'American Idol' finalists David Cook and David Archuleta on girls, video games and more

"I just wanna make a record that's gonna make the hair on the back of your neck stand up," exclaimed newly crowned "American Idol," David Cook, during a conference call with the media this morning.  When asked when he would recover from the exhaustion and excitement of it all, Cook replied, "Hopefully never."

Throughout the competition, Cook's mentality has been "hope for the best, expect the worst."  After all, following Tuesday's performance, the general sentiment was that Cook's rival, David Archuleta, had won the night. Believe it or not, Cook agreed.  "I definitely thought if you were basing it off of Tuesday, [Archuleta] deserved to win. He came out and did three amazing songs," recalled Cook. 

After his big win, Cook stopped by the "Idol" after-party with none other than his family. Throughout the call, Cook's family was at the front of his mind.  Cook even mentioned the possibility of a collaboration with his musician brother. "I've left the option open, and I'm kinda leaving it up to him," Cook explained, adding that he hopes that his brother will come hang out with him on tour, if only for "a short stint."

After all, Cook's brother was the one who persuaded him to attend the "Idol" audition in the first place. "He has been my No. 1 supporter from Day One," emphasized David Cook, "and has routinely told me how proud he is of me." When asked what he had given his brother in return, Cook replied, "Inadvertently, I'm responsible for getting him into video games."  Hmmm, sounds like one of the Cooks is getting the short end of the stick here.

As for his new star status, Cook remains in awe. "I can't believe the level of support that has come out of me doing this crazy TV show," he marveled.

The level of support in the "Idol" community was clear on Tuesday night, when 12 million more votes were cast for Cook than for Archuleta. "I attribute the finale vote … to my fans just being awesome," Cook stated simply. Still, Cook doesn't want the public to read too much into that number. "I think that number is actually really misleading," he mused, in yet another shout-out to formidable opponent Archuleta. "I was just honored to share the stage with him."

When the conversation moved back to Cook's time as a struggling musician, Cook recalled, "I wasn’t ready to give up on music, and I didn’t think music was ready to give up on me." Now an international star, Cook is grateful for his starving-artist days. "You get pretty humble playing shows to five people," he said with a chuckle.

As for the idea that he would have been better off not winning "Idol" (in terms of credibility as a rock musician), Cook admitted that the idea had crossed his mind, but he said he didn't give it much attention. It would have been "a slap in the face" to the competition and fans, he explained. "As far as having more success by not being a winner, I think that is something that will get played out in the next few years," he concluded.

If Cook looks like a different man today than the one we met months ago, it's not just the gleam in his eye. "I've lost probably 10, 15 pounds on this season," he revealed. And Cook's physique isn't the only thing that changed. He's become more open as a performer, thanks to vocal coach Debra Byrd, who helped him break down the "wall" he was putting up. Hence Cook's late-season success -– and his late-season proclivity for tears, especially at the finale. "The crying after I'd won was like an exhale," he recalled. "I felt like that whole time I was holding my breath." 

After the remarkably articulate and mature "Idol" winner bid us adieu, David Archuleta took over the call. Following Cook, Archuleta's relative youth and worldly inexperience were apparent. The two Davids are at such different stages of their lives, it seems amazing that they ever competed.

"Even after this interview I have to go to school," revealed Archuleta, a 17-year-old high school student. During the competition, while all of the other contestant enjoyed free time, Archuleta completed his requisite three hours of home-schooling. 

Archuleta is more like a typical high school student than one might assume. Believe it or not, he still isn't sure what he wants to do with his life. "I'm still looking at options and careers I'd be interested in in the future," he mused.  At the moment, he's considering a career as an ear, nose and throat doctor.  "It's something that really interests me because it's something that helps people who have the same problems as me," explained Archuleta. "It's something I can really relate to people with."

But don't fret, Archie-fans; he's not inspecting any noses just yet. Archuleta is still devoted to making an album. "The competition is now over, and now it's time to really focus on music," he asserted. Archuleta's album will include both "real music, where it has meaning and depth to it" and "fun stuff."  After all, he asserted, "I still wanna be able to relate to kids my age."

And as any kid his age might, Archie got more than a little choked up when the topic turned to girls. "It just bugs me when kids are like … all the drama," he said in reference to his lovesick contemporaries. "It's not like your infatuation with them is going to support you."  Still, Archuleta is not totally closed off to the idea of a love connection. "It's definitely something I'll want to focus on later on in life when I'm ready. When I feel like I've met a girl who has a great personality and someone … who has respect for themself, but not in like an arrogant way."

When the conversation turned to another uncomfortable topic -– the portrayal of his father, Jeff Archuleta, in the media -– Archuleta was surprisingly forthcoming. "I heard one thing was like he refused to give me water," Archie exclaimed in disbelief.  "I'm 17. If I want water, I'm pretty sure I'd just go get it." "The next thing is, he's a great guy," David said of his father, adding that his whole family had been incredibly supportive during his time on "Idol." "No one understands what I'm here for more than they do."

