The audition train rolls into Kentucky today and as such, the state that is home to Colonel Sanders has a additional prize up for grabs.

An open letter to all auditioning hopefuls:

On behalf of Kentucky Fried Chicken, I want to serve up a tasty offer. As you audition to become a star to millions of Americans, KFC has a simple message for you: Sing your heart out, break a leg … but think about flapping those wings.

At KFC, we know a thing or two about legs (and wings), so that’s why we‘d like to offer you and thousands of others auditioning for America’s top reality show the chance to dance for your supper. The KFC Colonel wants to share his “secret recipe” for success for your performance: add a side dish of “wings” to your song by doing the “Chicken Dance” and you’ll have the judges eating out of your hand!

As tryouts kick off in our brand’s hometown of Louisville, Ky., Kentucky Fried Chicken has cooked up this mouth-watering proposition for you: If you “wing it” by incorporating the “Chicken Dance” into your audition and the performance airs nationally, you’ll score free KFC for a year* and a role in an upcoming KFC commercial.

Now that’s a finger licking good offer that would make even the harshest of judges stand and applaud!

We can’t guarantee your “Chicken Dance” wing flaps will fly you to Hollywood. But, a year’s supply of our famous chicken, 12 months of delicious sides and 52 weeks of Hot Wings … now that’s an “Original
Recipe” worth singin’ about!

Best of luck,
Roger Eaton
President of KFC

Audition Dates Also Set For Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; Kansas City, MO; Jacksonville, FL; East Rutherford, NJ; and San Juan, Puerto Rico

Auditions for the eighth season of AMERICAN IDOL begin Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA, and will continue in seven other cities. Once again, auditioners will have an extraordinary opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the coveted American Idol title and a major recording contract.

Auditions will be held as follows:

Congratulations to David Cook on a great win with a more than 12million vote majority - dare I say the biggest victory in Idol history?

Leave your congratulations in the comments below

What a season it's been. While the entertainment on Television has been fun and questions have been raised about the ratings, everyone running online sites has experienced great results. Yesterday, Idolblog.com had over 55,000 visitors with 20,745 of them coming to the site in the hour after the show aired in the East. This is dramatically up on last year so whatever the commentators may say about the future of American Idol, from an online perspective there is plenty of interest.

Enough of that though, join me for the live recap.

Tonight's Live Finale is coming from the Nokia Theatre. More than 97.5 million votes were cast last night, smashing the previous record by 23 million. Apparently the split was 56%-44%. Based on that figure and all the polls online which are all pointing towards David Cook, it will be a huge surprise if it's the other way around. Despite the fact that Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell were all swinging towards an Archuleta win last night.

The Top 12 kick off the show with a performance of Get Ready

David Cook and David Archuleta perform a duet of Hero

Syesha performs Waiting For You and is joined on stage for a duet by Seal.

Jason Castro then comes out to perform one of his moments from the show - Hallelujah. No Jeff Buckley though.

The Top 6 Girls then perform amedley of songs from Donna Summer. How HOT is Kristy Lee Cook?! Donna Summer then joins them onstage and the girls provide BV's for her new single Stamp Your Feet.

Michael Johns and Carly Smithson perform a duet together and sing The Letter

The Top 6 guys perform Summer of '69. The two Davids then perform another Bryan Adams number, Heaven. The man himself then joins them on stage to sing a few more of his songs

David Cook performs Sharped Dressed Man with ZZ Top.

The Jonas Brothers perform S.O.S

One Republic perform their hit Apologize and David Archuleta joins them for the second verse.

Last year's American Idol Winner Jordin Sparks performs One Step At a Time.

Carrie Underwood sings Last Name from her new album Carnival Ride.

Ryan Seacrest introduces the Top 12 for the final time as they all perform Faith, Father Figure and finally the two Davids with Freedom. George Michael then joins the cast on stage and sings Praying for Time

Ryan takes the envelope and reads the result.

The winner of American Idol 2008 is: DAVID COOK

Listen to the original here:

Do you prefer this version or David Cook's

Can you believe it? It's finally here! The final performance show of the year for American Idol. Tomorrow night, one of them will be crowned the winner of American Idol.

Tonight, the two Davids take to the stage for the final time to try and secure your vote - and the win.

The polls have David Cook with a slight edge over David Archuleta so tomorrow's result will be interesting. But tonight, will it be the rocker or the crooning swooner that impresses.

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

David Cook

Original: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-05

What a fantastic way to start the show. David has certainly come to play tonight!

