I totally agree the judges should not make premature announcements as to who "They" think the winner is.
It is "American Idol"...... not "Simon's Idol"
If one of three judges judging a different contest abruptly announced to the public before a full vote compilation........... "Mary Smith" is the winner tonight!! , it would not be tolerated or acceptable.
Their comments sway many gullible , easily led listeners unfortunately and next week the Show will state "America has Spoken " or some such awe inspiring thing.... when it was actually mainly Simon's feedback that unfairly skewed the results.
If one listens to Friends and Family or reads various blogs or internet discussions IMO far too many of the judges comments including the exact adjectives utilized by them are sadly just "Parroted" back by many ,many (no not all... some people do think before voting) viewers
I am voting for David Cook as many times as I can tonight.... while David A. has a great voice he is not nearly as interesting a Singer/performer to me. Perhaps when he is somewhat older and gains some maturity?
I think both Davids will have a good career though.