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Every week, msnbc.com entertainment producers Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Denise Hazlick, Paige Newman, Kurt Schlosser and Anna Chan weigh in on topics ranging from TV commercials to movie hype to the latest celebrity blunder. We're not ashamed to admit our love for bad TV or reveal what's on our iPods, and invite you to join the conversation via your comments.



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

This coming weekend in America in tens of thousands of bars, there will be better singers and much better guitar players than David Cook.  I don't mean to take away from Cook's obvious appeal and success, but Archuletta is truly a gifted young man, and this decision is unbelievable to me.

john (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:23 AM)

This show blows my mind.  Archuleta is by far the best singer/talent in the whole group this year, yet we get another generic rocker.  Gee Whiz, maybe next year we can add another rapper to the 14 million we already have.  And for people saying David Archuleta was boring, atleast he moved when he sang, cook just stood there like he was confused.  Once again though it just shows america's "lemming" mentality.  HEHE let's vote for something we already have a blue million of.  David Cook == Fail.  Doesn't matter though, Archuleta will make an album.  And it will be better than Cook's because Cook sound's like everyone else.

Joshua, Hildebran, NC (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:27 AM)

I was glad to hear David Cooks name as the American Idol - 2008. He is truly talented and sexy. Bethanie, NV

Bethanie Kobolka (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:29 AM)

I am soooooo happy for David Cook!!! I've been a fan from "Hello". After last night's presumptive coronation of DA, I really felt for DC. Archie definitely has such a pure, wonderful voice and will be successful but the judges(esp Simon's)one sided "boxing theme" praise was a little over the top & disrespectful to dc. They both deserved to win, but dc has a great voice also & has showed maturity beyond his years, intelligence & artistic ability with his originality and confidence and ease he has on stage. By the votes cast for dc last night (despite the judges opinion) and the number of records sold last year by Daughtry & the airplay they get, it is clear American Idol fans wanted a Rocker. David Cook's cd will undoubtedly climb to number one on the billboard charts.    

cc, pittsburgh, pa (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:31 AM)

Totally the right David won :)  Big David has stage presence, talent (hello! guitar & song personalizing), and above all else, he gets what it's all about.  Little David will have a good career too, but it will all be ballads.  Maybe I'm biased because I love Rock...but David C really does have the whole package.  Congratulations DC!

Angie M, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:32 AM)

The right David won tonight.  DC won because he could go from a soft melody to a rocker.  DA sang all these pretty boy songs that were stagnant.  He was predictable with his voice.  Don't get me wrong, he has an awesome voice, but everything he sang sounded the same.  I don't see him being a pop star, but as a contemporary star.  DC can go from pop to alternative to rocker, a far more versatile singer.  As far as all the comments about DC screaming when he sings, wrong he doesn't scream, he puts emotions into it and it betters the song.  When you can take a Mariah Carrey song and make it your own like DC did, then thats when you know who has versatility.  The ZZ Top song was awesome and congratz DC!!!

David Cook Fan, Montgomery, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:34 AM)

David Cook is the whole package, so glad America got it right!  I found David A. very boring, his voice flat and uninspiring, I could barely stand to listen. Now I hope David C. will be allowed to make the type of cd he wants, with no 'dumbing down' of his style.

LC, L.A. (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 1:35 AM)

I think David Archuleta really took a hard knock in this deal. It was just terrible how they pumped him up as the best performer Tuesday nite and then recounted their decision as they already knew how the vote went and wanted to cover their own rear ends.  Sure hope David A. sees this for what it was and becomes a huge superstar that far exceeds anything David Cook will ever accomplish. Due to the nasty politics of this whole game, I think I will retire from watching American Idol in the future.

