Some new information:

The "Today Show" had a report this morning that David Archuleta's dad, Jeff, was banned from backstage because the producers believe his helping DA with his rehearsals and song choice was giving DA an "unfair advantage over the other contestants." They said that while the other contestants have had to choose their songs and make their performance choices and other decisions by themselves, having his dad -- who is a musician -- with DA constantly giving him input was not fair to the other contestants.

The report then went on to question whether DA's performances tonight will be up to par without Dad's input.

But the good news is that they referred to David Cook as "the front runner"!!

Yay that is so kool!!

Of course it's an unfair advantage. Why has AI allowed it to go on THIS FAR?
And interesting to know that his Dad was banned from backstage at Star Search as well. Ugh, how annoying is all that.

DC is definitely the front runner times infinity

I know, why are they only deciding this now and not 10 weeks ago? All these years with Jordin, Sanjaya, Paris and Diana being 16/17 when they competed I never heard anything about their parents and only saw them when they were sitting in the audience. I realize that minors need to have a guardian around but I never heard of any of the other parents actively participating in rehearsals, giving their input to the professionals like the vocal coach, the music director and the producers. Of course other contestants have talked plenty to friends and family members about their song choices and performances and sought advice and guidance from them, but it's done on their own time, not while they are up on stage taking up 50 people's time.

AI may have to rethink their policy of allowing those under 18 to participate.