Random Reflections on Idol, Dancing

• May 21, 2008 04:14 PM ET
• by Matt Roush

The battle of the Davids is, to me, the most interesting and polarizing American Idol faceoff since the classic Clay-vs-Ruben finale of season 2. As was the case then, the fandom for both appears to be passionate and deep, and whoever's rooting for one is very likely rooting against the other.

The differences between both singers' styles are obvious, but so are the similarities in what people tend to criticize in each. In short, those who find David Archuleta's crooning to be boringly sweet and cloying and too much the same are balanced out by those who find David Cook's angst-flavored rock to be boringly mannered and too much the same. To each their own, but who will win?

Most Idol-ators no doubt had their minds made up before they watched Tuesday's show, but in terms of pure showmanship, calculated or not, David Archuleta won the night. Maybe not by the "knockout" that Simon declared, milking that regrettable boxing metaphor at least one time too many, but by a comfortable margin. I accept the argument that David Cook deserves credit for trying a new song for his closing number, but there's a long show-biz tradition of using the "encore" slot to please the crowd, not yourself. In this case, familiarity would not have bred contempt.

But it's also quite possible that by having the judges, especially Simon, lavish so much praise on Young David, it could be seen as an attempt to spur the fans of Older David to dial like maniacs to christen their favorite. In any case, it promises to be a memorable end to a spotty season.

(A few nitpicks about Tuesday night's show. Did anyone else notice they misspelled Andrew Lloyd Webber's- not Weber- name? So sloppy. And did Randy actually declare this "the duel of 2007?" Retire, Dawg, or at least get some new material before next season.)

It's with relief that I turn briefly to Dancing With the Stars, which has the luxury of never taking itself too seriously, even when recounting the various injuries suffered by its cast this season. (Like Idol, it played the Rocky theme at one point, but thankfully didn't overdo the cheesy boxing metaphor.) I played back most of the finale in fast-forward mode, but had to pause to marvel at guest talent Usher's showmanship (especially in the second number) and to gawk at Monica Seles gamely taking the dance floor again, reminding us how bad it can get. Seriously, she may be the most lead-footed and awkward contestant in this show's history. She makes breathing look hard.

As for the coronation: Kristi Yamaguchi, why not. I thought Jason Taylor outshone her on their very final dances- reprising their favorite routines for "encores" in time-honored tradition- but she was always the front-runner this season, consistently polished and versatile if not the most charismatic dancer, and it's way past time for a female celeb to win again. Cristian de la Fuente and Jason couldn't have been more gracious runners-up, hoisting Kristi on their shoulders for her victory lap. Nothing wrong with a show leaving you with a smile on your face, especially with so many scripted series taking the opposite tack this season.