"He's still a winner to us," said Archuleta's aunt, Angie Banford, one of more than a dozen family members - including both his maternal and paternal grandfathers - who attended the event.

"He tried his hardest. We were all just hoping he was going to win," said Banford, of North Salt Lake. "He's still going to be the same David."

About 5,000 people watched the show live on the arena Jumbotron, an hour ahead of Utah TV viewers who saw the show with its customary one-hour tape delay. Producers cut twice during the live program to the crowd of screaming Utah fans, many of whom wore "I vote for Archuleta" T-shirts and waved "Go David" signs.

Most of those in attendance were confident the 17-year-old Murray High School student would win. After all, even snarky judge Simon Cowell had said Archuleta won the "Battle of the Davids" during Tuesday's finale.

With hopes so high, the announcement was all the more disappointing.

"We're sad because he is the nicest kid you can imagine," said Kristine Johnson, of Sugar House, who came with daughter Aimee. "He's a great representative of Utah, and gorgeous to boot."

"I'm shocked that he lost, but he'll be huge no matter what," said Cecily Estrada, a graduate of Murray High, who added that part of the excitement of this year's competition was seeing the unity it created in her hometown.

"There was so much support, it really brought everyone in the community together," she said.

Karissa Magleby, a student at Riverview Junior High in Murray, began crying when she heard who won. "I'm just so mad. I wanted him to win so bad," she said.

Liz Sollis thought the decision was wrong, but said in the end it wouldn't affect Archuleta's career.

"Instead of an 'Idol,' he'll be a star," she said. "He won in Utah. You don't need the whole nation. In this state, he's golden."

kathys@sltrib.com