Ryan told us a record number of votes were received after Tuesday’s Finale. 97 ½ million votes were cast – 23 million more than ever before. The difference was 12 million votes – 56% to 44% in the political arena that would be a landslide or should I say “knockout”. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

The 2 hour (and 6 minute) juggernaut began with the Top 12 singing “Get Ready”. They were accompanied by the dancing of the So You Think You Can Dance contestants. There would be more shameless pimping to come – too much.

Season 7 American Idol Results Show

Now for the tweens , The Jonas Brothers performed. Can you say tight pants?

A tape of the worst Idol auditions followed, with Reynaldo coming on stage with the USC marching band. Randy and Paula even joined this mess on stage. Another bit the show could have done without.

David Archuleta joined One Republic for their hit “Apologize”. This was certainly one of little David’s best performances.

Reigning Idol, Jordin Sparks, brought her new single “One Step in Time” to the Nokia stage. She is such a cute girl, but the dress was horrible.

Now back to pimping – a 1972 video of Gladys Knight and the Pimps – oh wait I mean Pips – but the Pips were Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. This was their way of plugging their soon to be released film Tropic Thunder.

The stunning Carrie Underwood (Season 4 Idol) graced the Idol stage again with a performance of her new single “Last Name”. She looked amazing in a cream mini. What a performer she has become.

David Archuleta’s Guitar Hero II ad was definitely the PG version.

The Top 12 sang a medley of George Michael hits – they were then joined by George Michael himself. He followed with a stirring rendition of “Praying for Time”. Paula was in tears. But I am looking at the clock and it is obvious the show is going to run long.

Ryan asked the judges what their final thoughts were. Simon apologized for ‘verging on disrespectful’ to DC. This is where my thank you comes in. By Simon being so overwhelmingly in favor of David Archuleta on Tuesday night, it mobilized the voters. This prompted the record numbers of votes and David Cook became the beneficiary of the “knockout” declaration. (Maybe that’s what Simon had in mind.)

At long last it was time for the announcement. The winner of Season 7 of American Idol …. David Cook! He was tearful, gracious and humble. He sang the winning song of the songwriter contest (which was not quite the sappy ballad I expected), hugged little David and brought all of the contestants onto the stage with him. After 7 Seasons, this was AI’s most memorable moment. But anyone depending on digital video recording missed the end, as the show ran 6 minutes long. I am deeply saddened for those who were not able to share this experience.

Well, Idol fans, Season 8 will begin in January. I don’t know if it will be able to top this season. But, for now we can look forward to David Cook’s first album and wish him great success.