I love David Archuleta and I hope he wins Idol. He is a beautiful person with an amazing voice.

I'm for David Cook. He has yet to have a bad week. Unlike Archuleta who has had a few bad weeks.

I would love to see David A. win the whole thing. As a 45 year mom, I find David to be a refreshing, genuine, inspiring young man. He is the perfect role model for our youth.

I agree. It will be between the two Davids. They are my two favorites. But I am pulling for David A. In my opinion, it is a lot harder to find someone with a true vocal gift like David A. has. Although it still takes talent, I think it is easier to be a rocker and you can get away with bad notes, missed notes, etc. But it will be a great final with those two.

I think both Davids are extremely talented, but I'm rooting for David A. because his voice is heaven-sent. David A. knows how to take an audience on an emotional ride.

i love david a......

I'm another David A. fan, although I like David C. as well. They're both so different--I think it really comes down to which style you prefer. For me, it's all about the voice, and David A. has it. And he'll get even better with age. Right now, he just has such control over his voice, and his tone is amazing. He also does brilliantly connecting with his songs and the audience.

Both Davids have a tremendous amount of talent, and I'd love to see them in the top two. I'm more of a David Archuleta fan because I've never heard a voice like his, nor heard such a talent for phrasing. I'll definitely buy his CDs after the show.

I don't understand the appeal of David A. He has a good voice, but he sings like a cheesy lounge singer. He should have been kicked off the week he forgot the words to the song.

David C. for me. David A. is certainly talented, but I have yet to see any real musicality to go with the nice voice. He needs a defined style, beyond singing about serious "issues." He's just so pageanty for me, and I can't see him ever making music that I'd actually spend money on. I'm certainly glad that this week's inspirational theme will give him a chance to step out of his box!

David C., on the other, has great vocal chops AND a clear style. Even if he borrows other people's arrangements, he picks creative and interesting ones, and last week proved that he's not so bad when he creates his own arrangement. He just seems more mature and more able to connect with the lyrics.

David Cook.

I am a David A. fan. I enjoy all of the remaining singers, but I agree that it could very well come down to the dueling David's. The Aussie has an excellent chance of pulling off a surprise. This has been a great year so far.

Hmm. So far, it looks like David Archuleta's leading among commenters. But I'm seeing some well-thought rationales for supporting David Cook.

Let me ask a couple of follow-up questions to go with my original:

» David Archulta fans: The judges (Simon in particular) have been giving Li'l David a hard time about his song choices -- how they've been a bit on the preachy side. Do you agree? Do his song choices positively or negatively impact your view of him?

» David Cook fans: Some have reached back to the Daughtry example to suggest that a rocker-type can't win "Idol" and that a performer like David Archuleta is a more traditional choice. Do you think David Cook can win?

I think Cook *can* win, but ultimately, Archie will. I'm also not sure Cook would be better off as the winner, anyway. Daughtry is a good example of someone who fared better after losing. But then Cook has a few things Daughtry lacked, in my opinion: A more likeable personality and a better and more distinctive voice. I think these factors will propel Cook into the final two.

Michael Johns for the win!!!

It may be convenient and fun to have a David vs. David column but it ain't over 'til its over. Can you say Tamyra Gray? Can you say Kimberly Locke? Chris Daughtry? Josh Gracin? Elliott Yamin? LaToya London? Obviously there is only one winner each year, but each of these names was a supposed "front runner" at some point during their Top 10 season but finished out of the top two. Save this column only if the Davids are the final two.

Sorry -- nanopanda got me so flummoxed when s/he called me redrocker the other day, now I can't even remember my own handle! The 10:28 post is really me.

I like both Davids so I want either to win but I like Carly too.Maybe have her has 3rd runner up?

I am 100% behind David Cook. Regardless of whether or not he comes first, he will still be a winner. He has incredible talent.

Cook has more talent than Archulta or the rest. Plain and simple. Archulta at this point is just a great voice and a pretty face but no substance. Those kind of performers don't have main-stream lasting power. Solo artists have to have an ability to, at the very least, know how to work with great song writers and be a great song writer themselves to have staying power. David Cook has both abilities. Cook has written and recorded two great solo albums and as many with his old band Axium. I personally worked with him in the studio on his first solo album and I can tell you that he is an ace in the studio. He has an awesome ability to capture timeless emotions and situations and tastefully craft them into his songs. And he is equally good on stage as we can see every week on AI. So if he doesn't win AI he will definitely have a huge career in front of him that, in my humble opinion, will dwarf what ever Archulta comes out of this with.