One of the things that he is not "here for," however, is the pictures. "I hate looking at myself," he revealed, adding that even before the competition, whenever a camera came out, he would "be the one hiding behind a bush or something." And it's not just looking at himself that irks Archie. "I can't stand hearing my voice," admitted the "Idol" finalist. "I've never watched myself on the show … I'm OK with talking on camera as long as I don’t have to hear it afterwards." Sure, he may be a world famous singer, but first and foremost, David Archuleta is a 17-year-old kid. 

Before the call was over, Archuleta wanted to say thank you, and not just to his fans. He was grateful to us, for even wanting to speak to him. "I'd just like to thank everyone for their time," said Archuleta, overbrimming with love and sincerity. "For them wanting to speak with me even though I'm out of it right now … it means a lot to me when people appreciate the hard work I've been putting into this."

-- Stephanie Lysaght

(Photo courtesy Fox)

Comments

[Patricia]

I love David Archueta. I wanted him to win sooooooo much!!!

I think he's hot!!!!! Anyway, Archie if your reading this than I just can't wait for your album to come out!! I'll buy all of the copies,I swear!!!! I love you SO MUCH!!! Your my everything!!

Ciao, I love you!!!

New York

[lena]

those guys did such amazing job, I taped fial perfomance and I'm watching it every day. I'm looking forward to David's Cook CD, he is great!.
thank you

[tracy]

david cook impresses me at every possible opportunity. he's an incredibly special guy. archuleta is undeniably talented, and a very cute kid, but america absolutely got it right.

[Tara Goodall]

i really loved david a. and of course i was constantly battling it out with my teenage daughters over the deserving winner of american idol, but.... yes! i went screaming through the house when david cook won! i have been an avid american idol viewer since the beginning and i have never been so passionate about a contestant. it wasn't just his voice. he's an amazing musician and his arrangements literally made me cry every time. he definately has the it factor. i've had to explain to my teenage daughters that when they are older and have a better apreciation for brilliance in music, they will understand why david cook won. i think i voted on the finale night like 50 times. pathetic for a 37 year old mom on a school night but there was no way in he.. i was going to let simon cowell swing the vote. and his stupid apology on the finale really bothered me. he could have devastated this mans career for announcing david a. as the winner. he was great but the right man won. i've heard that people stayed up voting for david cook all night. some people voted 400 times i heard. this was david cook's fans way of making sure our boy took the title!!!! i am so happy for him. when his album comes out i will be the first in line. or maybe i'll send my daughters as a lesson in not to argue with me over great music!!!

[Maria]

I just love the comments well David Cook is articulate and David Archuleta is only a kid And what a young man he is. He might be only 17 years old, but the kindness and maturity needless to say the incredible talent he has is not your "typical" 17 year old. That is what makes him so special. Let's not get too carried away. Let's present some facts. Cook is almost 10 years older than him, had been part of many bands prior to joining AI (not your typical bartender who just got on stage and became famous) give me a break. He has serveral CD's out already, Archuleta does not. He was only part of a star search competiion when he was 10 that does not count. So yes, your un typical 17 year Archuleta has a better voice, almost beat the "experienced rocker" and can still stand beside him and get on an equal intelligence level. I say that is a WOW talent, not your typical neighborhood kid. I think they both deserved to win, both amazing talent different styles. Archuleta does not appeal only to teens but a wider audience. Cook appeals to your rockers. Both extremley talented, but not better than the other, so don't get ahead of yourselves here. I am so happy for Archuleta is no longer part of the control freaks at American Idol. He can have many more options with his music than Cook will have. I hope Simon Cowell and these producers who pimped him for months for extra votes, because they wanted to add a rocker to the list, know how to market him and he becomes very successful with the types of songs he wants to do. After all, Taylor Hicks was more mature, entertaining and different, and a winner. And did not do well at all as an artist. Congratulations to both of them, both worked very hard to be where they are. But Archuleta has a huge and better future with that incredible voice of his.

[Courtney]

These are both very talented young men, but the truth is that David Cook is so much more developed in every way. In terms of vocal ability, I tend to think that if David A chooses, he will have a fabulous career in music. I love his voice and earlier in the competition, was certain he would win based on that alone - I did not believe that AI audiences would accept the gritty, sexy interpretations of David C. I also don't think the criticism of David A's father is fair. After all, the kid is only 17!! His father SHOULD be taking an active interest in what's going on with him.

I confess that I have not watched this show since Melinda Dolittle was prematurely (IMHO) terminated. But many of this years contenders seemed more in line with my musical taste and had great appeal. I loved Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, and Jason Castro, though I did not seriously see them as anywhere near as gifted or developed as either of the Davids. But after David C sang "Hello", it was pretty clear that he was in a league of his own - I was hooked. (I guess you could say he had me from "Hello"!). I'm sure just having him in the competition raised the bar considerably.

As a viewer who couldn't vote (I live in Canada), I was thrilled when David C was announced as winner, though David A should certainly not consider himself a loser and will absolutely not be forgotten. To both AI Davids - we love you (in a good way!) And don't worry, I've already bought your i-tunes and am looking forward to buying your future recordings.

