Amidst much fanfare and excitement, David Cook, 25, was crowned American Idol in its seventh season, beating a younger David Archuleta, 17.

In a surprise result this former bartender from Blue Springs Missouri won by a margin of 12 million votes out of 97.5 million votes cast by U.S. viewers.

All through to the last day, David Archuleta had been the Judge’s favorite. Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul had showered Archuleta — nicknamed Little Archie — with constant praise, Cowell constantly undermining David Cook’s efforts and saying Archie had “delivered the knockout punch” that evening.

Simon Cowell, , had even told David Cook that his song choices handed a victory to Archuleta

But before the winner was announced, Cowell said the outcome “wasn’t quite so clear-cut as we called it” and apologized to Cook.

‘I didn’t really know if the apology was warranted,” David Cook later told reporters backstage. “I thought what he said was an opinion and nothing more. At no point did I feel disrespected. Yeah, I’m appreciative of the fact that he decided to apologize. An apology from Simon is a pretty rare gem.”

Despite the judges’ surprise, David Cook’s success was predicted by a number of online outlets. But his song choices throughout still proved to be rebellious in the wake of a long line of pop-orientated winners.
The 25-year-old victor’s three-song set included U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and The World I Know by Collective Soul. Earlier in the season Cook performed songs by the Who and Our Lady Peace, in one instance choosing to croon Chris Cornell’s version r of the Michael Jackson track Billie Jean - a truly outside-the-box pick
But Cook, with his gravelly voice and scruffy style, came in for criticism during the series, particularly from Cowell.

David Archuleta however won great applause from the judges for his song picks. He had opted for tracks such as John Farnham’s You’re the Voice and John Lennon’s Imagine, which he chose once again for Tuesday’s performance. He had also delivered a flawless performance of Elton John’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.

The final was a star-studded affair, with Canadian rocker Bryan Adams performing with the top six male singers. Also, George Michael wrapped up the show, singing a medley of hits alongside all 12 American Idol finalists.

David Cook said he is remaining realistic despite winning the show and a recording contract.
“I actually walked into this with no expectations and I’m walking out of it with no expectations. This show is a springboard,” he said.”