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LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Simon Cowell was, yet again, right. “American Idol’s” season finale will be a battle of the Davids – David Archuleta vs. David Cook.
After 56 million votes were cast, the lone female left in the competition – Syesha Mercado – failed to match the numbers of the Davids, and was sent home following an emotional hour of television in which the Top 3 visited their home towns.
“There’s too many words,” Syesha said after host Ryan Seacrest asked her for her parting comments. “I don’t know what to say. I just want to say thank you… just thank you.”
Before Syesha learned she’d be going home, David Archuleta was the first to receive the news that he was heading to the ‘Idol’ finals, to be held this year at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre.
“Oh my gosh. Wow,” the 17-year-old mouthed as he stood on stage stunned.
David Cook came over and hugged the teenager as the young man’s father, Jeff Archuleta, cheered and hugged family and friends in the audience.
When Cook was given his good news, he received a hug from Syesha.
During the broadcast, Cook shared the story that he didn’t originally plan to audition for “Idol.” It was actually his younger brother who was hoping to make the show. Cook had simply come along for moral support when a film crew started interviewing him, prompting him to test out his pipes in front of the judges.