"American Idol" Finale: Judges Crown David Archuleta Winner (VIDEOS)

***Scroll down for video of Tuesday's final performances***

NEW YORK (AP) _ Each of the dueling Davids raised his game on Tuesday's "American Idol," but only one received three glowing reviews from Simon Cowell, who called it a "knockout" performance.

That would be David Archuleta. The doe-eyed teen faced off against David Cook for the "Idol" title Tuesday night, and in Cowell's opinion, out-performed the 25-year-old rocker. Each David performed three songs in the final performance show, which rolled out announcer Michael Buffer ("Let's get ready to rumble!") to introduce the finalists in boxing robes and gloves.

Three rounds later, Cowell made his traditional prediction:

"You came out here tonight to win," Cowell said, "and what we have witnessed is a knockout."

In the first round, Cook and Archuleta received both stellar reviews for their respective renditions of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and the Elton John anthem "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." But Cowell declared the 17-year-old from Murray, Utah, the winner.

Cowell also handed the second round to Archuleta, whose performance of "In This Moment" impressed the judge more than Cook's take on "Dream Big."

And Archuleta went back to the well to take the third round, closing the show with a repeat of his version of John Lennon's "Imagine." Cook, who chose a song he hadn't yet performed in Collective Soul's "The World I Know," didn't stand a chance against that.

Story continues below

Both Davids cried after their performing their final songs.

The competitors exchanged compliments during the live telecast.

"This guy's awesome," Archuleta said about Cook, of Blue Springs, Mo., who called The Arch "consistently nice."

"As far as I'm concerned, competition's over and we're just having fun," Cook said.
***************

Watch:

"Imagine" by David Archuleta:

"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by David Archuleta:

David Cook covers U2 "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For":

"Dream Big" by David Cook:

Comments

[sklfcats]

Open your dam eyes David A.
It is creepy to see them closed all the time.

[starrianna]

David Archuleta is a cute kid, but...

we already HAVE a singer who sounds like him: George Michael.

and just because George cruises bathrooms doesn't mean he's lost his crown.

[Felicty]

You know what?

I was in the next room when George Michael sang, and I thought I was listening to David Archuleta.

[LeoMarvin]

Coming from Utah, David Archuleta will appreciate his career on cruise ships more than most.

[enoughalready]

Cook deserves to win this year. Some of the most talented were voted off early, Michael Jons, Carly Smithson in particular and Syesha Mercado should have been in Archuletta's place. So tonight I expect AI to crown Archuletta the winner but in my book it will be Cook who sells more records, much like Daughtry.

Next year the producers have got to change the way contestants are judged. This has become a popularity contest rather than a singing contest. Point - Daughtry not in the finals and Taylor Hicks winning. I thought this was a singing contest????

[SharonB]

David A is not "doe eyed". He has the tiniest little eyes this side of Keano Reeves.
That is the main reason he looks like he shuts his eyes when he sings. The kids eyes are just really small for his face.

[kel]

I think that David Cook did a great job he wasn't bad last night he just didn't do anything that had his wow factor all season.
Give one song to the Young Jonny Mathis - his first song but nobody messes up Imagine -

I think it's fixed - and all season Idol wanted a teeny bopper boy like Hannah - does for Disney.
He's talented yes, but perhaps to open on a Cruise ship or Sea World.

David Cook in the real world with real honest judges - you won.
Why - took a chance and tried something I'll buy your records.

If little David loses his dad already has his belt off for later.

[leftcoastindy]

Cook was amazing and has been really good the whole season. Last night was the best Archuletta has been, but Cook is ready for the big show now.

Simon was rediculous last night. I liked the last two songs by Cook a lot. Even if Archuletta was better in his opinion, it was definitely NOT a knockout.

[JerryTheAngel]

Carly Smithson is better then all of them!

[tchristin]

I have not really been watching Idol very closely this year. The best show was "Idol gives back". It's fun to criticize popular culture, but in this case, I have to congratulate the producers for coming up with something that is entirely entertaining that everyone in the family can watch and manages to do some good in the world too. I must say I was a little disappointed to see the 17 year old make it so far. He needs a few years to grow up. I don't know how he is going to handle the attention. David Cook seems more well adjusted and is a more interesting performer. I hope he wins.

[mfsomom]

I think David A. is a phenom. His talent at age 17 is nothing short of awe inspiring. I realize he doesn't have the stage presence of Big David.....but he will grow in to it, whereas David A. is who he will be. For little David, shy as he is to pull off what he did last night is a great indication of his will and ability to overcome nerves. He gives me chills. His voice resonates, is so solid and beautiful. Kudos to him. I look forward to buying his album. Can't wait. The show format last night was fun for all you nay sayers. We all need a pleasurable escape....a decompression from the stress of the world. Enjoy it for what it is, and allow these two talents to revel in their moment. They both earned it...what they have done is no cake walk, and they deserve praise. David A., I hope you win tonight!!

[mfsomom]

typo...I meant to say David C. is who he will be, not A. He has only begun the creative journey he will take. The sky is the limit for this talented young man.

[rzan]

Congratulations to the winner. Now let's put this stupid exploitive show to rest.

[Machu]

Cook was good.

David A's voice is bad. Maybe, he may sound good when he is 40 or 80. Right about now, his voice is grating. He is technically well trained singer, but he is not gifted with a nice natural voice. He is always short of breath. Gaspy!

[marymansour]

I usually watch American Idol. It alleviates senior boredom and is sometimes fun. This year, I focused on the political scene, being an avid fan of Obama. It's a shame Idol chose this season but then who would have ever thought that politics could be exciting.

[shroomingnewman]

Good elevator music, I say!

[cgpunker]

Good grief. If that little Disney Theme Ship performer Archuleta wins AI....
Of course he will. That's just the way AI works. Pablum.

[CallMeDeaconBlues]

You wouldn't know a good voice if you tried.

[cgpunker]

I would actually. He has a wonderful voice, I never said otherwise.

What I said was - he's a terrible performer who can't rise above the crappy up with people tear jerkers he sings every time.

[nuglet304]

david archuleta is a singer. david cook is an artist. we all have our preferences, but i side with cgplunker.

[rzan]

I loved his rendidtion of Imagine. Brought a tear to my eye.

[mfsomom]

Ditto to that. Not only a tear....but chills up and down my spine. WOW. I don't know what else to say....incredible!!