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« The Great American Idol Blog
After the Big Finale: The Davids, Fans Respond
David Archuleta and David Cook by Michael Becker/Fox
It was just one huge love-fest following the big American Idol finale. At a news conference after David Cook's big win, both the winner and the runner-up had nothing but praise for each other, says the L.A. Times, and solidarity at the end of the Idol road. Speaking to press, Cook not only reflected on recent events — like Simon's Tuesday-night predictions and Wednesday's retraction — but also on the talent of his main rival, David Archuleta, and their Idol journey.
For starters, Cook was just letting his breath out and still taking it all in. It was his final performance that was his favorite, and was part of letting go during the final show. "Tonight was just about exhaling," he said. The exhaling, though, wasn't necessarily expected, especially after Simon's Tuesday prediction that Archie was the one on top. Simon's surprising apology the next night, though, gave Cook even more to savor. "I didn't really know that [Simon's] apology was warranted," he said. Yet, Cook conceded, "An apology from Simon is a rare gem!"
Simon's apology was just icing on the cake, it seemed. For Cook, whose mom and brother took the stage after his win, the emotional moment was all about coming full circle. The Idol odyssey, he explained, began with the three of them at 5:30 am in Omaha last summer at his first Idol audition. Having them up on stage, nine months later, was the moment of completion.
Cook then went on to gush about his competitor, who many thought would win America over with his shy smile and big voice. "[Archuleta] has more talent at his age than I know what to do with at 25," he said. Archie was no less heartfelt when it came to discussing the man who bested him. Of Cook, he said, "He's like my big brother!" He continued, "I just can't believe that people have decided for me to be next to him of all people!"
Despite the loss — which came after those self-assured comments from Simon — David A. was still standing by the other David. "I'm glad [Simon] apologized to Cook," he said, "because I don't think anyone realizes how much work we put into this."
Not everyone, though, was as sanguine about the outcome. Archie had thousands of hometown supporters watching the finale together, and they were reportedly stunned when the winner was announced. The Mayor of Murray, Utah, told TV Guide, "I think it was just a major disappointment that he didn't pull it off. And after last night, when they said, 'You knocked out the competition,' then for him not to win...Obviously I'm disappointed too. But, nevertheless that's life."
Deborah Sorensen, the vice principal of David A.'s school, wasn't so worried. "[David A. is] so grounded," she said. "He has really excellent values, he’s been grounded with a family that loves him and he’s secure in himself. I know that this will be disappointing but he'll move forward with his life."
Not only that, but in Murray, David A. will always have a special stature. "We're just so proud of him," Sorensen said. "He will always be Murray's American Idol." — Anna Dimond, with reporting by Carita Rizzo
Related:
• Kinged David: Idol Voters Kiss the Cook
• Video: The Final Idol Moments
• Full finale recap with Erin's live Idol blog
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May 22, 2008 4:21 PM
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For Cook, whose mom and ailing brother took the stage after his win, the emotional moment was all about coming full circle.
Did his brother Adam come on stage after the show was over? As far as I saw on the televised portion, it was his other brother (Andrew) that ran up there with his mom. Just wanted to make sure.
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May 22, 2008 6:36 PM
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I'm pretty sure it was his brother who tried out for the show, not his ailing brother, who joined him on stage.
I always enjoy the friendships that form between the contestants, let's hope the producers never try to discourage that in the name of entertaining television.
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May 22, 2008 8:47 PM
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The "two Davids" will forever be entwined. This is one year where I don't think anyone will forget who the number two person was. I remember Justin because he was from the first season, but I can't remember who was second since Clay was to Rueben. That's only because Clay actually excelled while Rueben sputtered. I can't tell you because I don't care who was second to Carrie, Jordan, or Fantasia. I am thrilled that David Cook won, but I will care about David Archuleta and I hope he is successful in whatever he does.
