We've finished having a discussion on American Idol here amongst my cubemates.

The general consensus is that David Cook, the rocker from Missouri, is the clear winner of this season of American Idol.

I somewhat agree, but have a single reservation about the whole thing.

Remember last season, when Melinda Doolittle was the clear winner? Remember the shock we had when she got the boot at third place?

Remember when the less-than-talented Blake Lewis got second place, and the kid Jordin Sparks got first place?

Let's take a look at the remaining five singers, prior to tonight's episode.

David Cook - the "clear" winner ... He's the only rocker of the bunch. He's also the only one who actually sounds good when you're listening without the video.

Jason Castro - Yes, he's pretty. Yes, he connects with the audience. Now, listen to him instead of watching him. He's a mess. He's all over the place. Listening to him basically requires you see him, because audio-wise, he's a mess.

David Archuleta - For 17, he's really good. So were the Brady Kids back in the 70s. He has a habit of picking entirely the wrong song, and while he does well at singing whatever song it is, he's not connecting with the audience in any way. Both Jason and David have him beat five ways from Sunday here.

Brooke White - Why is she on the stage? She can't remember lyrics, and when she does, she butchers them. The only explanation is she is backed by "Vote For the Worst.com."

Syesha Mercado - Has sung well exactly once, in the Andrew Lloyd Weber week. Other than this, she fails miserably. She actually tried to do a Whitney Houston song once. Look, for all the talent we've seen over the years, there is one critical piece of information to note. Unless your name is Whitney Houston, you can't sing like Whitney Houston. Stop trying to be her, because you're just pointing out how much you really do suck. Whitney Houston.