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Even "American Idol's" singing prodigy, David Archuleta, wasn't sure if he sang well enough to make it to the grand finale of television's most-watched program.
Right after he sang in Tuesday night's episode - in which two of the three judges heaped him with glowing praise - the 17-year-old Murray teen sent a text to his friend Adam Ruben with sneaking doubts.
"My songs are all boring, FYI. Ha, ha," David texted his friend. "[Contestant David] Cook dominated entirely and was amazing. But I'm glad they didn't criticize my singing."
He'll compete against Cook, the bed-headed rocker from Blue Springs, Mo., in the finale next week. Syesha Mercado, the 21-year-old actress from Sarasota, Fla., was booted from the competition with the lowest number of votes.
Despite his reservations, Archuleta needn't have worried.
The shy boy with the big voice who has captured the imagination of millions was voted through to the grand finale Wednesday, becoming the first Utahn to make it to the finals of the No. 1-rated show.
"He was at my house one day, and I remember telling him, 'David, your music will go throughout all the world," said family friend Brett Hales, who also once was David's LDS bishop.
"I believed those words, but it's become so surreal now. Now I look at it and think, 'Whoa, it really happened.' "
It's been a nine-month musical journey for the teen as he went from the auditions in San Diego in August to the next round in Hollywood, and finally on the show beginning in late January.
Not that David is a novice to the television singing competition biz. The teen also competed in - and won - another TV talent contest, CBS' now-defunct "Star Search," when he was just 12.
"He has always been so involved in music, and it's his first passion," said family friend Darleen Moller, who also is the PTA president for Murray High School, where David is a junior.
Avid watchers of the show say it's too close to call the winner of what has now been dubbed "The Battle of the Davids."
But judge Randy Jackson was convinced after Tuesday's performance that David A. is "in it to win it." Fans will know for certain when the seventh-season "American Idol" is crowned next week.
"He will be more surprised than anyone if he wins this thing," said friend Ruben, "because every week he's always prepared to go home."
The one-hour "American Idol" performance will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday on KSTU Channel 13. The two-hour grand finale, when this year's "American Idol" will be named, will be at
7 p.m. Wednesday.