David Cook wins American Idol

David Cook has walked away with the American Idol crown!

With more than 97 million votes cast -- an Idol record -- the 25-year-old bartender from Blue Springs, Mo., became the seventh American Idol Wednesday in front more than 7,000 screaming fans at L.A.’s Nokia Theatre.

"I started this season — much to Simon’s chagrin — as the word nerd and I’m absolutely at a loss for words," Cook told the crowd after hearing the news, referring to his love of vocabulary, which was highlighted in one of his earliest moments on the show. "Thank you guys. This is amazing. Thank you."

Cook then performed ballad, "Time of My Life"

Simon Cowell even apologized to Cook just before Seacrest announced that he had won by a whopping 12 million votes.

"I want to congratulate both of you," Cowell said. "It wasn’t quite so clear as we called it. In fact, David [Cook], I will take this opportunity to apologize because I think I was verging on disrespectful with you and I don’t think you deserve that." To that, judge Paula Abdul gave one of several standing ovations of the night.

Cook was fighting an uphill battle: after Tuesday night's David vs. David three song showdown, Cowell declared Archuleta "a knock out."

"I feel really good," Archuleta said Tuesday. "Both me and Cook just gave it all we had and even though Simon wasn't so favoring Cook, he did so well."

Cook agreed with Cowell that it was Archuleta's night. "I have to concede it," he said. "The kid came out all three songs and nailed it. But I walk away from this with my head held high."