[Denise Thornton]

Do you think Simon's comments that David A was a winner may have been reverse psychology??

[Julie Amedio]

I wish both David's the best. This season of AI has been a blast to follow! When it came down to it I definitely hoped for a David finale and thankfully that is just what happened. I just know that both will be very successful in all their future endeavors.

[binday]

am a huge fan of david cook. thought he is very talented and respectful and sincere. love his voice and style. would be great to see him sharing stage with another great AI talent - daughtry! hope their music will have a staying power. something that can be remembered 10 years or so down the track. cheers david and all the best on your career. luvs from your No. 1 fan in New Zealand.

[love archuleta]

those of you who say that "america got it right", well u guys are WRONG!
unfotunately,it didnt!!!

david cook didnt deserve to win on the night, it was archuleta WHO WAS the WINNER and if it wouldnt have been the sympathy votes caused due to gigantic tears of cook, nobody would have voted 4 him!!!!!
THIS IS SOO WRONG!!!
this was ARCHULETA's DREAM whereas cook was a "mere co-incidence", confessing himself that "he never was willing to audition"...and then YOU GUYS COMPARE "some-what" professional SINGER (COOK) TO 17 YEAR OLD ARCHULETA who worked harder than cook to make it till here, fighting with vocal paralysis and WHAT DOES HE GET IN RETURN???

NOTHING!

You should be ashamed of yourself "Tara Goodall" (poster)!!!
you are so biased about not an ordinary teenage boy but a HIGHLY talented and ENORMOUSLY HUMBLE and HARD WORKING 17 year old..............who values people and has such strong morals!!!!!

WE DIDNT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING AT ALL!!!!

[Lukas]

I still don't understand the lopsided-ness of the judging on Tuesday, especially since Cook is the more marketable of the two and as Randy pointed out, the contestant who was most ready to cut a record. They both deserved to win, but Cook gives the Idol franchise its first "official" rocker and that really raises the legitimacy of the show. You gotta love the kid, though. He sang his heart out. His version of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me should go down as one of the great Idol performances ever. With the right producer and team, he should do fine. I'll buy CDs from both Davids!

[Kristen]

The problem with American Idol is that it is too much of a "popularity contest" or a "personality contest." As much as American Idol would like to think of itself as an authentic "singing competition," that it is not. First and foremost, it's a TV show. If it were a true "singing competition," voice teachers and people who have actually studied singing would be judging and voting for the contestants. From a technical standpoint, David Archuleta has a much better singing technique than Cook. I've taken singing classes, so I know a thing or two about singing. You may not like his style, you may not like the type of songs he sang, but you can't say he isn't a really good singer. David Cook is good at what he does, but his actual vocal ability is just OK. Don't get me wrong--I love "rockers"--they can be incredibly charismatic and charming. But the truth is that most rockers are not great vocalists. Most rock bands don't require great vocalists.

As for me, I'm done with American Idol. That show has disappointed me too many times. I will always think Archuleta should have won.

[Marie]

yes, I do think this was Simon's reverse psychology plan! Wasn't he on Ellen saying that he hoped David C would win? (didn't see it but heard)

[Unprecedented]

It was clearly, I believe, a manipulation. This winning by David Cook is a top convoluted orchestration by the American Idol’s management to have a rocker win this year, for a change. Whether the rocker is worthy or not, which I believe it was the later, David Cook had to be declared the winner. Yes, Simon had been promoting in all tv talk shows that David Cook was going to win, and it would be a shame on his part if Cook did not. Simon is Simon. He had to be right even if he was wrong. And no matter what the people will say, AI had to do something, up to the extent of rigging the votes, cheating per se. At the beginning of the final show, Ryan Seacrest announced the 90+ million votes and the ratio between the winner and the loser. So, they already knew at the very start of the final show the result and yet at the end of the show when it was time to reveal who won, an independent auditor came, brought a sealed envelope, what a hoax, an insult to the integrity of the viewers. Who knows, the telephone lines for David Cook remained open longer that David Archuleta's! Who knows, the said 12 million differential was a made-up numbers, not real. Anything is possible. My feeling suggests strongly that it was so. Just so AI plans all along since the beginning of the season to crown a rocker will become a reality. I believe it was all orchestrated and AI did it so wisely. When the news about Jeff Archuleta came out that he was no longer allowed to join at the backstage, there were so many nasty articles that came out bashing and maligning the guy. And the origin of the news exactly came from an AI staff, which anonymously squealed it. How come AI management did not even reprimand that staff for spreading the gossip, which was exactly against their policy. AI management has the moral responsibility to the people, they could have apologized to the people for the action of their very own staff doing the talking, while contestants and their guardians were forbidden to. But no, AI management did not even apologized, nor announced they were handling the matter internally with the staff. They did not do anything. Cleary, that was part of AI plans to put down negatively the Archuletas which will have an upside positive effect to Cook. That was all planned, people. AI can be deceitful as they can and hook or by crook will do anything and everything just so their plans will at the end materialize. Poor David Archuleta, he was defeated by fraud.

