American Idol: With Syesha Voted Off, It's David Vs. David in the Finale

David and David. David vs. David. The Two Davids. David Squared. Dueling Davids. (The last two are mine, so remember where you saw them.) Whatever you wish to call them or however you wish to arrange their names, the Season 7 Finale will be between David Cook and David Archuleta.

No surprises there.

The results show ended with Syesha Mercado not being invited back for the final sing-off. Whether one thinks Syesha should have been allowed to stay (I personally do, because she is far more multidimensional than David Archuleta) is moot now, because the scene is set. Now we just have to wait for Syesha's album to come out to hear her again. And we'll hear her again, rest assured. Probably Top 40 songs, Broadway musicals, perhaps even some acting. So don't shed too many tears for the talented last lady of Season 7 on American Idol. She's going to be quite alright.

But did America get it right? The abovesaid notwithstanding, America did in fact get it right. David Archuleta has had a steady run through the competition. The judges have consistently loved his performances, the girls scream their heads off when he walks out on stage, and he has never even been close to the bottom or near elimination. I just wish the boy could sing something other than a ballad.

As for the other David, David Cook, nothing need be said other than he is also right where he belongs -- in the Final Two. He, too, has been pretty consistent throughout the competition. The judges have had very few negative things to say about him, the girls scream when he hits the stage, and I really can't remember him being in the bottom three or near elimination, either.

But what David Cook brings to the finale that David Archuleta does not is his versatility. Where Archuleta tends to be channeled down a ballad street, Cook can do it all, from arranging the songs to fit his vocal stylings to performing them like a pro. Archuleta cannot. He's hesitant and does not do upbeat songs well. For basic overall talent, Cook wins the competition.