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This season's exceptional 'Idol' finalists bring tour to A.C.

By Lori Hoffman

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 31, 2008

Even though it became clear fairly early in season seven of American Idol that the battle for the title was between David Archuleta and David Cook, the other eight finalists were a strong contingent. Not only were they solid singers (for the most part) but their personalities were TV friendly, suggesting that the term "also-ran" won't apply to such distinctive performers as Michael Johns, Brooke White, Carly Smithson and Jason Castro.

Web Exclusive: The American Idols Live! Set List

Chikezie: "I Believe to My Soul" (Donny Hathaway); "Caught Up" (Usher); "So High" (John Legend)

Ramiele Malubay: "I Want You Back" (The Jackson Five); "Love Will Lead You Back" (Taylor Dayne); "If I Never See Your Face Again" (Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna)

Michael Johns: "We Will Rock You"/"We Are the Champions" medley (Queen); "It's All Wrong But It's All Right" (Dolly Parton); "Dream On" (Aerosmith)

Kristy Lee Cook: "Squeezin' the Love Outta You" (Carolyn Dawn Johnson); "God Bless the USA" (Lee Greenwood); "Cowgirls" (Kerry Harvick)

Carly Smithson: "Bring Me to Life" (Evanescence); "Crazy on You" (Heart); "I Drove All Night" (Cyndi Lauper)

Brooke White: "Let It Be" (The Beatles); "1234" (Feist); "Yellow" (Coldplay)

Group medley: "Pride (In the Name of Love)" (U2)

Jason Castro: "Over the Rainbow" (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version); "Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley); "Daydream" (The Lovin' Spoonful)

Syesha Mercado: "Umbrella" (Rihanna); "If I Ain't Got You" (Alicia Keys); "Listen" (Beyonce)

David Archuleta: "Angels" (Robbie Williams); "Apologize" (OneRepublic); "Stand by Me"/"Beautiful Girls" (Ben E. King/Sean Kingston); "When You Say You Love Me" (Josh Groban)

David Cook: "Hello" (Lionel Richie); "The Time of My Life" (2008 "American Idol" Songwriter's Competition winner; first single for David Cook); "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (Aerosmith); "My Hero" (Foo Fighters); "Billie Jean" (Chris Cornell version of Michael Jackson song)

Group encore: "Don't Stop the Music" (Rihanna)

For pure singing voices you have to give props to Syesha Mercado and Chikezie. Cute, perky Ramiele Malubay should see her fame extended for a few more months. And, while Kristy Lee Cook wasn't as strong a singer as most of the other finalists, she has the personality to make it as a country singer, and has been signed to a recording contract. Her first single, "15 Minutes of Shame," is due for release Aug. 11. The Davids, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns are all working on albums.

Obviously, if you're talking about the best individual singers in the history of the show, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson top the list. However, 10 for 10, I'd put this group at the top of the list for consistent talent. There was certainly no Sanjaya in this bunch.

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