American Idol: Season Seven Top 2

Feeling pretty underwhelmed by the long-predicted David v. David finale showdown? Well that's not allowed around these parts, Mister! And to make sure there's no more 'tude, American Idol is gonna PROVE to you just how intense and exciting this final two is. By comparing it to: a boxing match!!!1

Yeah. It didn't work last night either.

My husband was working late with our laptop last night so my notes aren't quite as thorough as usual. Regardless, here are the final three performances of your top two Idols.

ROUND ONE: Clive Davis' Choice

Cook: Clive picks "Where the Streets Have No Name," a song I love and a great one for Cook. He puts the guitar aside (come on -- was he gonna rock it Edge style?) and steps out into the crowd, before finishing on the catwalk behind the judges with a wicked scooped note.

Randy isn't wowed, but he dug the ending. Paula heart it. Simon says David seemed nervous, but all things considered, he was very good.

Archuleta: Lil' Dave is given "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," another great choice. He starts out sitting on the stage steps and rises triumphantly once the song picks up. The end of the performance he lets himself freestyle a bit on the melody and closes really strong. I'm pretty blown away, actually.

Randy things it's molten hot. Paula has goosebumps. Simon gives Archie round 1.

ROUND TWO: Original Idol songs

Cook: Cook gets the generic pop rock Idol winner tune, something vague about dreaming big. He accompanies himself on the guitar and sings it well -- he's definitely straining a bit on the higher bits because he has to belt it, but it works because he's "rock."

Randy hates the song but says Cook sang his face off. Paula says he took a song we didn't know and made us like it. Simon is thoroughly unimpressed, by the song and the performance.

Dude. The contestants didn't pick who won the stupid song contest.

Archuleta: Archie's tune is the traditional "holy effing shit, I won Idol, you can't take this moment from me because I'm inside your heaven" ballad. It's perfect for his voice and again, he just nails it. I'm bored, but it sounds good.

Randy says he can sing the phone book (can we come up with a new dull thing good singers can tackle for this comparison? like a chinese menu?). Paula is moved anew. Simon says the song was weak, but better than Cook's. He awards round 2 to Archie as well.

ROUND THREE: Contestant's Choice

Cook: Big Dave picks Collective Soul's "The World I Know." Random, but I like that he's going with a new song yet again -- he could have done "Hello" or one of his other past winners, but why? I appreciate him avoiding the "oh god, Kat McPhee is singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' AGAIN" moment. And it's a great showcase of his voice. This is the first time in recent memory where his lower register has really sounded great, and of course, he gets those big notes at the end as well. And the, he starts crying. It's sweet.

Randy digs it. Paula says he's standing in his truth. Simon tells the audience, Cook is one of the nicest and most genuine contestants they've had. BUT. He thinks he should have gone with an oldie but goodie for this last round.

Archuleta: Archie goes the opposite route and relives his big "Imagine" moment, but this time without the piano and with a few more vocal theatrics. I'm really impressed with lil' Dave tonight. He's vocally on top of his game. He is probably the best singer -- but is he interesting enough?

Randy, Paula and Simon all universally ADORE it. Simon says that if this was a boxing match, Archie knocked Cook out. Ouch!

Regardless, I think it's anyone's game. How about you?