Cook wins American Idol 7 by 12 million votes.

From being a cannon fodder in my book to nailing all (well, at least for me) his performances in the finals—Eleanor Rigby, his first finals perf easily converted me to a fan—Cook grabs the title and poses as one of the most successful contestants ever. Admit it, you’ll even download Dream Big if that ever comes out in his debut. Looking back, I think, since Hello in the semifinals, David’s road to this big win has already been paved. And even if Archuleta stumped him last night in the competition, it seemed that his consistency throughout the season is not that easy to beat. Congratulations to David Cook for living up to the true definition of an American Idol.

I’m definitely watching out for this guy.

Now, who else can’t wait until the next set of bad auditions roll on our TVs? Sheesh, January seems so far. Lots of things can happen (including Ramiele Malubay’s visit to the Philippines or maybe, Syesha Mercado’s first film feature, haha!).

See you next season, guys! Cheers!

Round One: Clive Davis’ Choice

David Cook – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

Cook sang this really well and with excitement-inducing impeccability. This is my favorite of his for the night. The long echoing note at the end is the most earth-shattering, mind-blowing I’ve heard all season.

David Archuleta – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me

Archuleta went all out with Clive’s favorite Idol song. He came out with unbelievable stage presence and gritty determination. This is truly the most revelatory performance of the season; a sign that Archulator is not about to let go of the competition and is definitely up for a fight. I am stunned with awe.

Round 1 goes to Archuleta for coming out with resonating confidence which burned down the cool atmosphere that Cook initially set up.

Round Two: Contestant’s Choice (New Song)

David Cook – Dream Big

Cook went the inspirational route in this round, choosing an uptempo number with encouraging lyrics. Again, Cook sang this like as a pro and this is the kind of song I’m sure he’ll be recording.

David Archuleta – In This Moment

Archuleta took the egotistical route and sang “Simon’s favorite song” with “self-centered” lyrics. His usual melismatic take was almost absent and what resulted was something pure-sounding, simple and beautiful.

Round 2 goes to Archuleta for an arguably better and more competitive song choice which, fortunately, was not given his usual overwrought treatment. Meanwhile, Cook is merely “having fun playing with 7,000 people”.

Round Three: Contestant’s Choice (Any Song)

David Cook – The World I Know

Cook went mellow with his last song. The performance was soothing and awesome, laced with Cook’s gyrating vocals. I loved the high falsetto at the ending.

David Archuleta – Imagine

Archulator sang the Archuleta anthem which we won’t ever grow tired of (even if we think we will) hearing him sing. For a finisher, it wasn’t that ground-breaking power ballad like in seasons past but oddly, it had the same awe-inducing effect.

For the night’s third and last round, Archuleta definitely assumed the upperhand with a stronger song choice that will be more memorable for voters.

Verdict

Cook gave us a tiny little concert tonight. Every performance was in its own right executed in an almost flawless fashion and defines Cook’s ability and identity as an artist. All three songs make up for what seem like a teaser for his debut album.

Archuleta gave us the impression that he’s so in it to win it. It was an all-out display of the young guy’s competitive and unwavering spirit. The Archulator was officially fierce; he was incredible; he blew me away.

Tonight was more of a concert for Cook, but isn’t American Idol more a competition than anything else? I was expecting an all-out bout from the two. And it so seemed that it was only Archuleta who lived up to that expectation. Cook has been consistently stellar all season, tonight definitely not an exclusion. But Archuleta peaked in the most important night of the competition and I can only guarantee that he swayed a lot of middle-voters to his side.

Bold Prediction

Alas, I finally surmise, David Archuleta emerges as the seventh American Idol.

[Note: Unlike the usual, this week's performances are arranged in the show's chronology. Rankings are stated in the last paragraph of each round.]

Round One: The Judges’ choice

David Archuleta – And So It Goes (Billy Joel)

A good choice by Paula and a good opener from David. His sweet-sounding vocals, unfortunately predictable take on the song in disregard, reminds us of why we rooted for him in the first place

Syesha Mercado – If I Ain’t Got You (Alicia Keys)

Syesha as per Randy’s choice tackled Alicia’s most beloved and sang it just a few notches above the amateur singer but never really measured up to the original. I personally think it’s not a good choice for her but the fans, if ever she has won a solid many, are probably happy.

