'Idol' Chatter: Jason just couldn't keep up

CLINT COOPER: Now we are three — a pair of Davids and one singer who will be voted off this week. As predicted here several weeks ago, David Archuleta and David Cook have emerged as the top two singers in the “American Idol” competition.

I only wish Carly Smithson were the third. She is clearly better than the two voted off before her, Brooke White and Jason Castro, and also a mark above Syesha Mercado. Syesha, while a fine singer and improving each week, should easily fall by the wayside this week in the face of semi-rocker David Cook and smooth but young David Archuleta.

ANNE BRALY: I agree. And while I had been pulling for Jason Castro for the first few weeks, I was pleased he was voted off. His performances were pitiful toward the end. In fact, I heard that he was glad to be gone. He just couldn’t keep up, he told one reporter. Don’t think he had to say that to anyone. Rather obvious. So we’ll be down to the two Davids by next week. My vote, of course, goes to David Cook. If young Archuleta is our next American Idol, my faith in Idol voting will be gone.

CLINT: Anne, don’t be such a hater. Sure, David A. is young and looks kind of goofy and humbled after each performance, but he does have a marvelous voice. You just can’t deny that. I wouldn’t be at all sad to see David C. become the American Idol, but I think David A. has the better voice. And yet, as I look out into the future of Idol record land, David C. probably has the potential to be the bigger star sooner.

But, Anne, one thing bothers me about David C.: I don’t think I know where his musical soul lies. Is he a rocker? (He’s got the grunge look.) Is he Broadway bound? (He admitted an interest in Broadway songs.) Or is he a pop singer? (Not, I hope, with the success of Taylor Hicks.)

ANNE: I don’t hate David Archuleta. I just think his voice is not as versatile as David C.’s. Versatility, to me, is the key to a successful singing career. Isn’t that what “American Idol” is all about, after all?

CLINT: Just kidding about the hate part, of course. Well, I think both David A. and David C. can have good careers. I’ll sort of be glad to get this week past us, because I think it’s just a speed bump on the way to the Davids’ finale.

ANNE: Me too. Go David! Which one? You decide. I already have.