1.David Cook definitely looked and delivered like a star!
2.Shyesa seemed to have a good night. Clips said after the first song she had a better song choice and seemed to use her power of voice and her energy to deliver.
3.Archuleta is still to "controlled" for me. Even his dress is safe. I as thinking Disney/Animation film and noticed you had mentioned Nickelodean. Too controlled. I don't blame that necessarily on David; I fault his Handler- I suspect. Like a hooded falcon that never was allowed to fly on its own.
That's all I got from the clips (5 min); ah..except tuned in on the " audience annoyance clip" of Seacrest ..kid on his left purposely showcasing himself with a buggy-eyed repeated swivel-head action thing going on.
Cook Cooked Tonight..
Think how long this would have been if I had seen the whole thing..... !!!