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And the new 'American Idol' is...

Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:00 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

You know the drill: Don't keep reading if you don't want to know who the new "American Idol" is. This is the biggest spoiler alert of the year, essentially. The winner? Well, his name is David. If you keep on reading, you can't say we didn't warn you. Anyway, let's discuss it in the comments.

How about that finale, huh? Randy Jackson, dressed like Captain Kangaroo.  Paula Abdul, in a bright red bridesmaid dress. Mike Myers, pimping his new movie for an excruciatingly long time. Musical guests chosen by the producers' grandparents (Graham Nash? Donna Summer?) The songwriting contest winner, featuring a name that's disappointingly close to a really good Green Day song ("Time of My Life" vs. "Time of Your Life").

And your winner...David Archuleta! No, kidding. David Cook.

So after a Tuesday-night show in which the judges all but drooled on Archuleta's shoes, what happened? Was it the backlash? Did Simon calling the show a "knockout" for Archuleta encourage Cook's fans to hit the dials in droves, while Archie's fans relaxed and sat back?

Or, more likely, is it just that the songs sung on the finale aren't nearly as important as the image and the fan base built up throughout the season? In other words, this is David Cook's now.

Tell us if you're happy with the result, and why, in the comments.

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Comments

i want to know what song Cook did with ZZ top!
i missed it.  

hacksaws garage hamden , Ct (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:31 PM)

Its obvious and simple, America voted the most deserving, David Cook. He has the package. David Cook has the talent and ORIGINALITY that Archuleta doesnt have. YEY TO DAVID COOK!!!! :D

tinatinz (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:33 PM)

So Happy, my faith in the show is restored.  Finally since season one my favorite won :)

Nat Hogan, Springfield, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:34 PM)

As happy as anyone could be about it. This is my first season of watching Idol. I never once watched any of the previous six. I had Cook pegged by the middle of the season. He just stands out. His stage presence is overwhelming, and he was, by far, the best singer throughout this whole thing. I'm glad America got it right. Now I'll feel good about watching next season's show.

Sherri, Amsterdam NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:35 PM)

I feel that this is not a true vote. Cook could not perform everthing that was put in front of him.Archuleta Is the beter performer. And as history shows the second place winner comes out with the better history. Clay Akin Bo Bice. So Archuleta really comes out the winner. Like the producers wanted its fixed

Bret Ashby (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:35 PM)

Congratulatons to David Cook for adding legit rock style to AI.

Ed Brenton (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:35 PM)

You bet the right one was chosen this year.  I have never been happier.  Finally they got it right.

Nightlyt (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:36 PM)

My favorite boy won.  I love him just the way he is so I hope the Idol folks don't ruin him with too much processing!

Joyce, Americus, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:37 PM)

I think they are both really talented, but I cannot see myself buying a record of David Archuletta's while I can absolutely see myself buying something of David Cook's. But that could just be a matter of taste- I like David Cook's style, but I did not think he would win because he is a Rocker and David Archuletta seems more the type that would be picked. I figured whoever won, David Cook would be the most successful even if he came in 2nd.

Janet Daley, Lowell, MA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:39 PM)

They're both winners either way.  I hope David A.'s dad will handle this well and not berate his son.  

Janie, Hilo, HI (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:40 PM)

i'm thrilled! after last night, i was so sure i'd be disappointed! but TWELVE MILLION VOTES! the right david definitely won! :)

Christian, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:42 PM)

In terms of talent, David Archuleta has the better and more consistent voice.  However, he is not mature enough to provide the "whole package" or to handle fame.  So, I'm okay with David Cook winning.  I do hope, though, that David Cook can find music that will actually showcase his voice because the selections he chose and that were chosen for him did not really do anything to promote his talent.

Cheryl, Placentia, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:43 PM)

I'm disappointed with the finale for many reasons. It was obvious that the producers wanted Cook to win because there would be no interfering parent and he would be easy to market. I think that the producers wanted it to go badly for Cook last night, so there could be controversy. Then right before the winner was announced Simon sucked up to Cook, probably because Simon already knew the winner or was in on the whole thing with the producers.

That being said, David Cook is a good singer, but is he unique? No. Go dig through myspace and there are lots of artists that sing as well as him and sound just like him. And every Tuesday new bands release albums that are as good as David Cook would make. David Cook will probably have a few good singles, but never attain great success because there are so many people just like him.

David Archuleta has an amazing voice and his music is beautiful and inspiring, and it's very rare to find someone with as much talent as him. He inspired so many people that one person asked people to contribute stories into a book about how David Archuleta has inspired them. He is a brilliant singer and if he sticks to a contemporary pop style he will be very successful, and he's got a lot ahead of him since he's just 17.

