Finishing off the seventh season of Fox’s reality hit, Missouri-native David Cook took home the title Wednesday night after beating out 17-year-old David Archuleta.
“I’m absolutely at a loss for words right now,” Cook said through tears. “This is amazing — thank you!”
Cook then performed ballad, “Time of My Life”
Over 97.5 million finale votes — an Idol record! — were cast to determine the winner. Ryan Seacrest announced that Cook won by 12 million votes.
Cook was fighting an uphill battle: after Tuesday night’s David vs. David three song showdown, Cowell declared Archuleta “a knock out.”
“I feel really good,” Archuleta gushed to joyoncam.com on Tuesday. “Both me and Cook just gave it all we had and even though Simon wasn’t so favoring Cook, he did so well.”
Cook agreed with Cowell that it was Archuleta’s night. “I have to concede it,” he told Usmagazine.com. “The kid came out all three songs and nailed it. But I walk away from this with my head held high.”
The 25-year-old bartender has had a rough season: he was rushed to the hospital in April after suffering from heart palpitations and high blood pressure. He still managed to perform Dolly Parton’s tune “Little Sparrow” on the show.
Later that month, he broke down in tears after performing Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” in front of his brother, Adam, 36, who is battling brain cancer.
Throughout the season rumors swirled about Archuleta’s overbearing father Jeff.
In early May the Associated Press and TMZ reported that Jeff (who has insisted to Usmagazine.com that he’s “no stage dad”) was banned from backstage and show rehearsals.
The final straw was when Jeff reportedly insisted his son switch up the lyrics of “Stand by Me” ton include a verse from Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls,” despite warnings from show producers not to do so.