American Idol

It is David versus David in this season's final showdown

David Cook

David Cook

F. Micelotta / Fox / Getty
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First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Where the other two judges picked songs for their contestants right in their genres, Simon realizes that David C. does best when challenged. And rather than do the expected — come out with an electric guitar and rock the song out — he starts with a straight, pure read of the song, building slowly to a big glory note at the end. Not as custom-fit a performance as the other two, but Cook gets points for zigging where the competition zagged.

by James Poniewozik

Cook's second song: Dare You to Move
Cook's third song: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

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