American Idol: David Cook Vs David Archuleta Showdown

"You came out here to win and what we have witnessed was a knockout," said judge Simon Cowell, making it pretty clear David Archuleta should be the next American Idol.Make no mistake about it, both Davids were good. David Cook performed admirably but Simon put it best....Archuleta came out for the kill.Archuleta entered the competition as the winner of the Junior Singers competition on Star Search. Archuleta started singing when he was six because he was inspired by Les Misérables 10th-anniversary concert: Live at the Royal Albert Hall video (starring Colm Wilkinson, Lea Salonga and others) he was watching, "That musical is what started all of this." He started performing as an entertainer at ten years old when he participated in the Utah Talent Competition singing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton; he received a standing ovation, and won the kid division.

Archuleta has maintained an impressive fan base throughout the season. It can be argued that he has the better voice. Cook, however, is a good singer but he's also a rocker who has received praise for his originality. Along with Chris Daughtry, David Cook is very probably among the show's most original contestants thus far.Idol betting was brisk throughout the week heading into Tuesday night's show. At least a million dollars was anticipated to have been bet on the show since the start of the season.

Who will Win American Idol? David Cook or David Archuleta? Here is a recap.

Round 1:

Cook sing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”

All the judges thought he was in fine voice, with Cowell calling his performance phenomenal.

Archuleta sing “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”

Randy Jackson called flawless.

“Taking everything into account, Round 1 goes to Archuleta,” said Cowell.

Round 2:

Cook sings “Dream Big”

Archuleta sings “In This Moment”

Cowell thought Archuleta chose the better song and gave the round to him.

Round 3:

Cook sings “The World I Know.

Jackson said it was the perfect song for him

Cowell pointed out it wasn’t the kind of showstopper that would win the contest. “You should have sung ‘Hello’ or ‘Billie Jean’,” Cowell said, referring to songs that had won Cook praise earlier in the season.

Archuleta sings “Imagine”

“Tonight I think we’ve witnessed one of the great finals,” said Cowell. “Here’s the difference in my opinion: you came out here tonight to win and what we have witnessed is a knockout.”