Forget 'American Idol' – will David Archuleta or David Cook win the most award contests ahead?
Although it's obvious that David Archuleta will win "American Idol," beware: David Cook could still prove to be the biggest, ultimate champ when all kudos are counted some future day. As Jennifer Hudson kicks back in her mansion right now — buffing her Oscar and Golden Globe and getting ready for the premieres of "Sex and the City" and her debut album — do you think she ever pauses to weep hysterically over the fact that she only made it as far as No. 7 in the "Idol" runoff?
Obviously, there are strong parallels between David Cook and that other rocker to lose "Idol" -– Chris Daughtry. Although Taylor Hicks won Season 5, Daughtry, who came in fourth, has enjoyed far greater success fronting his own rock band. The group earned four 2008 Grammy nominations for their debut album ("Daughtry"). Meantime, hey: whatever happened to Hicks?
Here's a look back at how some of the "Idol" stars, winners and losers, have fared in other top show-biz contests.
Season 4's Carrie Underwood is a rare example of a champ who swept other kudos after her "Idol" win. She won the 2007 Grammy as best new artist and another for female country vocal performance ("Jesus, Take the Wheel") and repeated in that category in 2008 ("Before He Cheats"). She's also snagged four American Music Awards, five Country Music Assn. Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards and three CMTs.
Season 1 champ Kelly Clarkson enjoyed some success with her debut album, "Thankful," but it was her second album that won her two Grammys in 2006 — best pop vocal album ("Breakaway") and best female pop vocal performance ("Since U Been Gone"). Her third album, "My December," has met with less success.
Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard picked up a Grammy nom in 2004 for best male R&B vocal performance ("Superstar"), but he lost to his idol, Luther Vandross. He is currently without a record label.
Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken has enjoyed commercial success if not critical acclaim. Although he has won three Billboard awards and was fan choice at the 2003 American Music Awards, he has yet to pick up any Grammy nods. Will his first new studio album in five years -– the recently released "On My Way Here" -– change that?
Season 3 winner Fantasia earned four Grammy nominations in 2006 for her debut album ("Free Yourself") and another three in 2008 for her second ("Fantasia"). She has three Billboard Awards, including the prize for top-selling single of 2004 ("I Believe").
Season 3 seventh-place finisher Jennifer Hudson went on to win an Oscar and a Golden Globe (among other kudos) for her supporting turn in the 2006 movie musical "Dreamgirls." She appears in the upcoming "Sex and the City" movie, and her debut album is due out this fall.
Last season's winner Jordin Sparks released her self-titled debut album last fall to good reviews and sales, including two platinum singles ("Tattoo" and "No Air").
(Fox TV/ L.A. Times)
i'l
I like David Cook, I think he sings great! Both guys have good voices, only David Cook is more well rounded in is music the David A. I don't think Carry Underwood show of won the idol either, she made alot of sing mistakes like forgetting the words to songs, but yet she won the Idol. what's up with that! I think she won because of her looks.
Posted by: BLUE EYES | May 21, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Integrity over some stupid pop show is totally something I idolize!! Why would you "idol" someone who is only in it to win it, when Cook actually cares about his integrity?
Posted by: ali | May 21, 2008 at 05:21 PM
David Cook all the way, he is sexy and good looking, and has a great voice...a true IDOL!!!
Posted by: GMB | May 21, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I am a DC fan but I have to ask: Why is it so difficult for DC fans to recognize that both finalists are very talented and deserve successful careers, which they are both assured, albeit along different paths? DC seems to like DA and recognizes his great talent. You don't have to put down a great talent (in DA) to justify a preference for DC. It doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. Apparently many DC fans were wanting DA to do poorly. Thus the sour grapes that DA shined and received great feedback from the judges. Constant critics who chose to remain blind to good talent (even if not their preference in style) are the more to be pitied.
Posted by: SRM | May 21, 2008 at 05:17 PM
David Cook is SO VERY MUCH BETTER, though David A. did win last nights preforences. The over all voices of the two are definently different as David A. Loves to whine Love songs with no vocal range in the long run David Cook has indeed been the BEST throughout.