DTJones (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:01 AM)

Man, I'm glad to see this reaction and I, too, am thrilled that my man Cook won.  In the end, it didn't matter to me if he won or not - I knew he would go on to do good things and I thought the teenage thing would win it for Archuletta who I like also.  But as the season wore on Cook's brave interpretations of songs were amazing to me - and the mature way he handled himself was impressive - and apparently built a fan base that frankly I wasn't thought possible in the day and age of reality TV.  And I'm 50 - and he rocks and I will buy an album (and I have Daughtry's).  I was stunned he won after the previous night and I wonder if even Simon didn't stoke the fire with his comments the previous night - that has happened before.  But obviously its just not teenagers who have phones.  So happy that he won.  

Rock (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:16 AM)

I am thrilled that David C. won! He has more voice range than David A. His Phantom of the Opera performance especially showed that range. All of David A's songs sounded the same.

Karen, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:18 AM)

This is to Bret Ashby:

You said it was fixed, and that history has shown that the second place finishers are the ones who make it big, and then you go and give us as examples of that, Clay Aiken, and Bo Bice...

I have to ask you, what planet do you live on?  Ever heard of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood?  They are way bigger than Clay Aiken and Bo Bice and guess what...They WERE AMERICAN IDOL WINNERS!  Look, the only person who has made it big, and is STILL BIG TODAY, who didn't win AI was Chris Daughtrey.  Funny thing is, his musical genre is the same as David Cook, so not only did Cook WIN AI, but he is also an excellent performer (better than Archuleta hands down) and is in a popular genre.  What is Archuleta going to sing?  A CD with 12 cheesy love songs on it?

Andres Spivey, Dallas Texas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:24 AM)

Ok, another thing people...its NOT JUST ABOUT VOCALS!!!! singing is only part of the competition...Secondly, Its ridiculous that people slam David Cook for not being "original" when he is way closer to original than David Archuleta is and its not even close so please some Archuleta fans are showing they are nothing but sore losers!

Andres Spivey, Dallas Texas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:27 AM)

Of course, David Cook was the more personable and more popular.  He wastn't the best singer.  He was pretty equal until the last night.  

Last night was a HUGE BOMB for David Cook.  Simon was correct, David Archuleta was the better singer.  But, when has American Idol gone to the best singer?  Very seldom:  Example:  Taylor Hicks ... Reuben Studdard ... Wow!  Huge disappointments.  

But, here is the cheerleader contest going to David Cook.  Congrats on being Prom King.  May you not turn out to be another Paris Hilton or Brittany Spears.  Good Luck to David Archuleta!!!!

Mike, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:28 AM)

Ugh.  David Cook was a good singer, but he definitely was not the best singer Tuesday night.  He won a popularity contest.  Like many things in the US, this is the way it goes.  I wish David Archuleta well in life as he was the better singer.

Steve, California (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:29 AM)

Finally! David A. was good but had no stage presence when he wasn't singing. He actually looked like he might vomit most of the time. I just hope his dad doesn't beat him for not winning. David Cook is MUCH more entertaining to watch and listen to. He's definitely the entire package.

And to the poster above, yes, sometimes 2nd place winners (even 4th place winners) do better than the actual winner. But Bo Bice? Seriously? How many Grammy's and Country Music Awards has he won? Last time I checked Carrie Underwood was playing sold out arenas and Bo was playing county fairs...

Emily, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:33 AM)

Yet another weird ending to Idol. Cook is, as best, a decent garage band singer, but he's not a star. Archuleta may have lost votes by never straying from his "nice boy" image, but he was, by far, the better singer.

As far as the show itself goes, I agree with the comments about the loud audience squeals during the songs. It's both rude and unneccesary. And the fact is that it's "pumped up" by the audio crew, ...modern mics and sound systems can easily eliminate most, if not all of it. Same deal with the '80's hand-waving by the shills in the mosh pit. That gimmick was old when it was new.

Chuckl, San Francisco, Cal (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:45 AM)

Archuleta is a sorry, sappy clown of a boy band wannabee. To watch him is painful and adding his whiny voice reminds me of everything that is wrong with "Boy Bands" and AI. He murdered "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" and the judges praised his cr**p!!! I winced every time he tried to hit a note that would show any range in his voice.

