Alright, alright, I know. I should've stuck with my original prediction of a David Cook win instead of hastily changing my mind after seeing David Archuleta dominate Tuesday night's performance round. But, in my defense, even the most experienced American Idol insiders -- former contestants -- were fooled into thinking similarly.

"I'm rooting for David Cook," season three finalist Jasmine Trias told me on the red carpet about an hour before the finale. "I think he's an amazing performer. However, after watching last night's show, I really think David Archuleta is going to take it. After he performed, I was blown away." Season three's Jon Peter Lewis later echoed her thoughts: "I like David Cook. I can identify with him. And when he peaks, he peaks way high. I think Archuleta's gonna win though. I think he had a much stronger night [on Tuesday]. You know, I couldn't deny that he was singing really well and he really kind of fit the formula."

One by one, as the former Idols filed down the press line, each and every one that I spoke with expressed their support for the elder David. Even season two winner Ruben Studdard, who refused to pick a favorite, named David Cook's version of "Billie Jean" as the best performance of the season. Year five's Paris Bennett called Archuleta's voice angelic, but said that David Cook is the guy whose concert she would go to. Season six finalist Chris Sligh was less diplomatic: "I'm definitely rooting for David Cook because he's a sexy beast. I just think he's great. He's a great rocker and I think he's going to be a great songwriter." When asked who he'd like to see as a special guest performer on the finale show, he quickly answered, Rick Astley. "Nevah gonna give you up, nevah gonna let you down!," Sligh crooned. "Don't you think he'd be a perfect duet partner for David Archuleta? 'Cause [Archuleta]'s like a 12-year-old that sings like a 50-year-old." Oh!

Indeed, I suspected Archuleta was in trouble when not a single person I ran into at the Nokia Theater was rooting for him. Even my fellow members of the press -- always opinionated, but rarely excited by much -- seemed to be overwhelmingly all about Cook, and when Seacrest announced his win, half of them erupted into raucous cheers. I swear I even heard someone scream "vindication!" I suppose that could've been directed at Simon for his "disrespectful" criticism of Cookie the night before. No matter, in this case, Cowell's criticism may have encouraged loyal Cook fans to vote, insuring that the man was not judged on one night alone, but on a season's worth of singing.

Are you cool with the way things went down? Speak up in the comments section.

But first, a few more blog-worthy moments you didn't see on last night's finale:

-Chris Sligh picking Sanjaya up off the ground for a giant bear hug hello.

-Season three finalist La Toya London running up to a red-haired Fantasia Barrino for a joyful reunion. Barrino, who looked really hot up close in a cool white dress with high-ass heels to match, was introduced to London's companion and took a couple minutes to catch up with her.

-The two Davids being walked onto the red carpet at 4:15 -- 45 minutes before showtime -- flanked by a few FOX publicists and some very serious-looking security guards. Stop and talk to the press? Um, no. They simply grinned and waved like the President would, and were then promptly led away by the network's version of the secret service.

-Syesha Mercado's father Jose getting mobbed by fans who wanted to take pictures with him after the finale. Surprised by the attention, he smiled sweetly and seemed happy to oblige.

-So You Think You Can Dance season three finalist Dominic Sandoval break dancing on the carpet with a few members of his crew, Quest. Ballroom partners (and fellow SYTYCD finalists) Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis got busy too, bustin' a few fast moves in front of the Jimmy Kimmel cameras. Come back to KTV later today for more good scoop on last season's Dance stars...

Comments

I am really glad Cookie won, although I hope, like Carrie Underwood, it doesn't affect the possibility of him having a great career start!

Jenny | May 22, 2008 2:56:40 AM | #

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Vindication indeed! DC wins!!

Brett | May 22, 2008 5:58:26 AM | #

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Love it! Love it! Love it! I am so glad I was wrong.

Tracey | May 22, 2008 6:56:33 AM | #

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ANY NEWS ON HOW DAVID ARCHULETTA'S DAD TOOK THIS "LOSS"?? I FEEL SORRY FOR THAT KID! I THINK WHEN WE ALL FOUND OUT ABOUT STAGE DADS HELLISH BEHAVIOR WE DECIDED NOT TO LET HIM WIN, SO HIS FATHER WOULDNT RUIN HIS LIFE..ANYBODY AGREE?

liz | May 22, 2008 7:27:02 AM | #

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David Archuletta suffered defeat totally because of his father's ignorance and interference. It didn't help that the 'old man' had little respect for the event (as exemplified by his wearing a foolish hat/cap all the time). Leave the idiosyncracies for the performers.

Little M. | May 22, 2008 9:52:05 AM | #

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I think Simon was hard on David Cook on performance night to help him win...ppl vote harder for ppl when they think they are in danger...i know I was on the phone all night...

Linda | May 22, 2008 9:58:42 AM | #

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How much longer 'til the SYTYCD updates? Wait a few more hours, and we can turn to FOX itself for our SYTYCD fix.

Sara Lee | May 22, 2008 12:51:41 PM | #

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David A looking like he was about to cry all the time probably didn't help either; makes people feel like he's not ready for the spotlight. Still hoping for good things for him, despite his stage dad.

John | May 22, 2008 2:09:19 PM | #

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i wish i could've gone to the finale, sounds like fun.

jerr | May 22, 2008 4:53:06 PM | #

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I thought Archuletta would win too. Cook's win was a big surprise and a welcome one!

billie | May 22, 2008 4:54:03 PM | #

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