Posted by: Beverly Koop | May 21, 2008 at 05:17 PM
who wins tonight is irrelevant. thats just politics. I don't believe the counts anyway. that being said...both have very different voices. both are excellent. David A is totally cut out for dramatic arts. The theater (and Disney) will love him. David C will have an outstanding recording career. They both deserve an illustrious career in music.
Posted by: Kate | May 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM
First of all, I think both Davids have already won. They've both proved their ability to sing, their stage presence, and their integrity. Either one would make a great American Idol and both will go on to have great, memorable careers. As a huge fan of both, I'd be happy no matter who wins.
Also, to Boston: Much of America may not be "vocally educated" but I am, and I couldn't disagree with you more. My mother is a professional singer/vocal coach and I've taken voice lessons since I was a little kid. Both of us love David Cook's voice. Sure, he's had his "out-of-tune" moments, but, frankly, so has Archie. NEITHER of them has been perfect throughout the competition.
Besides, who you think "should" win American Idol is just your opinion, anyway. Get off the high horse about "vocal ability" and "breath control". You're not the only one who knows about vocal technique; and of those that do, not everyone thinks that Archie "SHOULD" win.
Posted by: Nichele | May 21, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I think that a big "shame on you" should go out to Simon Cowell, for trying to sway the vote and I hope we all prove him wrong!!! Sadly, I think David A's feminine side will hurt his votes tonight. David C. is a more rounded performer and would really do credit to the win. David A. is quite sweet in a Johnny Mathis way and really has a lovely voice. I just don't think he has enough of a personality to carry this any further after all, we've been hearing how much daddy has to push and now we know why. David C - you go boy!!! Also, will someone please remind Randy Jackson that he's a man full grown and give him some grownup vocabulary to use...it's getting embarrassing now, or is he just illiterate???
Posted by: Belana | May 21, 2008 at 05:06 PM
David A. Is he blind? He never opens his eyes. His lips are always quivering and I actually thought he was going to cry last night. He needs to mature and widen his range of music so he can appeal to an audience over the age of 13.
Posted by: M. D. | May 21, 2008 at 05:04 PM
David C. is the more versatile and should win! David A. has the voice but not a sustainable public charactor and wilts too easily. His dad will run the show c'mon he's 17-what do you think is going to happen?
Posted by: Belana | May 21, 2008 at 04:57 PM
David C. I want to listen, I would buy his CD.
David A. talented too but something about his voice... I expecting Diney movie.
Posted by: Gal | May 21, 2008 at 04:55 PM
You know I have readall the comments here and I am going to tell you what I think. I think David A has a great voice but all the songs he does sound the same. David Cook on the other hand has a great voice and is very versitile in his sound. Look what he did with Roberta Flacks song! I really think that DC should win but I am sure David A is going to get it. It really does not matter because David C is a STAR and he will do well reguardless of the outcome.
Posted by: Melissa | May 21, 2008 at 04:55 PM
I already have all of David COOK's songs on my ipod and I'm looking forward to more! Even if he doesn't win he will definitely sell more records.. It seems like he wasn't trying hard last night.. Maybe he was offered a better record deal than AI had to offer and doesn't want to win.. Just a thought!
Posted by: Erika | May 21, 2008 at 04:53 PM
David Cook all the way. They are both good but Cook has more depth and David A has some maturing to do. This season had some remarkable talent.
Posted by: Hannah Stevens | May 21, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Hey Ya'll i really do love both davids , but If i had to chose one it would definitly be David.A , Hes cute , and he is a great singer , David cook is still good , just not as good , last night went to archuleta and TONIGHT will too . Face it archulata is better and he will be the next american Idol . Anyways have fun watchind David.A win tonight , bye
ps. david A isnt boring , if u think DavidAs Boring , then go hump a tree h8ters , Bye
Posted by: nikki | May 21, 2008 at 04:45 PM
David Cook's independent album Analog Heart (2006) was discovered on Amazon and shot up to the number 1 downloaded album one weekend in April before it was deactivated - so I would say so far David Cook has more "commercial" success (and it's not diluted by anyone else - he wrote, sang, played it and even designed the album cover). I'm listening to this album right now and I really like it.
I think they're both great singers. I much prefer Cook myself - hes' original, mature, and talented with songwriting, instruments, and singing. I surely appreciate someone who has clawed to get where they are rather than being groomed.
