Archuleta Talks Losing His Voice; Cook On His Internal ‘Idol’ Competition

David Archuleta may have been the judges’ pick to win “American Idol,” but the teenager’s stunning performances on Tuesday night were in danger of never happening after he lost his voice leading up to the show.

“It’s been a blessing just how well my voice came back and I can’t believe that,” Archuleta told Access Hollywood following Tuesday’s “Idol” performances.

The 17-year-old, who won raves for a second time for his version of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” said he wasn’t the only one with voice issues prior to the show. His competitor, 25-year-old David Cook, also had problems.

“We’re both so worn out,” Archuleta explained. “Both of our voices have been killing us… [We’ve had a lot] of rehearsing and talking and singing and interviews [and it] just takes a toll on your voice. But I was fortunate enough to be able to perform tonight.”

Archuleta’s performances netted praise after praise after praise from the judges. Cook, however, was subject to several rounds of criticism. In the final round, Simon Cowell said he liked Cook’s performance, but his song choice – a number by Collective Soul — was the wrong choice.

Following the broadcast, the finalist said he didn’t actually mind Simon’s comments.

“I kind of looked at it like, at least he’s investing in me enough to have an opinion,” Cook said. “As opposed to, ‘Ahhh David Archuleta wins.’”

Despite the boxing theme of the “Idol” finale, Cook said the competition – for him – was an internal one.

“It’s weird, like at no point this season have I felt like I’ve been competing against anybody but myself. That sounds really cliche saying it, but I mean tonight, it was about showing what got us here,” Cook said. “It was fun.”