I enjoy both the Davids, but David A. is the clear winner as far as pure talent goes, imo. He has the most amazing voice, and I can't wait to buy his CDs.

My husband, who is totally not into the whole Idol thing, watched vids of both David A. and David C. when I mentioned they were the front runners.
His comments:

David A.--"Wow! What an incredible voice!"

David C.--"He's a front runner?? You're kidding!"

Just the view from here....

I have to say that anything could still happen at this point, but my vote goes to David Cook. I agree with the other comment that David A. is still here on a "gift" since forgetting the words to a song. He should have been gone that week. Unacceptable at that level.

One thing people confuse too often, in my opinion, is having a great voice means you're talented. They don't always go hand in hand. Almost anyone can be taught how to sing. Obviously some better than others and some just have it naturally. But writing music is a whole higher level of talent and that's where Cook comes into play. Playing an instrument requires talent. Writing a song that others connect with requires talent. Singing others songs well if anything is barely a touted talent. I think they call it Karaoke... Maybe Archulta has some writing skills that we don't know about or some arrangement skills too but at this point he is just more popular. Not more talented. Remember the goal here is to find someone who will get a recording contract and record new songs. I know plenty of people who sing other people's songs well that can't write a song to save their lives. How many AI winners are still putting out number 1 singles on the radio?

David Archuleta is my American Idol. He will win.
David Cook is amazing buthe's voice is not distinct. He sounds like creed to me and he's not that original.

My last point, Maybe... With out researching list the last 4 songs anyone else has sung (sang??) besides David cook. And While I don't agree with the Creed comparison they did do real well for them selves. Not the worst singer to be compared to. Although David hates being compared to that guy... I think David's "little sparrow" performance should put that to rest. Can anyone one tell I prefer David cook? Am I being too subtle? :-)

We don't need another rocker out there ... we need (and want) a BEAUTIFUL person (both inside AND out) with the most BEAUTIFUL voice, singing the most BEAUTIFUL songs ... and that is David Archuleta .. a TRUE American Idol in every sense of the word ... he takes my breath away everytime he sings ... Go David A!!!

Michael Johns... he's got the voice, the appeal, and definitely looks good onstage!

Your column created quite a bit of interest today. While the 'David competition' has been good, I think one of them will be edged out by Carly (w/sleeves).

Mom4David... I would be on board with you for the most part if David A. was a song writer. I prefer and I think most prefer people to sing about their own life experiences. Yes he has an amazing voice but that's all he has shown us and he's way too green. And like others have stated here... he should have been sent packing for forgetting lyrics to a Beatles song. You just don't mess up a Beatles song in front of millions of viewers and then sing some obscure song no one knows to a "T". They have one week to learn a condensed version of one song. One song! It shows that the general public is not that discerning when it comes to real talent and this is more of a popularity contest. I guess that's why Hanna Montana and Britney Spears are popular.

I'm another David Archuleta fan and I would like to see this kid winning AI..His voice is unique and pure. I hope he wins..
go David A!!

Ben ... David A. was not sent packing for forgetting the words, because there were plenty of others who deserved to go because they failed to connect with their audience and did not get their votes ... Prior to that mishap, David A. had unforgettable performances that transcended flubbing the lyrics. Also, none of the contestants are being judged for their writing skills ... when AI wants them to sing their own songs then that can be discussed further ... writing skills alone do not define talent ... talent is multi-dimensional and is also subjective and is hard to measure tangibly ... hence there are many viewpoints and preferences reflected here ... and there always will be. I don't want to mince words on who is better because that is an endless debate. In my eyes (and many others') ... David A. is the best!!! He has captured many hearts and if that makes him popular then so be it ... there's nothing wrong in that.

Ben H -- why don't you and David C just get room together?!