John Arnold, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:44 PM)

first off welcome back and congrats on the new bundle. and i am glad David cook won for i was picking him to win .as for if it was due to Simon's knockout coment partly but mostly due to David's c talent  and tacutlly willin to rsk it with the songs

chad robson (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:46 PM)

I thought it was about vocals.  All Cook does is scream.  Archeletta is truly a vocalist and should have won based on his vocal skills!

Jane Doe, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:47 PM)

I for one voted in because of the judges all drooling over Archuletta.  He's a good kid, but come on, David Cook is IT.  Here is a good guy who can sing and can arrange music to fit his voice, not to mention has a great voice for a wide range of music.  Archuletta's a good young kid I'm sure, but I would not buy his CD, where I CAN'T WAIT FOR DAVID COOK'S CD TO COME OUT!!! Loved him with ZZ Top.

Sheri Joyce, St. Louis MO (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:50 PM)

AMERICA GOT IT RIGHT!! David Cook is the whole package and has consistently provided us with memorable and impactful performances!  I am on Cloud Nine right now because, after the SHAMELESS Little David pimping by the judges last night I feared that Idol, once again (um, Daughtry) would award the lesser talent.  David A has a great voice but needs more seasoning i.e. experience i.e. something BESIDES ballads! I'm buying David Cook's album, he truly is the best choice!!

Jules H in San Diego (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:51 PM)

David Archuleta was the BEST performer. He will rise and shine! He is young and will have a great career. TITA

TITA, Raleigh, NC (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:51 PM)

congrats a bunch to david cook!! He is a talented musican!! He has the voice,and guitar experience and the ability to play the songs HIS way!! fantastic job!! cook rocks

william, north carolina (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:58 PM)

I am thrilled that David Cook won and can't wait to buy his first album. Hopefully Clive and his crew will give David the right songs for his voice and stick with his rocker image.

As for Archie, I have no doubt he will be a star (he's definitely extremely talented) but I don't think he's ready yet. I'm hoping he will mature and be able to stand up to his father. I felt that Ryan was protecting him everytime I saw them together.

keli, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:59 PM)

Congratulations to David Cook.  I wish you well.  But I agree with the previous comment that the producers are probably very happy about the outcome since they won't have to deal with David A's father.  And that is too bad as he has a wonderful voice and he is just 17.  He just needs to work on his stage presence a little.  Don't forget that David Cook had released an album in 2006, so doesn't that make him a bit of a ringer??  Hmmmm.

Lillian, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:02 PM)

Glad to see Cook won.

Riley Marie, Erie, PA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:04 PM)

I am really happy for David Cook - He has always came across as genuinely caring for the other contestants, his manners when accepting criticism thrown his way was admirable.I love the tone of his voice and think the arrangements he adapted for himself were phenominal- I'll buy his music.I'm 50! He is a total package  and I know America got it right, not to discount Young David Archuletta, ths young man has a pleasing voice and tremendous appeal for the younger set. I know his career is going to explode- much the way of Clay Akin-Bo Bice-just unsure of the stage-Dad if the stories can be believed.  Hope he gives his son credit for having real talent. Afterall David was the finalist- not Jeff.

Ruth, Gainesville, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:06 PM)

I agree with John Arnold. David Archuleta should have won the title. Archuleta sang from his heart. His voice is so inspiring. I would buy his CD. I would pay to go see him. David Cook's voice is not unique. Archuleta's is.

I'm very disappointed tonight. It was truly obvious that the best singer with the most talent was David Archuleta.

I don't doubt that we will be hearing alot more from David Archuleta.

Linda M, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:06 PM)

Not only did David Cook prevail with talent but obviously his fans could stay up later and vote!  Archeleta's fan support all had curfews and couldn't vote that late!  lol!!!

Paul, Waverly, MO (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:06 PM)

David Cook is absolutely the most deserving of the two.  He far and away won this competition.  Plus, he's from the Midwest which, as we know, has all the hidden talent.  

Leah, Omaha, NE (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:06 PM)

Yes I am very happy with the result!  I think Simon  knew what he was doing when he said what he did last night and then apologized for it tonight.  It sure inspired me to cast my vote for David Cook.  Did anyone else notice Simon's gleeful reaction when the winner was announced????

Rosie, Jamestown, New York (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:08 PM)

Congratulations to D.C.  He was the winner right from the start.  He has a mature and genuine way about him that will compliment his fame.  The right idol did win and he will be a shining star with a long career. All the Best to him! He wears his success well, as he demonstrated this by the way he gracefully recognized his competiton D. A. while on stage.

