First, it was very big of Simon to apologize and admit he was wrong about last night. Second, I am glad that my wife's 12 million votes last night put David Cook over the top.

I think that my DVR didn't get the friggin results because of the length of the show! Ryan says "and the winner is" and BAM!! The two hours is up and the DVR stops recording. Had to come on the internet to find out who won. I am shocked. I thought pork chop had it for sure.

I was sooo happy to see that David Cook won! I was cheering him on the entire season. Honestly, I though David Archuleta was going to win, based on his age and singing performance I figured he was the "perfect" candidate for American Idol. But the outcome is much more than I ever expected. But, to say the least, I am happy with how the season ended. This is the first season I've actually watched, and I'm planning on watching it next season too.

David Cook's winning is well deserved. He is amazing. (Not too mention gorgeous.)

I think the result sucked. I think the other David should of won. He's way better. GO DAVID A.

I might have guessed right, I wanted Archie to win, and might have thought he would have..

But hey Cook's songs are playing around already and probably hitting the charts now even as we discuss, so he's probably the logical winner even though he is not as likable as Archie.

AHHHHH
i am soo dissapointed that David Archeleta didn't win, i don't think that i will ever watch american idol again!!!
don't get me wrong David Cook is good to but i think that Archelteta should have won!

I DON'T THINK I CAN EVER WATCH IDOL AGAIN I LOVE DAVID A . HE IS THE MOST TALENTED YOUNG MAN I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE AND I AM 55 YEARS OLD. HE IS TRULY A GENUINE PERSON. I HOPE TO BUY ONE OF HIS CD'S IF HE MAKES ONE AND I HOPE HE DOES. I WILL PAY ANY PRICE FOR ONE . I WILL NEVER ERASE THE RECORDING OF THE LAST SHOW HE SANG HIS 3 SONGS IN. THANK YOU VICKIE CLARK

I would've been more shocked had I not seen the dialidol.com prediction that it wasn't even going to be close. I really thought Archuleta had it in the bag. I'm happy that Cook won. I think he's much more commercial than Archuleta, who I think will be successful in either the Christian rock arena or as a balladeer, a la Josh Groban. As for the show running long, it ran at least 10 minutes long last year. I remember people who set their VCRs or DVRs were ticked. I remembered that and set mine to record 30 mins. longer. People should have been prepared this time! I did fast forward through much of the crap. Amanda Overmeyer cannot sing. She can't even enunciate. Most of the time she was slurring. She clearly did not care to be there and was going through the motions. I really don't know how she made the Top 12. Carly and Michael proved hands down that they deserved to stay longer. They both have great voices and are excellent performers. I hope they both get recording contracts.

my DVR didnt get the last 5 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Outstanding finale. David Lee Cook is a phenom. I predict a number 1 by June 30. Best talent ever, please keep up the great talent search AI.

There is one word for you, blogger or no, and it is "rude." You have no southern graciousness. Sometimes, people just want to be entertained and/or they want to believe that the "American Dream" is still a reality.

How is it that you have all these highlights and it is being cast as "live" right now as I type?

SKK: Because I am writing from the East Coast, and 8 p.m. comes earlier here.

So many people that DVR'd this episode are gonna be furious if they didn't set it to record extra minutes. Oops!

David Archuleta deserved to win. He has a WAAAAAY better voice than Cook.

I think it sucks when david archuleta is a better singer and performer I will not watch this show again cause it is not about talent it is popularity contest which is wrong.

YES!!! Finally America got this one right! Congratulations to David Cook! He rocks and I can't wait to buy his albums and see him in concert! I'm so happy for him! Rock on David!!

sucks for those that TIVO, they missed the final result.

UNBELIEVEABLE -- The show ran over so those of us that taped it -- did not get to see the winner called, nor the winner sing their Idol song.

This totally sucked !

BUMMER

i am just so glad DAVID COOK WON! I VOTED ABOUT 35 TIMES LAST NIGHT!