[Jean Ann]

I am crazy about David Cook! He is the reason I watched AI this season. 'Hello' was the song that got it all started for me. I love his voice and can't believe how talented he is. I do believe America got it right. I was so upset with Simon's comments that I voted 50 or 60 times. My husband made fun of me... and when I cried with DC at the end of the show, he made fun of me.

I think Simon was using reverse psychology by building DA up more. He knew DA fans would vote more than DC fans, so he drove DC fans to the phone. I heard he had been on talk shows saying that Cook would win. I also saw the wink he gave DC.

I can't wait to buy David Cook's CD!!!!

[cluephone]

Archuletta has the singer's voice; Cook has the wrongheaded Cougars all twitching in their capri pants. It's a singing competition - and don't tell me about the romantic "Idol" crapola. That's just a marketing device.

Cowell knows you got it wrong. The show is a vehicle for real singers to be acknowledged, not your next hot flash fantasy.

[TEXAS FLAMINGO]

While David Cook is talented and can certainly ROCK and come up with fly beats, David Archuletta is soooooooooo talented and is not by far the LOSER of anything. It was certainly a hard decision and Im not saying America got it right but they didnt get it wrong either. This was a WIN-WIN situation for all of us because no matter the vote count, both of these guys will have AMAZING careers and I cant wait till both of their albums come out...oh and Clyde Davis, if you reading this, I know you promised a contract to David Cook (and he deserves it) You must consider giving one to David Archuletta as a wise business decision because he is going to make some company Millions because we love him too and will buy his sooooo heart felt lyrics anytime. Good luck boys!!!!

[Mary]

I think it is quite possible that Simon pumped up David A and put down David C to ensure that Cook's fans would be highly motivated to vote and Archuletta's might be lulled into complacency. Cowell had said weeks earlier that he personally like David Cook better than David A.

This is the first year I have watched this show and it is the last. American Idol lacks integrity (as does Fox). The young contestants were the true shining spirits of the show. I loved all of them for getting out there and giving themselves so generously. Both of the Davids are remarkable young men of character. They were both a joy. Did anyone else remark to themselves how these two beautiful spirits carried a whole different consciousness than the the old "me against you" mentality that the producers demonstrated in trying to cast the contest as a fight. It was delightful how flat that fell because the Davids were doing something entirely different. Neither was in a competition in any way except to give the best they had. Neither seemed focused on "winning" in the sense of besting the other. Simn's remark about having to hate your enemy to win was amusing and incongrous in terms of those two.

[tina]

i think america has got it right ,,,David Cook is a deserving winner ,,and David A has an amzing voice with a gifted talent ...both are simly awesome in their own ways ...congrtulations!!!!! cant wait for their albums to be released ...

[Kelly Marie]

First of all I am happy for David Cook. Your Awesome. Though I still wanted David Archuleta to win. Cause he has a great voice. But then again both Davids have great voices. David Cook and David Archuleta I can't wait til your albums come out. So good luck with your albums!

[smart grandma]

I definitely think Simon was using reverse psychology Tuesday night, it was his way of getting the David C. fans to vote more. I have even talked to ones that had not even been voting before, and they were upset that Simon said the things he did ,so they grabbed their phones and started voting for David C. Simon even told Jay Leno on Monday night that he wanted David C. to win. So his plan worked . In my opinion they were both really good Tuesday night and I knew it was not nearly as one sided as the judges try to make it seem. For me , I dearly love David A. and I can't wait to buy his music, but my daughter can't wait for David Cookes music to come out, I voted for David A. because that is my style of music, but I think they both are really great at singing their own style. I wish them both the best and hope they have great careers,and don't let stardom ruin their lives.

[Donna]

In the beginning, I liked David A. and didn't care for David Cook. As the contest went on, I got tired of David A.'s voice always sounding the same (gloomy). I also got tired of hearing him gasp for breath after every verse. I grew to love everything about David Cook. He is very smart and he sang every song wonderfully. Now I can't get enough of David Cook. I made a DVD out of David Cook, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Brooke White, and a few others. This is the first time I liked so many contestants. I can watch them over and over.

[J.Gabrielle]

Congrats, a million congrats to David Cook for winning the "Idol". Many love vibes from your fans in Malaysia going out to you. To our darling Archuleta, even more love vibes pulsating through to you. This is just another step towards you dreams. Looking forward to seeing you both perform live and hopefully soon in Malaysia!

Love you both Lots!

From all of us "Idol" fans in Malaysia

P/S: Drop by Sarawak instead!!

[Tisa]

Wow, I'm just so glad it came down to the two David's... Honestly, I didn't care who won, because they both deserved to win just as much as the other. I respect them both, and I can't wait until July 2 when they're coming to San Diego!

