'American Idol': David Archuleta picks Season 9 winner -- Team Crystal or Team Lee?

"American Idol's" Season 9 finale showdown between Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze is here! The usual suspects around the blogosphere are making their predictions and placing their bets about who will snag this year's crown. But who better to share first-hand experience of the finale then "American Idol" Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta.

Zap2it sat down with Archie and former Idol contenders Kimberly Caldwell and LaKisha Jones at the AT&T U-verse Lounge in the W Hollywood. And we sure did have a great afternoon kicking it at the hotel with this "American Idol" trio.

In the first installment of our Archuleta sit-down, we pick his brain on how he thinks  Bowersox and Dewyze are feeling right at this moment -- or shall we say the "Idol" moment. Because to borrow from "Idol" Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, this is Crystal and Lee's now.

When asked to enlighten us about the excitement, anticipation and anxiety surrounding Mamasox and Lee, Archuleta describes the period of time as a "crazy rollercoaster of emotions."

"There's so much going on. There's so much attention on them. It's so insane... But at the same time so exciting," Archuleta explains. "It's a real thrill because it's like you're so close to that finish line. It's just that final sprint."

But obviously one of the million dollar "Idol" questions of the moment -- along with who will replace Simon Cowell -- is who will win Season 9?

"I think people just really feel a connection with Lee that is really honest and open. And he's just such a great guy. I think people want to see him win. I would totally be happy with him winning," says Archuleta. "I mean, I think Crystal is super talented too. She's had some really powerful nights. She's never been like the worst or anything like that. She's always had a constant strength and endurance just to her as an artist... But I just feel like Lee -- you know thinking as an American Idol, as a person and example for people -- it would just seem right for him to be that."

So "Idol" aficionados there you have it: David Archuleta picks Team Lee Dewyze to prevail as Season 9's winner. If David's prediction is correct, then Mamasox coincidentally finds herself in great "American Idol" runner-up company along with he, Adam Lambert and Katharine McPhee.

Post-Season 9 chatter, Archuleta also talks with Zap2it about the upcoming release of his book, "Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perserverance", his sophomore CD release, Simon Cowell's departure/replacement, as well as his take on Bieber Fever. Stay tuned for more Archie details from our interview, plus some answers to the "burning questions" you submitted on Twitter.

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