Thanks for the results! The fact that the show went long was a disaster for those us watching it on Tivo. My recording--and I'm not exaggerating even a teensy weensy bit---stopped exactly as Ryan Seacrest said "and the new American Idol is David "

I was screaming and running around my living room in frustration. Oddly, as if 10PM CST very few posts had hit the web yet, so kudos on being one of the first. Thanks again.

btw: Cook rocks!

SKK: Glad to help!

I would have predicted Archuleta to win though since he was the better singer last night but overall, I think David Cook has more versatility and stage presence.

No matter who the winner is, the most important thing is to make a presence in the highly competitive entertainment scene like Kelly.

I want to thank you for your play by play. My DVR stopped taping midway but I caught it.. and began re-taping. I Kept checking it.. but was mislead by what it really was taping.. a SUGGESTIONS started taping again in it's place (Stupid Spongebob!). Got to see all the crap, none of the good stuff. Thanks again for helping me "see" what happened. This was the one season that I was excited about. Don't trust your DVR. Don't. At least MY David won.

happy to hear David Cook won except after watching for an entire season and what seemed like an entire lifetime, my DVR ended as Ryan was about to announce the winner - talk about anti climactic - why does a 2 hour show need to go over. What a downer. Great season however and both David's were really great.

im really glad that Cook won, it lets me have faith in this show that a "rocker" one.

That had to be a tough night for the producers...they were given the unenviable assignment of cramming 60 minutes of top-notch entertainment into a two hour show.

I would say I was totally shocked at the result, except that I checked Dial Idol in the morning and they were right on target with their prediction. (I read your east coast blog to get one-up on the broadcast out here in the west, and sometimes I check Dial Idol to get ahead of your blog...ah, the wonders of modern technology.)

Loved that they gave Castro the chance to leave a last good impression with "Hallelujah". That performance and Brooke's "Let It Be" were my favorites of the year.

Re Carrie Underwood: Tony Romo, you're a freakin' idiot.

The Pips audition was great, but twice as long as it should have been; sort of like telling the same joke twice.

Syesha and Seal were just all right for me...I would rather they have given her the chance to reprise "One Rock & Roll Too Many."

Carly and Johns were ok, too. Liked them better on the Ellen broadcast from Chicago.

My last thought for the season: is it just me, or did it look like Randy raided Captain Kangaroo's wardrobe for his finale jacket?

All I can say is, Thank Goodness for the DVR that let me skip over all the unimportant and unwatchable(as well as unlistenable) filler on this show. I did pay attention to the fact that it ran long and padded my end-time by 5 min. Personally, the CORRECT David won tonight, but I think David A has a great future ahead of him(maybe with Disney music?) That Nickelback duet with both Davids was one of the best songs of the night. (Oh, and Randy's red Coca Cola circus clown jacket was just awful, dawg.)

Uuuuugh the show went 5 mins over so I had to read here who won since my DVR cut off at "and the winner is"

I can't believe Cook won, I was not pulling for him.

I expected David A. to be the winner but I think both Davids to be worthy of excellent misic contracts.

Thank God the replay of the Manchester United vs Chelsea Champions League Final was on ESPN2

I thought the finale was a little hokey, to say the least... I'm happy that Cook won the show... He seems to have more variety in his voice... Although I LOVE Archuleta's voice, he really didn't show many sides of performing. He seemed to sing the same genre of music over and over. I know that Archuleta will still get a record deal, and he'll get famous... After a few AI's, it seemed that it was almost better to be the runner up than the actual winner... Great recap though!! Thanks!