Archuleta is a fantastic singer but he's pretty new to the world. I REALLY hope to see a new mature version of himself in a few years. Right now I think he's prime for hitting up the Disney "tween" market and could have extraordinary success in that - I don't really view that on the level of, say, a Grammy though. I just hope he's not going to be molded into something he's not.
Although being a huge fan of Cook (and I've never been into AI) and wouldn't mind seeing him win - I'm hoping he DOESN'T! I don't want him to be tied to the AI bandwagon for the next few years and I want him to have a choice in his career path. With all of the great covers he did in the AI studio (he grew a LOT) along with hearing his independent album, I am really excited to see what he comes out with in the future - I think they're both going to have careers, but David Cook should meet with more success as more of an "artist" rather than just a singer.
Posted by: Dave | May 21, 2008 at 04:44 PM
David A. is probably gonna win, since he appeals to all the damn teeny boppers. But David Cook will go farther and sell more albums. He has an amazing voice, I get goose bumbs every time I hear him. I WILL buy his album. Will David A. even make an album with his father in the way? What the hell is wrong with those judges?
Posted by: Brittany | May 21, 2008 at 04:38 PM
David cook is no more versatile then Archuleta.
Quote me on that if you must, Cook is to rock as Archuleta is to ballads.
Common sense, use your analogies from elementary school to figure it out.
However, with that in mind, Archuleta also has the x factor. Personality. Singing. Although Cook might be able to sing as well, he has not proved that he is "humble" "sincere" or that he has any qualities of a "idol."
Yes, this is a singing competition, but it's American IDOL..not American Singer.
An idol is someone you look up too, as a rolemodel. I speak for most when I say over confidence is not something i look up too. Thus, Archuleta is the American Idol.
:)
Posted by: Jessica anne | May 21, 2008 at 04:37 PM
No offense but both singers are wonderfully talented but if had to go with the vocals I'd say David Archuletta has it all. It's true he sings slow ballads and all so what its called uniqueness and diversity. If I heard David C's first single on the radio I would have to guess which singer he was because he sounds similar to every other orcker to have broken into the music industry. Talent doesn't always come from rockers and that's clear in the sense that are many artists today that specialise in different fields of music. David A, I salute you because of your integrity and your phenomenal voice. I don't why the David C fans are so vicioius and rude with their comments because when it comes down to it David A like David C are both trying to make it into the music business and if anyone is so retardly blind to see that wake up coz someone else's talent in the screen is not for you to ridicule and critise coz at least their doing someting with their life, What about You???? Go David A you have my vote, luv you to nox limit....
Posted by: Reg Reg | May 21, 2008 at 04:37 PM
David Archuleta has a pleasant, rather soothing voice which is fairly forgettable in the long term. David Cook has an outstanding, memorable voice and brings his own personal integrity to his performance. David Archuleta wanted to win and has learned how to manipulate audiences by choice of songs, to do that. If I'd had an opportunity to become an American Idol I think I'd have done the same. I admire David Cook's integrity but I also know he could have won if he'd wanted that more than his integrity.
Posted by: Preseil | May 21, 2008 at 04:32 PM
david cook can only rock so much archuleta is going to win!!!!!
Posted by: stully | May 21, 2008 at 04:30 PM
DAVID A. WILL WIN AMERICAN IDOL TONIGHT. NO QUESTION ASKED. DAVID C. NEEDS TO TAKE HIS ARROGANT ATTITUDE SOMEWHERE ELSE. DAVID A. CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN. ENOUGH SAID.
Posted by: I.U.R | May 21, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I love them both. No matter how this turns out, both will have successful careers. Face it, they are both that good!
Posted by: Stephanie P. | May 21, 2008 at 04:28 PM
hahaha grammy's are a joke. They wouldn't know good music if they were slapped in the face with it.
Posted by: Mike | May 21, 2008 at 04:27 PM
It doesn't matter how old you are or whether "Daddy" entered you to sing in "Star Search". The bottom line is not even who's the most marketable...it's about being the best performer/singer. Who's gonna bring it, and will they make the right song selection? Everything else is just speculative junk...IMHO...
Posted by: RJ | May 21, 2008 at 04:18 PM