[DANIELLE]

NO SURPRISE HERE!!! I KNEW DAVID COOK WOULD WIN! DAVID A SEEMED TO BE LIVING HIS FATHERS DREAM AND NOT HIS OWN. I THINK AMERICA SAW SOME OF THAT ALSO. I KNOW DAVID A WILL BE SUCCESSFUL BUT MAYBE IT WAS IN THE CARDS FOR HIM NOT TO WIN. HE IS VERY YOUNG AND MAYBE THE FAME WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO MUCH FOR HIM. CONGRATULATIONS DAVID COOK!!!! I'M VERY EXCITED FOR YOU! ENJOY YOUR CLAIM TO FAME!!!! YOU CERTAINLY DESERVE IT!!!

[Winnie]

Young David A. is a one of kind treasure, his voice is very unique and mesmerizing. His extremely youthful appearance is in direct contrast to the mature way he handles himself, always sincere, humble & respectful of others. Yet this gifted & unassuming 17 yr old kid is very ambitious, driven & inspirational. You can't help but love him.

David C. is also impressive and it's touching to see the genuine friendship they've formed in midst of the manipulative and tainted showbiz world of AI.

[meg]

David Archuleta inspired me in so many ways. You can see the pureness and innocence in his beautiful hazel eyes. He may only be 17, but he presented himself in a very sophisticated and mature manner. He is a great singer, you can feel the love he has for music in every one of his songs. I love you David, your voice inspires me to love life! You are the winner in my heart.

[Shelley]

Cook had me hooked from the first time that I heard his voice. I am so happy for him and I am sure that he will someday be a legend.

[Kelly]

I was so happy David Cook won! I couldn't vote (Live in England) but I kept my fingers crossed for 2 hours - throughout the enitre finale show and cried when he won as well. He's humble, modest, more mature and (in my opinion) the better singer. Althugh I must admit I prefer rock music to soppy ballads any day. I think David Archuleta should focus on his school work now. After all, if he wants to be a doctor it wouldn't help to take 2 years off to do an album. I think all the girls who "love him" for his appearance should close their eyes, and then listen to his voice. If they still think he's the better one, then okay, but remember David Cook didn't win by a few, he won by 12 million, and on a calculator I worked out he got 60 million votes - the population of England.To David A fans - stick by him, even now he's lost.

[ashley]

yes! david cook won and i think he deserves to win! all you david cook haters...i bet your crushed that he won? thats what you get when you hate an awesome singer like him! david archuleta may be "hot" and all but his range of music is very very small. he usually sings those slow songs and the only time he didnt sing something like that, was when he sang with you by chris brown. and let me tell you, it was horrible. his dancing and all that. obviously david cook is better because he WON by 12 million votes! let me tell you, i voted for him about 408 times and i would have done 450 but my mom told me to quit it. seriously! david cook will be the MOST popular idol ever come through!<3

[madini]

david archuleta your still my idol and your very talented .Everybody is waiting for your album .I [@v# u & like u v#ry mu

[Hotwired15]

I was totally impressed with Cooks performance of the winning song. Instead of making this about himself, he called the other contestants up on the runway with him and changed the winning song lyrics from "time of my life" to "Time of OUR LIVES". This guy is a Class Act and the ideal role model.

[Kate]

I’m glad Cook won. I just ordered a cool David Cook shirt from www.PantherTees.com. They said not to tell anyone, but here is a 10% discount code, pts10 (it is case sensitive, so copy and paste it). Enjoy!

[Rebekka]

I loved both Davids. They both did an amazing job. No one should bash David Archuleta. He did just as good. I think everyone in the Top 10 will get some kind of contract. I know Michael Johns already got a few contract offers. He got them less than a week after being voted. So will Carly and Syesha. I'm not too sure about Brooke and Jason.. They were good, but not good enough. I am looking forward to going to the concert. I still haven't figured out which one I'm going to.. None are really close to my house except one that's about 50 miles but it's in the middle of the week in September.. And I can't skip school.. I will figure it out. I already bought David Cook's final song [I forget what is is called] on iTunes and I Still Haven't Found what I'm looking for.. and Michael Johns' Dream On.. And I plan to get more from both of them and Carly also.

I'm glad that David Cook won, but David Archuleta still won in a way. None of the top 12 have nothing to ashamed of. They came from hundreds of thousand of people and made it to the top 10, that's pretty good if you ask me... If I could actually sing, I suck at it, I would try out. My cousin is auditioning this year! She's amazing. I can't wait.

Congratulations David Cook!

[Josie Mae]

David cook was not the winner in my eyes. He always looked like a bum that he served at the bar. He should still be singing to the drunks. David A has the talent and he will go a long way. He always looked like an An american Idol should look, clean cut and appealing to the people that really appreciate good music. Sorry David A, You are the best.

