.

The would-be Idols did fine when left to their own devices. Jason Castro again showed why Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is always deserving of another revival, and Brooke White made a sweet duet partner for her folk-pop elder, Graham Nash. Smithson and Johns brought the house down with a stomping take on the Box Tops’ soul-rock classic, “The Letter.” And both Davids seized their spotlight moments, the rocker comfortably hamming it up with ZZ Top and the pop boy crooning gorgeously as OneRepublic played that forgettable hit.

“Idol” has always celebrated the breadth of the Top 40, making room for soul queens — Syesha Mercado, standing up to Seal’s hip-shaking invitations, can count herself among them now — and beat-boxing white boys, treacly balladeers and country barn-burners. This finale’s star-studded guest list made the argument for such well-processed diversity. Bryan Adams, Donna Summer, Gladys Knight, guest of honor George Michael — all share one thing, the ability to translate a niche sound for the largest audience possible. (Up-and-comers the Jonas Brothers fit in there, no matter how Disney-fied their sound — teen pop is a niche too, just a very well-marketed one.)

It’s a welcoming definition of greatness that has room to call all of these performers legendary. Certain snobs abhor it, but many millions have found it captivating for seven seasons now. But the “Idol” model still turns on the ultimate belief in one star to rule us all — the final “Idol,” anointed and armed with the collective wishes of the show’s judges and mentors, ready to conquer an empire.

Such empires, if they ever really existed, are no more. We live in fractious times, in music as in religion, lifestyle and politics; we rarely sing the same songs, and the few we do share are the old ones. There is no real critical mass, no matter how many times frantic dialers hit their cellphone buttons Tuesday  night.

At least David Cook belongs to the rare special interest group that still considers itself an embodiment of the norm. Meat-and-potatoes rock, which Cook clearly loves and believes in, hasn’t ruled the zeitgeist for a while, although it can still move large quantities of product for a few hard-working Joes, like unofficial Idol champ Chris Daughtry and Nickelback. Yet its fans pride themselves on loving “real,” “meaningful” music — the kind you can pass down to your kids, or sing in a crowd at a state fair. So maybe Cook will dominate, after all — just in a smaller arena than he may have once imagined.

And what of “Idol” itself? Rumors are buzzing that the show will benefit from a major overhaul next season. It’s hard to know how to mend, or at least acknowledge, the deeper contradictions that afflict not only “Idol,” but the mass-culture oriented industry it supports. “For me, this whole thing has been a progression,” Cook said the night before he won everything, during a moment when it seemed like he’d lost. It seemed like such a healthy attitude. If only the producers of “American Idol” could embrace it.

--Ann Powers

Can't get enough of 'American Idol'? Join us for a chat at 11:30 a.m. PST.

(Photo courtesy AP Images for Fox)

Comments

[Adam]

Congratulations to both Davids they are both amazing performers in their own style. I just love the Cookie fans, they just love to attack other opinions and styles of music. My way of highway approach. I hope Cookie does well as the winner. AI never had to market a rocker before. Being a winner does not mean success. Now Cook has to deal with Simon's huge and controlling behavior. God had a better plan for David Archuleta. Wanted to give him more choices for his talent. Better to have more than one choice than only one. He already had numerous calls and offers, but cannot do anything until after the tour. I am a 40 year old musician, who thinks loud rockers are plentiful. He is unique and I love ballads. Not everyone loves Celine Dion or Elton John. Good luck to all the top 10 you have are great. Follow you dreams. David Archuleta you are my american idol already. No more Simon arrogance for you young man. YEAH!

[Larite65]

Funny some say fans "our age" don't vote. I have a few times - however - Tuesday night I sat with my cell phone in hand and voted over and over again. My cell space filled 4 times which equals around 900 votes. What my have pushed me into voting? I think it was the fact that DC deserved to win and Simon did the 180 and indorsed Archie at the last minute! Hmmm Simon is a very smart man! Thank you Simon and CONGRATS! David Cook!

