David Archuleta and David Cook are the last two standing on "American Idol."

Fox

I don’t think it was any surprise that Syesha Mercado was voted off “American Idol” on Wednesday night. It was just a formality, really. Probably somewhere around mid-season, most avid “Idol” watchers pretty much knew which two contestants would be left standing.

And now we stand at the threshold of the final chapter of season seven. Next week, baby-faced frontrunner David Archuleta will go head to head with scruffster David Cook. People have referred to the matchup as David vs. Goliath.

But, just who will be the winning David? The 17-year-old ballad-crooning high school student or the 25-year-old born-to-rock bartender?

David Archuleta
Age: 17
Hometown: Murray, Utah
Musical influences: Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Bryan Adams (courtesy of americanidol.com)

Archuleta stormed out of the gates with his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Already a fan favorite, he kicked it up a notch with this song choice, which proved that ballads are his sweet spot.

Little David just about fell off his pedestal when he flubbed the lyrics to the Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out.” Simon called it “a mess.” This performance proved to fans (and judges) that the kid is only human and also that fast songs aren’t his cup o’ tea.

Archuleta redeemed himself with “The Long and Winding Road,” reinforcing the fact that he’s at his best when singing ballads.

One of the more interesting songs that Archuleta selected was “You’re the Voice,” which Simon didn’t even recognize.

Ballads have carried Archuleta through this competition. There weren’t many times when he stepped out of his safety zone with a fast song and performed as solid. For example, this week he surprised us with Chris Brown’s “With You.” Dancing and singing a Top 40 song isn’t Archuleta’s style. If he becomes the next “Idol,” what does this mean for his longevity?

He’s got the votes, though. So it won’t be a surprise next week if he’s crowned king of the stage.

David Cook
Age: 25
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
Musical influences: Our Lady Peace, Big Wreck (courtesy of americanidol.com)

Cook has impressed fans and judges since the get-go. Randy called him the “real rocker of the boys” when he sang Free’s “All Right Now.” Each week fans tuned in to see how Cook would interpret and mash up his next song selection. A shining example was his performance of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” which was touted as one of his best. He also spinned Mariah Carey’s poppy “Always Be My Baby” into a dark ballad that Paula said “could be in a movie soundtrack right now.”

It was rare that Cook sang a song in its original form. But when he did, he proved he was able to pull it off (“Phantom of the Opera’s” “Music of the Night”).

Cook had a few low moments, too. During “inspiration” week, he sang Our Lady Peace’s “Innocent,” and the judges were not impressed. For the most part, though, he’s been neck and neck with Archuleta when it comes to judges’ comments. Hence the reason they are both still standing.

So, who will pull it off? If Archuleta wins it’ll be expected. He’s got the popular vote. If Cook is crowned, at least it’ll throw in an element of surprise during an otherwise humdrum season.

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