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May 22, 2008 9:34 PM
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Shame on you, nurseamanda, for taking liberties with the authors words. It doesnot say say "ailing" brother, it simply said brother. You obviously changed the words..towhat end? Who knows. The brother on stage was the brother who wanted to try out for AI as well, not the ailing brother Adam. Congrats to David Cook AND lil Archie. They will both go far, albeit in different circles.
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May 23, 2008 10:12 AM
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Hm, odd. I could have sworn it said "ailing brother" before. It would be very easy to change that. Unless, of course, both of us were thinking of another article?
Anyway... Yay David Cook!
I'm so glad that Archie is being so cool about it. Both Davids seem like really great and genuine guys and it made the show so much more enjoyable to watch. No one wants to see a sore loser! That being said, what Paula said was true, this is just the beginning for BOTH of them. So no wonder he's not too upset! Especially considering how many past non-winners have had successful careers
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May 23, 2008 11:11 AM
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Did anyone else notice that Amanda O seemed like she was out of it during the finale numbers - I couldn't understand her she was slurring her words so bad - and it's really sad because I loved Amanda's rocker style. I do think it was pretty poor that only 10 of the 12 get to go on the road and they make the other two come back for the finale. It's almost like an insult to them - no wonder Amanda didn't care.
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May 23, 2008 5:20 PM
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ARCHIE you are a "GEM"....THIS IS NOT THE END 4 U.....ARCHULETA is going to be ...MARK my WORDS, america, BIGGER THAN COOK and ARCHULETA WILL BE "more" SUCCESSFUL than cook!!!
AMERICA, you got it all wrong!!!
THIS YEAR, once again, thank you for CHOOSING unworthy and tearish bartender to win american idol..instead of choosing PURE talent and LESS-EGO and DREAMY ARCHULETA!!!!!
simon is an ass hole.....HE was told b4 the commercial that cook is winning that is why he took his words back...MAY YOU(cowell) AND COOK "DIE" together!!!
anyways, as far as archie's concerned , i think it will take NOT MUCH time 4 america to realize what wrong they have done devastating this young kid's(ARCHULETA) future and "real" dreams and they ll be saying this about cook that "we have heard this type of music he makes, long before him" VERY SOON!!!
GOD BLESS ARCHULETA and give him WHOLESOME and true HAPPINESS throughout his wonderful and successful life!!!
AMEN!!
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May 23, 2008 7:58 PM
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Woah, hina_kin, calm down there.
I wish more Archuleta fans would take a cue from their idol and be respectful to Cook.
I don't want to get down to your level and yell back, but I've had a bad day and am so tempted to. I'm just going to say, you're being unreasonable and immature. How do you think Archie would feel about his fans bashing someone that he has nothing but respect for? David Cook is far from unworthy. He's worked hard to make his dream come true.
And I may not be following what you're saying correctly, but I hardly think that America has "devastated" this young man or his career (does he look or sound devastated to you?). Haven't past non-winners proved that being runner-up is far from something to devastate a career?
I could say so much more, but I'll stop myself here.
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May 23, 2008 11:20 PM
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carol2369, lower your blood pressure, for God's sake. The article originally said it was his "ailing brother" who joined him onstage. They clearly edited it for accuracy after the mistake was pointed out.
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May 25, 2008 12:28 AM
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I bet you anything that if the phone lines would have closed after two hours instead of 4, Archie would have won. Cook fans are older and stayed up late voting. Archuleta is in my eyes, the true idol. I am even surprised Cook wants this. He is (and looks) so old I would think he would want a bit more flexibility in terms of contracting, etc...Anyway, America got it wrong!
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May 25, 2008 12:40 PM
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I feel sorry for Archie having to deal with whiney fangirls like hina_kin2000. Not that I'm saying Archie is bad or anything, but maybe you should look at the polls Hina. Looks like Cookie is wanted far more
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Edited by popcorncomics at 05/25/2008 1:32 PM
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May 25, 2008 4:32 PM
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