Ok, I never watch this show, but this season, for some unkown reason, I decided to bite the bullet and watch as america's "talent" dueled. In the end, I really didn't know who I wanted to win. David Cook is in the same fraternity as me, so he got points there. Then came along Archuletta, which for some strange reason made me think, hmmm, I like this kid. He's like a little three legged puppy. Awkward, but you still want pat him on the head and give him a biscuit. Ultimately, they will both be successful. I'm willing to support both of them as artists. As far as this finale went...I just need to say one thing...Are we serious about George Michael? C'mon now people. There is reason he hasn't toured since WHAM! It was like watching a homeless person beg for food, painful and disturbing. Quite frankly he freaked me out and his performance was painfully long. I did enjoy seeing Paula Abdul crying and dancing. I think she might have just been high and was enjoying the sunset background. Oh Paula, so cute in your intoxicated bliss. As far as the commercials went, I actually found them to be a breathe of fresh air. I didn't realize the second one was Archuletta, for a few seconds, but cracked up at his tiny thighs. I think the children in Africa have more meat on their legs. He did, however, win my sister over with his "adorable" smile. The kid is the next heart throb- teen beat mag cover superstar. Unless daddy, Jeff, says no, of course. I liked the end with David Cook's brother (the guy has terminal brain cancer for crying out loud) mouthing "that's my brother into the camera". Touching stuff right here folks. Well, it was an emotionally draining season of American Idol and who knows, maybe I'll pick up on another season...maybe

Ok, I never watch this show, but this season, for some unkown reason, I decided to bite the bullet and watch as America's "talent" dueled. In the end, I really didn't know who I wanted to win. David Cook is in the same fraternity as me, so he got points there. Then came along Archuletta, which for some strange reason made me think, hmmm, I like this kid. He's like a little three legged puppy. Awkward, but you still want pat him on the head and give him a biscuit. Ultimately, they will both be successful. I'm willing to support both of them as artists. As far as this finale went...I just need to say one thing...Are we serious about George Michael? C'mon now people. There is reason he hasn't toured since WHAM! It was like watching a homeless person beg for food, painful and disturbing. Quite frankly he freaked me out and his performance was painfully long. I did enjoy seeing Paula Abdul crying and dancing. I think she might have just been high and was enjoying the sunset background. Oh Paula, so cute in your intoxicated bliss. As far as the commercials went, I actually found them to be a breathe of fresh air. I didn't realize the second one was Archuletta, for a few seconds, but cracked up at his tiny thighs. I think the children in Africa have more meat on their legs. He did, however, win my sister over with his "adorable" smile. The kid is the next heart throb- teen beat mag cover superstar. Unless daddy, Jeff, says no, of course. I liked the end with David Cook's brother (the guy has terminal brain cancer for crying out loud) mouthing "that's my brother into the camera". Touching stuff right here folks. Well, it was an emotionally draining season of American Idol and who knows, maybe I'll pick up on another season...maybe

I think the fact that it ran over 5 minutes was awful!!! I taped it on dvd and when Ryan said "and the winner is..." my tape cut off. I watched the show ALL YEAR and didn't get to see the FINALE!!!! I'm so upset!!!! We need a repeat!!!! Just so I can see David Cook's reaction and hear him sing the last song! I can't believe they let this happen. I know I'm not the only one this happened to!!! I'm devestated. I had to come here online to find out the results!!!!

This makes up for last year.

Very upset it went 5 minutes over... I had to work but it got recored on the DVR... So, i just watched it.... And it stopped recording just as Ryan said Cook, so I guess I got to see what I wanted to see, but still... If Archuleta would have won, I would have thrown something at the TV b/c I would have missed his final song!

this is just not right. David A. by far sang the best and he didn't win? Whats up with that?

that cook guys is good but i can't stand his stupid face! archuleta sings better too.

I'm happy for DC, but was hoping DA would win, so I was very disappointed. I am happy knowing that DA is on his way to a great career anyway and so I find comfort in that. As for the finale show itself...it was long, boring, and I can't believe they brought that one guy on with the fur and hat and omg!!!! It's like they think they are entertaining idiots.

YES ! David Cook is a WINNER!
We loved him!
The finale....well, duh, wayyyy too long and not enough of the finalists to hear. And what the heck was that 70s video about? Loved this season but the finale was too long about too many 'other' people then the 2 finalists!
David Cook rocks!

I think "Little" David Archuletta really won. I don't think American Idol wanted to deal with a minor and his parents. Especially, "little" David's father.
I also it was interesting to watch the 2 Davids on the commercial protraying Tom Cruise from Jerry McGuire. Big David had no problem wearing only the shirt; however, little David wore shorts. Do you think it was becasue of his religon, parents, or just being a minor? I got lots of ?????? Remember how it ended between Ruben and Clay Akin? Lots of controverse. You know the makers of American Idol rule, not the million voters. I think there should be one vote per phone number. What do you think??????