[Chasee]

David Cook won, but the war is just starting between him and Simon and the AI producers. They asked both contestants to pick one song for the finale that they already sang before (that was not an option), he showed that he did not want to do that. Simon was not happy about it. You do what Simon tells you to do when they ask you to pick your song from the list they tell you to sing from. He was smart, he sang something new, he might have gotten the votes to win, let's hope Simon and AI knows how to market this rocker. Good luck to all the contestants. Cookie and Achuleta are two classy performers. Respect their respect for each other and please stop with the Archuleta bashing, if you are not a fan. You are only showing how stupid and narrow minded and limted you are in your preferences of variety of musical styles.

[patti McCarthy]

DId anyone notice how bored Amanda looked?

[Darla]

Well for those of the rockers with the one track mind, please stop with the nastiness and classless comments about Archuleta. If you like rock great, but you are only show lack of talent and respect for anybody that is not a rocker. This is America. No wonder the world out there hates americans. My way or else you are not good at anything. Cookie already has CD's out, please run and get them and blast your music so your brains can get a little smaller than already area. Stop with the bashing. Both Davids were very talented. And you are just mean and useless. Respect diversity and please do get a life, this is only entertainment. We do not like an entertainer we change the music and the channel, we do not spend all our energy hating them. GEEEEZ Get a freaking life already.

[Carol]

I don't know if anyone else ran into this problem during the voting, but i tried over 20 times and it kept saying the number was disconnected for archie..it finally went thru after that, then it would go back and forth...disconnected...then it would except a vote...then yes then no...very strange...i never voted in the past, but wanted to this time....kinda disappointed in the system...i even had the number froze on the tv thinking it was my dialing but it wasn't...just a heads up...that could have been some problems somewhere else....i'm in the central coast of calif....i love them both...but wanted archie to win....i will be buying his cd when it comes out...

[Carol]

I don't know if anyone else ran into this problem during the voting, but i tried over 20 times and it kept saying the number was disconnected for archie..it finally went thru after that, then it would go back and forth...disconnected...then it would except a vote...then yes then no...very strange...i never voted in the past, but wanted to this time....kinda disappointed in the system...i even had the number froze on the tv thinking it was my dialing but it wasn't...just a heads up...that could have been some problems somewhere else....i'm in the central coast of calif....i love them both...but wanted archie to win....i will be buying his cd when it comes out...

[Taze]

Did anyone notice that Ryan Seacrest was breakdancing with the dancers. And what was the producer thinking George Michael looks horrible and that song... talk about a buzz kill!! Wouldn't it have been better if he sang a duet with David A. like a reprisal with Elton! Overall the best MAN won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[S]

YAY!! THE RIGHT DAVID WON!!! THIS WAS AN AMAZING SEASON! MUCH BETTER THAN LAST SEASON WHEN BLAKE LEWIS WAS THE ONLY GREAT CONTESTANT! AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED WATCHING MICHAEL JOHNS AGAIN!!! MORE COOK AND JOHNS PLEASE!!!!!!! AND WISH ARCHULETA LUCK TOO! HE'S A REAL SWEET KID!!!

[jonie]

I am so happy that David Cook won. He deserved it. He took chances, even tho sometimes got criticized by the Judges, (especially Simon). I think he has a great future. And so does David Archuleta. He will get a recording contract and go far, with the younger teenie-bopper crowds. But, he needs to finish school before he should go professional. Having Graham Nash sing with Brooke White was GREAT! And also Michael Johns, Syesha, and Carly all did really well, and I see a future for them, too. Michael Johns should have gone on to the at least the top 3 !!! He was good.
The Producers of the show need to re-think about next year's Finale, they don't need dumb things like the Mike Meyers spoof, or so much drawn-out silliness! Make it a one hour show, with less interruptions and commercials. Everyone Tivo's it anyway, and they skip through all the commercials. Just my thoughts!