Wishing D.C. a wonderful career. " Well Deserved"

Van Godin (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:09 PM)

I'm so thrilled that David Cook was named the American Idol!  David A is a good singer - but as a person who purchased tickets for the tour - David C will bring down the house!  David Cook - I'm in for the long haul!!  

Kim S. Bismarck, ND (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:10 PM)

Young David is definitely a better singer.  He will have his future waiting for him as he is still very young.  David Cook won because of Simon Cowwe..they voted just to prove Simon wrong.

WS Gan Hong Kong (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:14 PM)

David Cook is absolutely deserving of the AI title.  I looked forward to his performances each week knowing he would continue to distinguish himself from the other contestants with his unique arrangements of familiar and not so familiar songs.  I look forward to buying his first CD and wish him well in what I know is going to be a long, successful career.

Elaine, Lutz, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:17 PM)

i always have rooted for david a, but it doesn't mean i have less love for the other david..it was everybody's ballgame last night..i am happy irregardless

km (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:18 PM)

Did I miss something, was I sleeping for this season of AI?  Surely DC's screams would have woken me up I suppose so I guess I wasn't sleeping.  But enough sarcasm I totally agree that America got it right this season.  I enjoyed DC's performances while I couldn't even watch DA's not to mention his interviews before and after his performance(I guess I was imitating Simon from Season 2 when he said it hurt to watch Clay Aiken).  DC evolved throughout the course of the season while DA stayed stagnant.  DA has an amazing voice but he was uninspiring and predictable both in his song choices and performances.  DC took risks and while there were some off weeks he was determined to go for it each and every time he had the chance.  He never gave up and remained true to himself and his music.  DC did not always make the politically correct choice for navigating the show and this to me exempilfied integrity and sacrifice for his music when it would have been easier to do what others wanted and just skate into the finals.  I am so happy DC won and I know he will do well with his music (unlike Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard who both don't have record companies and/or contracts).  

P.S. For the poster who wanted to know what song DC performed with ZZ Top it was "Sharp Dressed Man."

P.S.S. I'm not a fan of Carrie Underwood but I was wondering how Bo Bice is doing better than she is after being runner-up on AI in Season 4?

Robin, Cape Coral, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:21 PM)

I want David Archuleta to make a CD right now! It just feels like something was rigged. This season was wack. The whole Paula thing and the rumors of getting rid of Ryan, they make me lose faith in the show.
Don't get me wrong, David Cook is a great performer, but he was gonna do well WITHOUT the title. Archie, i feel so terribly sad for him. He bout cried after each performance on Tuesday, and now, his wonderfull performances, were to me, for nothing.
As I said earlier, I want Archie to make a CD, so that i can buy it, and all of his fans can by it, and that we can show who our american idol is!

Steph, Onawa, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:29 PM)

I am thrilled and the fans made the right choice this year. Finally after 2 years we finally have a star.  DA was not the better singer despite what others have said.  But to each his own.  Guess I will have to watch it next year

Tanya, NM (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:30 PM)

I am glad David Cook won,it's too bad David A. has a meddling dad, this might have had something to do with his not winning.Congrats to the best.

patty v. chino, calif. (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:32 PM)

I am 58 yrs old & of the Beatle generation; if I was a teenager, I probably would be heart thumping happy for David Cook's win. But being close to 60, I have a soft spot for David A. He seems so sweet! I just want to sit him down and feed him apple pie and a glass of milk! Congratulations to both men for a job well done!

Martha Dolciamore, Soquel, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:35 PM)

Archuletta is ballad boy.  He can sing slow songs but anything really upbeat just comes across as cheesy.  All his performances are the same.  Mic in left hand and then right hand will touch mid section and then outstretch out.  Vocal wise he's better than Cook but not performance wise or overall.

Archuletta is a singer while Cook is a musician.

Bob, Illinois (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:03 AM)

I think it's time that the "teenie boppers" realized that when the "boomers" want something, they get it.  Davdid C. is the right choice.

B. McMillin, Proud American USA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:06 AM)

I agree with Simon... it didn't matter who really won as they will both do very well down the road. David A is obviously the better pure singer but David C entertains circles around him... Congrats to both of them... and to us!!! We finally had the 2 best make the final...and we wouldn't have lost out either way.