Glad to know the fans ultimately chose the "American Idol." Was afraid after all the campaigning for D.A. Simon & Randy did, the vote would be comprimized. They need to stick to constructive criticism from now on and leave who they are for, to themselves.

No matter how well Archuleta or Cook did on Tuesday night, it more than likely didn't sway votes that much to effect the outcome. At this point people allready knew who they were voting for.

In my opinion Cook truely deserves to be the winner. Like Chris Daughtry, he is definately the most marketable of the bunch and appeals to a much larger audience than Archuleta. Not to take anything away from David A., the kid can definately sing and I'm sure he will be granted a nice record contract as well. It just seems to me that Archuleta's audience is mostly teenage girls and middle aged women who like the Josh Grobin sound.

I'm not much of a pop music fan, but what Cook was able to do each week with his selections deserves some praise. He was the most innovative and the most creative with his arrangements. When his album comes out, I will certainly buy it and would even consider seeing the rocker in concert if he ever comes to the Baltimroe area. Congrats David Cook!

Yay for David Cook! I am so thrilled that he won. He is creative, has a great voice, and seems like a really sweet guy. Even Simon said he's nice! It's cool to see a rocker (and word nerd!) win. Also, If you watch some of the interviews with him on youtube, you'll also see that he is about ten times more articulate than Archuleta. Which has a lot to do with life experience and not being in high school, but I don't know if I could have taken the inevitable slew of TV interviews with Gosh Boy. Though I think he's adorable in a wide-eyed innocent kinda way:-)

SKK, I didn't catch the Guitar Hero commercials; thank god for super fast forward on the DVR...

I can't believe that people didn't learn their lessons from last year! That show ran at least 10 minutes long. Live shows are unpredictable, prepare for it.

SKK: I can't speak for anyone else, but I was recording two shows at 10 p.m., so extending the recording wasn't an option. I only got to see the end because I was watching live and switched to non-HD at 10 p.m.

Yes, American finally got this one RIGHT! Cook was definitely the better and more well-rounded singer. I mean really, can you see yourself actually purchasing a David A. cd? Yea, maybe if you need some music to sleep to! That said, the kid is talented, he just needs to develop more. He does have an incredible voice for someone his age.

I hope IDOL has better talent next year, and better theme nights and song choices.

Lastly, cant help but SMH at the poor person that didnt realize we on the East Coast saw the show 3 hours before her. In what grade are US time zones covered?? LOL

My 2 cents on American Most Popular, er Idol. This is my first season and predicted weeks ago that Cook would win. Here were my observations then:
(1) This is only a popularity contest and has nothing at all to do with real singing talent.
(2) Syesha is a fabulous talent and should be the AI, but won't. I predict she will be the most successful of the contestants in the long run. She will be, at the very least, a Broadway/movie star.
(3) Archeleta has an excellent voice but his static "deer in the headlights" look is a problem for me. Of course the guy is only 17 so there is time to mature as an overall artist.
(4) Cook WILL win. However, I understand Cook has received a recording contract in the past. I'm not sure that is fair and takes away from the overall spirit and purpose of the show's concept. He will be a rock star for sure.
Now, that being said, to those of you who think that David A should be the AI, GET A GRIP!. Again, this isn't about who has the best voice (Syesha actually wins that argument). It's about charisma AND musical originality & talent, and Cook has it in spades over David A. He is the epitomy, actually, of what this show purports to be! And, my lord, what a back story this dude brought to the show! One last thing: Monday night (the night before the sing off), Simon admitted on Leno's show that he actually wanted Cook to win-because of the fact that he was a bartender and had struggled as a working stiff while David A had years to mature and experience life. Interesting that Simon lambasted Cook the next night, eh?! Was he using reverse psychology, thinking the public would overwhelmingly phone in for Cook (I recall the same thing happen for Syesha when everyone expected her to be bounced way before she was)? Tie that in with his interesting comment last night that on second viewing it wasn't as clear cut as he thought. HMMMM. (This was interesting since David A clearly was the winner Tuesday.)
As for those who didn't record the last 5 minutes, I'm sure it will show up on YouTube (if it hasn't already). And one last comment to the blogger, Miss Kelber: I thought Cook's mocking of Cruise in the Guitar Hero ad was brilliant (as did everyone I watch it with)!! However, not so much David A. In fact, I cringed a little for the little tyke. BRING ON SEASON 8!!! I'm hooked.

