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American Idol now has a rock star to add to its roster of talented #1 musicians. Season Seven's winner is David Cook, a self proclaimed "word nerd" who came to the auditions with his brother -- not to audition -- but for moral support. David, not his brother wound up getting that golden ticket. And he didn't stop there. Cook's strategic performances took him all the way to the top. 
This is one proud moment for the Kansas City bartender and his family. And this is really the fresh rejuvenation that American Idol needs to jumpstart its otherwise monotonous reality performance show. Ryan Seacrest noted "we're going to do it all over again" in January. So an eighth season is expected.
With the highest viewership ever -- 31.7 million -- a record setting 97.5 Million votes came in for the David Cook vs. David Archuleta sing-off. Cook received 56% of the vote while Archuleta got a respectable 44%. A twelve million vote lead wasn't a total wipe out, but many predicted (even judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson) it would be Archuleta with the mic in his hand ending the season.
Cook's coronation song, "Time of My Life" was written by the winner of AI's second annual songwriter contest, Regie Hamm. As much as it was Cook's moment - it was also Hamm's (who was in the audience watching). He says, after some prodding from his wife who watches American Idol, he wrote "Time of My Life" specifically for the competition. The tens of thousands of people who voted for it felt the connection and thought so too. The contest brought in thousands of songs, but by the time we got to hear and vote on any of them -- AI had it narrowed down to 20.
Season Seven's grand shebang was jam packed with entertainment. I was amused from start to finish. Bravo, very well done.
Third place finalist Syesha Mercado looked like she had the most fun of the night. No pressure, she didn't have to worry about competing. And she got to perform solo with Seal and Donna Summer! "Stamp Your Feet" is Summer's new hot single. The Queen of disco even handed Syesha her diamond microphone so she could sing her part of the song with bling!
Before you do -- I first want to ask you what your favorite story of the finale or season is? Do you think American Idol has enough umph for an eighth season?
American Idol is the sanctioning body for this finals week battle. It is on. After the boxers handshake boys, making nice should be over. It's time to belt it out. Let's get ready to rumble," Michael Buffer called out in that great announcer voice. In this corner... 
American Idol has had enough of David Archuleta's pesky father and gave him the boot. Jeff Archuleta is known as the "stage dad from hell."
He's supposedly interfered with the production of the show on numerous occasions -- from lyrics to vocal coaches, the band and other contestants. The nuisance is being stopped after some tinkering to a song last week cost the show money.
Jeff insisted that David change the lyrics to "Stand By Me." He wanted to add a verse from Sean Kingston's hit "Beautiful Girls." The producers say they emailed Jeff that the lyrics could not be changed, but David sang it that way anyway during his live performance. (I want to know a little more. Like how was David singing it for rehearsal? Was he in on it too? I mean, the kid is not six. He should be held accountable for the decisions he makes.)
American Idol's lawyers ordered Jeff banned from any room backstage when his son David is rehearsing or learning songs. Because David is 17-year-old, it's AI's position that he doesn't need a guardian, just a teacher.
Jeff will, however, be allowed to sit in the audience during the live shows.
Just as David is no stranger to the big stage, his father should be used to getting banned from the competitions his son enters. Back in 2003, Jeff was banned from the set of Star Search.
Archuleta is a favorite among the three finalists. The other two left competing to be the next American Idol are David Cook and Syesha Mercado. This past week, the three idol hopefuls went back to their hometowns to be honored and adored upon. We'll get to see the hoopla.
Each contestant will sing three songs tomorrow. Not sure of the formula, but something done in the past is... the singers pick one, the judges pick one and legendary record producer, Clive Davis picks the other.
Ryan reminded the judges in a little tongue and cheek fashion -- that they will critique the contestants after EACH performance. Paula was on her best behavior. She was engaging, sounded intelligent and focused on the contestants and what was actually happening on stage.
Again this week, the contestants had two songs to sing. I got the most entertainment value from Syesha Mercado. What beautiful, versatile vocal strength! And she had the dance moves to light up the night. The next best overall performance was David Archuleta. His voice is always spot on, but his presence (although sweet) is less exciting. That's where he lacks the oomph needed for idolism. Surprisingly, third for me was "resident rocker" David Cook. You'd think he'd be in his element on this rock 'n roll themed night. Don't get me wrong, he still rocked, but he wasn't as electric as we're used to seeing him. Ug, oh no... that means Jason Castro's performances didn't cut it. If his fans weren't working those dialing fingers like crazy, it will be Jason who is leaving the show.
You have to figure last week's ouster (goody two shoes) Brooke White's fans will not be dialing for Castro. My guess would be that those votes go to Archuleta or Syesha.
She started the season strong, but lately made a few costly mistakes by forgetting the lyrics. Shockingly she was saved those weeks, but it caught up to her. Expecting it, Brooke said, she's been packed for weeks. Her fans lost hope.. just as I suspected -- at number five. It's about time I got one right! Jeeze it has been tricky to whittle down the top 10 in order this year. Viewers and fans have been very unpredictable.
I say Brooke should go out and do something daring to celebrate this turning point in her life -- like how about watching a rated R movie? That actually might be a bit risky for the 24 year old at this time. Will those babies get their nanny back now that she's been eliminated?
Brooke and Syesha Mercado were in the bottom two again this week, but both were smiling and optimistic. They were just "happy to be a a part of the AI experience."
Down to four contestants now... three boys and only one girl left standing! How is Syesha going to hold up against these strong male contenders? She can certainly hold her own, but you are looking at some hot competition. Just look at this crew!
