Syesha Mercado Will Go Home; American Idol Producers Paved Way to David Cook, David Archuleta

In an American Idol season that has been dominated by the two Davids, Syesha Mercado's last stand will be this week. No matter how Syesha performs on tonight's episode of American Idol, she will not get the votes necessary to continue on into the finals. As sad as it may be for Syesha fans, it is the way that it is meant to be.

Idol producers made it known early on that they had two favorites. Syesha was not one of them. Actually, do to the over praise of one contestant (David Archuleta) and great performances by another (David Cook), it is almost amazing that Syesha has made it as far as she has. She has received little credit, little attention, and almost no praise all season long. Therefore, it is a miracle that she is still standing.

However, if producers have anything to say about it, they will make sure that Syesha is not standing after tomorrow night's show. They are pulling for a battle of the Davids, and they will do whatever they can to have it happen. In fact, one can imagine the surprise and nervousness of the Idol producers as they have yet been able to shake this tenacious contestant. In the end, though, the performances of Syesha will not matter.

Never mind that Syesha is much more entertaining to watch than David Archuleta. It will not matter.

Never mind that David Archuleta has been a young boy whose father has lived vicariously through him all season long. It will not matter.

Never mind that Syesha has been the most improved contestant this season on American Idol. It will not matter.

Never mind that Syesha manages to change things up week after week. It will not matter.

Why won't it matter? For whatever reason, many American Idol fans prefer the formulaic approach of David Archuleta compared to the innovative approach of Syesha.

Congratulations, American Idol producers and judges. You have made your bed, and now you must lie in it. You will be getting the final that you have craved. At what expense, though? Quite possibly, it will be at the expense of the integrity of American Idol.