'American Idol' daily round-up: The countdown begins

Sixty-eight days to Season Eight. The Fox Network has announced that the rough beast slouching across the desert's hour will come at last on Jan. 13, when "American Idol" returns to the airwaves.

And as the clocks tick ever closer to the fateful day, around the nation at this very moment, 500 young talents are packing their bags and taking in final hours of vocal rest as they prepare to head to Hollywood Week; the top secret conclave gathers under security worthy of a president-elect somewhere in Los Angeles next week. And somewhere, out in America, the singer who will take the crown from David Cook next May is nervously wondering if next week will spell the end of his or her dreams ... or the prelude to months of tension beyond imagination.

As they prepare, last season's two finalists stand on the brink of their greatest test yet; on Tuesday, David Archuleta's debut album hits the stores, followed the next Monday by champion Cook's record.  Early polling on the absentee votes suggests a lopsided victory may be ahead for runner-up Archuleta, whose first single from the album ("Crush") has sold over 800,000 downloads, a 4-to-1 margin over Cook's "Light On," which stands in the 200,000 range.

How is David the Younger spending his days before he takes the first step into the marketplace alone?  Taking in a Jason Mraz concert with his good friend Jason Castro.  Castro tells the story in this charming seaside video blog entry.

Meanwhile, in what this critic takes as a clear sign of the nation's misguided priorities, it is official that the American people cast more votes in the presidential election than they did in the Season Seven finale; the Obama-versus-McCain slapdown outpolling the Cook-versus-Archuleta battle 133 million to 97.5 million. Where are your heads, American people?  A president lasts at most eight years, but a pop star is forever.

UPDATE: As several word nerds have noted in the comment section, the battle of the singles is not quite fair as "Crush" came on the market many weeks ago, while "Light On" was just released. 

--RIchard Rushfield

Photo: David Archuleta. Credit: Fox

Comments

[Amye]

Considering that David Archuleta's "Crush" came out two months before David Cook's "Light On" ... your numbers comparison doesn't make a bit of sense. Let's wait for the albums to drop and see how they do ... or, is that too much to ask?

[Carrie]

Might be useful to note that Archuleta's single has been out since August, while Cook's only released in October ;)

If you want to count Cook's Time of My Life, we can do that! that's just under a million right now.

[DeeDee]

Oh and yeah. . . let's not forget David's 11 hits at once - only being topped by the Beatles in 1964!!!!!!!!!!!! Why do you people keep this war going? OMG, I hope they both sell millions - From a die-hard Cook fan.

[StarryLaurie]

The comments are right regarding the comparison of Crush and Light On. Crush has been out longer. You can't really compare Crush to Time of My Life either, but Crush is doing great considering it came out the middle of August compared to the end of May for Time of My Life. I shouldn't point it out, but Archuleta's "Crush" isn't that far behind. Anyway, just thought I would share those thoughts if we want full disclosure on the comparison stuff.

I hope they both have great careers! They are friends and it would make them each happy if the CDs are both successful! I have listened to Archuleta's sneak preview and I love it!

[carly]

Jaysus, Cook and Archie are two very different artists with two very different goals for their debut disc. One is attempting to be true to his pre-Idol musical inclinations, while the other is still exploring who he is and was open to be molded for top 40 radio. Cook scored a gig on one of the highest rated SNLs of the season and proved he's the real deal with a rocking live performance and a tight new band, Archie has a big radio friendly hit on his hands and is likely to give Miley and the Jonas Bros a run for their money. They have both suceeded in their own ways. Can we let the competition go already? The guys have.

[Vanessa]

I believe Archuleta has an advantage over Cook, the guys has an AMAZING soulful powerful voice that takes/transports you into another level. I also think the comparison between the David's should stop. It's like oranges and apples. I hope they both have a long lasting career, they are good friends and sweet guys!

[cool2barchie]

I'm a more of a fan of Archie and I like Cook too. I hope both of their cd's will sell millions. I have preordered Archie's premium cd at itunes already but i will still buy both of Archie and Cook's album once they hit the store on 11/11 and 11/18 respectively. Congratulations Davids!

[cool2barchie]

I'm more of an Archie fan but I like Cook too. I hope both of their albums will sell millions of copies. I have preordered Archies premium cd at itunes already because i just can't wait anymore but I will still buy both of Archie and Cook's cd once they hit the store on 11/11 and 11/18 respectively. Congratulations Davids!

[hmm]

im pretty sure they didnt send 500 people to hollywood! they probably did not even see 500 people during the auditions!! anyway I cant wait for season 8 and to see the judges again, I miss them! (i dont care about the contestants, im just in it for the judging)

[Amy]

Im so excited for Idol, I miss the judges. I only watch Idol for Paula and Simon.