9:31AM: BACK! Ryan introduces the unseen footage (as he calls it) of Gladys Night performing in 1972.

Carrie Underwood is up the stage singing “Last Name”. The full band is on stage. She sounds great!

[audio:http://www.brinknotes.org/mp3/carrie.mp3]

BREAK! We are nearing the announcement!

*MORE UPDATES ARE POSTED AFTER THE JUMP*

9:42AM: BACK WITH THE SHOW! The Top 12 of Season 7 are on the stage again singing just before the announcement! They are all in black singing “Faith”. On the hand, the guys are singing “Father Figure”.

They’re singing “Freedom” now.

George Michael enters the stage with the song “Praying for Time”. The camera spotted Paula crying.

[audio:http://www.brinknotes.org/mp3/top12george%20michael.mp3]

The three judges gave him a standing ovation.

BREAK. When we come back we got a new AMERICAN IDOL!

9:56AM: The SHOW IS BACK! Ryan is on stage with the Davids. The three judges giving their final comments.

Randy says that he’s happy it’s the two of them (two Davids), one of the strongest years ever.

Paula is honored to be sitting there, says it’s the beginning of the start of the rest of their careers.

Simon says he wants to congratulate both of them, watched it at home and said it wasn’t as clearly cut. Apologizes to Cook for verging on being disrespectful. He says they’re both try-ers and they both did terrific.

The guy from telescope hands Ryan the envelope. THE RESULTS ARE HERE!

DAVID COOK WINS AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 WITH 12 MILLION VOTES AHEAD of Archuleta! He is crying! Everyone is going crazy! He is quite speechless. His family joins him on stage.

[audio:http://www.brinknotes.org/mp3/announcement.mp3]

David Cook closes the night with “Time of My Life”, the real coronation song. The Top 12 is also on stage. Fireworks! YEY! David Cook goes up the risers behind the judges.

The Top 12 joins him on the risers behind the judges. Confetti all over the place.

ROLL CREDITS

It’s finished!