'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

[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(: