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speakup

This week, the Top 3 performed three songs each: one chosen by the judges, one of their own choice, and one chosen by the producers.

With the final airing next week and David Cook (25, Missouri) and David Archuleta (17, Utah) ("Little David") favoured heavily to be competing for the title of American Idol, Syesha Mercado (21, Florida) would have had to pull a rabbit out of her hat last night to knock off one of the two titans who seem pre-destined to duke it out in next week's final.

n Little David was up first with a song chosen by Paula Abdul -- And So It Goes by Billy Joel. About 15 seconds into the song, I could just imagine the girls in the audience stifling screams. Eventually, they couldn't help it and let out some squeals, telling everyone that the kid hadn't lost his magic touch. Great job! Randy: He can sing anything. Paula: Pure and stunning performance. Simon: Very good, but predictable.

n Syesha was up next with a song chosen for her by Randy Jackson -- If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys. Syesha did a wonderful job on this bluesy ballad. She sang well and looked fantastic. Hmm... maybe she could actually be in the final? Randy: Amazing job. Peaking at the right time. Paula: Applaud her for that! Simon: Sang very well.

n David was then up with a song chosen by Simon Cowell -- First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack. Whoa! Flack and Cook just don't go together. He would definitely turn this into the power ballad of all power ballads, considering his penchant for singing "big". And that's what he did. Starting off soft, he ended with his trademark "Tarzan yell". Randy: Loved it. Paula: One of her favourite songs. Simon: One of his best performances.

n It was then Little David's turn to sing the song that he chose for himself this week -- With You by Chris Brown. He wanted to sing something newer and upbeat. I thought he sounded a bit rough around the edges, but it was nice to see him move a bit on stage and get out of the ballad rut he's been in. It may have been a bit too modern for him, though. Randy: Wasn't believable. Paula: Did a great job. Simon: Applauded his effort but it was a bit like watching a Chihuahua trying to be a tiger. Awkward.

n For her personal song choice, Syesha chose Fever, originally performed by the legendary Peggy Lee. I thought the lighting on her was horrible. The background singers looked better than she did. Strange! Very Broadway for me. Nothing amazing, that's for sure. Randy: Interesting song choice, but sang it amazingly well. Paula: Surprised she picked that song. Not sure it showed who she was as an artist. Simon: Will regret that choice tomorrow. Lame cabaret performance.

n David chose Dare You to Move by Switchfoot for his personal choice. This is not a song that I was familiar with, but I quite liked it. It was solid and dependable. Randy: Bit pitchy. Paula: Just got to the beginning when it hit the end of the song. Simon: As expected. Not the best melodic song in the world.

n For the song chosen by the producers, Little David sang Longer Than by Dan Fogelberg, a very beautiful ballad. This was right up David's alley and he did a really great job. Guess what? Yup! The girls screamed! Randy: Another hot one! Paula: Lovely performance. Simon: Sang the song very well but he didn't like the song itself. He's 17, not 90.

n Syesha was given Hit Me Up as her final song. I've never heard of it. Seemed like the camera was on the backup singers a bit too much, but this was a really nice up-tempo song for Syesha and I thought she showed a ton of energy. Randy: Just OK. Paula: Liked the performance. Simon: Didn't give her the defining moment she needed.

n David sang last with I Don't Want to Miss a Thing. I really like him when he actually sings, not yells. The beginning was very nice and then descended into yelling. Randy: Just OK. Very predictable. Paula: See you in the final! Simon: One of the great songs of all time. David Cook wins the night.

n What happens tonight? Two words: Bye, Syesha! There's no way she can beat the two Davids. Zero chance. To see who goes home, tune in to Fox tonight at 10 p.m.

n Brian Cormier is a writer and communications consultant. His column appears on this page the day after every episode of American Idol. He may be contacted at brian@briancormier.com or visit his blog at www.briancormier.com.