It was 25-year-old rocker David Cook’s name announced in
American Idol’s season finale last night – and
even Paula Abdul heard it right!
In a resounding victory, and what some are calling a smashing upset, Cook took 56 percent of the vote from 17-year-old soulful singer David Archuleta.
But even die-hard David A. fan and Idol judge Simon Cowell didn’t look too surprised to see Cook crowned as the victor (maybe he’s still recovering from Fantasia’s mind-boggling Idol performance a week ago).
The surly-but-savvy judge said the younger David’s final Tuesday night performance was stronger, but that Cook had greater endurance over the whole competition.
“He’s done more to deserve it over the eleven weeks,” Simon said in a surprisingly generous moment. “He’s taken more risks, he’s done things with certain songs that have been more interesting.”
He even went so far as to swallow a large bite of humble pie on Wednesday’s finale, coming close to apologizing for comments he made to Cook that he said were “verging on disrespectful.”
Could Simon’s mild endorsement have tipped the scales for David Cook? Not likely. Cook has had a strong following with those who would rather rock out to a solid (if slightly watered-down) jam than swallow a sweet ballad from David “Pouty Eyes” Archuleta.
Davids aside, the 2-hour Idol finale was a strong one, with performances by ZZ Top, the Jonas Brothers and the hottest Idol ever crowned, our girl Carrie Underwood. It was then of course capped off with a performance by new Idol Cook, singing “The Time of My Life” by Idol songwriting contest winner Regie Hamm.
And it wouldn’t be a proper American Idol finale without judge Paula Abdul bouncing out of her chair to unleash the schmultz all over the two Davids.
“It’s odd that it’s called the finale when it’s anything but a final,” the perpetually misty-eyed judge noted. “It’s the start of the destiny of your career.”
And on that note, we quietly ended season 7 of American Idol and headed for the porcelain throne to relieve ourselves of the Cheetos we'd been munching during the show.
97 million voters phoned in their choice for the next American Idol, which in Paula’s words sent David Cook to his destiny.
Check out the rocker’s swoon-worthy performance of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” below and tell us what you think.
Did the right David win?