[Alex]

I thought it was a great competition and though I picked Archuleta as the winning idol since the audition, you never really know who's gonna win when you're down to the 2 finalist. Overall I think they are both great and the real winner will truly show in record sales...$$$$$

[alisha brenneman]

david archuleta instead of being an eye doctor u should keep going with singing!! plzzz i love to sing myself and i love singing your songs so plz keep on going and going with your singing career!! besides in the long run i know for a fact that u will b more famous than david cook!! plus i ur doing better tahn cook on itunes and in celebs, celeb singers, and ur number 1 on the top american idol on the top 24 that's wat it said and david cook is number 16!! ur just amazing!! and u got the good looks david cook sure don't, and i think wat happened on american idol is that peeps just thought u were gonna win and so they voted for david cook to make him feel better so he didn't lose by so much!!

[alisha marie brenneman]

for those of u who r saying david archuleta doesn't hav a wide range uhh he has a much wider range thna david cook, all david cook can sing is rocker songs!! i've heard some songs off of american idol so i know he can definately sing any song!! oh and byt the way just because he doesn't win doesn't mean anything!! he's ahead of david cook on the itune rankings, and on these other website things that lists facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it said that archuleta's number 1 and cook's number 16 and there's more than 1 that says that so all u david james archuleta haters can b quite!!

[yvonne]

As a Canadian I could not vote but I always watch AI. Love to hear the new undiscovered talent out there. I thought David C. was amazing from the get go. The only american idol so far whose CD I would buy in a heartbeat. Way to go Cookie. Canada loves you.

[sarah]

David Cook deserved to win all the way. And Josie, you should really keep those comments to yourself. Sure David A was okay but he only had one sound. David's voice goes high&low and slow or fast, it always sounded amazing. His album is surely gonna be absolute success. As for David A., good luck(:

[JAY Hiatt]

Tara, I couldn't agree with you more. David A. is by far much more talented and will end up doing much more with his career than David C. David A. has pure talent and has reach people of all ages. David A. is going to be a super star for decades to come. David C. will produce a record and then nobody will give him the time of day. David C. has a limited listening audience. Myself being a rocker from the 80's. I enjoyed his voice but would never buy an album. David C. did Not show me nothing new. Were as David A. is dynamic and has a pure voice that is simply amazing.

email anytime.

[JAY Hiatt]

Dave C. should not have won America did NOT get it correct. DC will come and go with in a year or less. And DA will be around for decades to come.

[JAY Hiatt]

Even DC knew that he shouldn't have won. He conceded the competition. "Everyone already knows who is going to Win. I am just here to have some fun". This suggests to me that DC knew that DA should have been the winner. And DC also knew that DA is the Better Talent. I feel bad for DC, he is going to come and go, sure he'll make some money. However, DA will have an impact on our society, and will effect people all around the world with his voice and his music.

That my friends is the Truth!!!

[JAY Hiatt]

With all the comments that are being posted here for DA and DC. I can tell you that the way that DA and DC are going to make their money is by internet sell. Learn how to profit from the internet with American Idol and other business, at www.BulkBits.com.

David A. is and should have been the American Idol. He basically represents everything that is good and pure in music and with the children and new generations and older generation should look up to him, with his passion with his music. DA will affect the world with his music.

[makayla1986]

You've Got to be kidding, cluephone! David Archuleta is compared to Perry Como (my great grandma music) There is no way I would listen to that on the radio!! David Cook has an Awesome voice! I could listen to that night and day! Maybe when your old enough to get out of Romper Room you'll know the difference. AMERICA GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brandon]

In my opinion, Archie was the best contestant that season and he should have won by a landslide. He clearly murdered Cook on the performance night. I agreed with everything Simon said that night. Archie blew Cook out of the water. The fact that Simon apologized to Cook was good I guess, but it made me think that he knew David Cook was going to win and didn't want to look bad. I'm pretty sure it was even more obvious when Simon watched it at home that David Archuleta won all 3 rounds tuesday night. I think I do agree with the reverse psychology thing to. David Archuleta should have won. In my opinion, David Cook is just a rocker. David Archuleta pours his heart and soul into every performance, and his rendition of "With You" wasn't that bad. He is clearly the better singer, and it was his dream. He will be big no matter what. In my opinion, Archie is still a winner:) He'll have a great career in music.

[Rhiannon]

I love american idol!!!! it is so much fun to wach!!!!!!!

[Liana Carbon]

I grew to really love David Cook's amazing performances. Each time he took a cliched or familiar song and turned it into a masterpiece. I do hope that some of the songs he sang on the show will be considered for a future CD, songs such as Billie Jean, and The First Time Ever I saw Your Face. He made them both new and alive. I wouldn't call myself a rocker fan, but I will certainly buy anything David Cook puts out. And I think David A will go far as well. Both have talent, just in different ways, and with different styles of music.

