DA You were outstanding! Finishing second in the end might prove to be more of blessing than it might now appear. Your future is very bright and I expect to see and hear a lot more from you in the very near future. Best of luck, I'm proud of you.

Simon is FAR too smart to have to "save face" and apologize to Cook. He is way ahead of all of us. Remember, he created this show. It is just an act so that less people realize just how rigged American Idol is and how little their votes really matter. American Idol needs some good, stiff, HONEST competition from a show that is much more AMERICAN and honest in their voting.

I had a choice tonight of either watching Idol or playing Computer Chess with my Daughter. Computer Chess Won. After the Starting Show, I think I only watched 2 of the shows all season and those for background noise.

DA WAS BY FAR THE BEST. IT MAKES ME WONDER HOW MUCH THE VOTING REALLY COUNTS IN SELECTING THE WINNER. BUT NO MATTER WHAT THE RESULT WAS, I BELEIVE ARCHULETA WILL BE THE ONE WITH THE BRIGHTEST FUTURE.

Anonymous- I have to agree with you! I really thought DAvid A did great on Tuesday night (I always thought he was the better talent) But I also found it odd that Simon was making it seem like David Cook was so bad when really his performances were about like they had always been. I think he was rallying David Cook's audience! And then when Simon apologized on to Cook on Wednesday... oh come on

I am so glad that David A won't have to have American Idol shackle his life anymore! He is a star without them!

I WILL NEVER, EVER WATCH AMERICAN IDOL AGAIN SINCE THAT GUY WITH THE CRAZY HAIR-DO WON. DAVID A. WON ALL THE WAY IN MY OPINION. I HAD MADE UP MY MIND IF HE DID NOT WIN, NEVER WOULD I WATCH AMERICAN IDOL AGAIN...... DAVID A. TRULY WON!!!!

Awesomeron, oh thanks for sharing with all of us just how unconcerned you were about AI this year. You were so unaffected that you were one of the first people that came here to add your 2 cents worth.

David A. is extremely talented, but the best man won.
David A. will still have an amazing career, you don't need to win for that to happen.

They both were outstanding.

it is dismally apparent that des news has nothing more important to report than american idol ad nauseum. idol begets idolatry. think about it. go jazz.

This years voting has conspiracy theory written all over it. Simon Cowell has wanted Cook all along and the way they set him up as the underdog the night before and Cowell knowing that people love to vote opposite of him reeks with the stench of a set up. My daughter made me a best of American Idol CD and I enjoy listening to Archie and Brooke but I skip most the others. Cook seems like someone who should sing at your school dance.

I was a bit surprised that David A. did not win. I think he will do fine though. I'm sure he'll get his own recording contract too. Maybe he can go back and finish high school for his senior year.

Good luck David. I thought you were the best singer by far. You have a great future ahead of you.

Let Down??? Far from it. Simon's comments on Tuesday night reflected who he thought did better on thier performances but did not necessarily mean they would win. His voice is stronger and Simon recognizes his talent. I am a big DA admirer and don't look at it as a loss. He is a prodigy, at a young age his voice is so pure and strong. As he gets older and more polished he will be a force in the music industry. He didn't win the title, but he launched his career and has a strong fan base 40 million plus votes is nothing to sneeze at. The sun still rose this morning, it's a new day and David Archleta is on his way! I for one will buy his music and even though I think David Cook is also talented I would not buy his. They are both winners, It's done, the proof is in the pudding let's see what happens now.

If I was a producer of american Idol I'd want David Cook to win too. He's more marketable by far. He just can't sing as well as David Archuleta.

Both Davids need to comb their hair. Sometimes I don't myself, but if I were on tv I would certainly make it a priority.

Dear Archuleta Fans, whatever we do, please let's not pull the "Mormon Card" or feel victimized by yesterday's veredict. I personally preferred Archuleta over Cook, but let's face it: The name of the show is American IDOL, and I don't think Archuleta's goal was to become an idol for people. He was in it (I think) to display his amazing talent, to have fun. Because he is so young, he will have lots of chances to make it big. I'm sure he'll get to choose what he wants to do with his singing career. Thanks, DA, for charming us all with your amazing voice.

Meanwhile in reality away frome 'reality TV'...

Ethiopia has a famine and could lose over 100,000 kids lives in the next four weeks according to the world food programme.

China was devastated by an earthquake and has lost more than 40,000 lives, with a death toll likely to exceed 60,000 as they dig out the dead. Some schools lost nearly all kids at school because they weren't earthquake safe. (Considering Stephenson's refusal to fund the Earthquake standards review of all our public schools, this should get a real outcry from Utah parents because of the potential loss of kids' lives when the big one hits).