Bake, Menifee CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:13 AM)

I am thrilled that David Cook won, and like several others, I was so bummed out last night because it seemed the judges once again had crowned the younger David.  David Cook has the maturity it takes not to let the mad rush of success push him over the edge.  I saw nothing but huge relief on the face of David Archeletta tonight after the announcement was made.  He might just be able to catch up with some of his childhood that his father has pushed him past.  He is a good singer, but scared to death.  I always thought of McCauley Caulken whenever they interviewed him.  He was totally overwhelmed.  David Cook has the talent, and the maturity and experience to handle this while young David has the time to breathe a little and find the right time and type of material to record.  Congratulations David Cook.  I am a granny, but I am so proud of your character shown week after week, and applaud your ability to upgrade those oldies I have always loved to put a fresh face on them.  

Sue, Richmond, TX (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:16 AM)

Hi, i am from Malaysia and i knew at the finale yesterday that David Cook was going to win, please rewind and look at yesterday's show after Simon Cowell gave his bad remarks at David Cook's performance, Simon winks at David Cook, maybe no one was supposed to see that but in pyschology this is norm, people tend to favour someone who gets bashed up on stage rather than the one who gets more appreciation. Just like when your parents tell you not to do something you tend to do it more. Trick of the pyschology trade.

George Singam (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:18 AM)

David Cook definately deserves to win.  I've downloaded all his performances on my iPhone and will buy his CD's when they come out, and I'm a grandma of 8!!  He's the first rocker I can understand, lol.  I'm so happy for him and his family, they need something good in their life right now.  Congrats David Cook,

Nancy, Omaha, Arkansas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:19 AM)

How refreshing ! I am not a huge fan of David Cooks style but, I am a huge fan of DC.  Talented, original, not afraid of going out on a limb, great presences and leadership style.  He deserves the win and I am so glad than he won.

bdillow monument colorado (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:22 AM)

David Cook was obviously the better talent.  Archuleta stands there like a girl and all he can do is sing.. Cook can play a guitar, move on stage, and have a much better audience realistically.  Cook deserved to win hands down, I don't care what Simon had to say.  Archuleta was baby kid with a good voice but is a no talent clown in every other area.  

Cook with the right rock band could actually do really great music.

Brian, Austin, TX (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:54 AM)

Absolutely, the right person won American Idol! I was thrilled that David Cook won. Though, I will concede that Archuleta is a good singer. However, I do take issue with the judges saying he could sing anything. He never really went beyond a ballad during the entire competition. I would have liked to hear him attempt something rock and roll that wasn't a ballad (though if he had tried November Rain, I think that would have been quite a different thing for him to do and he might have been able to pull it off.) About the only time he tried something different was with the song from Phantom of the Opera, which I liked.
With David Cook he changed it up, tried different things, and made himself stand out. I'm not usually into the type of music he sings, but I was impressed with him, and he definitely deserved to win.
    In defense, they will both probably have good careers with their respective audiences. Would I buy an Archuleta album? No, I wouldn't. He's a good singer, but I'm not a fan and he did nothing to convince me to buy any album he came out with. Would I buy a David Cook album? Probably, yes. I think he's an interesting artist, and I like that about him. I do wish them both success, as I wish many of the contestants this year success because they really were a very talented bunch of artists (Syesha, Carly, Michael, and Brooke I think will all do well.)

Bridget Sullivan, Butte, MT (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:55 AM)

America has it's fill of "pop" stars.  We want another ROCK star, and Cook fits the bill.

Carol, Houston, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:58 AM)

I think it's funny how people are saying that the producers wanted David C to win, but up until about, oh, um YESTERDAY, people were talking about how the producers wanted David A to win!  And besides, the judges have favored David A since day 1! They hardly ever criticized him, even when he forgot lyrics the criticism was mild (not like the others who forgot or who had lesser "offenses").  Anyway, I do think that both Davids have great voices, and will go far in their careers, but I think David C is more marketable right now.  He has a solid style of music that people will buy now, he has his niche.  I'm glad he won! I think David A will do fine in time, but he needs to find his niche. He is too young to be doing all of those old-school power ballads, but he doesn't quite sound right with the younger "shawty" type music either.  But I think he will figure it out as he matures and will do well!  

Nicole, Detroit MI (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:01 AM)

I've never purchased an album done by an American Idol winner.  This season changes that.  Both were very talented, but David Cook was an excellent choice and drew me away from my work to listen to him perform week and and week out.

Jon, Seattle, Wash (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:16 AM)

America got it real wrong! Archuleta obviously has the better vocals. Cook just growls good. Cook only won because the girls like his scruffy looks and you can bet that girls do most of the voting. Mark my words, Archuleta will have better success and many more recording opportunities.  

John Doe, Roseburg Oregon (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:21 AM)



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