[dudi]

first of all lol - jean ann's comment
second i think this was a cliff richard vs. rod stewart kind of battle though i dont think cook is as special as rod. apples vs. oranges. still archuleta was the better choice i believe

[megan]

I was overjoyed when David Cook's name was announced as the winner of AI7. He is truly unique and has a great voice. Cook could sing uptempos, ballads, rock and roll songs and he made songs unique (Hello, You'll Always Be My Baby, Billie Jean). Archie did have a nice voice but he was only good at one thing: ballads. He was not diverse AT ALL and I know that got old for many people. Ballads may sound nice on an album but good luck trying to sell out concerts for Archie....people don't want to spend fifty bucks to sit in a hot stadium for an hour and a half to hear non stop ballads. They want diversity, and Cook has that. (Cook reminds me soooo much of Keith Urban on stage, another GREAT entertainer) Cook had the "IT" factor that Archie didn't. Archie will be successful, but he better start making more modern, uptempo music instead of old fashioned sloowwww songs, because if he doesn't, mark my words, that boy will be gone in 5 years. Radio doesn't want to play old fashioned songs, they want modern music.

SO CONGRATS TO DAVID COOK HE DESERVED IT HE'S SO HUMBLE AND HE HAS BEEN THE BEST. SIMON WAS A JERK AND SO WERE MANY PEOPLE FOR CLAIMING ARCHIE TO BE THE WINNER.

[Holly]

WAY TO GO DAVID COOK!! I am soo glad that DC won! Since I'm from Canada I couldn't vote, but America defineately got it right. David Archuleta is a really cool kid who has a great future ahead of him, but I was all for DC from the very start!

[rex]

I think that both davids are good when it comes to singing and it is a fact that both can sing. But i'm a huge fan of David Cook because he is so versatile when it comes to singing and he makes it to a point to make a song sound his own. I'm very happy that he won AI and I know that he will go a long way on his career and be successful on his craft. Go go go DAVID COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brett Hill]

Watching AI these past years, this has got to be the absolute best! Both David's were gerat--David Cook should have and did win it. David A. has a great voice but not a great pressence. Perhaps in time he will mature and develop a stronger stage pressence.

Cooks voice and pressence as a musician is compelling, full of character and embodies the true soul of music-that's why he received 12mil more votes. He is the quintessential American Idol.

I expect that he will produce one of the most memorable mega-selling tracks the world has yet to see. I predict he will soar above Daughtry, Underwood and Clarkson. By the way...who are the others?

B
www.hotpluto.com

[EJD]

People may love David Archuleta, but you must admit that David Cook has the experience and wide variety of fans and musical styles he can pull off singing. It seems Archie has been a ballad-crooner, and it is only the tween girls who love him. David Cook can do both of these, and more. I've been hoping he wins since Day One! Can't wait for David's album!

[justin]

my man is sooo funney!!! I love this kid and I will always google him. He's really interesting and amazing.
I will buy all his cds!!!
Thankyou for your time. lol.
This guy is hilarious... He is the best person I have ever knew.

[lala]

from the many comments here, the archie fans are apparently very sore losers. no one said archie did not have a good voice . . . but david cook won because people wanted something different and he is amazing. comparing him or his voice to archie's is like comparing apples to oranges. i really wish the archie fans would get over themselves, and i hope they DONT watch the show next year so we can continue to see more exiciting winners! see ya in disneyland, archie fans!

[mikki]

There is no doubt DC deserved to win because the winner should be based on the whole season of performances. DA has his moment of brilliance but DC is more consistently brilliant. I find it weird though when Simon apologize to DC for his critique in the finale. Clearly, DA won the night but not the season. Thanks to LA Times Richard, Stephanie and Ann(at least the later part of the season) for their objectivity and impartiality. I am looking forward to buying the CD of both Davids. They are both incredible singers.

[Brett]

To Tara: Have you ever heard "the children shall teach their parents"...maybe your kids no more than YOU would be willing to think!

David Cook did an awesome job! David Archuleta did an awesome job! Both are winners!

[MF]

When I first heard Cook's rendition of HELLO, I was impressed. But when I heard Cook singing TIME OF MY LIFE at the radio, I was like, EWWW, thin voice, some notes off, and his rock voice was forceful, unlike Daughtry who has a broader and more natural sounding voice.

Then I started thinking, was it because I heard HELLO so many times in it's pop and lame version, and when I suddenly hear a different edgier version, I feel refreshed and surprised, therefore I was impressed? And I was thinking, if a new song was given to Cook, he'll sound just like other rock band, maybe even not as good because he has a thin voice.

Archuleta, on the other hand, has a solid voice, and this will carry him for many years to come, and will stand to be timeless. By the way, he didn't butcher Chris Brown's WITH YOU, I admit he had tempo issues and his phrasing was off, but give him some time to polish the song, and he will definitely bring the house down.

[Meka]

In this year's AI, I have heard good and bad from both Davids. I have enjoyed both. Both are different and unique in their own way. Best of luck to both David's I say. They seem like they respect and admire each other. Maybe we can follow in their lead and respect each other's ability to choose based on our own sense of individuality. I hope they both do awesome!

[AFE]

Cowell's good but come on... A 12-million vote margin is hardly based on sympathy or the result of Simon's critique on Tuesday's finale. Both Davids are talented, but Cook's originality, maturity and stage presence are the reasons behind his well-deserved win.

