[img_assist|nid=730|title=David VS. David|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=170|height=180]Yes... I am one of those people. The 'Idol' addict who watches their contestant of choice recieve words of wisdom from Simon Cowell on Tuesdays, and who bites their nails praying that the same contestant does not get the axe on the Wednesdays follow up episode.
This has been my routine for the past 7 years, since Kelly Clarkson first took the title in the shows first season, and this year was no exception. But I must admit, this was one of my favorite seasons thus far. Of course I had my share of contestants who I did not favor, but who didn't?
This year however, I found my favorite earlier than usual. Like many others, I was rooting for David Archuleta. A wholesome young man who blew me away when he sang John Lennon's 'Imagine.' I remember it even brought Paula to tears. Then and there, I knew he was the one to beat, and that he was going to do just fine in this competition.
Each week I watched him breeze through with wonderful performances. Along with Archuleta, I had other contestants I hoped would do well. Brooke White and Carly Smithson were some very unique performers that I enjoyed watching, but of course there can only be one winner.
It was eventually down to the bottom 3... David Cook, Syesha Mercado, and of course David Archuleta. This is when I began to notice that I really did appreciate David Cook. I felt that it was unfair that because of his 'rocker' status that he kept being compared to Chris Daughtry. As for Syesha, she is very talented, and seems to be a very nice young lady, but I was just not as drawn to her.
Soon enough, it was down to the bottom two contestants. It turned out that it would be a David vs. David finale. I had never had my favorite contestant make it this far. I sent in my votes that final Tuesday until I could no longer get through. By this time, my thumbs were numb from dialing and texting. I swear I heard the recorded message 'Thanks for voting for contestant...' so many times, that I dreamed about it. I had done all I could do, now all that was left to do was wait.
I was very chipper throughout that Wednesday knowing that it was the night of the FINALE! I thought it was a very good production. I got to enjoy a performance from Carrie Underwood (anybody who knows me knows I love her to death), as well as Jordin Sparks and The Jonas Brothers. But I must say my favorite performance of the night was wathing the David's sing 'Hero' by Chad Kroeger. It was amazing. And watching Archuleta perform with One Republic was a treat as well.
The final minutes of the show were approaching. Both of the David's, visibly nervous, stood next to Ryan Seacrest. I sat with my family (who are David Cook fans), as my heart began to race. Hey... I told you I get into this! The gold envelope was delivered. Ryan began to read the results. 'The Winner of American Idol Season 7, by 12 million votes is David... COOK!' My stomach sank.
It took a few moments for me to process what I had just heard. I watched as Cook began to lightly weep. His overjoyed family joined him on stage to celebrate with laughter and tears. I watched him humbly and graciously accept the win. He acknowledged David Archuleta as everyone gave him a hand for making it as far as he did. Cook really seemed genuinely thankful and appreciative.
Ryan reminded David Cook of what it was time for. Of course, the winner has to perform the song which was written for specifically for them (On a side note, Scott Krippayne wrote Jordin Sparks winning song for Season 6). The music began as Cook began to belt out 'I've been waiting for my dreams to turn into something I could believe in..." Something in his voice captured me. I knew that the right guy had one.[img_assist|nid=731|title=David Cook|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=170|height=180]
And now, I have that winning song on repeat on my iPod. I suggest you head to iTunes and search for this song. It is called "Time Of My Life" by David Cook. In my oppinion, it was absolutely made for him and his voice. It is flawless, and hopefully you will enjoy him as much as I do. Good luck to both of the David's in the future. I will be seeing both LIVE in the near future, and I could not be more excited!
I am ready to do it all over again next January!