David Cook – First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)

I side with Simon for choosing “something different” for David. This performance brings to mind Clive Davis choosing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” for Bo Bice. David proved he can do justice to a song even when he loosen up. The ultimate note of glory absolutely won me over.

Idol classic moment: Simon chooses the song for David because his girlfriend says he embodies it and disses Randy’s choice. Randy bellows “I love him” at David and gets back at Simon by saying he loves rocker David more. Now, is Randy snapping at Simon by way of overcoming his jealousy over David or what?

Round 1 goes to Cook for giving “something different” the same stellar performance he gives each week, with Archudiva trailing behind for a predictable take on a song and Syesha in the dead last, victim of being pitted to sing an awesome song that also happens to be the worst choice.

Round Two: Contestant’s choice

David Archuleta – With You (Chris Brown)

We should have seen this coming after Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls” made a surprising and unwelcome apparition last week. In David’s dire attempt to bring forth his “young” side, he tries to channel his inner Chris Brown and tackles on a popular R&B song. He doesn’t have enough blues to bring justice to it, his phrasing didn’t go well with the rhythm, and the dancing which was just moving his hips left and right looked ridiculous. But then those were probably enough to please his fans, the young squealing girls of America who’ll take anything and everything from him.

Syesha Mercado – Fever (Peggy Lee)

Syesha’s theatrics make a comeback this week basically in the form of a chair. Now, come on, if this is what she thinks will save her this week—which everyone thinks is impossible anyway—then let’s cut her some slack. so we focus on her singing but can’t help but remember how the great Paris Bennett from two seasons ago sang the bejesus out of this song and again, Syesha’s sexy take can’t measure up to that. Poor girl.

David Cook – Dare You to Move (Switchfoot)

Cook is no Jon Foreman. The beginning was sappy but as the song builds up and David makes the whole thing his own, the effort pays off and comes out as the winner of a mediocre second round.

Cook gets away with the second round for sheer awesomeness of the song choice. Archuleta comes second with points for boldness and Syesha is on the last spot yet again for being insufferably boring (Sorry girl, you get the coveted Cannon Fodder of the Season Award anyway).

Round Three: The Producers’ choice

David Archuleta – Longer (Dan Fogelberg)

This is a weird song choice from the producers for David as it is kind of lackluster and doesn’t do David any favor. On the positive side, at least the vocals on this one make us forget the horrible second performance (but there, I just reminded you). As expected, he sang it very well and definitely earned him a spot in the finale.

Syesha Mercado – Hit Me Up (Gia Farrell)

Finally a song that showcased the different textures of Syesha’s vocals. The lyrics “maybe I should turn it up a little bit more” couldn’t be more fitting. This is the Syesha I loved. It’s too late for her though ‘cos this might also be the most forgettable performance for voters. Thank God for chairs and Alicia Keys.

David Cook – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith)

In the smartest arrangement I’ve ever heard of this hackneyed piece, David blows us away with serious ferocity. This is arguably the night’s best. If there’s anything predictable here, and I’m looking at you Randy, it is that David is gonna be singing his ass off at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live next week.

Cook obviously wins it, for me, in round three. Syesha takes second place with one of my favorite performances of her—which, unfortunately, is her last. Archulator loses on my book but definitely wins the “hearts all over the world tonight”.

Hands down to David Cook for winning the night all out. David Archuleta should be more pressured, eh? Or not. I guess the teenage girls demographic is a force to be reckoned with. As for Syesha, I have only two words: Bye bye.

1. David Archuleta – Stand by Me (Ben E. King) and Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)

Okay, that “Beautiful Girls” snippet was a bit corny for me but it’s evident that David stole the night with very strong song choices coupled with his trademark soothing vocals.

