David Cook and Jay Leno

As has been the tradition following the American Idol finale, the winner appeared on the Tonight Show.

When David Cook came out, instead of sitting in the chair next to Jay Leno's desk, he sprawled out on the couch as if he wanted to take a nap.

Cook said he only had about an hour of sleep since winning the title. He didn't seem tired at all to me.

Leno asked, "Were you surprised that you won?"

Cook said, "Yeah, but not in the sense that I felt like it was undeserved. I worked just as hard as everybody else."

He went on to praise David Archuleta's talent and called it an honor to share the stage with him.

Leno said Cook seemd like a "goner" on Tuesday. Cook agreed and said he had resigned himself to that. Going into Wednesday's show, he said he just focused on having fun and playing with ZZ Top.

Although there was plenty of chatting, Cook's appearance was heavy on promotion. In addition to mentioning the new American Idol Experience at Disney World, Cook's Guitar Hero commercial, the Tom Cruise Risky Business take off, was shown.

Leno joked, "Were you nervous about that? Have you ever run around in your underpants on camera before?"

Cook responded, "Well, never for money."

He really was very funny. I can't imagine little David Archuleta responding that way.

Cook told the story of how he came to audition for the show. He was accompanying his younger brother Andrew to the audition, never intending to tryout. He ended up auditioning himself after producers convinced him.

Leno asked, "Why would you not want to audition? Did you think it was a lame show?"

The audience squirmed a little then laughed when Cook answered, "No, not at all. You know... Easy."

Cook seemed so comfortable and so nice. This newcomer was better at conversation with Leno than a lot of seasoned celebrities.

Leno commented, "You're kind of living your brother's dream here. How's he's coping with that? Is he all right?"

Cook said that after he found out he was in the top 24, he went home to Kansas City and was playing Madden on the Wii with his brother. Andrew slaughtered him and started gloating. Cook said that was fine with him. He told his brother he can have Madden and he'll have American Idol.