Myanmar is in danger of losing more than 100,000 lives because of disease and starvation after being pounded by a Cyclone. Again children are the hardest hit.

Yet in Utah, true mourning and hardship that these other nations cannot understand has happened over the loss of the AI crown makes the top of the news.

David A is a great singer and appears to be an outstanding young man. Hats off to him! However, his downfall was at times he was called "boring". He could be compared to the high school teacher who teaches directly out of the book. Excellent lesson, but not always a lot of originality and just missing something. David Cook was more original; taught some out of the book, but also threw in enough original things to spice it up and make every lesson different and exciting. Cook sang different songs in the finals as well, and David A repeated Imagine. There again, literally more of the same. Even though Imagine was beautiful, it emphasized the point that David A sounded the same almost every song. That will be fine for the future, and make for an outstanding career, but for a talent show, a larger repertoire is what it is all about.

Just like with the vote of Mitt Romney, I have to say that Mormons are the biggest "sore losers, filled with sour grapes," that I have ever witnessed!! Bet most of you think that had somthing to do with the results. I beleive his overpowering Mormon father, had a lot to do with it.

Hey David Archuleta didn't fall short in anyway in his performances. The voters are the ones who fell short and didn't cast the right vote. Cause David A. was definately doing his part and was the definate right choice! The voters did him wrong!

Oh,...I never watched a single episode, but my family lives for it and were rooting for DA, I just knew how Mormons would react, after hearing the results, if he lost! Was the other David a Mormon?...Guess that explains it all.

I think after reading this article that David Archuleta is such a good sport more so then his cheering section. Cause he's looking at the big picture where alot of his fans (after reading some comments here and in other places) see only that David Cook ws crowned Anerican Idol and not him. But he sees it differently and positive - like he always does. Hey I would be glad that now I wouldn't have to be in front of judges and I don't have to sing what they tell me to sing,etc. Now he can choose. WAY TO GO DAVID ARCHULETA YOU WILL GO FAR!!

Victory for vote for the worst.com! Using internet and pc-generated texting programs we finally were able to thwart Simon and the will of the people.

Our dialing power was too much for the little nimbled-fingered tweenies!

The American Idol machine got the person they wanted for the winner. This is what they always do. Votes counting? Doubt it. And I really doubt that in a season where all we heard over and over was, "the votes were soooo close", suddenly there is a twelve million vote margin?

David...go out and do exactly what the guy from a previous season that came in second did. He outsold, outperformed, outdid the winner by far. You will too.

Hope to here your songs on the radio and the tv soon David Archuleta keep singing .

Maybe, for now David A just needs to concentrate on finishing high school and being able to grow up and gain a stronger personality. David C won by votes and by the judges, time to move forward. Good going David A now see how that diploma can match your voice

Amen "Perspective".

Get over yourself! With all that is bad in the world, what's wrong with something good. What have you done today to help out in Ethiopia, China and Myanmar?

I too was disappointed, like 42 million other fans, but DA has incredible vocals and will have an incredible career. No victims here, Cook won and so be it. According to DA, Cook is like an older brother to him, so we congratulate the winner and move forward.

It seemed like both Paula Abdul and Simon Cromwell were relieved that Cook won, so I doubt there was any conspiracy; they just liked Cook better as an AI...DA represented himself and his family VERY well.

It's just as political as the NBA games. Of course David A was the clear winner, no one can question that. Unless they are tone deaf.
David A now has the advantage over David C and is free to do whatever he wants to do, Where as Cook belongs to American Idol.

American Idol was a wonderful idea for a television show. Now it is time for some good old "American competition"---there is plenty of room in this market for competition and it will help to keep everyone more honest.

I love David A, he was by far the most talented singer. But I have to admit that David Cook is also a great singer and is more the American Idol type. Even David knew that Cook was going to win. Even though I voted for Archie i kinda didn't want him to win because look at the record Except for Underwood and Clarkson the runner up does better in his or her career.

David Keep your head up and remember you are truly an amazing kid! You will by far reach your dreams

Great job David !!!!!

I don't know you and probably never will but I am so proud of you and commend you for your efforts. You are a great singer and a very nice person (I can just tell by your deamnor).

You whiners are all so strange. Can't you just appreciate a good competition and quit being sore losers, when you are actually just the 'watchers'? Learn a lesson about being gracious by watching David A. last night, who, by the way, admitted this morning that he was just glad it was over. Do you really think he isn't going to have a career? Haven't you ever heard of Daughtry?? And lets not diss David C., a very good friend of David A.'s who is very talented and extremely well-spoken. How can you not feel happy for him? What is wrong with humanity? I though people in Utah were Christians. Perhaps you should look the term up in the bible dictionary to refresh your memories and then follow the age old adage, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

GROW UP! Have you ever heard of being a good sport? Quit being a baby. If David A. is all right, so should you! GROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Job David A.! Thanks for putting Murry, Utah on the map.