2. David Cook – Hungry Like the Wolf (Duran Duran) and Baba O’Riley (The Who)

The first one was so-so but David certainly came back with a really great performance on the second take. I personally think Baba O’Riley is the night’s best.

3. Syesha Mercado – Proud Mary (Tina Turner) and A Change is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke)

Syesha’s Proud Mary was just okay and a tad shrieky. I really really loved A Change is Gonna Come though. I liked that she started it with that high note.

4. Jason Castro – I Shot the Sheriff (Bob Marley) and Mr. Tambourine Man (Bob Dylan)

Jason is so out of the competition. I thought he was gearing up for a fight with the last song until he screwed the lyrics. And was it just me or did he actually mouth “Don’t vote” while Ryan was announcing his numbers?

I can’t believe we’re just two weeks shy of the big finale. I’m hoping for a Davids face-off.

1. David Archuleta – Think of Me (from The Phantom of the Opera)

The only performance that sounded contemporary and less theatrical (although I’m not sure if that’s a plus for everybody; worked for me). And, as usual, David’s vocals were mesmerizing.

2. David Cook – Music of the Night (from The Phantom of the Opera)

Unadulterated vocals from David. It was nice to hear him lessen the roughness tonight. I loved the perf but I’m not sure if this is the side of David that we’d like to see. But who can blame him on ALW night?

3. Syesha Mercado – One Rock and Roll Too Many (from Starlight Express)

Syesha was both sassy and sexy performing this. She was also able to play to her strength, showing more personality in a perf than ever. There were just some bum notes in the middle that I didn’t like but other than that, Syesha buried the blandness of weeks past.

4. Carly Smithson – Jesus Christ Superstar (from Jesus Christ Superstar)

Carly certainly came out strong with this piece but I thought she shouted most of it. I prefer the sultry, controlled Carly of yesterweek.

5. Brooke White – You Must Love Me (from Evita)

I kind of liked that Brooke chose to restart. I thought the fact that she immediately knew she had to make the orchestra restart was smart (or, if not, staged). Nevertheless, Brooke’s struggle to focus didn’t take the dramatic effect this song has on me ever since. It was as though she’s really imploring America to love her after the mishap at the start.

6. Jason Castro – Memory (from Cats)

I don’t think Jason struggled. He did put effort into it and tried to make it his own. It’s just that the whole thing plainly didn’t work.

1. David Cook – Always Be My Baby

I went “he’s singing what?” when I found out that David is singing it. Well, who could’ve thought? That performance was undeniably hip and unpredictable. Okay, the beginning was sort of lousy but towards the middle and end, I was inwardly jumping up and down. Absolutely another iTunes-topper from the great Mr. Cook.

2. Carly Smithson – Without You

I might be biased but I really, really love it. I thought Carly didn’t oversing despite the song’s tendencies. The performance was sultry and controlled—a change I was bargaining for the moment I was spoiled that the Irish picked it. I think the judges might be the ones who were over-thinking the whole Carly Plantson thing, no?

3. David Archuleta – When You Believe

The performance seemed overwrought but the song requires it. David really sounded great as usual and the run at the end was again, beautifully executed.

4. Jason Castro – I Don’t Wanna Cry

From the moment I saw Jason devoid of his usual sting instrument, I already knew he’d be delivering really great vocals. I’m not into his song choice but I think tonight is his best vocal performance to date.

5. Syesha Mercado – Vanishing

Great vocals, good song choice. I’m astounded at how Syesha keeps on stepping it up each week and still not get the “winner vibe” for me. Go dark horse going on underdog! We love your talent but you’re not our favorite.

6. Kristy Lee Cook – Forever

Another competitive performance from an unlikely-to-win competitor. The beginning were sort of off for me but the ending with the high notes were just awesome. I loved it and I’m sure country fans are on their feet. WTH? Are we going to raise our white flags now after mourning for MJ?

7. Brooke White – Hero

I liked the rawness of the performance and the vulnerability in Brooke’s voice. I just thought that despite the originality, it just wasn’t competitive enough.

I actually loved everyone tonight. At least no one hit major suckage. I can’t wait for the iTunes studio versions!

