David Archuleta faces David Cook in 'American Idol' finale. Win or lose, Archuleta has a bright future.

David Archuleta, a 17-year-old junior from Murray High School, has a shot at becoming not only the next "American Idol" but also the next teen megastar with a long and illustrious music career ahead of him.

Archuleta and 25-year-old former bartender David Cook will make one last appeal to viewers Tuesday for the chance to win the FOX talent competition, in which a public vote determines the winner. In the show's 13 weeks of voting, neither Archuleta nor Cook has ever been in the bottom three vote-getters. Both have consistently received high praise from the show's judges, and it's expected to be a close competition. As of Friday, betting odds favored Cook by a slim margin.

The winner will be announced Wednesday. The biggest surprise isn't that Archuleta has made it this far -- his vocal gifts are apparent even to a casual observer -- but that he just isn't the type of person you'd expect to be a heartthrob and superstar.

For one, he's shy -- too shy to walk up and introduce himself to famous musicians rehearsing in FOX's "Idol" studios, even though most of them know who he is already. And he's a bundle of nerves onstage, even after giving 17 performances before a live television audience averaging more than 22 million viewers and receiving, oh, approximately two slightly negative comments from the show's judges. Each week he gets on the stage before legions of screaming fans, mostly female, but he tells his Salt Lake City vocal coach, Dean Kaelin, that he wishes they'd be quiet so he can better hear himself sing.

Maybe most telling of Archuleta's character is a conversation he had with Kaelin, his teacher and trainer for six years, after his first breakthrough performance of the "Idol" season. Though he had been getting attention from the show's judges and producers from his first audition, the performance that really put him on the map (and the one that people are still talking about) was when he sang John Lennon's "Imagine" in the second semifinal round.

The judges told Archuleta it was one of the best performances they had ever heard and predicted David would be the one to beat. After the performance, Archuleta called Kaelin, just like he usually does, to talk about how he did.

"I said, 'Congratulations,' and he said, 'Thanks,' " Kaelin said. "And then I told him, 'You know, it wasn't really technically perfect. There's a few things we should work on.' But he said to me, 'But my goal wasn't to be technically perfect.' And I said, 'Oh really, well, what was your goal then?' And he said, 'I wanted everybody to feel the spirit when I sang.' "

Kaelin said he occasionally tracks public response to Archuleta's performances and said the response after "Imagine" was overwhelming.

"The reports that came in from around the United States were that people felt chills and started to cry," Kaelin said. "And some people say they cry every time he sings."

Kaelin isn't exaggerating. Comments all over the Internet tell of people becoming emotional and crying every time Archuleta sings.

When Archuleta visited Salt Lake City on May 9 to tape a special segment for "Idol," he was met by many thousands of screaming fans, crying girls and people wanting him to sign everything, including cell phones. During the visit, a Mississippi woman presented him with a 100-page book, "David is my Hero," containing comments and stories from people moved by his performances.

In the middle of all the hubbub that day, Archuleta mostly giggled -- but even he began to cry himself when producers told him he had to stop signing autographs and leave. Through tears, Archuleta explained that he just couldn't believe that so many people had come out to see his homecoming.

Many media observers have theorized that it's all an act -- it has to be -- because nobody, let alone someone in Archuleta's position, could possibly be that unassuming, humble and all-around sweet. But Kaelin said it's for real.

"He really is as honest and humble as he comes across," Kaelin said. "He just wants to go out and sing as well as he can on each show, and he isn't really concerned with winning it. So it gives him a good attitude."

But even if he doesn't act like a superstar, he has certainly become one -- and he's destined to get even bigger, according to Kaelin and several other music industry experts (see their comments below). Kaelin said Archuleta and his father have already met with big-time music agents, one of whom told Kaelin that the minute Archuleta is finished with his contract with "American Idol," he can get him a big record deal. Kaelin said the agent told him, "David is money. People are begging for him."

The question is how it will be handled. Jeff Archuleta, David's father, has been his musical mentor and has worked so closely with his son that many have speculated that he is an overbearing stage dad. Last week, Jeff was banned from attending Archuleta's rehearsals, and producers haven't commented about the ban.

Tabloids said it was because he counseled Archuleta to include a verse from another song in his performance of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," causing producers to pay for rights to an extra song. But Kaelin said the ban was out of fairness to other contestants, who aren't allowed the help of a mentor while rehearsing. Archuleta's father had previously been allowed to be with him because he is a minor, the only one in the finals.

