In a duel between Davids, David Cook defeated David Archuleta last night to become the seventh American Idol champion.
Soon after Ryan Seacrest made the announcment and confetti reigned on stage, Cook broke down in tears. Congratulations, David.
David Cook reacts to being named this season's American Idol champion.
Donning boxing gear during their introductions, David Cook and David Archuleta put on a classic battle during the American Idol finals.
But which singer delivered a knockout performance? Here's a look at the third song each sung last night. Decide the winner for yourself...
David Cook, "The World I Know":
David Archuleta, "Imagine":
Following her elimination from American Idol this week, Syesha Mercado sat down with People Magazine. Here are highlights from the interview:
Paula Abdul said you sang songs that didn't really define who you were. In your mind, who are you exactly as an artist?
I'm a mix of a lot of things ⦠I'm like a black Christina Aguilera [or] Alicia Keys. I definitely can see myself putting together a Christina Aguilera album, the one that she just recently did and an Alicia Keys album like The Diary of Alicia Keys. I like Pop and I like R&B and I like the old school, new school thing so I'm growing as an artist, I'm evolving ⦠You'll know who I am once I put out that album.
What are your plans after the American Idol tour?
I want to make an album. I want to star in a film. I want to do Broadway. I want to open up an organic restaurant. It just depends on what comes first but I have goals that I want to do and I write them down and I'm going to continue to look at them. Whatever opportunity comes first, what's the best career move for me, that's pretty much what's going to happen.
Syesha Mercado had an incredible run on American Idol. She was left for dead for many critics almost two months ago, yet improved enough every week to make it to the final three.
Mercado's elimination last night gives the country six days to prepare for the ultimate final: David Archuleta versus David Cook. Which is your favorite?
Syesha Mercado receives well-deserved cheers after her ousting.
What does Simon Cowell have to say about the all-David final next week: "We're going to have a real humdinger."
Amen.
While it may have been difficult to keep track of all the performances on American Idol last night - the three remaining contestants sang three songs each, good for a total of nine - it wasn't difficult to determine our favorite of the evening:
David Cook chose Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" and ended the night on a very high note. We hope he's still standing tall after next week's final.
Here's a video of Cook from last night:
Was Cook your favorite of the night? What did you think of David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado?
Jason Castro was voted off American Idol last night, but the laid back finalist left with a smile on his face.
Following an abysmal rendition of a Bob Marley classic on Tuesday night, Castro must have known his time was up. After being informed of the news by Ryan Seacrest, the dreadlocked crooner appeared to have fun with "I Shot the Sheriff," the same song that led Simon Cowell to tell him to pack a suitcase this week.
In the end, Simon was right - but at least Jason enjoyed every second of his time on the show. We wish him the best.
Last night's final four show on American Idol was more like a final three show, plus one.
Simon Cowell told David Archuleta that he "crushed the competition" with his rendition of "Stand By Me." Take a look at the performance now and see if you agree:
Jason Castro, conversely, was told to pack his suitcase after his attempt at Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Ouch.
We'll find out tonight if this Cowell suggestions rings true or not when one of the final four is sent home.
Following her American Idol elimination this week, Brooke White spoke to reporters. She was candid, as always, commenting on the confidence issues that plagued her throughout the competition.
"I was very honest and open about that struggle I have and, to be honest again, it escalated at times during Idol and other times I felt like I had a better handle on it," she said. "It was very much a roller-coaster ride.
"Tuesday I think I felt kinda a resurge of confidence that I hadn't felt in a long time, a lot of joy, gratitude for being in that place, and I think that's what gave me that boost. It felt great and even though I went home, it was wonderful to leave on that note.
"I know that Simon Cowell said it was a nightmare or whatever, but personally I think it was a great moment and I've such incredible support from fans, which also helps to kinda reassure you."
Following a couple surprise eliminations - we still haven't gotten over Michael Johns or Carly Smithon yet - American Idol viewers finally got it right last night.
We've been big Brooke White supporters all season, but it was time for this laid back singer to go. She forgot the lyrics last week, she wrote a few on her hand this week and she is simply overmatched vocally by the remaining finalists.
Best of luck in the future, Brooke.
Last night, the American Idol finalists sung two Neil Diamond songs each. After the first round of performances, they lined up on stage as the judges gave a quick critique of the opening renditions.
Paula Abdul initially criticized a lack of passion in the performance by Jason Castro... and then continued to bash the dreadlocked singer for his second song of the evening, WHICH HADN'T TAKEN PLACE YET!
As Randy, Ryan - and every American Idol producer, we're sure - scrambled to cover for Abdul, she rambled something about reading her notes for David Cook's audition by accident. But it was too late. The gaffe made it apparent that Paula actually reads notes based on the finalists' rehearsals, not their actual performances.
Take a look and decide for yourself:
In reality, of course, American Idol will carry on for years despite Abdul's flub last night. But will that insane judge be part of it in the future? Do you think she should be?
Let us know.