1. David Archuleta – Angels

The run at the end did it for me. It was a beautiful song beautifully sang, as expected of The Archulator.

2. Jason Castro – Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Jason stole the show with that sincere version of the song. Another great week for him vocally as well.

3. Kristy Lee Cook – Anyway

Kristy picked the perfect song to lift her status on the show. That was a good song with good lyrics that helped showcase her vocal ability. Country really wins it on Inspirational night.

4. Syesha Mercado – I Believe

I give credit to Syesha for allowing this difficult song to show her range. This girl, tonight especially, is very underrated.

5. David Cook – Innocent

I didn’t like the first part of the performance but still David was able to save it in the end. Not a moment we’re gonna remember of David, like Simon said.

6. Brooke White – You’ve Got a Friend

Another not-quite-right performance. Brooke seemed tense and uptight during the whole course of it.

7. Carly Smithson – Show Must Go On

Didn’t like Carly’s song choice. The lyrics might be inspirational but the performance definitely did not get across as one. America, please save Carly Smithson!

8. Michael Johns – Dream On

Wasn’t he out of tune? I thought it was a bit shout-y as well. And I side with Simon again: It was “wannabe-ish”. Love the bluesy, soulful Michael of yesterweek better than the rocker Michael.

Country fans will surely put forth a big fight for KLC so we might be faced with the first shock elimination of the season. Please, not Carly!

1. Michael Johns – It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right

Michael reinstated his position in the competition with this one. My initial reaction: WOW. Just wow. Michael’s vocals sounded spot on. It was the perfect song choice with the perfect vocals which made for a perfect clincher for such a good Idol night. Easily tonight’s best and definitely joins the rank of the best Idol performances we’ll look back to in seasons to come.

2. Carly Smithson – Here You Come Again

Tonight’s is my favorite vocals from Carly ever. I thought it was very soothing. It was just right and not over the top like last week’s ultimate note of glory. I love it when Carly’s in this zone like when she sang The Shadow of Your Heart in the semis. Too bad, though, how Simon ruined the night for her. I realize that she hasn’t met Simon’s lofty expectations and that the two of them have different conceptions of who Carly really is as an artist.

3. Syesha Mercado – I Will Always Love You

The song was too big but I believe Syesha made up for it with the arrangement. I thought it was a good ploy to veer away from the fact that no one could really do it better than Whitney. Whitney is Whitney and Syesha is Syesha after all. I give credit to her for trying and for what I truly think is a brilliant arrangement of that oh-so-popular song. (If this performance is not an overall winner then at least that one note near the end might be a contender for the longest ever held by a contestant on Idol.)

4. David Archuleta – Smoky Mountain Memories

There’s this unexplainable awe that I feel every time I hear David sing ballads and tonight was not different. I really can’t wait for David to win this whole thing so he could go on making those Christmas song covers that I’ll surely love.

5. Jason Castro – Travellin’ Thru

At last, Jason stepped it up with the vocals tonight. This is my favorite vocals of his since Hallelujah. It made me realize that he can also compete with his vocals, not only through the uniqueness of his style (popularity among the girls notwithstanding). I’m hankering to hear the recorded version. Way to go!

6. Brooke White – Jolene

Another classic Brooke White performance. I liked that she brought a band with her on stage. But then this performance was very predictable. Is it just me or does she need to step her game up a bit? I’m loving Brooke each week, I just thought she might want to surprise us with a more challenging song that’ll show different side of her. Unless, of course, this is all that she is. Whatever it is, I’m fine with it either way.

7. David Cook – Little Sparrow

David delivered an average performance tonight. I didn’t really hate it but I didn’t love it either. I think it lacked the brilliance of his previous performances and all the better performances of the night.

8. Kristy Lee Cook – Coat of Many Colors

Kristy picked a typical country song (lyrics and all) and sang it in her typical made-for-country voice. If it’s not forgettable, like Simon said, then let me try “dull”. She looked astonishing, by the way. I wonder if she could’ve looked more gorgeous tonight.