[Jessica]

David Archuleta is like a breath of fresh air in hollywood. Not only is he quite possibly one of the most talented singers in the industry, but hes so humble and sincere. I've heard way too many lindsay lohan stories for my liking, and Archie who is far younger than lohan in age seems lightyears more mature. I love his music and how much emotion he puts behind every single performance, he's fantastic, and I cannot wait for his CD to come out.

Also, I really love how Archie wants to focus on school, it seems that everytime anyone gets a little famous (miley cyrus, vanessea hudgens and company) school is no longer a priority because they think they will be acting forever. Its so great to see an extremely talented teen, but its even better to see a teen whos not blinded by the spotlight. Archuleta understands the fleeting quality of fame, and its great to see someone his age with that mentality.

archuleta is one of the only stars in hollywood who is a great role model, and i think that quality alone will bring him tremendous success. I cannot wait to hear his album and see what the future has in store for our beloved american idol.

[Simon Says]

The reason I'm writing is that I'm hoping maybe you might do the right thing and expose the fraud American Idol has committed against the

American people. (Over $250,000.00 last year alone) Several times I've tried to get someone in the mainstream media to report this with no luck. In a nutshell American Idol has

held a songwriting contest 2 years in a row. Last year 25,000 people entered the contest at $10.00 each for a chance at fame and fortune, and thousands and thousands more

entered this year. (At $10.00 each) The problem is.......

1. It was advertised as an amateur songwriting contest. (The winner is a pro, with several #1 hits including having a one of his songs on the NEW Clay Aiken CD)

2. The contest was rigged from day one. How do I know this? Easy....Out of tens of thousands of entries only 20 are chosen for an online vote.
But out of the top 20 you have....
1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD's.
2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD.
3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show "Unhitched".
4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors.
5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll's CD.
6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Winner (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD
7. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Winner (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer of the Winner of 2007's American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne.

So we have 3 out 20 on Clay Aiken CD's. We also have the winner of this year and the winner of last years songwriting contest are good friends and co-writers on several songs. You

get better odds of getting struck by lightning while buying a winning lottery ticket. What you see above is just the tip of the iceburg, and only deals with this years contest, last year's

contest is even worse. (10 of the 2007 Top 20 Finalist had working relationships with Judge Paula Abdul, Judge Randy Jackson, Host Ryan Seacreast, Bandleader Rickey Minor,

Idol Producer Clive Davis, American Idol, Fox Television ...... IF someone will only check out my webpage you would find everything I'm saying has links to prove it. Please do

something about this. Thank you, Simon

http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com

[Tessa]

To Love Archeletta: Get a grip - good grief! Both David's were very good, but I found myself looking forward to seeing what David C would do with a song each week. I think David A has a pure and very good voice, but cmon it was the same song every week. He has absolutely no personality - all he said was Thank you, Thank you the entire season. But at least he didn't ramble on like that bimbo Brooke. When you get to the final two there really is no loser - both these guys will do fine.

Good luck to both of them - I wish David A would have waited a couple of years before going on the show - I really think his immaturity hurt him.

[Katie]

I think both of the David's are wonderful in their own way, but i absolutely love David Archuleta.! he is my idol. Literally. He has the purest, most sensational voice that I have ever heard on a 17 years old boy in my life. I am so glad he auditioned! I have been following him through the whole show, and on the night of the finale i had butterflies in my stomach! and when Ryan Seacrest said David.. COOK! i cried for a half an hour. i have a CD of every some he has done, including auditions, thousand miles, angels in the alleyway and the most beautiful part is..! yeah. i basically love him! best singer this season. Even Randy thought so. ! :) Well i have to go know. But i am so excited for Archie's CD! hopefully it will be soon, cause i can't wait too long! haha. well i love you David Archuleta! and if you are reading this, keep going with singing because you are amazing. It gives me chills every time I hear you sing. You have an incredible voice that I can't put into words. So keep singing, and I hope your future is full of accomplishments.

Love Always
Katie. :)

[Louise7]

I am really happy that the first time american Idol they choose the right winner. The year before i was really sad Melinda Doolittle didn't win. But she doing really great she will released her first album at the end of the summer. New website to supporting her at www.mdstreetteam.com We tried to reach her fans to supporting her.

[Judy Martin]

David Archuleta rocks and my daughter loves him.She just can't wait for the tour because I bought her tickets for her birthday.David incase u read these just wanna say good luck in everything you do.

[jojo]

just wanna say..............
i just LOVE the 2 davids.....heheü
they are the best......
and this seas0n of american idol is really the Best am0ng the rest....^__________^

[ilydc]

ok you guys cmon david a duz hav a talent io will admit that but he never stood out for me he was jus the little boy in the back but he did prove himself and ill give him props for that. but david cook wow wow that is an amazing talent. whoever sed hes jus a rocker and duznt hav the voice youre wrong. look bak at billie jean and music of the night. the first time ever i saw your face. he slammed it out of the park with out anay instruments. he definitely deserved to win david a was just too much like the other idols

[Louise]

Melinda Doolittle the talented vocalist with a heart of gold. The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September