David won!
It was supposed to be David Archuleta's night. Even David Cook had crowned him the "American Idol" champion.
Cook's victory Wednesday night happened for several reasons and illustrated why "American Idol" is the best show on television. The country's top-rated show certainly proved why with season seven's finale.
Guest stars from ZZ Top to Seal graced the Nokia stage as the Fox hit staged its 'David Show.'
What happened?
"American Idol" works so well because of the element of surprise. Whether it is the early exit of a fan favorite, Carly Smithson or Tamyra Gray, or tonight's victor, David Cook, the nation's number one show continues to show year after year why it is number one.Unlike the highly publicized presidential campaign between Obama, Clinton and Republican nominee John McCain (all appeared on this season), there are no exit polls. The audience, pundits, experts, music industry big-wigs, they all put forth their opinion on what is going to happen on "American Idol" when it gets down to two. This particular year was especially honed to make viewers believe that the baby-faced kid from Utah was going to be the champion.
The landslide
The show broke international phone records with its 95 million-plus turnout for voting between the Davids. The fact that Cook won by 12 million votes proves that despite what everybody thinks they know about "American Idol," no one can predict the unpredictability of the American people.
When Ryan Seacrest announced that there were a record number of votes and that the margin of victory was 12 million, it was easy to draw the conclusion that the last name after 'David" read as the winner would be Archuleta.
American Idol finale keeps improving
"American Idol" begins with a spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of hopefuls line stadiums dreaming of making it as the next Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken. As the field narrows over the months, it draws to a crescendo with the Final 12 through the finale.With musical guests lining up to perform on the Nokia stage for the finale, the show's music line up has improved over time as their viewership has grown. From Tom Jones singing in earlier seasons to global superstar George Michael making his first American television appearance in years, "American Idol" proved tonight why it is, even after seven years, the best show on television.