9. Ramiele Malubay – Do I Ever Cross Your Mind

Does Ramiele want to go home? I thought country won’t suit her well but tonight felt like she wasn’t even trying. That performance didn’t have a moment to it and Ramiele seemed like she’s just whinging it.

I thought someone would sing Islands in the Stream. Maybe in the group performance tomorrow?

Of course, since his songs have been having major downloads galore from fans, his listeners growth rate on Last.fm was the highest last week. And with more songs coming in with the next few weeks of Idol, it has yet to peak I’m sure.

If this continues, we have more or less an idea of who will win it this season. The powers that be are ever watchful.

1. Michael Johns – We Will Rock You/We are the Champions (Queen, 1977)

I’ve always been a fan of the Johns so I am especially happy about his comeback tonight. It was as if his relatively mediocre past few weeks are inevitable so he can wow us with such impact this week. I loved how he mashed up the two songs together. I loved the transition and the arrangement, and most of all his rough frontman vocals.
2. David Cook – Billie Jean (Michael Jackson, 1983)

Vocally, tonight is David Cook’s best so far. He tackled the high lingering note in the middle without verging on shouting. He’s clearly taking the Daughtry route and I think he could even do better.

3. Syesha Mercado – If I Were Your Woman (Stephanie Mills, 1987)

Syesha’s voice sounded really good tonight. The song was the perfect choice for her as it allowed her to showcase all the pretty things she could do with her vocals.

4. David Archuleta – You’re the Voice (David Foster feat. Jeff Pescetto, 1990)

I totally agreed with Simon on the song choice. I thought it sounded like something out of a musical or Disney film where everyone would stop and dance. But that didn’t mean David was bad. He’s even beyond good. I am still a fan. I think choosing a non-ballad is actually a good move for him this week.

5. Carly Smithson – Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler, 1983)

It was so odd that Carly didn’t do great with a song I expected she would nail. It might be her being too tense and uptight throughout the song like Simon said. Nevertheless, I thought she went for too much with the last note. That I am pretty sure did not sound great. Still, I love the low notes and I bet that on another day, Carly could nail this song.

6. Ramiele Malubay – Alone (Heart, 1987)

I love this Idol power-singer song. Unfortunately, Ramiele didn’t chill my bones with her performance. This served as a catalyst for Carrie and both Gina and Carly sang it well. It was the opposite for Ramiele. The song showed up her limitations. I hate to admit this but I almost saw Jasmine Trias singing I’ll Never Love This Way again while watching this performance.

7. Brooke White – Every Breath You Take (The Police, 1983)

I actually thought Brooke’s mistake was horrible and that the judges were being too kind. Still, Brooke’s voice is almost faultless regardless of the song’s arrangement. We all love Brooke and it’ll take more than a few bad weeks to stop us from rooting for her.

8. Chikezie – If Only For One Night (Luther Vandross, 1985)

Once again, Chikezie showcased his smooth Vandross-esque vocals tonight. Ballads really suit him well. I am not sure about the second/third to the last note but I think that even if Chikezie is old school material, his got good underrated vocals and he’s even getting better week after week.

9. Kristy Lee Cook – God Bless the USA (Lee Greenwood, 1984)

Kristy got her glory night at last. I always thought her good country voice has been given less credit than it actually deserves.

10. Jason Castro – Fragile (Sting, 1987)

That was a so-so performance from Jason. He seemed like he wasn’t even in the competition. If this guy is not a fan favorite, he might have the potential to go tomorrow night. The only interesting part in that song that didn’t even peak was a Dr. Callie Torres (fyi: Sarah Ramirez, cast of Grey’s Anatomy) sighting before the judges’ comments!

Okay, I realize that this is an uninspired post. I guess I’ve raved too much with people that I got lot less enthused than I originally was after watching the show.

I almost forgot to complain about the theme! Who are they fooling? This is like a repeat of 80s week, isn’t it? Anyway, at least it’s not Beatles night a third time so we have something to be thankful for.

I’m guessing tonight is Kristy Lee’s last night. Or Ramiele’s. Or Chikezie’s.