'American Idol' Predictions: Who Will Win?
Bloggers Make Their Picks
One thing's certain: The winner of Season 7 of 'American Idol' will be named David. But will it be <a href="http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-archuleta/564981" target="_blank">Archuleta</a> or <a href="http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-cook/564984" target="_blank">Cook</a>? It's too close to call, with the race perhaps even tighter than the last all-male finale, Ruben vs. Clay. We asked bloggers to weigh in with their predictions of which David will triumph in the end.
<a href='http://www.tvsquad.com/bloggers/jason-hughes' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Jason at TV Squad</font></a> Picks: Cook
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we're going to crown our first "rocker" this year with David Cook. Cook has proven surprisingly versatile, and rarely puts on a boring performance. He's a great, polished performer and has had fewer fumbles than anyone else left standing. We missed our chance with Bo Bice and Chris Daughtry, but I think America is finally ready to crown the first Rock and Roll 'Idol.'
<a href='http://www.rickey.org/?p=7893' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Rickey.org</font></a> Picks: Archuleta
David Archuleta as the 'American Idol' will make everyone feel good, and "America always gets it right" in the end. The sight of an uber-talented little boy's dreams crushed in the finale is not what viewers expect from this family-oriented show, even if you are for David Cook. David Cook is currently more popular than David Archuleta, which may or may not translate to votes. David Cook has more searches on Google and has more hit singles on iTunes. However, David Archuleta has the more fanatic fanbase.
<a href='http://mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-will-win-american-idol-and-other-random-thoughts.htm' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>MJ's Blog</font></a> Picks: Cook
In order to win, a contestant needs a clear identity and consistent performances. David Cook has both. He's built a reputation as the clever rocker, navigating this year's narrow themes without sacrificing his identity. The smart move -- singing 'Music of the Night' in a straight-up musical theater style surely netted some votes from the non-rock contingent. Way to expand the fan base, Cookie! At this point, I think he's garnered a broad appeal that will ensure he remains the last 'Idol' standing.
<a href='http://popbytes.com/archive/television/american_idol/' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>MK at Popbytes</font></a> Picks: Archuleta
Although I am totally in camp David Cook, I'm betting that this year's winner will actually be little David Archuleta -- who granted is an amazingly talented singer but in my humble opinion he's one terribly boring performer! I much prefer Mr. Cook's edgy rock & roll style compared to Mr. Archuleta's 'Awww Shucks' vibe but it's obvious from the audience reaction who'll walk away with the 'Idol' title ... stay tuned!
<a href='http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/05/13/american-idol-winner-david-cook/' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Just Jared</font></a> Picks: Cook
Archu-D2 was the early frontrunner in the competition but Cook definitely has pulled ahead with his carefully chosen arrangements and rock star performances. Can Cook take the cake? Most likely. Last week, interestingly enough, Archu-D2's "stage dad from hell" was prohibited from working (read: attending arranging sessions) with his son on the show. David sure has a lot more pressure on him this week without his dad's guidance this week on how to perform songs and what vocal changes to make. May the best David win!
<a href='http://www.americanmidolblog.com/2008/05/predictions.html' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Jess at American Midol</font></a> Picks: Archuleta
My money's on creepy David Archuleta to win the whole thing. What? He's creepy. Don't front. You know he is -- you just don't want to say it out loud because he's sunshine and rainbows and puppies and if you say it, it's like you're kicking a puppy. Luckily, I kick puppies all the time so I'm fine with it. In fact, I'm kicking one right now. The judges have been ramming Archuleta down our throats like Harry Reems to Linda Lovelace all season. Why? I don't know.
<a href='http://slimtainment.com/idolblog/?p=1526' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Idol Blog Live</font></a> Picks: Cook
David Cook will be the one who takes it all home. Since the beginning of the season Cookie has blown everyone away with his "different" renditions of the songs and pushing the envelope each week. David Cook is consistent and has an amazing fan base that should vote him the crown. Rock has become a part of 'American Idol' and it is time a rocker wins.
<a href='http://allieiswired.com/archives/2008/05/american-idol-winner-prediction/' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Allie Is Wired</font></a> Picks: Archuleta
[Cook] deserves the title and deal. He has 8 years of life experience in his pocket; I think he could better handle the pressure, the roles, the stress and celebrity status. The question is ... can he take down the sweeter than honey David Archuleta? Archuleta has a plethora of fan sites dedicated to making him the new 'American Idol.' The fan base is extraordinary. I think he might have the prize in the bag. ... Bottom line: I am voting for David Cook, but I predict David Archuleta will win.
<a href='http://americanidol1thatuwant.blogspot.com/2008/05/next-american-idol.html' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Americanidol1thatuwant</font></a> Picks: Cook
So who will win? David Cook. 'Idol' missed their shot with Chris Daughtry two years ago. Sure, they still make money off of him, but it would have been so much sweeter if the 'American Idol,' not the fourth-place finisher, had been the biggest selling artist in 2007. David Cook's potential CD sales could even overtake Chris Daughtry's. He's über talented and can sing 'Phantom of the Opera' with as much ease as Phantom Planet. The stylists have exposed his raw sexuality and, surprise! he's also a nice guy. The perfect 'Idol' package. Besides, David Archuleta's daddy dearest cost the show a bundle when sonny boy snuck some lyrics from Sean Kingston's 'Beautiful Girls' into his rendition of Ben E. King's 'Stand by Me.' We all know that payback is a b*tch. And payback 'Idol'-style will be David Cook singing the assuredly icky coronation song on May 21.
<a href='http://www.idolreview.net/2008/05/13/final-prediction/' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Idol Review</font></a> Picks: Archuleta
I know I am going against logic and common sense, but I STILL predict Archuleta to take this puppy home. He has his vices: his blubbering stage banter and a crazy parental unit, but I think a week from today, when you see the fireworks, and the gospel choir, and his adorable chubby cheeks singing his heart out on stage, he is going to get a bunch of swing voters.