The right song on American Idol can shoot contestants to the top. People will talk about it.
Successful players find the song that will show off their skills.
The top six contestants should have a handle on that by now, but sometimes it takes a legend to make an executive decision.
At first, Carly chose "All I Ask of You". Andrew Lloyd Webber advised that's not the right song for a girl with a big chest voice. He suggested her other option, "Superstar".
ALW was right, she could have been cooked with that first song. It would have been too unforgetable. With her change of heart, Carly made her mark and dug her heels in.
Simon -- Actually one of my favorite performances of the night.
Paula -- Loved what you did to the chorus.
Randy -- The bigger voices are doing better tonight.
If you are going with Randy's mentality, Brooke White won't be advancing this week.
"It's like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun. In other words, the vital ingredient was missing." That's how Simon described Brooke White's rendition of "Hero". 
Randy and Paula chimed in to correct Simon -- saying it wasn't the beef that was missing. It was the bun that was off.
Either way, Brooke White was the least suited for Mariah Carey week and the worst performer of the night. However, all three judges thought her approach was smart.
Randy appreciated the "singer songwriter" take on the song.
Paula told Brooke it was a good choice to do the unplugged version. "Every ounce of you is authentic to who you are."
Simon said, "I don't think you had much of a choice other than to do what you did."
Brooke agreed that Mariah's songs are bigger than she's used to. It's just not her style.
When Brooke was practicing, Mariah called her genuine. She really could see that Brooke felt the song and meant the words with her heart.
Just because you are true to yourself, doesn't mean that it will always work. I don't think it's been working for Brooke these past few weeks.
One identifiable contestant who's made each theme episode work for him is Jason Castro. Mariah called him unique and enjoyed working with him.
Jason sang, "I Don't Wanna Cry".
This time Randy was the judge making the strange analogies. He didn't get it, "I felt like I was at a weird beach luau and someone was playing music in the distance."
"I'd love to be at that luau and listening all night long," Paula swooned. She also mentioned Castro's gain in confidence and how lovely it is to hear from him.
Simon agreed with Paula, "Though it wasn't the best vocal, having said that, it's identifiable with you. It was a very cool version."
Now it was time for Paula to spew her metaphor, "He wants poi (pointing to Randy). He wants beef" (pointing to Simon).
Not only will the remaining seven contestants be mentored by Mariah Carey, but a special guest will be in the audience. David Cook's 36-year-old brother Adam (who's been diagnosed with brain cancer) made the trip from Indiana to Los Angeles despite his doctors' refusal to allow him to fly a commercial airline.
Backed by generous community members, Adam got an all expense paid trip to see his brother on a chartered medical jet. A local radio station gave Adam a hotel room -- just across the street from the studio where the AI contestants perform.
Perhaps it will be a chance for Ryan Seacrest to redeem himself in the eyes of many AI viewers.
These families really wouldn't have a chance without our help.
If you called in your pledge, chances are you had a difficult time trying to get through. It felt like trying to phone a vote for your favorite singer... busy, busy, busy.
It was smooth sailing (like David Cook's chances on AI) ... for those who donated online through American Idol's website. We'll make it even easier for those reading this - click here to donate what you can.
Eight minutes into to the program, Ryan said Idol Gives Back had collected $15 million dollars. An hour and six minutes in - he said they were close to $18 million. About an hour and 48 minutes in - the host called out that they've raised nearly $22 million.
It's very interesting to see how inspiration breathes life into whatever it touches. The American Idol contestants performed songs that inspire them. And you could tell... they were moved.
That spark makes people feel good. It's what will drive American Idol viewers to want to help provide for a culture less fortunate. This week, Idol Gives Back hopes to raise $100 Million dollars for people in poverty situations. Tonight's show draws in a-list celebrities for a bang-up concert and entertainment that will last from 7:30-10:00.
The organization hopes in return, that you will phone in or submit online -- a donation that will be distributed to six charities.
Each contestant made at least one memorable impression. It reminded me just how much better you can be... at anything if you're motivated by inspiration. If you're inspired, you can do great things.
The American Idol 8 were absolutely great. Read on for pictures and details of the night.
Lately during season seven episodes, American Idol has been doing a nice job showing us personal stories of young people positively affected by Idol Gives Back '07.
This week, the push is on to get viewers to dial in and pledge money again for those who desperately need it.
For the second year in a row, this event impacts lives in and outside the country.
The six charities that will benefit this year are: Save the Children, The Children's Defense Fund, Children's Health Fund, Make It Right, The Global Fund and Malaria No More.
The not-for-profit organization, Idol Gives Back, was developed by American Idol producers. Last year they collected $76 Million dollars from generous viewers and sponsors. This year they hope to make that at least $100 Million.
The final guest performance of the night -- judge Randy Jackson. We've heard the talk. Now he is walking the walk. The ex-Journey man plays bass on "Fly Like a Bird" with Mariah Carey.
The little softy just wasn't competitive enough. She sure had the voice to be the next American Idol She was cute and fun too. Ramiele Malubay was cut from the competition this week - at number 8. She needed better guidance. She needed to start picking songs more suited for her. Ramiele was part of my top three girls from the start. Right now, I see her as more of a recording artist than a performer, but she'll get there.
This was a really strange night -- Dolly getting her Jesus on... Simon's multiple apologies. And that awful group that's supposed to be "The Next Great American Band". What in the... Oh yeah, and the votefortheworst callers are making themselves heard in this competition. Aren't they?