David Archuleta VS David Cook

Despite strong pronouncements from the judges that 17-year old Archuleta was the singer to beat, it was Cook who pulled out a convincing victory on the "American Idol" finale.

But even David Cook's stirring win couldn't salvage a disappointing seventh season for the "Idol" franchise.

David Cook, center, is congratulated by fellow contestants, David Archuleta, left, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, right, after he was announced the winner of "American Idol" during the finale at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.