Archuleta himself also defended his father in an interview with TV Guide. "I think I, of all people, would know what's going on, and he's been great," he told TV Guide. "He's given me a lot of good advice and helped [keep] me from making any dumb decisions. He understands more than anyone what I want in music, and I've felt really blessed to have someone like that."

Maybe a little controversy just comes with the territory, and really, David Archuleta has been attracting attention for several years now. His first big break came when he won the Junior Singers competition on the CBS talent competition "Star Search" at age 12. After that, he began having problems with his voice. Doctors suspected a virus had settled on his vocal chords, and one had become paralyzed. Archuleta opted against a risky surgery and now feels that his voice has made a full recovery.

But Kaelin thinks there are probably still some residual effects from the partial paralysis. He said one chord is at full strength and the other still has some problems, and it gives Archuleta's voice a distinct sound.

"He gets a little more air in his voice than normal," Kaelin said. "Some singers have something that gives their voice a unique quality and this has done that for David, and it turned into kind of a blessing for him."

No matter what happens on Wednesday's finale, Archuleta is set to make his mark on the world of entertainment. Not only do his fans say so, but music professionals and people who know him do, too. Here's what they're saying about David Archuleta's talent and potential:

Gayle Lockwood

Brigham Young University vocal professor, focusing on pop singing styles

How good is David Archuleta?

David has a wonderful, natural voice which has been well-honed with his teacher, but he has a couple of other gifts which, in my mind, make him very unusual. First, he has a real sense of pop style, which doesn't come naturally for most people, but it just flows out of him very effortlessly and gives the listener the impression that he is completely comfortable in this genre. Second, he has a confidence and polish that are well beyond his years. If he didn't have this self-assured way about him I don't think that he would have come as far as he has. This is not only a difficult competition, but the daily grind behind the scenes is not easy for anyone, much less a 17-year-old.

What are his chances to win "American Idol?"

Based on the fact that this is not only a talent competition but also a popularity contest of sorts, I think it is very possible that David could win this year. The fan base for the show plays right into his camp and he has a wonderful openness about him that is quite endearing to the audience. This, as I said before, is only another secondary plus to his already wonderful talent.

What would it take for him to have success after "Idol?"

In the world of pop music, exposure and getting a break are two of the biggest elements for success. One of the great things about "American Idol" from that standpoint is that you have automatic exposure, and if you win or even place second, you have got a break that most other aspiring young artists have to struggle and work very hard for. My greatest concern for him would be his age, and I would hope that he would be protected from overexposure.

Carmen Rasmussen

Bountiful native and former "American Idol" contestant, finished sixth on Season Two

How good is David Archuleta?

On a scale of 1 to 10, he's a 15. In my opinion, for a 17-year-old boy, he has everything it takes. He's got the fan base, he's got the look, he's got the professional support -- really, he has everything. The world is at his fingertips. And I don't think he realizes it. When you're on the show, it's like you're in your own little world, and then when he gets off and goes home he'll be like, "Whoa, I did that?"

What are his chances to win American Idol?

I think his chances are great, in fact, I predict he'll win. I know a lot of people thought it would be him and David Cook. And Cook is more of a seasoned performer, but I think it's definitely more romantic to see someone who is not as experienced. I don't know, there's something about David that is so pure and innocent, and when Cook gets up there he looks like he knows he'll win it, and he might, he's good. But David really is genuinely surprised when he stays week to week, which is ridiculous, because he's so good. But I think people want to see someone who is genuinely unassuming take it.

What would it take for him to have success after Idol?

He's already been on "Star Search" and that propelled him here, and "American Idol" will probably propel him to doing more things, especially now that "American Idol" is so big. He'll have so many opportunities. I think, especially being in the top three, he's going to have anything he wants, whether it's record deals, Broadway, anything he wants.

Judd Maher

Senior producer for Salt Lake-based Non-Stop Music, a division of Warner Music, record label for Madonna, Sheryl Crow and others

How good is David Archuleta?

