We have reached the championship round of AI Season 7. As with any competitive endeavor, when you get to the championship, you are always faced with the question of whether or not you have the best in the finals. I have compared this competition to a boxing match the entire season and we have reached that point where the question comes into play. We have two contenders left. Are they the best? In many sports, such as basketball and baseball, there will often be a “best of 7″ championship series to ensure that the “best” wins. Even with that, it’s not always the “best” that wins the championship. Sometimes it’s more important just to be on a roll at the right time. History of all types is littered with “could of, would of, should of’s” that may have been the best but came up short. So, on the eve of the title round, do we have the two best contenders left?
A WEEKLY RANKINGS HISTORY
Each week I have ranked the contenders as I see them. The table below contains the weekly rankings of both DA and DC since the first round. With the exception of Round 1, DC has been at the top of my rankings. DA has been a little more up and down, but never lower than #4. They are a bit misleading since I ranked by gender in the first two rounds. But from Round 3 forward, the rankings represent all contenders.
| DAVID ARCHULETA | DAVID COOK |
| Round 10 - #3 | #1 |
| Round 9 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 8 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 7 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 6 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 5 - #4 | #1 |
| Round 4 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 3 - #2 | #1 |
| Round 2 - #3 | #1 |
| Round 1 - #1 | #3 |
Based purely on the rankings, it would appear that we have the best two in the championship. But these rankings represented the survivability as well as the talent of the contenders as I saw them and not necessarily who I just thought was best. So what does that mean? Here’s my take…
ARE THE BEST IN THE FINALS?
DAVID COOK - No beating around the bush here. Without any question, I believe DC is the best overall competitor in this season’s competition. He has shown surprising diversity, ability and confidence. He has certainly been the most innovative and daring singer this season. I think he has shown that he has the chops and the range to make it in the music biz. I would NOT rate him as good as Chris Daughtry, but he is hands-down this season’s best.
DAVID ARCHULETA - He has maintained a high ranking throughout the season, but I just don’t believe he’s the second best contender. He may have the purest voice in the competition and what he does, he does extremely well. But even when he sings a song spot-on, it’s missing the believability factor. That’s not necessarily a slam against him, he just doesn’t have the age and experience to make you believe he’s singing from the depth of his life. Ultimately, that effects how his songs impact you.
BEST FINALS MATCH-UP AGAINST D.C. (Toss up between two)
MICHAEL JOHNS - The Dingo Dude met his demise just as he was starting to discover his strength. He was more inconsistent than DA, but far more believable. And when he was on, he was dynamite. There is no question in my mind that he could have had, and still may have, a far more viable future in the industry. And he most definitely would have brought a lot more energy to the finale than DA.
BROOKE WHITE - Brooke seemed to sort of fall apart as the competition went on, but she was unique among all the contestants. She brought a vulnerable quality that no one else had this year. Plus she was totally authentic. There was no sense of pretense with Brooke. What she lacked was confidence and that’s what got to her. With the right coaching and mentoring, she could have a wonderful career. Regardless, I would have enjoyed seeing her against DC in the championship.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Clearly I think DC should win this thing going away. That’s not to throw DA under the bus. It’s just that he’s still got some growing to do…. and he has time. But after watching the “going home” videos from last week, there is no question that DA has a lot of female fans…and this is important…. THEY VOTE…AND THEY VOTE OFTEN. With that realization, the finale is up for grabs. DC has the goods…. DA has the fans. It’s not my favorite pairing for the finale, but like millions of others, I will tune it to see who can be the last man standing. I hope you’ll join me.
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