Guitar-playing rocker David Cook and piano balladeer David Archuleta have outlasted fellow contestant Syesha Mercado to secure a place in the “American Idol” finale.

The battle of the Davids was inevitable and this will be the first all-male finale of “American Idol” since Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken in Season 2.

It is the end of a rocky road for Mercado who was voted out on Wednesday night after more than 56 million votes were cast.

With her powerful voice and stunning beauty, she survived being in the bottom seven times and lasted longer than any of the other female competitors. But she proved to be no match for the massive fan support of both Davids.

17-year-old Archuleta from Utah who has amazing control of his vocals, has not only won the hearts of screaming tweens, but their mothers and grandmothers as well, with his cute boyish looks.

While 25-year-old Cook, the Missouri rocker who rocked his way to the final by reworking classic songs, has proved to be one of the most consistent contestants on this season of “American Idol.”

The Season 7 finale which will be held at the Nokia Theatre for the first time, is one of the most anticipated finals in the history of “American Idol.”

Catch the showdown between the Davids on Wednesday and the results show on Thursday, 10pm on Channel 5.

- CNA/ap/il