David & David live at MOA

MANILA, Philippines – One of the highlights of American Idol’s Season 7 was the much talked about David vs. David rivalry between David Cook and David Archuleta. On May 16, 8 p.m., Filipinos will have the rare opportunity to watch them perform in their first time back-to-back concert in David and David Live at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Held in cooperation with Master Card Club Fearless Productions, Inc., the performance will feature a fusion of rock, slow rock and pop music.

Cook rose to fame after winning AI. Millions of people all over the world fell in love with this rock singer-songwriter while watching him after week. Cook won with his rich, unfettered voice and passionately intense performances, not to mention his down-to-earth Midwestern charm. He was declared winner with a record breaking 56 percent of the nearly one million votes cast.

Archuleta, on the other hand, won the children’s division of the UTAH Talent Competition at age 10 leading to other television singing experiences. At 12, he became one of the youngest finalists on AI. In May 2008, he finished as runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

Cook is a stronger singer, better than many other rockers such as Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis. He has a solid husky voice to his tone, but doesn’t have the flawless vocals of Archuleta, who has a classically pure voice. Archuleta has a beautiful tone, wonderful breath control, sings on pitch and knows how to belt without sounding forced.

He has an especially pleasing higher register and his voice is suited for ballads, Disney songs, pop or Broadway.

Although he is mature for his age, Archuleta is a little too programmed in the way he carries himself, as what often happens with child stars. Being forced to fit the American Idol mold at such a young age, he hasn’t yet developed his own personality.

Unlike Archuleta, Cook can let it loose and be himself on stage. He gives his all in every performance. He exudes confidence, charisma and a gritty raw energy that lights up the stage.

David and David will perform their hits like Cook’s Permanent, Barba-sol and Kiss You On the Neck and Archuleta’s Your Eyes Don’t Lie, Don’t Let Go and To Be with You.