David Archuleta squares off against David Cook in the American Idol finals next week, and all is right in the world with me, Randy Salas, your guest blogger for the evening.

To make way for their showdown, Syesha Mercado left the show tonight after receiving the fewest viewer votes. It seemed inevitable, especially after she lost her momentum from recent weeks with three unremarkable performances Tuesday night, but you never can be sure until the results are announced.

As I’ve said before, I like this finals match-up. Teeny-bopper Archuleta seems charmed due to his huge fan base of rabid young girls, but rocker Cook seems equally popular. Cook also has an edge to win it all based on his sheer musicality and range of style. Archuleta seems mired in a goo of syrupy ballads; when he tries to pick up the tempo, as with Tuesday’s rendition of “With You,” he never seems to find his groove. Cook, on the other hand, can turn a ballad as easily as an all-out rock anthem — and often give them a refreshing spin, even if he’s covering someone else’s arrangement.

Next week brings a  one-hour performance show on Tuesday, followed by viewer voting, and then a two-hour extravaganza on Wednesday to announce the winner — at the end of the broadcast, of course.

So what do you think of the finals match-up? Who will win? And was Syesha the right one to leave the show tonight?

Randy Salas here to serve as your guide and critic for tonight’s American Idol broadcast. Let’s go:

ROUND 1 - Judges’ choices

David Archuleta is up first with Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes,” chosen by Paula Abdul. Once again, he changes up the melody too much for my taste, but this was a great song choice for him. His voice is just perfect for a song that should be more widely known. One problem is that the original song gains more weight and meaning over its duration, but this version was too short to capitalize on that. But I’m sure the average viewer is really concerned with meaning and development in the songs.

Syesha Mercado is up with Alicia Keys “If I Got You.” Randy Jackson picked it. He had “a feeling” she was into Keys? All he had to do was look on YouTube to see Syesha singing the same song on the ABC reality show “The One.” She sounds just like Keys, except more shrill and with half the emotion. It’s serviceable but nothing spectacular — and actually not as good as her previous televised version. The judges love it much more than I do.

David Cook gets nailed with Roberta Flack’s version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a wicked curve ball from Simon Cowell. It’s not his style at all, and rather slow. But, man, does he wail on a song that no one would ever expect him to pick himself. This could work on the radio now with a more developed arrangement.

First round goes to Cook.

ROUND 2 - Singers’ choices

David Archuleta picks Chris Brown’s “With You,” a refreshingly contemporary choice for the little fella. Unfortunately, diction isn’t Archie’s strongest suit and he stumbles early over a few words and gets behind the beat. “Little mama”? That just ain’t right. It’s OK, but doing a current song can often be the death knell for an Idol singer because all of the young viewers actually know the song. And that was just aw-ight.

Syesha does “Fever” as her choice. She’s a working actress, as she has reminded us several times this season, so she should be able to vamp it up — with or without a prop chair. But I’m actually surprised at how straightforward a version she delivers, considering that. It’s “Fever” without the steam.

David Cook goes with Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move” as his pick (not the previously leaked choice of Collective Soul’s “The World I Know”). I’m not wild about the choice, but let’s see how he does. The opening verse is shaky, but he delivers on the powered-up chorus. It’s just too short — man, the producers are killing the singers with the time limit tonight. Nothing special. 

Second round goes to no one. They all just treaded water.

Round 3 - Producers’ choices

David A. does Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer.” Eh. I love the song, but it was not what I had hoped for from Archie. It comes across as pretty but insincere.

Syesha is back with Gia Farrell’s “Hit Me Up” from “Happy Feet.” Oh, man, she looks uncomfortable and she went out of tune toward the end. Ultimately, it wasn’t horrible, but what a sad way to go out for her. Each song she did tonight was weaker than the previous one. She clearly has lost her momentum.

David C. ends the night with Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” That arrangement was a bit of a mess, but Cook pulls through. Even when things seem off, he never loses control. That’s the mark of a winner.

Third round goes to David Cook.

