David Cook is new 'American Idol'

Los Angeles -- David Cook, a bartender from Missouri, was declared the winner of the U.S. singing competition show "American Idol" Wednesday night.

He beat out his fellow finalist David Archuleta for the honor.

"I am absolutely at a loss for words now," Cook said, tearing up as he learned the news. "This is amazing. Thank you."

The show's two-hour season finale featured performances by the finalists, the season's castoffs and recording stars Bryan Adams, Donna Summer, ZZ Top, George Michael, Graham Nash, OneRepublic, Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers.

Jimmy Kimmel stopped by to poke fun of host Ryan Seacrest and judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, while actors Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller and Jack Black acted as backup singers in a virtual performance of "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.