America voted, and the people disagreed with Simon Cowell.

Despite the judge's assertion on Tuesday's American Idol that David Archuleta delivered a "knockout" to David Cook, viewers didn't see it that way. A record 97.5 million votes flooded in, handing Mr. Cook the title by a hearty 12 million calls and texts.

Mr. Cook – an ex-bartender who went to auditions only to support his brother Andrew – was overcome by the news, bending over and wiping away tears.

"I started this season much to Simon's chagrin, as a word nerd," he said. "But I'm absolutely at a loss for words right now. This is amazing."

In the crowd his brother, who didn't even make it past the auditions, wiped away his own tears of joy. Apparently, there are no hard feelings.

And none among the top 12, either; when Mr. Cook sang his upcoming single, "Time of My Life" (the winner of the songwriting competition), he corralled the rest of the gang around him in a makeshift group hug.

His win wasn't the only surprise of the night. Guests included Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. (pretending to audition as Gladys Knight's Pips), Jimmy Kimmel, ZZ Top, a very glam Carrie Underwood, One Republic, the Jonas Brothers and a subdued but robust George Michael.

All of that takes time – almost two hours, to be exact. But before we could finally find out who won, Paula Abdul had words of wisdom to impart. And here they are:

"Just remember, sometimes we think it's all about winning, but it's the things sometimes that we lose that remind us of how truly special we are as people. So keep it up."

All-righty. Then Simon backpedaled, admitting he'd re-watched the performances from Tuesday "and it wasn't quite as clear-cut as we'd called it." Oh, and not only that: "For the first time ever, I don't really care who wins. I think you've both done terrific."

It would have meant a little more if he'd said all that Tuesday night. But that's OK. In this election year, the outcome sends a positive message: Judges may have lots of authority, but the power still lies with the people.