Overall, Cook takes the night, but I was underwhelmed. I was hoping for a killer performance, but it didn’t materialize. It has to be David vs. David in next week’s finals. It won’t be worth watching if not. 

Hey, guest American Idol blogger Randy Salas here. The final three singers don’t perform until tonight on the top-rated TV show, but word has already gotten out on some of the songs we’ll hear. Each singer must perform a song chosen by one of the judges, by the producers and by him- or herself. According to Internet scuttlebutt, here are some of the songs on tap:

 David Archuleta: Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” (producers’ choice), Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” (Paula Abdul’s choice) and Chris Brown’s “With You” (his choice).

My thoughts: Wow, if that’s really Paula’s choice, it’s brilliant. Little Archie’s smoky-toned voice is just right for the Billy Joel song. “Longer” also is a cool choice, and “With You” will finally give us a glimpse of how he’ll do with something contemporary. Unfortunately, all three sings emphasize that Archie can only do a ballad salad — not much stylistic range.

David Cook: Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (Simon Cowell’s choice), Collective Soul’s “The World I Know” (his choice) and an as-yet-unknown producers’ choice.

My thoughts: What an odd choice for Simon to make for the rocker: a musty, slow ballad. I thought at first that he’d be better off doing the earlier folk version by Gordon Lightfoot, but that would probably misfire from being too unfamiliar to viewers. Here’s hoping for another reinvention as he did with the version he covered of Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” “The World I Know” is a down-tempo, fairly unmelodic number, so we could really use an all-out rock choice from the producers.

Syesha Mercado: Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” (Randy Jackson’s choice) and two unknown numbers (her choice and the producers’).

My thoughts: Eye roll. Mercado performed the same song on the ABC reality show ”The One.” Did Randy Jackson know that when he made his choice? She acted it well. 

I have to say that I’m seriously pulling for David Cook at this point. David Archuleta has worn on me, largely because he has no stylistic range and I tire of his “making songs his own” by simply changing every original melody. Syesha has been touted as “coming on strong” in the past few weeks, but has any contestant ever been among the bottom vote-getters so many times and made it to this point? I’m over her shrill high notes and “it’s all about me” stage presence, such as equating her Idol journey to the civil rights movement. I hope we shall overcome her this week and have a finals pitting David vs. David.

What say you? And come back later tonight for my thoughts on tonight’s show.

There were devastating moments in my childhood that would forever alter my view of pop culture. The first was learning that there was no Santa Claus. The second, and more impactful blow, was finding out that Johnny Carson didn’t write his own jokes.

It’s not that I was a big Johnny fan. He belonged to my parents. I was a Dave guy. But even those of us who were 10 years old knew that he represented the heights of show business. I think I was fantasizing about being a “Tonight Show” guest long before I was fantasizing about kissing a girl (yes, it was THAT kind of childhood).

It may seem silly now to be stunned to find out there are dozens of joke writers behind every late-night host. But I don’t think it’s silly to be disappointed that so much reality TV is manipulated with a heavy hand. My Sunday column on May 18 addresses this issue, most notably the tinkering I saw during the taping of “Last Comic Standing” here in Minneapolis a few months ago. Should we be stunned that the celebrity judges aren’t judging on their own? Should we be outraged that the “American Idol” judges sit in on rehearsals? SHould we be rioting in the streets because “The Hills” is about as contrived as a sitcom? Well, no, of course not. But let me suggest that we retire the term “reality TV,” bringing it out only when we’re dealing with TV that is purely a documentary.

What should we call it then? Any suggestions?

I shouldn’t get upset over a reality show, but I’ve got to admit: Jason Castro got my dander up. Yes, he was finally eliminated Wednesday night, but there’s no way he should have survived as long as he did - and he knows it. Thousands of prospective performers would have killed to be in his place, and he treated it with a shrug and a lazy attitude that wouldn’t be tolerated at a Chucky Cheese.

His last line (Someone said I Shot the Tambourine Man) was funny, but it just showed how lightly he was taking a show that we seem to take more seriously than he does.