[Dolores Jones]

Way to Go America.......
You truly vote for the most talented contestent .......
Cook you ROCK ........
You grew each and every week and show, and put my faith back into American Idol

[DrakeUrsula]

If a seventeen year old won two years in a row, the show might have been irretrievably surrendered to the tween demographic. I am grateful that didn't happen, not only because I find David Cook's vocals more interesting, but because Archuleta shared a common trait with last year's winner, Jordin Sparks: that strange look of panic indicative of not being emotionally, verbally, or mentally ready for this level of notoriety and success. I recall an interview with Jordin Sparks, where she recanted her first AI audition: she sang for the initial screener, and upon being rejected, asked the Fox employee, "What? Are you sure?" This kind of silly bravado, equivalent to Syesha Mercado comparing her AI experience with the Civil Rights Movement in America, is more distasteful, but just as worrisome, as Archuleta's near hyperventilating post-performance during the Top Two show.

[Katillac]

The comment in the article about discord between Cook and Archuleta in the "Hero" duet???? They DO have very different singing styles, however I'd say that overwhelmingly I've seen VERY positive reviews of this duet and how surprisingly well their voices sounded together. Certainly their harmonies weren't "grating"! You sure blew the point of your article with those comments.

[Cameron]

For all the talk about the death of the monoculture, I think Cook's win has less to do with it than we might assume. David Archuleta represents what the show has been about for the past several seasons. A classically trained American idol contestant, weaned on the show and born to take the stage and sing inspiration ballads like "This is My Now" as the ticker tape and balloons fall from the ceiling of the hollywood and highland complex. Which, it should be duly noted, is just a big mall.

However, David Cook represents the contest's original intent. A young, talented man plucked from obscurity and catapaulted to stardom. What's more, unlike Archuleta, David cook is actually a musician. He doesn't feel so manufactured and facile, but instead, like a man who really loves music and likes to challenge himself and challenge us in the process. That creativity and willingness to take risks is what made him a winner, and in the end, that's what makes good pop-music. It's different, it's original, until everyone starts doing it and then everything has to change again. Perhaps this is just the end of the manufactured superstar's era.

[CJ]

Ryan Seacrest must go...he is boring to the nth power.

[kathy]

David Cook won because he got the most votes. Period.

Simon should have been red faced with his snide comments about David Tuesday night.
Maybe Simon should leave the show. Obviously, he didn't know what he was
talking about, did he??

I can't wait to buy David Cook's music. He's a real musician.

Archie needs to grow up some for now. He'll still have an amazing career.

[Angie - Salem, MO.]

I have been an American Idol fan from season (one). I have never missed an episode, and each year becomes more of a mystery to whom will carry the title. I really believe that either David would of carried the tile well... but I am partial to Cook. A Missourian myself, I was VERY PLEASED that another Missourian took the title. Cook made the Show Me State proud!

[kathy]

David Cook won because he got the most votes. Period.

Simon should have been red faced with his snide comments about David Tuesday night.
Maybe Simon should leave the show. Obviously, he didn't know what he was
talking about, did he??

I can't wait to buy David Cook's music. He's a real musician.

Archie needs to grow up some for now. He'll still have an amazing career.

[Lynda]

If they took off Ryan or Paula, Randy, Simon, I wouldn't watch!

I say 97 million votes says it all! Don't fix it if it isn't broken.

American got it right when they picked David Cook. Archuletta has a nice voice, but it's like elevator music...it could be anyone singing. Cook has his own style and personna, something Archuletta doesn't.

I'm a grandmother and I never voted before, but Tuesday night when I was sure Archuletta was probably going to win, I voted for Cook until my cell battery went dead. At the beginning of the show when they announced the percentage of votes, I thought Archuletta had it, so I was blown away and so happy when he actually won. Maybe the baby boomers got off the proverbial couch and picked up their phones.

[KS]

I think that Ms. Powers' column is a little too faux intellectual for its subject matter. Last night was the first time that I watched AI this season. I'm just relieved that they didn't bring out a robed gospel choir for the final song. I thought that Jason Castro's performance was the most moving, and I'm sad to see Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood looking so packaged. Maybe it's better not to win.