George Michael To Perform On 'Idol'; Paula Offers Her Finale Predictions

Access Hollywood - May 21, 2008 12:42 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Tonight's "American Idol" finale just got a little bit more star-tacular with news that George Michael is planning to perform.

A source told E! Online, the pop star and more recently, "Eli Stone" star, will take to the "Idol" stage tonight.

[ Paula Abdul Talks 'American Idol' Finale - Play it Now ]

Michael will join the list of performers that already includes the "Idol" cast and Carrie Underwood, who confirmed to Access Hollywood on Sunday that she would be at the show's finale.

Underwood, fresh off a win at the Academy of Country Music Awards, will perform her new song, "Last Name."

[ 'American Idol' Celebrity Knock-Offs - Check Out the Photos ]

But the biggest news of the night will be who gets crowned winner of "American Idol" - David Archuleta or David Cook.

Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell seemed to think Archuleta would take the prize, during the judging round on Monday night's show. And while Paula Abdul seemed to hold her opinion closer to her heart during the broadcast, backstage after the show, she shared with Access her thoughts on who will win.

[ All Access: American Idol - Reality TV - Music ]

"It's never clear when the 'American Idol' audience votes, it never is," Paula said. "I think tonight's finale was the best finale we've ever experienced."

So which David did she pick?

[ 'Idol' Prepares For A David Face Off! - Play it Now ]

"I would say if it was clear cut, probably Archuleta. But it's never clear cut," Paula said. "[That's] based solely on the performance and song selection. [Based on] performance they both hit it out of the ballpark. I think the song choice was the whole culmination of it."

Though she says her bet is on Archuleta, David Cook took the greatest artisitc leap, according to the lone female judge.

[ Booted Idol Brooke White Visits Access - Check Out the Photos ]

"What I love that David Cook did, that no other finalist has done, he did not go back and sing something from the archive," Paula said.

"He sang something new. Everything was new, which is even more challenging and risky. I think that risk, whatever the outcome is, solidifies him with a career maybe as bad as Chris Daughtry's," she laughed.

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comments 1-10 of 17  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • PATRICK
    i don't care about any of these people, why don't all of you try to wake up from your dream?
    report abuseposted December 15, 2008 12:05 PM PST
  • Lin
    David A. is simply flexible--that's all. He could sing anything and I think that is what is captivating about him. Cook is a born rocker but Rock is all he could sing.
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 8:24 PM PDT
  • Paula
    what's wrong with all you people? Both Davids were fantastic, and they'll both have a career. I was so proud of both of them. Such gentlemen and so kind...especially to each other. I was thrilled to pieces for David Cook, but I would have been thrilled for David A too. I just wish they both could have won Idol this season. God Bless you David Cook and good luck...hope you make mill
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 7:25 PM PDT
  • ALL SOLDIERS FOR GOD m
    what song did George Michaels sing???
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 6:19 PM PDT
  • Xtopher F
    AS A SINGER, I THINK ARCHIE IS THE BETTER VOCALIST. COOK IS COOL TOO, BUT HIS MACHINE GUN/NANNY GOAT VIBRATO GRATES ON MY NERVES, AND DAVEY A HAS MUCH MORE CROSS~OVER APPEAL ~
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 3:40 PM PDT
  • art g
    Which idol Davis is George going to "perform" on?
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 3:26 PM PDT
  • CelesteH
    They are both great just in different catagories. In the end they both get a car, and all the other perks of idol, only the winner will be stuck in the contract. What could be better than doing what you love and getting paid quite nicely for it! :)
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 2:14 PM PDT
  • Warren K
    There's lots of speculation that Cook tanked b/c he doesnt want to be saddled with the AI version of a music contract. Not a bad movie actually ... he can create better music and have more independence without them ... just ask Daughtry. Archeleta will be another fat Rubin or skanky Fantasia ... no mass appeal at all. He'll end up another gay musical actor on broadway.
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 2:13 PM PDT
  • jujubee
    My choice for idol is definitely David Cook. He took the risk and challenged himself the whole way. He was original and brave with his song choices during the final competition last night and that shows me who would best represent American Idol. David A. chose ballads, and in my opinion that is the only time he really shines , where as David C. shines no matter what he sings.
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 1:35 PM PDT
  • life is sweet
    I wish I was David A. So I can take a stroll with George! Just plain HOTNESS!
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008 1:27 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 17  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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