BTW, I don’t like to brag (well, yes I do) but I hope you remember that I said to watch out for Syesha back when there was 12 contestants. I know everyone thinks it’s going to be a David vs. David finale, but each of the guys has gotten more cowardly and shaky in the past couple weeks, while Syesha has taken chances and loosened up. OK, she’s still the least likely to win,  but It. Could. Happen. Next week is huge.

The biggest question in the Twin Cities this week: How in the world do I see Robin Williams live? It’s one I’ve been getting since Friday night and my e-mails and phone calls are nothing compared to the flood of requests coming in to Acme Comedy Co. owner Louis Lee, who is having the week of his life.

Here are a few tips: Robin Williams himself has 40 seats reserved for each show for friends and contacts. Since he’s not from the Twin Cities, a good chunk of those are likely to open up shortly before the show. Keep in mind that Acme operates a bar that opens early. One friend I saw there Tuesday night arrived at 4 p.m.,  four hours before the show started, and was first on the waiting list. He got in.

Another thing to keep in mind: Even if you can’t get into the show, you can sit at the bar and I’m pretty sure you can hear the act from there (don’t hold me to that). If you do that, remember to tip generously!!

Don’t expect to see Robin out on the town much. He was very quiet and to himself before Tuesday’s show (strict instructions: No guests backstage!) and once you see the show, you can see why. It’s a high-powered, non-stop two hours. I can’t imagine anyone hitting the town after something like that. But you never know….

Since I won’t be going to the show Wednesday or Thursday, please share tidbits or routines that you see for those performances and we’ll compare notes.

Music critic Jon Bream on the Island tonight. What were these Final Four thinking? It’s time to get serious about this competition. This was the week with the biggest, broadest and deepest song catalog to choose from — the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So why did we get so many misguided song choices and so many uninspired performances?

Why did heavy favorite David Cook pick Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like a Wolf” (Whose Hall of Fame?) and the Who’s untouchable “Baba O’Riley”? Imprudent choices and unmemorable performances.

Nervous to the point of being unfocused, Jason Castro went for the “two Bobs”: Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The only thing he got right on the Marley was the dreadlocks. On “Tambo,” he forget one line and blew some others — and any chance he had to stay in the “Idol” race.

Syesha Mercado’s song choices were problematic and her interpretations unremarkable. Her “Proud Mary” was too Tina Turner-like, and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” was soulful but screechy. At least, she scored points in the wardrobe category with both numbers (a spangly short skirt for “Mary” and an elegant gold gown for “Change”).

David (Crusher) Archuleta “crushed the competition,” to use Simon’s words, partly because they were that bad and partly because he wasn’t bad at all. In fact, he was pretty good. “Stand By Me” was heartfelt if unspecial, but “Love Me Tender” was a sweet choir boy-meets-boy band reading — something he made his own.

There’s no question that the voters will say “Castro out” and that this has become a two-horse race between the Davids.

What do you think? Please post your comments here: 

In a story today, I suggested 10 ways that “American Idol” could improve. I forgot the most important tip of all: Get rid of Jason Castro. The dreadlocked finalist fessed up this week what many of us long suspected. He wants outta there. He told Entertainment Weekly that he was not the strongest singer and that he’s ready to go home.

If you truly love Jason, shouldn’t you put him out of his misery? He sees it, why can’t you? This week’s challenge, Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame, probably won’t help him much.

Speaking of misery, is David Archuleta finally vulnerable? The “I’m so nervous” act is a cute one, and probably authentic, but I’m not sure it’s the persona we want in an “American Idol.” It is now David Cook’s contest to win or lose - although I have not given up on Syesha. She’s been my fave from day one and I’m thrilled she’s made the final four. Could she shock the world - or at least Simon?

Eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

Well, that was a close one. Every week, I have to watch Syesha come dangerously close to going home - and every week I take a huge sigh of relief. Brooke White was the one eliminated Wednesday night, and I’ll sleep easy. In a perfect world, Jason Castro and White would have been the bottom two (I had predicted Syesha and Castro would end up in that spot, although I hoped it would be White and Castro) so I can’t complain too much.