I think David's strength is in his sincerity of delivery. His voice is mature beyond his age, which most people will readily recognize. The thing I like about his style is that his vocal acrobatics don't get in the way of his performance. That seems to be a stumbling block for a lot of people who appear on the "Idol" stage, and David has managed to avoid it. It's like he knows when enough is enough. And I don't know where that maturity comes from. It's like the saying, "The definition of a gentleman is a person who has an accordion and has the good sense not to play it." It just seems to be a gift. It doesn't seem to be acquired by studying or observation. I mean, we're all products of our environment, but his talent is just so much like a straight-on gift, which I think sets him apart and it's a refreshing thing to listen to. He clearly is a force.

What are his chances to win "American Idol"?

If you lined the top 12 up on the stage and said, "Pick them based on their looks," he doesn't have necessarily that teen-idol type of look. It's a much more innocent type of look, but when the kid opens his mouth, you listen.

What would it take for him to have success after "Idol"?

I think the biggest thing for him is choosing a style of music to perform. If he's too diverse in what he chooses to record, I think he'll lose a core audience. He needs to be true to what he wants to sing and then let the chips fall where they will in terms of who buys. I think he needs to stay within his realm. He has a sensitivity for rhythm and blues and ballads particularly. He has a very soulful voice. He's not a rock singer. He's not a shouter or screamer. He's the real deal. I don't think he's a flash in the pan. He has a sensibility about singing that will make him a lasting force, I think.

Pat Melfi

South Jordan resident and manager for country star Collin Raye and other musicians

How good is David Archuleta?

David rocks. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give him a 10. He is so unbelievable. I manage some of who I consider to be the top vocal performers in country music and in the industry right now, and I would put David in that same category, to be honest with you. I think the kid has a great story and he is more than an "American Idol." He's sort of a teen idol and he's got a following already.

What are his chances to win "American Idol"?

I had him from the beginning. I've been predicting either him or Cook. I hesitate to predict who exactly, because there's always politics and whatever involved. But I think it's definitely going to come down to those two.

What would it take for him to have success after "Idol?"

He's already successful. He has global appeal. All he has to do is put an album out. David's pretty family oriented, and I think if he stays focused on that and realizes that this is just a term of life, then he can realize his dream and go out there and tour. ¬ 

Dean Kaelin

Archuleta's vocal coach, Holladay

How good is David Archuleta?

When I first heard him when he was 11, I was blown away. What makes him amazing is his musical sense. A lot of people think that he's coached to have that, and we help him a little bit, but a lot of the ideas for vocal stylizing are his. And a lot of times the things he sings on stage aren't what we had rehearsed, he just kind of comes up with them. He has picked up a lot of style and licks, and just really gets that. He just has naturally great style and interpretation of music, and that's obviously something that he was just born with. I've never heard him sing anything that he sounds bad on. He just has such a good sense of style and that sets him above and beyond any other singer I've worked with.

What are his chances to win "American Idol?"

I thought originally that he'd be lucky if he got into the top 10. And then all of a sudden they're saying it'll be him and David Cook in the finals. But I wouldn't be surprised if he won. This isn't just a talent competition, it's a popularity contest, too, and he's got a huge fan base.

What would it take for him to have success after "Idol?"

The only question is if he and his dad and the record labels can come together on what kind of music they want him to do. And it could be great, but I think that will be a struggle. David has his own ideas, and his dad has some others, and I'm sure the record labels will have their own, too. But he's already had some of the top songwriters in the business show interest in him. And his first CD will be really successful, but I think he could be in the business for a long time. I don't think he'll fizzle away.

Counting Down ... The American Idol Finals

Semi-Final performance

• Archuleta sang: "Shop Around"¬  (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles), "Imagine" (John Lennon), "Another Day in Paradise" (Phil Collins)

• Judges' take: Randy Jackson said Archuleta's performance of "Shop Around" was "brilliant," and Simon Cowell said it was "by a comfortable mile the best performance of the night so far."

Archuleta's performance of "Imagine" was when his stock really went through the roof. Jackson said, "That's one of the best vocals I've ever heard on the show," and "You were born to do exactly what you were doing up there." Abdul said, "David, you are ridiculous," and called the performance "one of the most moving performances I've ever heard, ever." She said, "You're destined for superstardom." Cowell said, "I've got to tell you, David, you're the one to beat and there are another 19 very miserable contestants sitting here tonight." By the next week, Archuleta's performance of "Imagine" was the most downloaded from iTunes among "Idol" contestants by a wide margin.