Randy: "It was a great way to start off this duel of 2007. It was hot baby!"
Paula: "You may not have found what you're looking for but we have. David Cook has arrived amen amen."
Simon: "You looked very tense, very emotional. So taking all that together, I thought it was phenomenal."

---

David Archuleta

Original: Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-06

WOW! Game on! We finally have a real competition on our hands!

Randy: "It doesn't matter what happens right now. This is one of the best performances of the season. That was flawless and unbelievably molten hot! Crazy vocals!"
Paula: "The sun is never gonna go down on you. I got chills up my arms. That was a beautiful exciting performance."
Simon: "It's easy to get overexcited tonight. Last week I thought you were ok. I thought tonight this is the best you've been so far. Taking everything into account, round 1 goes to Archuleta!"

---

David Cook

Original: Dream Big - Lyrics
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-05

What a fantastic song. Very David Cook. Very cool!

Randy: "The beginning of round 2. The song was just ok but you were singing your face off. Nice, nice."
Paula: "We sit in awe mesmerized by you. Congratulations"
Simon: "Using the boxing analogy it was bit of a lightweight. It's supposed to be a winning song, it didn't sound like a winning moment. That was a 6.5 out of 10."

---

David Archuleta

Original: In This Moment - Lyrics
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-06

Again, a very Archuleta song but I have to disagree with Simon. This was a far weaker song and completely boring! Round two to Cook!

Randy: "Right now, once again the song I wasn't crazy about the song but right now you are so in the zone that you could sing the phonebook."
Paula: "Another magical performance. That is why you are here. Congrats."
Simon: "I love the egotistical lyrics. You chose the better song. Much more in keeping with the night. Round 2 goes to David Archuleta"

---

David Cook

Original: The World I Know
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-05

A very strange song choice for David. And a wrong one. Completely blew the final opportunity to win votes.

Randy: "One of the cool things about you is you're showing different sides of Cook. This is the kind of record you could get by with. Very nice job."
Paula: "You're standing in your truth and you're delivering performances with originality and integrity. I truly applaud you."
Simon: "You are one of the nicest and most sincere contestants we've ever had. It was a beautiful song, but it was completely and utterly the wrong song for you. You should have sung "Billie Jean". You understand what I'm saying?"

---

David Archuleta

Original:
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-06

Another signature performance by David Archuleta.

Randy: "I'm really happy it's the two Davids. You are exactly what the show is about. The best singer of season 7 is right there!"
Paula: "You left me speechless. You were stunning tonight. This is what it's all about."
Simon: "You know, we've taken a bit of stick this year but at the end of the day, this show is about finding a star. My opinion David, you came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout."

---

After tonights show I score Round 3 to David Archuleta, Round 2 to David Cook and Round 1 a draw. It's too close to call despite the judges obviously favoring David Archuleta. How will the results look tomorrow? See you then for the Grand Finale!

It's the question we've been waiting to learn the answer to all season. Many of us have had our hunches about who would face off in the final show down but tonight we find out.

Everyone is pretty sure that Syesha Mercado is the one who will be leaving tonight but in this game, anything is possible.

And how many people were frantically dialing over night for the final tally to result in 56 million votes being cast this week.

The final three perform Ain't No Stopping Us Now

Fantasia performs Bore Me (Yawn)

After a long recap of all the performances and home town visits etc we're finally starting to get close to a result!

And with that, the predictions ring true. Syesha is out!

America, you're Grand Finalists for 2008 are:
David Archuleta and David Cook

I'm not even going to bother wrapping up the stats this week. We all know it - including Syesha, that she is going home.

However, if it isn't Syesha going home tonight, this will be the biggest surprize in the history of American Idol.

Results are next!

It's the final 3! WOW! In a week we'll be sitting down to the Grand Final of American Idol for 2008!

Tonight, Syesha and the two Davids are performing three songs tonight. One from the judges, one from the producers and one of their own choices.

Everyone is expecting a Double David Draw for the Grand Finale of American Idol but can Syesha pull out an upset?

If you haven't already, why not join one of our Office Pools on the right and see if you can pick who is going and who is staying.

Also, If you need the voting numbers, they can be found here.

Here is tonight's recap:

David Archuleta

Original (Paula's Song Choice): And So It Goes
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

I see David has reverted to his bland performances again. Thankfully there are two more tonight.

