So last night was the big finale, and a David was going to be crowned the “American Idol” Season 7 champ. But I think a lot of us were surprised at the outcome. More on that in a moment. First, let’s recap last night’s two hour finale in as few words as possible.

97 million votes, the most ever, says Ryan Seacrest. The top 12 perform. David and David perform.
Guru Pitka makes an appearance, a.k.a. Mike Myers, to promote his new movie. Syesha sings with Seal (damn, that dude has some pipes). Jason Castro sings “Hallaleujah.” The six female finalists sing with Donna Summer, and holy crap, she still has some pipes too. Carly Smithson and Michael Johns sing a duet. Jimmy Kimmel comes out and ridicules Paula and Simon. Then the six male finalists sing with Bryan Adams, who has aged extremely well. David Cook sings with ZZ Top, three guys who have also aged pretty well. Graham Nash sings “Teach Your Children” with Brooke White, and I just know Brooke his crapping her pants as we watch. The Jonas Brothers perform, and I admit it’s the first time I’ve seen these kids, who appear to be extremely talented. Then they show a tape of the bad auditions, including Renaldo, who is invited back to sing that train wreck, “I Am Your Brother,” complete with marching band. I love the fact that a marching band had to learn this song. One Republic sings “I Apologize” with David Archuleta. Jordin Sparks performs her new single. Gladys Knight, with the help of modern technology, sings with her new “Pips” (Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr.). Carrie Underwood sings “Last Name,” a song about a one night stand…you go, legs! Keep shocking us with your lyrics, because your music sucks. The 12 finalists then perform with George Michael, who I think is still singing. Note: I’m so glad they didn’t do those lame “Golden Idol” awards this time.

Finally, we have the results…David and David standing side by side. We all knew it was a foregone conclusion that Archuleta was the winner, right? Maybe not. Simon Cowell even admitted last night that he didn’t think it was as lopsided as he initially thought, and apologized to Mr. Cook. Well, big shocker, David Cook was actually the winner. Archuleta feigned a smile, and scooted off the stage like a puppy. Meanwhile, David Cook started crying. I mean, he had to have no idea that he was going to win. But here is what happened between Tuesday and Wednesday……America raised its collective middle finger to the music industry, and said “No, not this time…..no sappy balladeer is winning….we want the ROCKER.” They may have screwed up a few years ago with Chris Daughtry, who made everyone realize it’s the rocker that’s going to make the best Idol. Kudos to you, America. We voted for David Cook in our house, and I’m glad most of you did as well.

It’s been a great season, and the final two were arguably a couple of the most talented singers the show has ever produced. Thanks for sharing this space with me this season, and please feel free to spread this post and share your comments! Otherwise, see you all in January.