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Rocker David Cook wins 'American Idol'
(Reuters)
Updated: 2008-05-22 15:03
David Cook performs after winning the finale of "American Idol" at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles May 21, 2008. [Agencies] 

"An apology from Simon is a pretty rare gem," he said, adding that he had not expected to win the "Idol" title.

Also backstage, a giddy Archuleta was effusive in his praise of Cook.

"He's like my big brother," Archuleta said. "I have looked up to him since the beginning of this. I just feel so honored to be standing next to Cook."

About 100,000 people auditioned for this year's "American Idol," which puts contestants through auditions and performances that showcase musical genres from musical theater to country to pop.

"Idol" has also become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen. Wednesday night's star-studded show at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles included performances by George Michael, Donna Summer, Seal, Underwood and Bryan Adams.

The "Davids" duel is the first time two male contestants have competed for the "Idol" title since Ruben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken in the show's second season in 2003.

However, a showdown between the two was widely anticipated as neither ever landed among the show's bottom three vote-getters on the weekly broadcasts in which contestants are whittled down before one is sent home.

Under Cowell's deal with Fox, he has the rights to sign the winning singer and runner-up from each "Idol" contest to a recording contract with his label, Sony BMG, a partnership between Sony Corp and Bertelsmann.