In `Idol' bout, 'Archie' declared knockout winner

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Archuleta, 17, of Murray, Utah, said he wasn't expecting to be singing that tune despite the judges' overwhelming praise.

"I just feel like I accomplished what I needed to do. If Cook wins, that's so great for him he's such an amazing performer and he's proved he also deserves the title of `American Idol," Archuleta said.

But the judges weren't so restrained. Randy Jackson exclaimed to Archuleta, "Dude, you are so good tonight. You are exactly what this show is about." And Cowell told the teenager: "You came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout."

"American Idol" reveled in the mano-a-mano contest after a string of boy vs. girl finales. Michael Buffer ("Let's get ready to rumble!") introduced the singers, who came bounding out in boxing robes and gloves, and sportscaster Jim Lampley dispensed words of wisdom in the form of boxing analogies throughout the show.

But while there's no crying in boxing, there were moist eyes on "Idol."

Archuleta was routinely tearful as the judges heaped compliments on him, and even Cook got red- and misty-eyed after concluding his final performance. The two exchanged only compliments, not punches, afterward.

"Archie is an amazing, amazing kid and an amazing, amazing performer and I knew I had to come out with my A-game," said Cook, 25, of Blue Springs, Mo. "I feel like I had fun."

Being the show's early front-runner wasn't necessarily the best position, Archuleta told the AP.

"I felt I had a disadvantage getting so much attention in the beginning. But winning isn't the big concern. It's always doing your best. ... That's what's important," he said.

Being second may not hurt either singer. Several runners-up without the pressure of being the winner have enjoyed more commercial success than some "Idol" champs.

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