Thanks everyone for your comments. I never responded to the “David is the better singer” comment because sometimes, probably, oftentimes, silence is golden.

All of you are indeed correct – this is the time to celebrate the accomplishments and the talents of both Davids, as well as the rest of the Top 10.

I see very little purpose in singling out one person as “the best” – their styles are so different. Both are stellar artists and exemplary role models.

Next topic? haha Check out my review of a couple of songs from Cookie’s “Analog Heart”

I responded to Erin920′s post as I did, because I think if we are going to insist on throwing around generic, nebulous terms like “better”, we ought to spell out what we mean. Both Davids excel in certain aspects of singing. Many seem to equate “better” with “purer”, but I dont think the terms are synonymous.

And the Davids– either of them– are not even tops in all vocal categories. To some people “better” equals “more powerful”. If that is the case, then Carly was the “best” singer of S7. Incidentally, David Foster said she was the best, and he’s no mean judge of talent.

As was said above, it’s all subjective. And with that, I truly am done with this discussion. Enjoy your favorite singers!

I had the impression that this tour has been going on forever, with all the tour updates and stuff. But then I just realized that that they had around 40 more stops to go! As much as these guys are having fun, it must be exhausting for them. I hope that they remain healthy throughout this process, because touring (as I now realize) is not for the faint-hearted.

Looking forward to more of your reviews MCL!

While I do not necessarily agree with againstthedyingofthelight with the statements about those aspects (and these aspects are rather subjective), I don’t think its necessary to bring it out in the open even more. It may just invite more arguments (which I know you didn’t intend to have, but you were rather aggressive in explaining your side).

All I know is that David A. has a lot of good qualities in his voice in abundance, and that is more than enough for me.

And if you’re wondering which boat I’m on, you can say that I’m part of the “regular” scheduled programming, lol!

Now as for ERIN920, I just had to slap my palm on forehead when you started comparing Archie and Cook; because they are both excellent artists in their own right. And knowing who you are from the other forum (being the lurker that I am), I would advice you to stop making unnecessary comparisons and get over it.

Quote from Againstthedying:

“first, why go there? MCL and I were dialogueing about David C. David A. was not mentioned. David A. gets plenty of praise on this site, which, I might add, he richly deserves.

Second, let’s define what we mean by “better”. If “better” means a purer and prettier voice, then yes. But, if “better” means more vocal range, vocal power, and vocal versatility, then no.”

My comment, if you did not want people to go there, why did you bring up this last point? You could have stopped with the first paragraph or not even commented at all. Reading this makes me ill. Not because it is against David A, but because I have always come to this site to get insight from MCL on all the Idols. I do not want this site to become a war zone. I have never posted until now, but felt I needed to.

I am obviously a fan of David Archuleta. I do appreciate Cook and his singing voice. Do not care for his style of music. Not my thing. However, I appreciate him as an artist and would not have if it were not for MCL. She helped me understand what all the Idols brought to the show and now the tour.

Your comments on range, power and versatility! Range, as MCL has stated in the past, David is still growing, voice is changing, his range is not fully developed yet, so how can you make this comparison between the two artist? Cook is at least 9 years older. His power, not sure why you think he does not have the power. Have you heard the boy sing? Have you heard him live? He fills the room, he has power. And to think he only has one vocal chord? And versatility? Well, not sure why you do not think David A has versatility!?

“In sum, as Frogcooke said, both are great singers. The season is over. Let’s wish them both the utmost success.”

If you really believed this statement as I do, then why did you have to respond to this persons comment at all!?

I really respect both David’s and wish that here at MCL’s site that this sort of conversation would not happen.

Lets have peaceful conversations about all the Idols! They are all talented, and bring different genres of music to the table. There is room for them all, but lets not do the comparison thing! As you stated you did not want to do, but did.

Second, let’s define what we mean by “better”. If “better” means a purer and prettier voice, then yes. But, if “better” means more vocal range, vocal power, and vocal versatility, then no.

In sum, as Frogcooke said, both are great singers. The season is over. Let’s wish them both the utmost success.

“After reading on many fansites of people’s concerns on David’s health and the rigors of such a long concert tour, I decided to share this story. I work in the same building as Studio-5 and took the opportunity to go see David perform on the show. It was 10:35 and I headed in back to see if I could get a sneak peak of David before the show. I saw the producers and hosts getting ready, when someone came running up and stating that David wasn’t here yet, and that in fact both David and Jeff were still asleep when the show had finally gotten ahold of them. So while everyone was setting up plan b, which was pretty much start in the big studio with the crowd for a teaser then move segment 2 and put David on when he got there. So, at 10:59am I’m in the big studio with everyone else when Brooke, the host, starts introducing the show and working the audience up into a frenzy, when lo and behold out runs David!. I was shocked. Seeing him, I definitly could tell that he must of just rolled out of bed. But he was pumped and excited and it was fun watching the show. So poor David had no warm-ups or rehersal time before the show. I got a chance to talk to Jeff Archuleta during commercial break and he claimed that somehow he didn’t hear his cell phone and it wasn’t until the station called into the room directly that he woke up. He laughingly claimed he thought it was only 7 or 8 and was shocked to find out what time it really was! Again I am shocked that they made it to the studio in time! I wonder if they had a police escort. lol.”

