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The whole thing was weird last night. It all seemed as though the judges were taking a "respectful" jab at Cook, if not directly, then through Archie's praises (although they were pretty harsh on Cook too considering he did fairly well).

Even when Randy gave Cook props, they were calm and very much less than enthusiastic props. "It was nice" or, in a quiet voice, "that was hot, man". It was all very weird and seemed as if they were trying to set things up for a reason.

I actually highly doubt that they were trying to force the votes the other way. It may happen, but I don't think with the judge's comments that was the intention. If so, the elevation of Archuleta over Cook would have been more subtle. If they were trying to reverse things, they were being WAY too over the top and created way too much of a gap. By doing so, if votes go in Cook's direction, they ALL look like complete idiots.

The votes were going to be close no matter what. Cook was favored. By closing the gap, they could have at least made it closer but still ensured a Cook win. By putting Cook on top, even though Arch was a little better, they would have sealed the Cook win, However, by making it SO blatant that they though Archie was superior, they may have sealed Cook's fate rather than his win. Maybe. (just like when Castro left)

If Archie wins, both Archie and the judge's can be credited of course. However, if Cook wins, it's not because of a reverse vote, but because Cook's track record and fan base was not tarnished by last night.

However, I still think that Cook should have done either "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls or something by Lifehouse as his last song ("You and Me" would have been a GREAT finish to compete with Archie's already-done "Imagine").