American Idol started its seventh year, as America's number one reality show, on January 15, 2008. Prior winners of American Idol were Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks.

David Cook was declared the winner, earning 12 million more votes from the viewing public than the other finalist David Archuleta on May 21, 2008. Over 97 million votes were cast.

1. Brooke White
2. David Cook
3. David Archuleta
4. Carly Smithson
5. Michael Johns
6. Syesha Mercado
7. Jason Castro
8. Chikezie Eze
9. Amanda Overmyer
10. David Hernandez
11. Kristy Lee Cook
12. Ramiele Malubay

The guest mentors for season seven were:

1. Dolly Parton
2. Mariah Carey
3. Andrew Lloyd Webber
4. Neil Diamond

The themes for season seven included songs from Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and The Beatles.

Contestant's performance songs and studio recordings from each week are available at iTunes for purchase.

Season 7 was not exempt from it's share of controversies. They ranged from the David Hernandez Stripper scandal, to several contestants having prior recording contracts, to shocking contestant eliminations.

• David Cook

• David Archuleta

• Syesha Mercado

• Jason Castro

• Brooke White

• Carly Hennessy

• Kristy Lee Cook

• Michael Johns

• Ramiele Malubay

• Chikezie Eze

• Amanda Overmyer

• David Hernandez