David Cook

David Cook became American Idol number 7 on Wed., May 21, in a two-hour finale of Season 7. A record 97.5 million votes were cast and David Cook beat out the 17-year-old David Archuleta by 12 million votes. It surprised everyone that the difference would be so wide. For a week, all of America was split down the center about which David would win. David Cook said he expected David Archuleta's name to be called. He cried and hugged David A. In the celebration, David C. pointed to his brother who was sitting in the audience and said 'this is all your fault.' David C. only went to audition for American Idol to support his brother who wanted to try out. To his surprise, he was picked to go to Hollywood over his brother. Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol -- DAVID COOK!

David didn't know he wanted to be a singer until his second-grade teacher back in Missouri forced him to perform for the Christmas pageant. He was the lead singer of his band called Axium, which did have one popular hit called 'Hold.' When the band broke up, David became a bartender. He accompanied his brother Andrew who wanted to audition in Omaha. That's where David got his ticket to Hollywood.

Watch Clips from American Idol

• David Cook Wins American Idol--May 21
• David Cook's Performance--May 14
• The Final Two--May 14

David Archuleta

Syesha Mercado

Jason Castro

Brooke White

Carly Smithson

Kristy Lee Cook