Live blogging the AI final performance.

Weird, cheesy boxing intro. Although I like the Rocky theme music.

All right, enough with the boxing theme. It’s a bit of overkill, don’t you think? We get it. They’re going to duke it out. Let’s get on with it.

Archuleta chose to go last. I think that’s a good move by him. You always want to be able to take the last shot.

Man, they’re really not abandoning this boxing theme, are they?

Round 1: I think Clive picked some killer songs for these guys. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” is one of my all-time favorite songs and I think Cook owned it. Strong opening. Why did Randy just say this was “the duel of 2007”? Has he been drinking from Paula’s Coke cup? Archuleta singing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” was a great song choice, too. All I can say is “Wow”. The kid absolutely nailed that song.

I think this round was a toss-up; I give the slightest nod to Archuleta. I’m surprised the judges so decisively ruled in favor of Archuleta.

Round 2: This is an interesting spin: taking a few of the best songwriting submissions and letting the contestants sing them. I think it’s odd that they’d give these unknown songs this kind of platform. Cook’s song was pretty good; not my favorite that he’s done, but I love that he rocked it out. I have to agree with the judges that this was just an OK performance. Of course, Archuleta comes out singing a ballad. Sunny just made a good point: why does he always grab his stomach while he sings? Maybe I should try it next time I have to lead singing. This song is a yawner, but it’s a good one for him.

This round was kind of a mediocre round for me. I didn’t really like either song (too cheesy). But I think Archuleta gets another slight nod. This doesn’t look good for Cook.

Round 3: Contestant’s choice. Cook is going with Collective Soul’s “The World I Know”. I like the acoustic sound; I think this is representative of the kind of show you could expect him to put on. I might actually download this. (If I do, I’ll probably get “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, too.) Man, Simon really has it in for Cook tonight. I like that he took a risk with this song, even though it’s probably going to cost him. Big surprise: Archuleta’s singing “Imagine”. I’m sure this will bring down the house. His performance was pretty much flawless. That should pretty much seal the deal.

If Archuleta doesn’t win this thing, I’ll have to shave my head. He lacks the personality of a star, but the kid deserves it.

I would vote, but what’s the point?