American Idol: David Archuleta Performs "Angel"

David Archuleta proved again why he is one of the top contenders for American Idol this season. The 17-year-old Idol contestant sat alone at the grand piano for the entire performance. I was glad that David A. stayed seated for the entire song, sometime the performance gets away from him when he works the stage.

Singing "Angels" originally performed by Robbie Williams and covered by Jessica Simpson. I knew David A. would have a great performance tonight on American Idol, as soon as I heard that it was inspirational night. David Archuleta sings like he was trained in a Baptist choir, perfect for an inspirational song. For being the youngest American Idol contestant left, David A. manages to put emotion into every performance.

Since David A. picks songs that he can emotionally connect with, he is often criticized by Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson for his choices. This young contestant has grown up singing semi-professionally, but has yet to find his 'pop' style.

Tonight was definitely David Archuleta's strongest performance in the last few weeks (last week was strong too). His fan base should easily carry David A. into the American Idol Top 4.

Here is how the judging went down:

Randy Jackson - "dude that was... dude when you did those runs at the end... dude that was hot! Your best vocals ever for me man!"

Paula Abdul - "fantastic"

Simon Cowell - "Best song choice for tonight [Idol Gives Back]... I don't agree with Randy, that it was your best vocal. David, I'm knit-picking here because you are going to sail into the next round!"

After tonight's American Idol Top 8 performances it is safe to say that the Top 5 should be (in order of how I think they will finish:

5. Jason Castro (this is the tough call!)
4. Carly Smithson
3. Michael Johns
2. David Archuleta
1. David Cook