Ben ... my last point too ... Princess Diana, Elvis and Oprah are all popular too! :)

WOW. Real deep Red rocket. Glad to be conversing with such heavy hitters. BTW,,, we were roommates at one time. Now, I've said many times that David A can sing and sing with the best. He has an awesome voice. Great! Now what? That's all he has shown the world thus far. And for me that's not enough. If he has some tricks up sleeve he better start pulling them out because eventually you all will grow tired of hearing him sing other people's songs once this competition is over. His best shot at long term success is getting on one of those infomercials where he's singing the classics and the song titles are scrolling up the screen with him singing in the background on a set from Mr. Rogers selling a 4 cd set for only $19.95. Being a musician I desire listening to people who create their own music and while yes, this is a singing (covers) competition now, ultimately the winner will go into the studio and record songs that either someone else wrote or songs they had a hand in writing. Only one of the David's has shown us he can do that. And only one has shown some diversity from week to week so he won't get stale as fast. Remember who said "David, if this remains a talent competition and not a popularity contest, you could win the whole thing". And I see no one took my challenge to name 4 songs Archuleta performed. And Mom4davida...what does Princess Diana and Oprah have to do with the price of rice in china? Not your best point.

They are people who care about others ... David A. has the whole package ... I read too that he has also tried his hand at writing a few songs but that remains to be seen what comes of it ... David C. is not a proven songwriter either as we have not seen him perform his songs on AI ... nothing wrong either if David A. sings other writers songs as well, as do many other popular singers (Celine Dion, etc.) ... You certainly can talk up David C., but you needn't berate our David A.

Is anyone else bored by David A?? Great voice but just don't like his style. Even Simon said last night on Larry King that David Cook is his favorite although he thinks David A is the one to beat because of the teens and what he described as the "Granny" vote. Go David Cook!! You are hot! and the judges agree.

Nice title, Greg! The best yet, in my opinion.
Maybe we'll get a Clay/Ruben scenario here- since its obvious that both Davids have merit to many people. Ruben won, but they offered Clay a great deal as well and the rest is history. Even in that year, the vote was split almost 5/50!

Again...Mom4davida ...What does caring about others have to do with this discussion? David A, according to your assessment and criteria of David C., has proved just as little yet you say he has the whole package? That's spin on a political level. Just admit that you have no real reason to like David A. outside of his cute face and voice. That's fine. That's what is behind the majority of his fan base. I have plenty of irrational likes and dislikes. But I'm not going to argue them to any one because they are irrational. Dave cook fans on the other hand appreciate his background as well as his voice, style, songwriting and diversity. He did make a modest mark before AI (by our small town standards). He has fans all over the country. He has sold cd's, songs on itunes and played lots of shows from Madison to LA. My whole reason for posting in the first place was to dispel this notion that they (the two davids) are on the same level. They are not. David cook is just a more well rounded musician. Chalk it up to age and experience. Maybe Archulta in a few years will prove me wrong. That would be fine because with a voice like he has he would be unstoppable if he was indeed the whole package. Just to clear up any misconceptions... I like David Archulta. However I don't think he is exceptionally talented at this point. I would rather see Jason C or Brooke W. out place him Behind David Cook. As Simon says. "Just an opinion"

whoops, of course I meant 50/50!

I think David Cook is more talented, and would produce the more interesting CDs. In fact I may actually buy them; however I am concerned that if he wins and has to go with the Idol contract; they may ruin his sound by overproducing him. Perhaps it would be better if he gets 2nd and shops his own record deal; doing it "his way".

Yes, I too find David A. a tad boring. I really don't see any performance talent (just my opinion). He definately has the voice, but lacks otherwise. He seems like a nice kid, but the winner? Maybe. It really depends on the voting.

I think both Davids are talented along with Johns. However, David Cook is so original. His arrangements blow me away. I really think he is the one to win "Idol". I know he gets our votes every week.

david cook's arrangements weren't 'original' - they were taken off other artists....so really...if it's just about who has a better voice and who moves people with the singing and the performance, that would be archuleta all the way....im no teenybopper nor granny, just someone who loves music sung the way it's supposed to be sung...with feeling, emotion and genuine connection and david archuleta brings all of that.

David a is the beginning of something new and different--a less edgy, more wholesome era in pop music. People are starved for yount innocence--in a culture that seems determined to destroy it. David Cook is more of the same edgy gut-spilling era--which is considered super-cool, but is the same-old same-old.

I agree with Ben Hosterman's comments above. I think that if we all just closed our eyes and listened to them for 5 minutes each, it would become very obvious that Cook is superior. I think Archuleta's voice needs to mature at least 3 years.