Randy: "Check it out baby. You know what I'm happy about? Paula chose a dope song. The Billy Joel thing works well on you. You're in it to win it!"
Paula: "It was a pure and stunning performance. You were a storyteller. It was beautiful."
Simon: "It was very good, no surprises. But predictable. It was good but I didn't think it was outstanding."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Randy's Song Choice): If I Ain't Got You
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

It was a bit of a dull song choice from Randy and other than the runs at the end, nothing spectacular.

Randy: "I thought that would work really well. You did an amazing job. I'm so happy that you are peaking at the right point in the competition"
Paula: "It's difficult to do a song that's so identifiable with the original artist. I'm glad you're the last girl standing."
Simon: "It was good, but I was hoping Randy would choose something a little more challenging. Not enough in my opinion. But you look stunning"

---

David Cook

Original (Simon's Song Choice): The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

Well done Simon for getting some extra exposure for your girl Leona Lewis. A nice rendition.

Randy: "I've been a DC fan since day one. Love the high note at the end but I wish Simon would've picked something less predictable. I needed more rock from it."
Paula: "It's about you, David. That is one of my favorite songs and you are my second favorite person to sing it."
Simon: "This may sound a little bit biased but I think this is one of your strongest performances to date. Round 1 goes to Cook & Cowell."

---

David Archuleta

Original (David's Song Choice): With You
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

I really like this song on David. Absolutely awesome performance.

Randy: "So, I applaud the fact that you're trying something new and you but I'm not sure it was the right song. Seeing you singing 'my boo' I didn't believe it."
Paula: "This is a part of who you are. I think you did a great job."
Simon: "I applaud you that you didn't do a ballad which I thought you would. However, it was a bit like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. I thought the dancing was awkward and it just wasn't you"

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Syesha's Song Choice): Fever
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

Interesting song choice. Nice to see her do something a little different.

Randy: "A very interesting song choice but what I will highlight is you sang it amazingly well."
Paula: "You look lovely tonight. I'm surprised you picked this song. Interesting but not sure if it shows me Syesha."
Simon: "I think you will probably regret that performance tomorrow. You did quite a lame cabaret performance."

---

David Cook

Original (David's Song Choice): I Dare You To Move
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

A great song but a very poor performance vocally.

Randy: "Perfect song choice, I love that band. Performance wise it wasn't your best. A little pitchy."
Paula: "It's hard to get the song down to a minute and a half. It felt like you just began and you ended the song. I wanted more."
Simon: "I thought all three of you had an ok middle round. It was what I expected, not a very melodic song."

---

David Archuleta

Original (Producer's Song Choice): Longer
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-01 OR 1-866-43657-04 OR 1-866-43657-07

Another kinda boring song. Another fluffy performance.

Randy: "Very once again interesting song choice. It was another hot one from you."
Paula: "Very lovely. I expect nothing more."
Simon: "I'm not gonna criticize you because I thought you sang it well. However, I thought the song and lyrics were horrible. They were gooey. I do think you've done enough to get into the finals next week."

---

Syesha Mercado

Original (Producer's Song Choice): Hit Me Up
Buy all off Syesha's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-02 OR 1-866-43657-05 OR 1-866-43657-08

It came close to fitting but just a little short for me.

Randy: "Yeah I can see you doing a song Rihanna-esque. It was just ok for me."
Paula: "I dunno if it's gonna be good enough to get you into the finals [booos]"
Simon: "It was better than the second song. I don't think anything this week has topped your performance last week. It didn't give you a defining moment like I'd hoped."

---

David Cook

Original (Producer's Song Choice): I Don't Want To Miss a Thing
Buy all off David's performances from iTunes here
1-866-43657-03 OR 1-866-43657-06 OR 1-866-43657-09

An average performance of one of the greatest songs of all time. David has had some serious issues with pitch tonight.

Randy: "For me, I love the song, it was ok for me but very predictable."
Paula: "This is an amazing song. David, see you in the finals!"
Simon: "One of the great songs of all time. And I have to tell you, David Cook wins the night."

---

Round One went to David Cook. Round Two went to David Archuleta. Round Three wasn't clear for me as they were all average. In any case, Syesha fans had best be voting hard if they want her in the Finale.

See you tomorrow for the elimination.

If you thought the 45 million votes last week was a lot, this week there were 51 million votes cast. Apparently the Top 3 were all within a million votes of each other. Oh dear for Mr Castro?

The Top 4 perform Steely Dan's Reelin' In The Years.

David Archuleta is SAFE!

David Cook is SAFE!

Maroon 5 perform their single If I Never See Your Face Again.

Bo Bice then performs Witness

Being ejected from the American Idol stage this week for shooting the Tambourine Man is: Jason Castro