"American Idol" Finale: David Vs. David
Syesha Mercado Is Voted Off The Show, Leaving The Two Favorites To Compete
6May 15, 2008
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David Archuleta, left, and David Cook, right, will compete in the "American Idol" finals on May 15, 2008. (Frank Micelotta/FOX)
(AP) It'll be David vs. David.
Syesha Mercado was voted off "American Idol" Wednesday night, paving the way for the expected showdown between David Cook and David Archuleta.
Mercado, a 21-year-old actress from Sarasota, Fla., was the last woman standing on the top-rated Fox contest. The big-voiced belter surpassed a more accomplished singer (Carly Smithson), a fan favorite (Brooke White) and a statuesque country crooner (Kristy Lee Cook).
While other contestants floundered, Mercado challenged herself with ambitious song choices like Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." She showed more personality - and lots of leg - while swiveling her hips in a glittery gold minidress for a rendition of "Proud Mary." She cried when Paula Abdul gave her a standing ovation last week.Photos: "American Idol" Season 7
Abdul held the sugar on Tuesday's performance show, telling Mercado that she thought her performance of "Hit Me Up" wasn't "good enough to get into the finals."
With Mercado out of the way, "Idol" can now fully hype the David vs. David match-up.
There's Archuleta, the 17-year-old singing prodigy from Murray, Utah, with the overly involved stage dad. And there's Cook, the 25-year-old former bartender from Blue Springs, Mo., with an emo edge that the angelic Arculeta lacks.
Who will snag the title next Wednesday?
One thing is for sure: His name will be David.
By Erin Carlson
© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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HS Dad needsto take a step back and allow professionals to handle him yet I am sure he loves his son and only wants the best for Him
Then again, didn''t the little David already win Star Search Juniors or something like that? And he''s got that freaky dad . . .
I don''t know . . . although it sounds like David Cook is the favorite, right?
PS Those home-town visits were so nice to see with the warm greetings that they all got that brought them (and me) to tears - waaaaah! :)
And yes...GO DAVID COOK!