Channel's Favorite Son: Archuleta Runner-Up On American Idol

No. 2 on American Idol, No. 1 In Our Hearts

The channel eagerly watched the season finale of American Idol to see if David Archuleta, the son of one of their own, could grab a victory in the popular singing contest. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Archuleta earned nearly 43 million votes, but that wasn't enough to overcome rival David Cook for the title of American Idol. David Archuleta is the 17-year-old son of Jeff Archuleta, owner of Arch Consulting Group, a VAR in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A Star In His Own Right

Solution provider Jeff Archuleta graced the cover of CRN on March 26, 2001 (he sports more facial hair now). During his son David's American Idol run, Jeff made headlines again, this time on rumors that he is an aggressive stage dad.

In The Beginning

Like every American Idol hopeful, David Archuleta's time on the show began with a grueling audition process. He's seen here performing at an audition in July, 2007, where he sang John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change."

Cream Of The Crop

David Archuleta (far right) easily made it through to the Top 12.

The Eyes Have It

David Archuleta's beautiful voice, adorable looks and endearing personality made him a big hit with American Idol fans. He found his niche throughout the competition singing soulful ballads and was christened with the nicknames "Little David," "Archie" and "Babyface." After being criticized during "Andrew Lloyd Weber Week" by the composer/guest mentor for singing too frequently with his eyes closed, Archuleta made a concerted effort in subsequent weeks to keep them wide open.

Hometown Hero

With just three contestants left, American Idol took each of the remaining singers back to their hometowns. Here, Archuleta rides triumphantly into Murray, Utah, outside of Salt Lake City. In footage of his homecoming seen on the show, Archuleta was overwhelmed by the number of fans that turned out to greet him.

David In Demand

Archuleta signs a poster for one of his many "No. 1 Fans."

The Davids Duke It Out

David Archuleta made it to the final round, where he faced off against rocker David Cook (left),who went on to win the competition. American Idol made big with the boxing metaphor in part one of its season finale, depicting the two Davids as pugilists ready to trade blows. That's Archuleta there in the blue corner.

Band Of Brothers

Despite judge Simon Cowell's admonition that to be victorious, "You've got to have the desire to win, and you've got to hate your opponent," Archuleta and Cook had nothing but kind words for each other. No sharp left hooks here.

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Anchoring The Show

Archuleta won a coin toss and elected to perform second in each of the final's three rounds. The strategy seemingly worked as judges ultimately named him the best performer of the night before turning it over to America to vote on the winner. Archuleta sang Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "In This Moment" by aspiring songwriter Ryan Gillmor and John Lennon's "Imagine," a song he had performed earlier in the competition to great critical acclaim.

The End Is Almost Near

David Cook and David Archuleta wind up their last night of competition with show host Ryan Seacrest. After the episode ended, viewers were given four hours to call in or text their votes. Results were revealed the next night. In a record turn-out, 97.5 million votes came in. Cook garnered 56 percent of the votes and won the crown.

Goodbye, For Now

David Archuleta acknowledged his supportive fans following the final night of competition. They'll see him again soon on tour with the rest of the American Idol finalists.