David x 2 Laced Up Their Gloves For Idol

David Archuleta and David Cook were ready-to-rumble during Tuesday night’s penultimate episode of American Idol. Boxing announcer Michael Buffer introduced the final two contestants, who wore their finest boxing gear (complete with robes and gloves).

Clive Davis selected the first round of songs. David Cook kicked off the show with U2’s "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," while David Archuleta, who won the coin toss after last Wednesdays show and elected to perform second, came out swinging with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."

The contestants selected the second round of songs from a list of the top 20 submissions for the American Idol songwriting competition. Cook sang an up-beat song called "Dream Big," while Archuleta sang a ballad more appropriate for the 'Idol' finale called, "In This Moment."

The contestants then selected a song of their choice for the third and final round. Cook sang "The World I Know" by Collective Soul, and Archuleta sang what was his top 24 breakout performance, "Imagine" by John Lennon.

Simon, who had gone into the show predicting that David Cook would be the winner, called it a “knock-out” night for David Archuleta. And, in my opinion, he was right.

Say what you want, but American Idol has never really been about finding who will be the best-selling artist. In the past 6 seasons only 3 winners have gone on to have bigger careers than anyone else in their season (Kelly, Carrie, and Jordin), while a 7th, 4th, and 2nd place finisher (Jennifer, Chris, and Clay) easily out-shined those who beat them. For the most part, the winner has always been the one with the voice, the stage presence, the look, and the personality that is the most commercial. David Archuleta should win, because he's basically the "poster boy" for what American Idol is looking for. He's young, talented, attractive, stylish, genuine, innocent, humble, etc. He should win, if not because he fits the role, then because David Cook will most likely do better without it. And, if you still want to argue 'Idol' is a singing competition, honestly, I think it's clear who has the better vocals. David Archuleta can belt it!

However, I'm gearing myself up for a defeat, because I think David Cook is going to win. And, it's going to be hard not to be happy for my 2nd favorite contestant of the entire season, who is wickedly talented. At least I have a performance by Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers to look forward to!