‘Idol’ Chatter: ‘Idol’ may boil down to a battle of two Davids

CLINT COOPER — I’m beginning to believe “American Idol” is going to have an all-David finale this year with David Archuleta and David Cook. It poses a good contrast — David Archuleta with his smooth tones and David Cook with his rock sound. With Kristy Lee Cook sent packing last week, the competition should move quickly to a final four of the two Davids, big-voiced Carly Smithson and mellow Brooke White. I see Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado falling by the wayside in the next two weeks.

ANNE BRALY — Well, Clint, I think we’re finally agreeing on something. I’ll stick to my guns saying David Archuleta can carry a tune, but all of his songs still sound the same. It sounds as if he’s just eaten a bowl of ice cream and has plugs up his nose. But, because of the young people’s votes, I do see him going on to become one of the final two, though I’d still love to see Jason Castro in his spot. And, there’s no doubt in my mind that David Cook will be in the final two. And I’ll go ahead and make my prediction that he’ll be our next American Idol. I just don’t think the girls have what it takes.

CLINT — Jason Castro in the final two? You must be kidding. Although I have enjoyed his pleasant little tunes and believe he has a future in the business because he sounds like many of today’s young artists, Jason does not have a strong voice and has not sung anything with even the slightest bit of power in it. I think his staying power in the finals, despite his attraction to the younger set, is on the wane. The music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber could play right into the hands of David Archuleta this week, whether the 17-year-old Utah resident knows the songs or not.

ANNE — Oh, Clint, remember “Hallelujah”? I still think that’s one of the best songs any of the “American Idol” contestants have sung so far this season. And I think that shows Jason’s skills, although I will say his song choices haven’t been the best since then. It’ll be interesting to see what song he picks this week. I can see him singing some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songs, just like you can see David Archuleta doing so. And I’m sure David Cook will put one of his magical spins on whatever song he chooses. Glad Kristy Lee Cook is gone. I really don’t think I’d like to hear her rendition of any Lloyd Webber song. It’ll be interesting to hear what Carly does.

CLINT — The great thing about David Cook is the spin he can put on just about any song. Some of his versions of songs whose typical arrangements we’re already familiar with have simply dazzled. He is someone who has certainly grown. Anne, I understand some of your concerns about David Archuleta but believe he can become another pop singer like Michael Buble. While I’d love to see him win, it’s certainly possible that David Cook could become a more immediate success. Then the show would finally have a rock-ish idol, something it missed with Chris Daughtry and Bo Bice.