OK, let me just start by saying: Having the show open and having someone else say "THIS is American Idol", someone other than Ryan Seacrest? BAD IDEA! Don't you be messing with that tried and true part of your formula, AI. I am fascinated by how important Ryan makes that statement sound every single week, and so are lots of other people.

And, ignorant question here...isn't that guy they had an announcer for wrestling? Not boxing? And if so, am I the only one who thinks it's weird to have a wrestling announcer when the theme (the stupid stupid theme) was boxing?

OMGWTFBBQ that opening was ridiculous.

Oh, the singing? The show? How was that? You want to know?

Oh, all RIGHT.

No, wait, I also have to take a moment to ponder: Clive Davis and Andrew Lloyd Webber (hereinafter called ALW) as the finale's "mentors"? Why? Whyeeeeeee?

OK, I get that Clive Davis is still a music industry powerhouse. But what on EARTH does ALW have to do with figuring out what makes a pop star? What? WHAT?

OK, I'm all ranted out, let's carry on:

There were three songs from each contestant. The first was Clive's choice, the second was form the pool of submitted songwriting contest winners, and the third was contestant choice.

David A. won the coin toss, so David C. went first:

David Cook: The man who I like more, but who even I can admit didn't really BRING IT, per Randy's sage advice:

Song #1: Clive chose U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
This song is a classic, and it's part of one of the best opening song sequences on an album ever: The Joshua Tree kicks off with Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For and With or Without You. I bought this cassette (yes, cassette) when I lived in New York, and I used to listen to it on my Walkman while riding the subway. I lived in Astoria, Queens, so much of my commute was on an elevated train. I would stare out the window at Queens going by and listen to this music...and I would feel very deep. I was in my early 20s, whaddya want? So, back to the present: How did David C. do? Well, he has a lovely rock voice, if that's not too oxymoronic. Raspy, but very controlled and with lots of range, dynamic and notes-wise. This was a pretty rote version, and for once I felt the house band let a contestant down. The arrangement didn't have any of U2's power and majesty. He sang most of it with a compelling, but quiet intensity...and that was his problem throughout the evening. To subtle, too quietly intense. Then he throws in some big, totally inappropriate high notes at the end and hopes that'll help. It won't because it wasn't enough for the people who like more bombast and it turns off the people like me who recognize an attempt at bombast when we see it.

Song #2: The contest song was Dream Big
Seriously. Honestly. Can they NOT do better than saddle this show's finale every single year with songs like this? This was a boring song performed boringly. (Another word that should exit if it doesn't already.) I really like David C.'s voice, but his performance skillz need help. That guitar does NOT help him (unlike Jason C. who was better every time he used his guitar.) But nothing hurts worse than a boring performance of a boring song.

Song #3: David C. picked The World I Know by Collective Soul
Dude, this is why I want you to win. Just go for it...pick a song you love that is right in your wheelhouse from a real recording career POV. Screw whether or not you'll bring the AI voters along with you. And 'd be surprised if you are able to. Again, this was really nice. But subtly intense. Against Imagine, no less.

Bottom line: Well, I think I've been clear. I think David C. wasn't really on his game and doesn't stand a chance. At least one friend tells me I'm wrong, and that Simon wants him to win...hence his strong pro-David A. comments... and that David C. will be the surprise winner. I will, indeed, be surprised.

David A.: The pretty boy with the pretty voice, who I really think is going to end up in the fetal position never to recover if he doesn't win.

Song #1: Clive chose Elton John's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me...an AI classic. And that's exactly my issue with it. I know it's a great song, but Clay did a pretty famous version of it, and I think every year since someone does it, including LaToya London. Why saddle him with something that familiar. I know David C. picks obscure songs, and that's not a great strategy, but neither is picking songs we've heard a million times, just on AI alone. All that being said, he did a good enough job. I actually think he was very nervous and hyped up, and that resulted in some unusual pitch issues for him, but it was nice and the melody wasn't too abused.

Song #2: The contest song was In This Moment
This, again, was not David A.'s best job ever...totally do NOT get the "molten hot" comments from randy. He showed a bit of dynamics at one point, and the softer side of David A., was a nice change from the shouting, however sweet that shouting is. But another boring performance of an egregiously boring song. (Yes, I LOVE the word "egregious." Those of you who have sent me emails, only to receive replies weeks, even months later, know how much!)

Song #3: David A. chose to re-perform John Lennon's Imagine
Smart choice in one sense, it was his break-out song, and I don't think he ever had, at least me, liking him as much again. But dumb choice in a way, because this version was not as good as seeing him do it the first time. Unlike Fantasia, who sang Summertime 3 times, but made each time seem fresh and just as intense, David A. doesn't ahve those skillz. His solution for overcoming us all having heard it before was to add more riffs on the melody and try harder. So, no, I didn't like it as much as the first time...did you?

Bottom line: David A. made pretty smart choices, and I think he did enough. If the competition is for who made it seem like they really wanted it more, then he won.

Bottom Bottom Line: OK, I guess I've made it pretty clear that I like David C. more, can imagine maybe buying his album, but that I think David A. did what it takes to win.

What do you think?