Bottom line for me-he can't sing, he's impossible to look at and America chose between the less of two low grade talents this season.

I watch moments of this season ,but had little interest in watching any one hour show. The "Talent" was decidely lower grade than in previous seasons IMHO.

bwelsh (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:46 AM)

This will certainly be the last season I will watch of AI. This was always supposed to be a SINGING competition.  David A has that part nailed.  So, instead, people voted for...what exactly? DC's singing? hmm, nope, he was good, but a far cry from excellence.  I will just wait for David A's first album.  BTW  I am 53, hardly a "teeny bopper"!!!

Kim M, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:58 AM)

I think David Archuletta is definately more talented vocally....but, probably wouldn't appeal to the popular audience as much as David Cook....I hope they both go on to have a great careers....I kind of felt the same way when Melinda Doolittle got voted off last year...I thought she had an amazing voice, but I wasn't really that surprised that she didn't win.

Laura, Palm Bay, FL (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:02 AM)

David Cook was pure pleasure to watch across the whole Idol season.  Innovative, slightly edgy, passionate and with full grown and soulful sexiness. The talented David Archuleta has an amazing voice and a great future, but David Cook makes me want to buy his CDs, go to a concert and even buy the t-shirt.

Michele, Long Beach, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:03 AM)

Operation Cook-Idol was successful.  I won't elaborate too much, but a modified dial-in program that was used by about 2000 of us programmers at a software company, gave Cook 14,043,792, which means, Cook really lost by a couple million votes without our project.  It's real easy to do and fair game. Go IDOL!    

Jiang, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:30 AM)

David Cook performed Sharp Dressed Man w/ ZZ Top.

Melanie (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:46 AM)

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, AMERICA?!!! David A. has it all over David C.  Don't get me wrong, DC is great at what he does, but he's limited as to what he does.  DA is the best thing since ice cream!  I guess it just goes to show that it's only the teeny boppers out there voting.  DA, YOU ARE THE BEST AND I'M SURE YOU'LL BE AROUND LONGER THAN YOUR COMPETITION.

jmck, lahaina, hi (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:01 AM)

Robin wrote:

"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?"

Uh, what? Carry Underwood is winning awards and is probably the most successful AI of all time next to Kelly Clarkson. You should check your information because it's wrong. Bo Bice has a new album out but that's about it. Carrie won several major awards this year plus had a best selling album.

wilson, sacoftomatoes, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:13 AM)

Yea that Bo Bice comment was ridiculous.  I really thought archuleta would win.  These things are usually so scripted....or are they??
archuleta - better singer
cook - more marketable
it's fixed i tell you...

John F, Lomita, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:22 AM)

Another year where the best SINGER comes in 2nd place - as with so many of the former AI Shows - I wouldn't buy a Jordan Sparks, Ruben or Fantasia album - but I already have Daughtry, Katherine McFee and Clay Aiken albums and have already downloaded every Archy song on iTunes  - so it wasn't surprising to me that Cook took the top honors - Just goes to show how rigged AI is! And don't get me started on the song contest - RIGGED!

Ric Silver, Groton, CT (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:25 AM)

The right David won, as DA has some maturing and stage presence to acomplish..which will come, and he
won't be forgotten...A great Season 7...will it be
topped???..I don't think so...So much good talent this year.

Sue Robinson, Victoria, B.C. Canada (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:27 AM)

The right David won..DA has some maturing and stage
presence to acomplish, but won't be forgotten. I'd like to hear his brother compete next year.

This was one of the best seasons yet.

Sue Robinson, Victoria, B.C. Canada (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:30 AM)

Best shows of the 7 seasons....Can it be topped?
We'll have to see. Never missed a one.

