No Hard Feelings for "David and David"

American Idol winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta have nothing but kind words for one another, reports the Los Angeles Times.

At a press conference, given just hours after the finale on Wednesday night, both Cook and Archuleta fielded a variety of questions.

Regarding Simon Cowell's apology just minutes before the final results were announced, Cook joked, "An apology from Simon is a rare gem!" The smoldering rocker was also sure to note, however, that he felt Cowell's apologies were not at all necessary.

On runner-up "Little David," Cook praised: "He has more talent at his age than I know what to do with at 25." Humorously reflecting on his own younger days, Cook recalled an elementary school teacher who "made me sing at a Christmas pageant."

Runner-up Archuleta graciously mirrored Cook's kind feelings. "He's like my big brother!" and "I just can't believe that people have decided for me to be next to him of all people!" were among the 17-year-old's praises for Cook.

On Cowell's unfair remarks during Tuesday night's show that Archuleta had delivered a "knock out" to his opponent, the runner-up remarked: "I'm glad Simon apologized to Cook. . . . Because I don't think anyone realizes how much work we put into this."

American Idol winner Cook remained mellow about the future reflecting, "I actually walked into this with no expectations and I'm walking out of this with no expectations."

This is not to say the rugged rocker lacked excitement. When asked his favorite performance of the entire season, he quickly cited singing the new single, "Time of My Life," after being announced the winner. Cook called the performance ". . . just about exhaling."