George Michael may have been praying for time, but we were worshiping David Cook on Wednesday night.  The American Idol Season 7 winner broke down in tears during the live finale after securing a 12 million vote lead over the most squeezable runner-up in Idol history, David Archuleta.   

The battle of Cookie vs Archie rallied the troops to the tune of 97.5 million votes in all (only 15 million came from me, I swear).  As you know, a big reveal comes with a big price, and we paid with 2 hours of medley performances, Mike Meyers comedy schtick and cross promotions.

Top highlights included seeing Carrie Underwood dressed up like a hot Stevie Nicks in a short wedding gown, a live number from Britain's most likely father figure to fall asleep behind the wheel at a red light (ps Mr. Michael is gearing up for his first US tour in 17 years), and Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller and Jack Black putting their best Pip forward.

The Davids worked up a duet of Nickelback's Hero, Jason Castro revisited Hallelujah, Donna Summer needed help down the stairs, Brooke White and Graham Nash sang a barely rehearsed CSN ditty, and ZZ Top brought out Cookie for Sharp Dressed Man.  Bryan Adams was also there.  But he scares me.  Rinaldo and the USC Marching Band (and cheerleaders) went redux on I Am Your Brother, and Archuleta and One Republic forshadowingly sang Apologize.

Omg, the best part?  We were there!!  On the red carpet, out in the crowd, in the press area downstairs in the basement of the Alamo Nokia, at the post show, behind the barricade, into the afterparty and many other Forrest Gumpings from the American Idol Season 7 finale!!! - CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS

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