SKK: I admit I laughed and laughed at the David Cook version of the commercial, but I also found it a little embarrassing for him, and I have a very tough time watching people embarrass themselves (which is why I hate the first part of AI). Hence, wishing to "unsee" it. But the Archuleta version was much more embarrassing to watch, for sure.

Hello :). Congrats to David Cook. I`m happy for him. But I`m really disppointed because I thought David A is going to be the winner! But I`m so wrong. The two Davids are so talented. (:

A few random thoughts on the finale:
- Carrie Underwood has a great stage presence and voice - and is beautiful - though her songs seem to have become even more hard-core country twang, which I don't like much.
- George Michael's performance was easier to take if you closed your eyes
- It was great to see Carly and Michael perform together
- Did anyone else think Graham Nash gave Brooke a kind of warning look before the first vocal note of their duet? A sort of "Don't stop and start" look.
- I also loved to see Jason redeem himself with a nice rendition of "Halleluia" - maybe not as great as his competition version, but still lovely.
- Mike Myers' stupid antics made me embarassed to be Canadian.
-Bryan Adams' performance with the boys made me proud to be Canadian.
- I thought it a disturbing moment when the hometown host at David A's rally asked Grandpa A if he was proud of his grandson, and Grandpa said, "Yes, I'm proud of my grandson and proud of my son." It was not the time to drag Papa A into the discussion, and really just reinforced the fact that he has been too much of a presence in his son's journey on AI.
- Congratulations to both Davids for making it to the final week. While I think DA actually has the better voice overall, I think DC has more versatility, better interview skills and more poise (natural, perhaps, since he's 8 years older). He will be the better choice as Idol, but I'd buy both their CDs.
- Sarah, thanks for your great recaps. I'm so glad I found this site.
- And finally, Buddy, thanks for making me laugh out loud every week with your posts.
- See ya next year!

SKK: Thanks, Sharon! It's been a long season, but fun nonetheless, especially with you returning readers and commenters!

David Cook won because every David A. fan assumed he would win and didn't bother voting, while the Cook fans continued to vote, thus the upset.

How clever of Simon to cover his bum
prior to the show and make that "heartfelt apology". Shows all about Simon.....or is it?

I'm so happy that David Cook won, although David A. was amazing, his 3 songs were flawless.
When the show ran over time, I immediately clicked over to Ch.11 Fox news, to watch the last 10 minutes. Also you could set your recorders to overlap into the next show aired. I'm surprised that people didn't know that. Remember this next year.!!

Everyone is like well the other david should have won or i;m glad cook won, but I am sad that jason castro did not make the finale. The best highlight of the evening was the emotional and heartfelt performance by jason castro. He puts more emotion into a tiny song than either David ever did. Halleuigh for Jason Castro and he will be missed.

It's all about who The establishment wants to win this year. very obvious since it is well known how Simon praised Cook on all talk shows. It is amazing
what manipulation of public mind do. and it's proven they worked.

i saw the finale it was so boring i like carrie and the RESULTS. i really didn't care who won because i loved both but if i had to choose won i would have cosen david cook.

okay, well im not gonna lie, i didnt want either Top 2 to win. I was a die hard Carly Smithson fan from Day 1 and when she got off, I lost all hope for a good season, cause frankly, i didnt like one of the other finalists. I knew from the beginning that both Davids would make the Top 2, but I didn't think Cook would win. Either way, I do think both will be big, but I'm still cheering on my girl Carly!

We stopped watching after Jason left. We never cared for either David, and really didn't like the favoritism shown them by the judges almost from Day 1.

I did not get to see the season final
where this years winner was picked
was Jenniferth Hudson there?
Also I love your show I find it very
entertaining.