America's newest idol comes from the Heartland! Missourian David Cook was voted the winner of the 2008 competition, eclipsing his very popular 17 year old challenger David Archuleta. Cook was the victor by more than 12,000,000 votes.. taking the crown 56% to 44%.

David roared into the finals after his Kansas City hometown stop on May 9th. It included a parade, a visit to his alma mater, Blue Springs South High School, and singing at two Kansas City Royals games. Cook, whose brother Andrew encouraged him to enter the competition, will now be on a magic carpet ride of fame and fortune, joining other stars like Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson!