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Carmen Rasmusen: End is a beginning for 'Idol' finalists; Archuleta is the one to beat

Thank you Carmen for your very objective analysis of the 3 remaining contestants. To hear those hectic schedules is truly frightening and I can imagine truly exhausting. That's why for the young David A, my family and I truly admire him to no end. He attends school for 3 hours a day and then to all other AI jobs and functions, what's more left of him. For a young man as he is, that is truly admirable. And much more admirable for the fact that he does so well in the competition and soon will be the champion, we do very much hope so. Did I read that David A and yourself will be both guests in a tv shows or something tomorrow or Sat. So, please give David our love and kisses and tell him to stay as sweet as he is and always smile. His laughters make us alive. Sincerely.

Many of my middle school girl students are making the trip to Murray to see David Archuleta. The girls claim to "be totally in love" with him.

Archuleta the most consistent? Are you kidding me? Cook has been by far the most consistent performer. This was his first off-week since Idol Gives Back. Meanwhile, Archie has only had two outstanding weeks in the Finals, this week and the week he sang "Angels". David Archuleta is going to win in the end, but let's not rewrite hitory.

100% Agree with Jeff.

I'm a fan of both David's for different reasons. I can't wait to see what David A. will do one day. I love his voice, but David C., is already a star, and I think this is his time to shine.

David C. hits it out of the ballpark every single week. Period.

Some prefer David A.'s style, and some Cook, but consistency, c'mon, David C. never forgets lyrics, and despite some health and personal problems, he commands that stage like a professional every single week, without his daddy to help him pick songs or prep him for interviews.

David Archuleta is, by far, the best vocalist in this competition. He deserves the crown and I am proud to call myself a fan of his amazing talent.
Thanks, Carmen for writing about his fan base being more than young girls because we are fans of every age, young and old.

I like the fact that David A. is so humble. . .he already represents America.

Ginna...

DA appears very humble... I hope its not just an act. I hope he wins. But how do you equate humility with Americanism? I don't see that as a national trait.

He seems to lack confidence, is always amazed looking at applause and praise from the judges - that's not the persona that I usually see from Americans. Think Nancy Kerrigan at the Olympics. She wasn't the best skated, but acted like she was. Happily the judges didn't buy in to her bravado.

Everything I've read about David sounds like the humility is real, but I'm just not convinced.

Wow! You are absolutely right. I appreciate writers who admire Archuleta for you are able to uncover the humility & greatness of David. Some writers pretend not to appreciate it to magnetize bashers & consistently gain profit, but you are different.

David has become an inspiration to a lot of people & believe it or not, he has able to move them into tears. "David is My Hero" was the title of that compilation they have made.

In the long run, i care less if David wins or not (w/c i think he will) because for me, he is already a LEGACY that is very well pierced in my heart. Thank you very much. =]

I think David C. is by far the only one with real star potential. David A is like a Clay Aiken light. While he does appeal (because of the "cute" factor)to teens and tweens and grannies, what are they going to do with him post idol? I can't see him as a "pop star" of today. His persona just does not fit the genre. David C. however is already showing what he can do..We know what he will be and I think he will be just as, if not more, successful as Daughtry. He truly is an artist. David A. is just an enigma right now (Taylor Hicks anyone?)..Sure he has talent, but where's the "it" factor besides being cute. Maybe with growth and maturity he'll do fine in the adult contemorary...timw will tell. Even if he wins I thnik David C. will be the bigger star.

Great article Carmen. I love the way you write. Your articles are fun to read and very insightful. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes perspective. You've got a big fan in me and my husband for both your writing and your music.

Again, David Cook is the most deserving one... he should win but I'd rather he take 2nd place to avoid the "winner curse" and have more control over his career.

So, let Archuleta win... no problem with that as he NEEDS to be molded and shaped... he needs guidence in order to succeed properly and thus might benefit from being overly controled by "Idol" producers for the next year and during the creation of his debut CD.

Next week I plan to vote for Cook heavily to assure he's in the final two, then on the final I'll vote for Archuleta to help ensure Cook gets the better position long term career wise... 2nd place. The longer you're in it, but without winning, the more free huge media exposure and promotion you get.

There are many things Archuleta needs to fix about himself, but Cook is ready to go into stardom... he's already there.

What's wrong with Archuleta? He never varries his singing style/delivery, doesn't try to match it with the song and more often than not fails to sell it. He shouldn't sound like he's doing a ballad when it's up-temp/rock. He stays in his safety zone.

This is a very nice and informative article. I too have enjoyed following both Brooke White and David Archuleta, as Mormons - on American Idol.

I feel quite confident that David Archuleta will win the final coveted title of Season 7's American Idol and have a great career.

I also feel that Brooke will have, like yourself - many many opportunities for her fans to still have contact with her and benefit by her wonderful personality and talents.

tMDg
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