I just find it amusing how serious so many of you take this show. It is ENTERTAINMENT, nothing more, nothing less. Entertainment is a valuable resource so that we can get away from our troubles once in a while, but to get so frazzled over the outcome is at best pathetic. But at least it gives you guys something to talk about.

p.s. congrats to the person who decided to play chess with your daughter and spending actual time with one another.

I wonder how many D-news readers jumped off a cliff when this happened.

I am a 52 year old single man. I never watched American Idol before, but when I saw Davey on there I became mesmorized. Last night's loss turned me into a certified grump. I love you David, I truly love you.

Put your conspiracy theories aside, folks. Who really cares who won? Its not like it is a guarantor of success in the music business.

David A's 2nd place finish is probably the best thing that could happen for the kid. He's LDS, and may feel inclined to serve a mission one day. As THE American Idol, he would probably have a harder time getting out there without the media following him everywhere, and Idol producers enticing him to come perform every year for the finale. So yeah, 2nd place will allow him to drop out of the public eye more easily for a couple years, should he choose to serve a mission.

Are you kidding me that people were actually crying when he lost? What gives!?!?!? Don't see people cry that we are at war, or that we pay $500 a month in gas, but oh my gosh, David Archuletta lost!!!! Oh the insanity, did he die or something?? Please stop with the coverage of a GAME SHOW and give us NEWS!!! People are dying all over the world and all we care about is a teenager who can sing!

I think the judges praises of David A. on Tuesday's performance night made it seem to be a clear cut win for him. I think DA's fans might not have voted as much as they normaly would have if they thought the competition was closer. I think the show set it up that way for ratings and in the end it may have hurt Archuleta.

I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished and the example he has been to so many! I can't fathom that America did not see that on Tues. night. I am shocked by the results! Though he didn't officially win, to make it that far is still a victory. I wish David A. much success, happiness, and all the best for the future. We appreciate all you have shared with us. Continue to stay the way you are-genuine, humble, and a light for all!!

One Phone, One Vote

I think it was the evangelical vote that cost David A. the title.

So David Cobain....err, I mean Cook....won American Idol, further entrenching itself in the notion that AI is a popularity contest, not a singing contest.

You can find a voice like Cook's in just about any coffee shop in Washington state. You can't find a voice like Archuleta's anywhere. Even the most die-hard Cook fan will admit that Archuleta absolutely whipped Cook vocally throughout the competition, and especially on Tuesday night.

Oh well, looks like a win/win/win situation. AI gets what they want (a marketable singer who will bend to their will), Cook gets what he wants (a guaranteed record deal despite the fact that he's not unique in any way), and Archuleta will get a better record deal than AI could provide, he'll be on the store shelves faster, and he'll have more say over his career. So it's a good day for all involved.

For Scott Pierce to begin the article, "Sometimes, nice guys don't quite finish first" is really rude. So David Cook isn't a nice guy? He's been nothing but classy the whole time.

You're the only one mentioning the Mormon conspiracy theory on why DA didn't win. To state that the "Mormons" are the biggest group of "Sore Losers" just make you sound like a complete idiot, which you probably are. Most likely you are a religious bigot, who just sits around all day looking for reasons to take cheap shots at the Mormon church. What a way to go through life. My comment "Get a life."

Sorry, but I am putting the Mormon card on the table. When several public opinion polls indicated that around 40% of the American public held a dim view of Mormons I was very skeptical. Now, after the Romney campaign and the Archuleta deal I believe what the polls say about Mormons. What is disturbing is that a large segment of the population does not find it attractive or “cool” to support people like Romney and Archuleta who live clean lives. They are as people say, “nerdy”. Romney and Archuleta were by far the most talented in their respective fields but have been rejected by the general population. It just seems so many cannot believe that there really are people like Romney and Archuleta that are “too good to be true”. They get rejected because they are “phonies”. As soon as the feature articles started appearing a month ago about Archuleta wanting to serve a mission for his church his support nation wide started going down. Losing by 12 million votes is a landslide. Archuleta’s talent is not a gap of 12 million votes from Cook’s. Something else is going on here and we all know what it is.

I really would have enjoyed the finale if Kristy Cook and Jason Castro were in the finals...

Wow! What an obvious hatred toward Mormons! This wasn't about being a mormon. It was about talent. People are just expressing their views over two different styles of singers, and their personalities and talent, but people like you, with a dislike for mormons has to interject this hatred in any comment forum that discusses views where a mormon is involved. I'm not mormon, but I don't feel the need to bias bash them. Get a life.....

Nantz....get a life!