Idol finale!

Ok. Let's cut to the chase ...and past tonight's hokey boxing opening and themed portions ...

Actually the cracks started when Ryan asked David Archuleta how he was feeling. Lil' David flashed his silly little grin again and I was ready for him to do his best Michael Jackson and reply, “I’m a lover, not a fighter!”

Then, Lil' David and David Cook -- from here on known as D.A. and D.C. -- were forced to compliment each other. It would have been laugh-out-loud funny if, after D.A. gushed about how great of a guy D.C. is, D.C. just looked at D.A. and snarled “I hate you.” … But that was only in my warped mind. Instead, D.C. kept it real and was right on when he declared the competition over. It is -- both of these guys are getting huge record deals …

When the first song selections were announced, I thought D.C. was gifted with an edge -- U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” … After all, I didn’t think D.A. could knock his “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down” out of the park the way D.C. could’ve knocked out his. But D.A. went and hit the grand slam …

Afterward, Paula had me cracking up more tonight than ever … To D.C.: “We’ve found what we’ve looking for!” And to D.A.: “The sun won’t go down on you!” … Ack!

And while I’m on the judges … I will not miss watching Randy slobbering and practically jumping on the table after Lil’ David’s performances each week. Seriously, Randy. The kid’s good, but he’s not that good.

For Round Two, D.C. did “Dream Big.” … It started off a little slow, but the chorus screamed RADIO HIT! Still, the performance lacked energy, and Simon was right -- it was lightweight. Thus, D.A. won the second round with his “In This Moment.” Typical song choice, typical performance for D.A.

And finally, we were at Round Three … Collective Soul’s “The World I Know” was right up D.C.’s alley. I liked his acoustic touch on it, and I credit him big time for not doing something he’s already done -- even if it won’t put him over the top … Meanwhile, D.A. decided to reprise his “Imagine,” which was arguably one of the most memorable performances of the season. He sealed the win with it tonight.

So there you go. As much as I’d love to see my Kansas City homeboy David Cook win the whole thing, I’m not sure it’s going to happen …

I think David Archuleta is a wonderfully talented singer, and I think he’ll easily be crowned the winner tomorrow night -- and he deserves it. But he won’t sell as many records as David Cook.