21Q

Fox

I think the two "Davids" should form their own group called, appropriately, the "Two Davids."

A day and a half after David Cook (shown right) won "American Idol" Season 7, he and fellow "Idol" contestant David Archuleta each squeezed in a half hour for phone interviews with reporters.

(FYI: The two will join Larry King and take calls - along with the other eight finalists - at 6 and 9 tonight on CNN.)

Anyway, here's some of what they had to say during the phone conference about the season, the upcoming tour and, of course, moving forward.

Up first? Winner David C.

Q: Have you recovered, and how did you celebrate?
A: I had an hour nap yesterday. After the show, I met up with my family and we went to a party. Then I went straight home and called it a night.

Q: From the beginning, Simon Cowell had you pegged as cocky and pompous. Now he thinks you're sincere. Did "Idol" change you?
A: I didn't really change much of anything. I went into this with a different perspective than the others. There were no expectations of what the show could do for me or me for the show. My confidence didn't waver. Maybe Simon saw the work I was putting in, which helped create a positive working environment for everyone.

Q: How did you deal with having to learn three new songs for Tuesday's final competition since you chose to do something new for the last song?
A: It was just a matter of focusing on each song one at a time. There was a teleprompter for us. But, at the end of the day, you can get the words but you have to get the performance. Arch (David A.) did a great job. Based on Tuesday, I felt he deserved to win.

Q: There's been a theory that you would have done better not winning - a la Chris Daughtry. Any thoughts on that?
A: It did cross my mind as an objective point. But it would have been a slap in the face to the other contestants and the thousands who auditioned to say you don't want to win. Daughtry's success is amazing, but I'm not trying to be him.

Q: So what about that first album?
A: I think it will be a mixture of my writing and, hopefully, others. The ideal release date is as soon as possible. The type of record? Probably rock. That's a vague generalization, but I want to put out something that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

Q: What was it like performing with ZZ Top?
A: Those guys were so nice! You hear horror stories about established rock bands - that it's all about being them. But they made it so fun and easy. There were 90 million other things going on that day. I would love to work with them again.

Q: Any thoughts you'll take away from this long ride?
A: The show has been great for my diet! I lost 10 to 15 pounds. It was definitely a progression for me. My vocal coach forced me to break down this defense mechanism I had going since the third or fourth week. That's why I started crying near the end. The intensity was building. After eight months of holding my breath, I could finally exhale.

Next up? David Archuleta

Q: How did you hold up under the pressure of the final week?
A: The final week was the busiest of all. It was tough finding time to rehearse and then I had school. There was never any down time for me. But I didn't want to regret anything after Tuesday night, and I didn't. It was the last impression I gave on the show.

Q:What about finishing school and still pursuing music?
A: I'd like to keep doing school while working on music. I have to go to school after this interview. I don't know how long the music thing will last, or if I can make a living on it. Lately, I've been thinking about the ears, nose and throat doctor thing. It really interests me because they help people who have the same problems as me with hearing, conjestion and my voice.

Q: You obviously know you had a huge fan base. What would you like to say to them? And how do you feel about David C.?
A: It means so much that they appreciate the hard work. I'm feeling great. I felt Cook deserved it. Week after week, we both gave it our all. I wouldn't change anything. Not winning won't limit me from making an album. I have no reason to be disappointed.

Q: Much as been said about your relationship with your father, Jeff. Was it hard to hear your dad criticized?
A: He understood I didn't want to hear anything in the news - good or bad. I wanted to stay myself. Normal teenage David. In interviews, I would hear weird things, like he refused to give me water. I'm 17 - I can go get water. Or that he would make me cry. My family kept me grounded, and my dad's a great guy.

Q: Is there any particular artist you would like to work with? What type of album do you think you'll make?
A: (Working with) Alicia Keys would be cool. She gets so into her songs. You feel her emotions when she sings. I'll probably do the pop thing. I'm still a teenager, and I want to relate to kids my age.

Q: On tour, do you think you'll play the piano?
A: I might. I just have to settle on the songs. It's also about finding time to fit practicing into the schdule. I never considered myself a great pianist. It's a risk, trying to play an instrument and still connect to the song.

Q: Not much time for a girlfriend either, huh?
A: I don't think I'm mature enough for that. I hear friends say, 'Oh, we broke up. I can't live!' And, I'm like, you're only 17. You have school. An infatuation won't support you. All the drama. I don't want to deal with it. Now is the time to focus on making an album and writing songs.