After "Another Day in Paradise," Abdul said she "loved that there were a couple of notes that were off, because it proved to me that you're not this make-believe person, this hologram, that can do everything perfectly." Cowell advised him to lighten up and then predicted that he'll make it to the show's final two,

• Media's take: "The 17-year-old wonder boy has already been pegged as the one to beat, with good reason. Archuleta's mix of vocal prowess and sweetie-pie charm will get the squealing-girl vote and the sympathetic-grandma vote, along with the backing of anyone with two ears and a heart." -- Karla Peterson, San Diego Union Tribune

Week 1, Top 12 (March 11)

• Theme: Lennon/McCartney Songbook

• Archuleta sang: "We Can Work it Out" (The Beatles)

• Judges' take: Archuleta forgot the words during the middle of the first verse of the song. He hummed for a second, then carried on with the rest of the performance. Jackson said David was not on point this week and that the song felt very forced. Cowell said it was "a mess" and called it Archuleta's "weakest performance so far."

• Media's take: "Surprisingly, front-runner David Archuleta stumbled (and forgot lyrics) on 'We Can Work it Out,' perhaps delaying his instant coronation." -- Ken Barnes, USA Today

• Eliminated: David Hernandez

Week 2, Top 11 (March 18)

• Theme: The Beatles

• Archuleta sang: "The Long and Winding Road" (The Beatles)

• Judges' take: Cowell called it "amazing." He said the performance was "a master class" in how to sell a song and make a performance memorable. Abdul said Archuleta's ability to overcome last week's flop (when he forgot the lyrics to "We Can Work it Out") shows he has character.

• Media's take: "Oh, he's back. The economy's bad, gas cost more than my car and I'll never be able to sell this condo. But David Archuleta's returned to his rightful place as the flawless favorite, so I feel that all's not lost. He's amazing, and gonna be rich one day." -- Leslie Streeter, Palm Beach Post

• Eliminated: Amanda Overmyer

Week 3, Top 10 (March 25)

• Theme: Songs from birth year

• Archuleta sang: "You're the Voice" (John Farnham)

• Judges' take: Cowell said it resembled something from a theme park. "You know, it's one of those ghastly songs you sing when you've got, like, animated creatures with you and everyone joins in together," Cowell said. "That's what it reminds me of. I don't think that is you at all." Abdul and Jackson weren't so harsh. Abdul said, "David, you could sing the phone book and we'd fall in love."

• Media's take: "David Archuleta insisted that he had chosen to sing John Farnham's "You're the Voice" on Tuesday night's show himself. ... Archuleta questioned why judge Simon Cowell, on Tuesday's episode, suggested the song must have been picked by someone else. Cowell's remark, to followers of "Idol" gossip, appeared to be a reference to Archuleta's dad, Jeff, and recent reports that he's more than a little tough on his talented son." -- Nichola Groom, Reuters

• Eliminated: Chikezie

Week 4, Top 9 (April 1)

• Theme: Dolly Parton

• Archuleta sang: "Smoky Mountain Memories" (Dolly Parton)

• Judges' take: Jackson said it was the best performance of the night, and Abdul said Archuleta has an amazing tone in his voice. Cowell said Archuleta's song choice this week was "absolutely on the money."

• Media's take: Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle called Archuleta's performance of "Smoky Mountain Memories" a highlight of the Top 12, and had this to say: "Have you been watching? Everything Baby-Davy does is met with raves -- and high-pitched screams from the audience. Even Simon Cowell overlooks Archie's glaring flaws (flat notes, flubbed lyrics). With some grooming and dance lessons, he'll be a one-man High School Musical."

• Eliminated: Ramiele Malubay

Week 5, Top 8 (April 8)

• Theme: Inspirational Songs

• Archuleta sang: "Angels" (Robbie Williams)

• Judges' take: Cowell said he had to work to find things to critique about Archuleta's performance. "David, I'm nitpicking here because you are going to sail through to the next round," Cowell said. He then said it was the best song choice of the night, and Jackson said he "loved it, loved it, loved it."

