I can't believe how much praise Archuletta got from the judges tonight. He's awful and deserved to go home so long ago. His voice is a mess.

sj - I agree.

He needs some vocal training - and definitely breath control.

He definitely needs some space from his environment and the chance to grow up a bit. I wonder when he turns 18 and can leave the da at home. Not sure the tour is the best place for this maturation process, but then, maybe so. At least some of the other idols seem like decent, fairly stable people. Maybe it will be JUST what he needs.

I didn't think last night was DCook's best of the season but he remains my favorite. I actually bothered to vote. I've never done that before. Seriously, this season with DWTS and AI, I'm like a person I don't recognize.

Still, it was fun and I'll be pleasantly surprised if Cook wins, but in any case, I'll be on the lookout for his album.

I stopped at my Starbuck this morning and the baristas asked me which one I liked best and I told them I thought they were both losers. Hee. Seriously, Archuleta has what could be a fantastic voice with a little more training and emotional maturity, but he's not ready for prime time, yet. Cook, while not having the best voice, knows how to present a song. Unfortunately, his last song wasn't one that grabbed you and made you sit up and take notice. Strategically, he screwed up. I don't know how much that will sway voters, but it could pitch it Archuleta's way. In the long run, it matters little because both will get the chance to record albums and they both go on tour. Same amount of exposure, just one gets the top billing. Big deal.

Truly. No biggie either way.

In fact, I saw an article last night saying "if your care about Darchie, DON'T vote for him," but it won't matter. They'll both get the exposure for good or ill.

I agree that Cook made a strategic misstep, but I also get the sense that he was doing it for himself. Not a good competitive move, but something a pop star would do. So, I guess that qualifies as the good news.

I hate agreeing with Simon (and I only did on the one point), but I wanted Cook to really ROCK OUT his last song. I give him huge props for not repeating himself, but I wanted a real showstopper, and as much I like that Collective Soul song, I don't think that was it.

That said, what everyone else said about exposure. Plus, at this point, I can't imagine anyone who wanted to vote not knowing who they were going to vote for before the show even started, no matter what either of them sang, or how they did.

I can't imagine anyone who wanted to vote not knowing who they were going to vote for before the show even started, no matter what either of them sang, or how they did.

True dat. Anyone who cared enough to vote already had their minds made up a loooong time ago. The judges tried to make it all about the Davids' performances last night, which I think D'Archie won two songs to one. But people vote based on the entire season, not just finale night. And the two of them speak to such different audiences that if you've been a part of D.Cook's Cougar Army all season, a slightly stronger finale performance by L'il David last night is not going to turn you to the darkside. Likewise, if D'Archie has been your teen dream for the past seven million weeks, you would've never voted for D.Cook even if he had rocked it like a hurricane last night.

So sad that no one's even inspired enough to write about tonight's finale. Oh, Idol. What have you become?

Alright, I confess. I didn't start watching until 9:00 because I was paralyzed by all the not caring. But I'm so glad I tuned in when I did because I got to witness D'Archie breaking it the hell on down on One Republic's Too Late to Apologize. Damn, y'all. That's the David Archuleta that I used to love back in the day, the one who had Kelly Clarkson with her jaw on the floor as he belted out And I Am Telling You in some generic hotel lobby, the one who earned the early EEEEEEEEE. He tore it up, riffalicious and all. Man, first Anya and Danny's beautiful routine on SYTYCD and now D'Archie bringing it? That song has magic powers.

The less said about Ms. Sparks, the better. I'm gonna refrain from commenting on the outfit (and it's killing me!) and instead give props to her for resisting Clive's AI image machine and not turning into a skinny bobblehead. (Oh, Hi, Carrie!) But let me just say that Jordin's performance is the best argument against teeny bopper winners I've ever seen.

ETA: They got RDJ!! Well done,AI. Nice casting coup. However, it doesn't save this bit from being hopelessly corny and ridiculous. And I love Gladys, but do you really think she's gonna pull in that coveted younger demographic you're looking for? Sounds iffy. And, and, Ben Stiller really needs to get off AI's jock. Is there an AI special that he has not been prominently featured in?

And look, it's bobblehead!Carrie. So sad. She was so cute when she wasn't emaciated. Oh, my. Haven't we come a looong way from Jesus Take the Wheel?

I just want to cover her up with a chenille robe or recommend her for What Not to Wear. Something to get her out of that...outfit. She could give Celine a run for her money in the Fugly stakes.

Oh, KLC. You still can't sing. Ramiele, that goes double for you. Rock and Roll nurse!! I miss you. Jason Castro! The pretty is back. Johns, still don't see it. David Hernandez. I love that he got to whisper "nekkid". Show, you slay me. Chikeze, you left too soon, son. The boys sounded much better than the ladies. Oh, and I love that they are doing a George Michael medley.

Damn, D'Archie is in amazing voice. With the pressure off, he is just letting go and blowing. And I love that they just keep giving Hernandez the "keep it in the closet" lyrics. Now the kids are sounding alright.

And it's the man himself. Looking damn fine! And Paula acting a damn fool. Maybe he'll sing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and school these fools on how it's done? Nope, he's gonna sing sappy Praying for Time. I guess that means Carrie gets to come back now. Oh well, I don't mind. She put it down on Idol Gives Back.