'American Idol' Lesson: Win, Even When You Lose

David Cook is the seventh season winner of Fox's (NWS Quote - Cramer on NWS - Stock Picks) Fox's American Idol.

In a record breaking finale in which more than 97 million votes were cast, Cook bested David Archuleta for the idol crown by a margin of 12 million votes. As winner his prize package includes a new Ford (F Quote - Cramer on F - Stock Picks) Escape Hybrid, a million-dollar recording contract with 19 Entertainment and Sony/BMG (SNE Quote - Cramer on SNE - Stock Picks) as well as the coveted position as headliner for this summer's American Idols Live! Tour 2008 .

But, what does winning really mean for Cook's career future (and will finishing second mean that young Archuleta's career is over already)? The answer is unclear. Winning American Idol doesn't necessarily guarantee big success in show business (think Ruben Studdard), then again, it hasn't exactly hurt others (like Kelly Clarkson). Click back over to MainStreet and discover who has made it big by winning and loosing American Idol .