Sue Robinson, Victoria, B.C. Canada (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:33 AM)

David Archuleta should have had the titled Idol Crown.
This young man put his heart and soul into every performance that was thrown at him. He is the picture of what American Idol is all about. Where on the other
hand David Cook rose to the top on a sheer battle between his brother not his heart to be an Idol.  Although David Cook is the winner I have no doubt that this young man will take this position very serious. As for David Archuleta, let that sun shine on you for you are truly a shining star. The only way for you is up!

Brenda R. (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 5:48 AM)

I will watch the show again.  If it had gone the other way, it was the last Idol for Me. After the Sanjaya scam last year I was hesitant.  I'm sure there is a certain amount of "scripting" to all of these types of shows, but as for the talant of the two Davids....There was only one true star.  I look forward to his CD. Little David is a good singer, but I wouldn't buy a CD.  He could  make religious or a children CD and make some good money.  He is very sweet, but Cook was obviously the most talented and so good with a camera in front of him.  David Archuleta froze in front of the camera when anyone spoke to him.  Not dumb, just shy.

Diane, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 6:11 AM)

What a joke! David Cook's "win" was nothing more than retribution for the early demise of Chris Daughtry on season 5.
Taylor Hicks won that year, and now what has happened to him? Oh, yeah, he lost his recording  contract-what a surprise! I don't remember him really doing anything afterward except for some lame Ford Truck commercial. Chris Daughtry is a superstar and a much better success than Taylor Hicks could ever hope to be, and it just goes to show...
The exposure is what it's all about. Just look at the Season Two finalists, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Clay Aiken has had a much more celebrated and successful career.
It would be nice to have a real winner on the show one year. That hasn't happened since Carrie Underwood in Season 4.
Plainly and simply, David Archuleta was robbed due to a nation of horny teenage girls with cell phone up past their bedtimes. The real vocal talent did not win this year. A couple years from now, people won't remember the name "David Cook".

Jonah, Auburn, Maine (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 6:40 AM)

I was extremely happy when ryan said David Cook because I think even though they both deserved it David Cook was more I hate to say it but with no offense to David Archituleta but David Cook was more mature it seemed. But I'm thrilled to know that David Cook won!!!!

Whitney, Hawley, PA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 6:48 AM)

David Archuleta has a beautiful voice but he is a one-trick pony....all he can sing is ballads.  Although he is "cute" and obviously appeals to the pre-teen crowd and grannies, I don't think he has a lot of appeal to most women.  I think he will be very successful in some genre, but that will IMHO be Christian contemporary music and not mainstream pop or rock.

DebH,southern IL (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:35 AM)

I am so happy that David Cook won.  He was so deserving and is truly the better artist.  There have only been two other contestants that I've been this passionate about winning - Clay Aiken and Bo Bice - and this time America got it right!!!!  I loved how David Cook was so original and no matter what song he sang he made it his own.  David A. is a great vocalist but no matter what song he sang his voice sounded exactly the same (except for the 1st song in finale which was a great song choice for him).  I was also impressed at David Cook's poise and grace.  He was very respectful in his responses to criticism and seemed like a true friend to David A. and all the other contestants.  He remained humble and true to himself throughout the entire competition.  Dreams really do come true is what I kept saying to my family!!  I just know he will be a true success and he deserves it. I would also like to mention that I was very moved by his sense of family and his brother's reaction to his win - he was so genuinely proud - it was very touching to see such genuine feelings of emotion on Reality TV.  All the best to David Cook our newest (and very deserving of the title) American Idol!!  This is definitely a person of character that we will be proud for our children to look up to as an "Idol".  

Julie Rieman, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:49 AM)

Both Davids are great and have amazing talent.  I do believe the results are right -- David Cook is going to sell albums and that's the bottom line.  I don't think anyone wants to deal with David Archuleta's father and that could have been the main reason he didn't win.  I worry that David A would have been eaten alive by the entertainment "vultures" and he's too nice a kid to be put in that place.  These Stage Dads and Stage Moms do more to hurt their kids than lack of talent.  Congratulations to both of them -- they are blessed with talent, good looks and both seem to be very NICE young men.