Still, what does Jason Castro have to do to prove it’s time for him to leave? Fall asleep in the middle of his performance? (He came dangerously close Tuesday night). Is he really that cute?????

The only thing more annoying that Jason’s survival was the self-promotion. It seemed to reach an all-time high Wednesday night with the designer Coca-Cola glasses, the dull Ford commercial and the “So You Think You Can Dance” promo. At least Ryan Seacrest avoided pimping for cell phones for one night. Plus, it seems to me like the number of ads are unprecedented.

Isn’t Fox making enough money?

I shouldn’t complain too much. Syesha survived another round and that will allow me to get through another week. I think she’ll have an edge being the only female left - but I could once again be underestimating the power of Jason Castro’s fans. Are U among them? Show yourselves!!!!!

First of all, a message to Paula Abdul: thank you, thank you, thank you.

All season long I’ve been waiting for you to give us a bizarre moment and you’ve let down your fans by acting relatively sane. Not tonight. Did I say thank you? I realized something was wrong when you were dancing a little too enthusiastically to Brooke White’s “I’m a Believer.” But then you went and judged Jason Castro’s second number - before he even performed it.

Now, either the judges are watching the rehearsals, and Paula had her thoughts already jotted down, or she’s once again showing her wacky, unpredictable side. I’m praying for the latter.

It’s kind of sad when the highlight of the show is a Paula slip (or is it?). I knew this would be a tough week with Neil Diamond as the guest mentor (see my previous blog), but who knew it would be this tough on the contestants, almost all of which looked fatigued. Here’s my rundown:

Jason Castro, “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “September Morn”: Does the dude have somewhere else he’s supposed to be? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a finalist more bored or more resigned to go home. He seems to shrug his way to stage, shrug his way through the songs and shrug his way through the judging. In fact, his name is now “Jason Shrugro.” (My apologies to Scooby-Doo) Guy should have gone home last week, guy should go home this week. Even if you’re a fan, don’t vote for him and put him out of his misery.

David Cook, “All I Really Need is You,” “I’m Alive”: Mad props to Cook for picking two lesser known songs (Mad props? I’ve been watching Randy too long). I wasn’t as enamored by the second song as the judges were (a little too grunge ballady for my taste) but for the first time, he is now the front runner in the contest.

Brooke White, “I’m A Believer,” “I Am…I Said.”: During “Believer,” I thought White was holding an Uzi, not a guitar. That’s how uncomfortable she looked. She performed slightly better in her second number, emulating the piano balladeers that came before her, but her voice is still the weakest of the bunch. If it was me, I would put her and Castro on the final stools.

David Archuleta, “Sweet Caroline,” “America”: OK, we get it. You’re young. You’re adorable. You’ve got a huuuuuuge voice. But would I pay $45 to see you in concert? Not yet. Archuleta picks smart, safe choices that play to his strengths, but his strengths are the same as Clay Aiken’s - and no, that’s not a compliment. He can still win it all, but he has to prove he can play outside his comfort zone and wow more than teenage girls.

Syesha Mercudo, “Hello Again,” “I Thank the Lord For the Night Time”: I’ve been pretty open about how much I love this contestant. She, above all of them, has the best chance at a successful post-Idol career, although it’s more likely to be on Broadway than on the pop charts. That, of course, is not what the contest is about and why she probably won’t win, but dang it if she didn’t impress me again. “Hello Again” reminded me of Olivia Newton John’s version of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” - and yes,  that is a compliment. It was sweet, vulnerable and full of hope. A ballad for any teenage girl. She didn’t go quite far enough with “Thank the Lord,” but came close enough to capturing some Motown spirit that she deserved to finish in the top 3. In reality, based on the past few weeks, Simon is probably right.

My vote: White and Castro in the bottom with Castro going home

Your vote: Probably Mercudo and Castro in the bottom. Castro has to go be leaving. Right? Right?