Already missing American Idol? Here’s one last fix: behind the scenes of the finale, and what they didn’t show on TV.

Looks like David Cook had the strongest performance in the latest American Idol episode. It’s a very important night — we’re down to three, and this round determines the final face off.

DAVID COOK WINS AMERICAN IDOL BY 12 MILLION VOTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing, amazing, amazing. We really love this contestant: he’s original, he’s talented, and he’s got a sensitive side. (It was touching to see him cry — and the way he gracefully tried to show his respect for David Archoleta during the final “victory song.”)

He granted his first interview as the new Idol backstage, where he spoke of the future, and Simon Cowell’s unexpected apology.

Simon Cowell actually seemed charming and (gasp!) humane when he appeared on Ellen Degeneres’ show. She showed him a reel of his harshest critiques from American Idol (with winning lines like “You sounded like Dolly Parton on helium” and “It was a bit like ordering a hamburger and only getting a bun.” He actually was a bit ashamed of himself. “That was like slightly, harshly edited there,” but conceded, “I must admit watching myself back I hated myself.”

But in his defense, he said: “This is just the way the music business is. When you’re performing in front of 25 to 30 million people and you’re not making the effort to make your self into a star I don’t think you’re doing yourself any favors so that’s why I said it.”

Both Ellen and Simon made a bold prediction: David Cook will take the Idol crown. “I’m gonna call it for David Cook,” Cowell said.

Yep, it’s David vs. David at the American Idol finale. Syesha Mercado took the elimination gracefully (Simon did warn her the night before that she had a less-than-impressive performance). “I just want to say thank you.” She looked more proud than disappointed to have made it so far. As for next week’s battle of the Davids, Simon predicted, “We’re going to have a real humdinger.”