Paula Predicts American Idol Winner on Neil Diamond Night

With only 5 contestants left, the American Idols each sang two songs on Neil Diamond Night. One of the remarks that Simon often makes that sticks with me throughout all the seasons of American Idol asks why a contestant would pick a particular song, with all the great songs to choose from, and I was asking myself that very question tonight, even if Simon wasn't.

I was so hoping someone would pick "Red Red Wine," but I guess that was pretty silly of me. There was a big flap last week and a lot of conjecture that Carly Smithson was eliminated because she chose to sing, "Jesus Christ, Superstar," which some people consider a "blasphemous" song. So "Red red wine you make me feel so fine, you keep me rocking all of the time," probably isn't the wisest song choice for any American Idol. Still I could see David Archuleta rockin' it. That kid always looks high to me.

The reviews were not given on the first round till after everyone performed and this screwed things up a bit, particularly for Paula Abdul, who seemed to think she was already reviewing two songs before the second round.

Tonight's best review was awarded by Paula, who told David Cook that she felt like she was looking at the American Idol after his second performance, which was "All I Really Need is You." His first was "I'm Alive." Neil Diamond was surprised David chose lesser known songs, but was happy about it. Randy said David was in the zone on the first and blazin' on the second song. Simon found the second performance "brilliant."

Just about as popular as David Cook, and also favored to be the winner, David Archuleta performed "Sweet Caroline" ( sigh - my prediction that Jason would pick this was wrong), and "Coming To America." Simon said his second choice was very smart and "ticked all the boxes." Whoever wins, neither David is in any danger.

Is Paula right?

Credit: American Idol

Copyright: American Idol