Cowell Claims Contender Cook 'Won The Night' On 'Idol'

Access Hollywood - May 13, 2008 9:53 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- It might just indeed be a battle of the David's on next week's "American Idol" finale if Simon Cowell has any sway on the voters.

All three contenders struggled to wow the judges, but it was Syesha Mercado, the lone female left in the competition, who received the worst praise.

[ Sanjaya Malakar Performs On 'American Idol Extra' - Play it Now ]

Each of the finalists - David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha - sang three songs - one chosen by the judges, one chosen themselves and one picked by 'Idol' producers. Syesha's choice in round 2, Peggy Lee's "Fever," received her lowest marks of the night.

"I just feel like it's an interesting choice, but I'm not sure it shows me who Syesha is as an artist," Paula Abdul commented.

[ 'American Idol' Top 12 - Check Out the Photos ]

"Syesha, I think you will probably regret that decision tomorrow because you had a chance to prove you are a temporary recording artist with your own choice of song," Simon Cowell critiqued. "Instead you did quite a lame cabaret performance."

And of the Florida native's other songs were met with mixed reviews.

[ All Access: American Idol - David Cook - TV One - David Archuleta - Reality TV ]

In round 1, Randy Jackson had her sing Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You," which was praised.

"I thought that would work really well on you, you did an amazing job on it," Randy said.

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But her final performance of the night, "Hit Me Up," from the movie "Happy Feet," left Paula disappointed.

"I don't know if it's going to be enough to get into the finals of 'American Idol,'" Paula said.

[ 'American Idol' Top 24, Season 7 - Check Out the Photos ]

David Archuleta kicked off his night of competition to raves, singing a song Paula picked - "And So It Goes," by Billy Joel - which he performed, in part, a capella.

"Paula chose a dope song for you," Randy enthused. "You can sing anything dude… you are in the zone, you're in it to win it, baby."

Archuleta sang "With You" by Chris Brown for round 2, an upbeat song, which had the smiling teenager spontaneously break into an awkward dance while singing about his "boo," something for which Simon criticized him.

"It was a little bit like a Chihuahua trying to be a tiger in so much as it's not really you. I thought it was all a bit awkward - the dancing," Simon said.

"I was dancing?" a dumbfounded David responded.

His third performance, a cover of Dan Fogelberg's "Longer," also perplexed the British judge.

"I'm not going to criticize you because I think you sang the song very well, however, I thought the song and the lyrics [were] absolutely horrible," Simon said. "It was so gooey… It's something you choose for like a 90-year-old and you're 17-years-old. Having said that I do think you've done enough to get into the finals next week."

But it was rocker David Cook, who Simon said truly, "won the night."

His first performance, of Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," left "Idol's" stage manager crying, according to host Ryan Seacrest.

David Cook's middle round wasn't as popular - he covered Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move."

But his final performance - a Diane Warren classic, "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," made famous by Aerosmith, had Paula and Simon raving.

"David, see ya in the finals! That's what I predict," Paula said.

"David, one of the great songs of all time and I have to tell you, David Cook wins the night," Simon said, while Diane herself gave a standing ovation from the crowd.

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comments 1-10 of 20  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Krystel
    I hope David Cook will win. He has the making of the star and a true idol. I also think and feel that he's the most consistent - performance wise and attitude/stage presence - he deserves to win!
    report abuseposted May 18, 2008 9:43 PM PDT
  • Tatormom
    I love David Cook. He is amazing (and HoT!). He doesn't just sing a song, he gives a performance. He is comfortable on stage and grabs the audience's attention. David A is a sweet little kid who has great technique, but no stage presence. And please, Li'l David....Don't try to move while you sing...It's really disturbing. I can't get enough of
    report abuseposted May 18, 2008 6:59 AM PDT
  • First L
    I really wanted a David A and Syesha M finale.... something about David C turns me off now, he's seemed to have really lost his true talent after idol gives back. And Syesha came out and shocked us all after that week because she got really amazing then. David A, I hope and believe is going to win on Wensday, he has my full support. David C would do better with a different recording label
    report abuseposted May 17, 2008 10:52 PM PDT
  • Mariam
    I like both Davids but I 'd prefer David Archuleta to win. Poor kid, both Paula and Simon has went against him. Let's just hope he proves them wrong next week. I think David Cook would do better off without winning Idol anyways.
    report abuseposted May 16, 2008 3:20 PM PDT
  • Kristie M
    I love both Davids BUT I think David A. should win!!
    report abuseposted May 15, 2008 11:11 AM PDT
  • RHONDA M
    David Cook can sing anything, whether or not he so called '"yells" at times. Hes the Ideal Idol-from the word go. Were voting 4 u David Cook-ur amazing!! Keep on smiling handsome.... WILMINGTON, N.C.
    report abuseposted May 15, 2008 9:46 AM PDT
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    i love david cook!!!he's the most talented artist they had on the showww!!!!!!!!!
    report abuseposted May 14, 2008 10:04 PM PDT
  • I ♥ writen words
    David Cook 4evr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heart u DCook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeey! Yeah!
    report abuseposted May 14, 2008 2:30 PM PDT
  • Bunnyno1
    David Cook in my mind is the better contender, he has originality, personality, sense of humor and he can turn any song into his own. The Roberta Flack song was great, it brought tears to my eyes. David A sings the same in every song, maybe a few have been his own but most has not, the only thing he has going for him is the teeny bopper votes. Seyesha was terrific last night also she is #2.
    report abuseposted May 14, 2008 11:58 AM PDT
  • Seasaw
    I CANT STAND DAVID A.!!!!! When i listen to a song on the radio i dont want to hear the singer taking a big huge breath before EVERY single line they sing! I have to turn the channel everytime David Gasp-uletta performs because listening to him is like listen to someone run their fingernails down a chalkboard for 5 minutes straight! GO DAVID COOK!!!!!!
    report abuseposted May 14, 2008 9:57 AM PDT
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