Kathay, Humble, TX (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:54 AM)

David Cook ALL THE WAY!!  America is absolutely correct!

Tracy, Indpls (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:15 AM)

Archuletta has a smooth voice; however, he's so Mouseketeerish.  Cook has agreat and unique voice, and at this point, more complete.  Cook definitely was the right choice.

Jan, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:23 AM)

I'm very happy that David Cook won. While I really did like David Archuleta, and think he's extremely talented, Cook has overall done more to earn the title, whether its with his fresh arrangements, or intense vocal skills. He's also an awesome performed. David Archuleta has a beautiful voice, and will definitely make it big. Ever since I saw him audition I knew he would make it far. But in the end I think they right person won. I can't wait until they release their CD's. (:

Rachel, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:26 AM)

YAY for David Cook! I would buy a CD of his for sure..but neve David A's. David Cook rocks and 12,000,000 more people feel the same!

Toni (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:31 AM)

David Cook is by far the better talent.  Only little girls and older people would listen to David Archuletta.  He'll wind up on a cruise ship or theme park.  My fifteen year old daughter didn't even like Archuletta, she said he gave her the creeps.  And who do you think buys the most cds?  I voted for David Cook for two hours.  No way that little lounge singer was going to win if I had anything to do with it.  Get a clue!

Dana, Albany, GA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:33 AM)

While David A. has the "better" vocal qualities, David Cook had the excitement in his voice, mannerisms, and stage performance.  Archuleta is a very good, if somewhat boring, Vegas singer.  

Robert, Waterford, Mi (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:45 AM)

David Cook, the best singer...I DON'T think so!  Come on people, are we watching the same show.  And also he was so cocky in the beginning it was ridiculous.  In the end we will see who sells more albums and I can guarantee it won't be Cook.  He comes nowhere close to Daughtry.  This whole thing is ridiculous.

Katie New York, NY (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:46 AM)

TO Bret Ashby,
They were both very talented and actually David Cook went outside the box of his comfort zone whenever the situation put him there, and you can't really say the 2nd place winner does better using Bo Bice, because as much as I loved him, Carrie Underwood, has done leaps and bounds over Bo.

COOK FAN (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:47 AM)

Please!! David Cook sounds like every garage band kid on my block.  Nothing new, nothing unique, nothing that rises above the background music.  Every song sounds exactly the same with different words.  His voice has no power and no range beyond "gravel".  What a shame a real vocal talent didn't win the personality contest this has become.    

SueBen, San Antonio, Tx (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:54 AM)

i am so glad the cooker won,i choose him 1st show hes got it all,you go david you deserve everything,can,t wait to buy your 1st cd

toronto ontario (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:55 AM)

I am a David A. fan.  Of course, he is a young talent with a beautiful voice so he was no competition for the screaming talent of David C.  How unfortunate.  Hopefully, David A. will continue on to great success.

AR, Tampa, Fl (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:59 AM)

I was so happy to see David C win, I have voted for him all season, I used to split my vote for him and Michael Johns, but I think David C showed real star potential. While I liked David A's singing, I honestly couldnt bear to watch him, he looked like he was always going to pass out or throw up, and the whole keeping his eyes closed annoyed me, but I would listen and not watch.

David A has tremendous talent and I am sure he will make something of himself, in spite of interference from his father, I dont question we will be hearing from both these talented young men.
Although I cant wait to by David C's cd.

jerseygirl,,,, (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:01 AM)

Congrats David Cook!!!   He was the total package...talent, stage presence, charisma...the Idol should be someone who can command a stage and hold an audience.  sometimes that requires more than just vocals.  No on can argure that David Archuletta had all the vocal skills required...I just can't yet see him on tour for example...

anna,arkansas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:03 AM)

Archuleta is the finest singer that Idol has ever had in the seven years that I have watched it.  BUT, Cook is more the "Idol" that the show is supposed to be looking for.  

Hamlet (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:04 AM)



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