• Media's take: "Every week is Inspirational Song Week for Young David, so it's no surprise that he puts in another heartfelt performance, this time behind the ivories. It doesn't really matter how I feel about uplifting pop ballads, or how much my mind was wandering throughout his performance, since he clearly wasn't singing this for me. The teenies in the mosh pit seemed satisfied, though I was a little disturbed at the sight of a small girl holding a sign that said, 'Lick those lips!!!' " -- Joanna Weiss, The Boston Globe

• Eliminated: Michael Johns

Week 6, Top 7 (April 15)

• Theme: Mariah Carey

• Archuleta sang: "When You Believe" (Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston)

• Judges' take: Jackson thought it was "the bomb, baby." Abdul said the performance must have made Mariah Carey very proud. Cowell said his performance set the benchmark for the evening and that Archuleta had "stolen the show. And he's the one to beat."

• Media's take: "It was Mariah Carey night on 'American Idol.' David Archuleta channeled his own inner diva when he sang 'When You Believe' and was the best of the night." -- Misha Davenport, Chicago Sun-Times

• Eliminated: Kristy Lee Cook

Week 7, Top 6 (April 22)

• Theme: Andrew Lloyd Webber

• Archuleta sang: "Think of Me" (The Phantom of the Opera)

• Judges' take: Jackson said Archuleta can sing anything and said, "This boy's the one to beat." Abdul said it was absolutely perfect. Cowell wasn't so pleased: "I thought it was pleasant, but one of your weakest performances so far. It's just not one of those performances you're going to remember." His comments were received with choruses of boos.

• Media's take: "David announces that his song is 'Think of Me' from 'Phantom of the Opera.' OK, has the little guy lost his mind? That's a big, girly soprano song, full of Sarah Brightman trills. But he has altered the melody, giving it a slight R&B vibe, and his voice simply soars on the big notes. David, why did I ever doubt you?" -- Randy Cordova, The Arizona Republic

• Eliminated: Carly Smithson

Week 8, Top 5 (April 29)

• Theme: Neil Diamond

• Archuleta sang:¬ "Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond) and "America" (Neil Diamond)

• Judges' take: Jackson said, "All I can say is for a young man, you are definitely in the zone." Abdul said, "David, your voice is so on point right now." Cowell said David made a smart choice of song and the performance was "very good."

• Media's take: "David Archuleta starts off with 'Sweet Caroline' (dun-dun-dun!). Are we surprised he does pretty well with it? He's sweet and goofy; the song is sweet and goofy. It's a perfect match. Modern? No. Pleasant? Sure." -- Sarah Kickler Kelber, Baltimore Sun

• Eliminated: Brooke White

Week 9, Top 4 (May 6)

• Theme: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

• Archuleta sang: "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King) and "Love Me Tender" (Elvis Presley)

• Judges' take: After his first performance, Abdul said "We all forget that you are way beyond your years. You're seasoned already." Cowell called it the best performance of the night so far. After the second song, Jackson said it was another great performance and said, "You got it going on right now." Cowell told Archuleta, "David, you didn't beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition."

• Media's take: "(Archuleta) did well with the arrangements on both Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me' and Elvis Presley's 'Love Me Tender,' and the judges were effusive with their praise. His two best performances in weeks sounded especially incredible, given that they followed two of the worst ever in Castro's efforts." -- Craig Berman, MSNBC

• Eliminated: Jason Castro

Week 10, Top 3 (May 13)

• Theme: Contestants' Choice, Judges' Choice, Producers' Choice

• Archuleta sang: "And So it Goes" (Billy Joel, Abdul's choice), "With You" (Chris Brown, Archuleta's choice), "Longer" (Dan Fogelberg, producer's choice)

• Judges' take: "And So it Goes" -- Jackson said, "You are in the zone, baby, you are in it to win it." Abdul loved how Archuleta sang her song choice and called it a "pure and stunning performance." Cowell thought it was a "bit predictable" and "not outstanding." "With You" -- Jackson and Cowell applauded Archuleta for trying something new, but neither thought it came off very well. Cowell said, "It was a little bit like a Chihuahua trying to be a tiger ... insomuch as it was not really you." "Longer" -- Again, judges thought it was not the best song choice for Archuleta, but said he made the most of it. Abdul said, "It was a lovely performance, David. I expect nothing more." And Cowell said, "I do think you've done enough to get into the finals next week."

• Media's take: "As I've said before, I like this finals matchup. 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." -- Randy Salas, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

• Eliminated: Syesha Mercado

Week 11, Final 2 (May 20)

"And the winner is David ... "