Last night’s episode of “American Idol” was, um….

It was a show that, uh….

Well, let’s just cut to the chase. It was dull. Until the end, anyway.

Maybe it’s because the hype of Beatles week happened too soon. Maybe it’s because I no longer have Amanda Overmyer to complain about. Or maybe it’s as simple as the fact that contestants’ song choices did little to improve their résumés.

Except for David Cook (pictured), who’s in my mind now the new favorite to win the competition. Move over, Archuleta. There’s a new David in town.

Although the squeal-inspiring David Archuleta still has the single best performance of the season with John Lennon’s “Imagine,” that took place almost a month ago—and he hasn’t quite approached that peak since. Since then, Cook—not nearly as technically sound—has been dominating the competition and subsequent water cooler discussions. He’s singing relevant songs with legitimate showmanship and a swagger that’s been missing from Archuleta in recent weeks.

Granted, Cook doesn’t deserve as much credit as he received last night; almost lost in the judges’ praise was the fact that the alternative arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was inspired by the version performed by Chris Cornell, frontman of both Soundgarden and Audioslave. But Cook delivered it so convincingly that it blew away the judges and warranted a second view on my DVR.

Everyone else’s performances were forgettable, which means that everyone, except for Archuleta, could face elimination this week.

After the break, I rank last night’s performances. And after Cook, the order gets very interesting!

1. David Cook—“Billie Jean” was just freakin’ cool. And while I don’t agree with Randy Jackson that Cook is the “most original, most bold contestant” in series history (that honor belongs to Blake Lewis), you have to give Cook credit for delivering three consecutive and credible rock performances. How about that note he belted near the top of his register—and held—toward the end?

2. Carly Smithson (right)—I’ll take issue with Randy Jackson again and say he was way too harsh on Smithson, who—other than that last, superfluous riff on “Total Eclipse of the Heart”—might have delivered the second-most entertaining performance of the night. Simon Cowell was more accurate and constructive with his criticism, saying Smithson looked and sounded tense, but the judges seem to be too harsh on Carly while giving lesser talents—Jason Castro and Brooke White—more slack.

3. Syesha Mercado—She did a very nice job on, uh, I can’t remember what song. Oh, right, “If I Were Your Woman.” Now, as a supporter, if I can’t remember her song, what chance does she have to stay out of the Bottom 3?

4. Michael Johns—Yes, it was “safe” to pick a Queen medley after playfully (and rightfully) acknowledging that he peaked with “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Hollywood Week. But not only did I think the “We Will Rock You”-”We Are the Champions” selection was tolerable, I am awarding him bonus points for being born within 16 days of me.

5. David Archuleta—“You’re the Voice” was a horrific song choice, one of the worst picks of the season; it would have been as bad as Overmyer’s “Carry On Wayward Son” if it weren’t for his natural talent. But it was beyond cheesy. I’d rank him even lower, but he’s got too much talent.

6. Chikezie—Sang Luther Vandross’ “If Only for One Night” just fine, but it was another boring song choice. He wins the award for cutest baby pictures though. (Runner-up: Carly Smithson.)

7. Brooke White—Two straight weeks of meddling performances. I always appreciate fans of The Police, but “Every Breath You Take” started out awkward (twice, if you include the false-start) and fell apart as it went along. While a guitar does not seem to bother her, it appears White is getting less and less comfortable with the piano as the competition continues. Ditch the 88 keys and sing in one, please.

8. Jason Castro—Speaking of Sting, I liked that Castro shifted into Spanish choruses for his Latin take on “Fragile,” but he didn’t seem to connect with the hypersensitive lyrics in either language.

9. Kristy Lee Cook—I’ll say two things nice about KLC. I agree with Cowell that the lone contestant committed to singing country was savvy in picking the “most clever song choice in years”: “God Bless the U.S.A.” And it was her best performance since her initial audition with “Amazing Grace.” That said, I can’t help but worry that the pandering will start to come at a real cost in weeks to come. If she outlasts Carly Smithson based on that song alone, I’ll be extremely disappointed.

10. Ramiele Malubay—Why would you EVER sing “Alone” on “American Idol” after Carrie Underwood knocked it out of the park, let alone do it terribly? Might as well do a spoken-word version of Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This,” because that was a mistake before she sang note one.

If I had to wager, I’d say Ramiele’s heading home this week and that she’ll be joined in the Bottom 3 by Chikezie and Carly Smithson.

(Photo by Frank Micelotta/FOX)