Even though I've had all day to get used to the idea, when David Cook was named this year's "American Idol," it was still a shock.
David Archuleta really did outmaneuver Cook in last night's show. But apparently Cook had built up so much goodwill during the season that his fans stuck by him. And the overwhelming support of Archuleta by the judges last night only served as increased incentive to support their man. That support also probably gave Archuleta's fans a false sense of security, making them feel that his victory was a foregone conclusion.
Cook seems poised for a successful career, his duet with Archuleta on Nickelback's "Hero" shows exactly the direction he's headed. And his take on the coronation song "Time of My Life" is likely to become an insta-hit when it's pushed to radio tomorrow morning.
It's always a surprise when artistry beats out pandering, when the best man -- not the richest, or the most connected -- actually wins. Hopefully David Cook will live up to his potential, making a record that matches the inventiveness of his "Hello" reworking and the passion he conjured up for "Billie Jean." And hopefully David Archuleta will get to discover what kind of artist he really is,