Congratulations to David Cook for bagging the plum prize at this season's recently concluded American Idol. Although he was not my first choice to win the competition (as a matter of fact, he was not even among my roster of bets), David C. pulled through with daring and innovative versions of Billie Jean, Always Be My Baby, and The First Time Ever, I Saw Your Face (a personal favorite of mine). He made these songs his own and was able to translate it to a contemporary audience. I also admire the fact that he "stuck it to the man" by remaining true to his principles as an artist all the way through the finals by choosing not to sing something he had already done. It would have been a logical choice to rehash a song he did well from past episodes, but that was giving in to the system. He's gotta be a rebel, in his own way.

As for David Archuleta, I guess the alleged millions of pre-teen voter fanbase didn't come through for him. I expected a landslide victory for this kid, especially after getting the supposed TKO-win during the last performance night. David A. has the pipes alright, and he arguably has the vocal talent over all the contestants this season. My only problem with him is that he has no personality to speak of apart from the unnatural shyness and mousy meekness. But it could be attributed to youth. Lets give this kid a few more years and he'll surely be a force to be reckoned with.

That being said, another season of Idol is over. I would have wanted to see either Michael Johns (who drew comparisons to INXS frontman Michael Hutchence) or Carly Smithson (the Irish tatooed belter) win the contest, but alas, this show isn't based on talent alone.