MasterclassLady says:

Crazy

I cannot believe how relaxed this kid is when he performs. Apparently he was rushed to the studio, no prep or warm-up, and, yet, he was calm, cool and collected. Unbelievable! In his shy demeanor he said to the audience, “Let`s see how this goes“. And then, he played his opening chord at the piano amd started to sing.

And his vocal sound was absolutely gorgeous! He looked exhausted and, yes, there was some vocal fatigue, but his highly developed technical skills and his ability to adapt his technique to less rehearsed circumstances only solidified my belief that this young man is extraordinarily gifted.

At the core, was his emotional commitment to the song, the essence of which was fully internalized and then expressively released through his sensitive vocal delivery.

The simplicity of the arrangement – just simple chords at the piano adding a rhythmic base for the musicality of his vocal phrasing – signified the strength of his ability to communicate a song through his main instrument – the voice and the voice alone.

The voice is an instrument – many tend to forget this and, oftentimes, is treated as a less than important element in the art of making music. But, David puts this myth to rest every time he opens his mouth to sing.

The art of singing – few pop artists can succeed at this art – but young David Archuleta, most definitely, is part of this elite group of vocal artists.

Heaven

Aww – I love that his vocal coach, Dean Kaelin, is accompanying him at the piano. What a wonderful pair they make! And to think that last year at this time, the world was generally unaware of both student and teacher. It`s kind of scary, really, that these two talented individuals were buried in their own time and space.

However, I believe that David would have have become a star with or without Idol – I have to believe this or nothing else would make sense in my mind. Talent like this should be discovered and resurrected at every corner and teachers, like Dean Kaelin, should be applauded for their hard work and dedication in the development of young musicians like David.

David, of course sounds absolutely fantastic and, my oh my, the articulation of his words are crystal clear and precise, lending an energetic focus to his soulful vocal delivery. He weaves his way through the melodic line seamlessly, creating a signature rendition of this song like no other. The words and music truly inspire him to move his voice in wonnderfully creative directions – just beautiful!

And the camera shot of the audience, towards the end of this song, says it all. They are seated on the edges of their seats, just mesmerized, waiting at the bit to reciprocate his heartfelt performance with generous applause.

Up Next: David’s “Crazy” and “Heaven”, performed on Studio 5 on Tuesday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGbYpDJa7LE

Running out the door, but will get to the songs later on today.

Thanks for your kind comments. Most appreciated.

This being said, please be gentle if/ when you masterclass “The Truth” and “Silver”! They are wonderfully-written, wonderful songs, but I’m sure you will find much to critique. His raw vocal talent is quite apparent, but he has obviously progressed a lot as a singer even in the last two years, probably from having the opportunity to spend time with Debra Byrd during the season, as she was his first professional coach.

My question is this– what is the singer “doing” when they affect different vocal styles? (And I guess I could also add his “theatrical” voice on “Music of the Night” to the list too). It doesn’t seem as simple as merely trying to imitate another singer that they’ve heard before. I’m interested in your expert analysis of this aspect.

First of all, thank you for sending me those cool videos from the SLC performance. I love the “binoculars” idea and the effect was very neat indeed. The fans think of everything, don’t they?

Now, regarding David Cook’s varying vocal styles, I believe that he is a very intelligent and creative artist and this allows him to experiment with the stylistic possibilities within his voice talent. However, overall, he sings with a mixture of pure vocals and gritty or raspy vocals.

For example, the early and final segments of “Hello” is an example of David’s ability to sing with pure head voice and this provides ample contrast to the raspy upper voice “I love you” segment in the middle of this song. I always love when singers add inflection or nuance within a song performance – they sing as they would speak the words.

Finally, David has enjoyed the benefit of theatrical experience in his background and theatrical singers are very adept at changing their voice to suit the character.

For example, one of my classical students had the Lucy role in “Your A Good Man Charlie Brown” and, in an effort to avoid a classical sounding voice when singing this character’s songs, I actually made her change her mouth position and this did the trick. She adopted a slightly horizontal mouth position, one that I don`t champion over the long term, but in this instance it worked. However, in the end, her classical training was too ingrained and she had some trouble adpating to the change.

So, it is more diffcult than one might think. David has found the best of both worlds, so kudos to him!

Up next: MCL Review :The Truth”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PdHvLoewimk and “Silver”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cY0J3n5gdrY