David Archuleta Reveals Where His Friendship with ‘American Idol’ Winner David Cook Stands Today (Exclusive)

For many American Idol viewers in 2008, the battle between season 7 finalists David Archuleta and David Cook felt as intense as a presidential election. But the two musicians remained friendly throughout the competition and beyond.

More than 16 years after Cook ultimately won the reality singing competition series over Archuleta, they both continue to actively release music and perform shows. While they remain on friendly terms to this day, their paths don’t cross as much as they used to.

“I do not [keep in touch with Cook] as often now that I live in L.A.,” Archuleta, who recalls him and Cook both living in Nashville for some time over the last decade, tells PEOPLE. “I saw him more back then. We would get lunch sometimes.”

However, they still catch up every now and then. “A few months ago he texted me, and I was like, ‘Dude, I was just thinking about you.’ And we were just like, ‘When we’re in the same place, let’s meet up,'” says the “Crème Brulée” artist, whose new Earthly Delights EP is out now. “[Cook has] just always been chill and kept to himself.”

Looking back on their days singing for judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, plus millions of viewers, Archuleta recalls the experience feeling surreal.

“I think we both were like, ‘What the hell is going on?’ when we were on American Idol,” he says. “I mean, we both wanted to be singers, but none of us craved to be like, ‘I want to be the superstar. Everyone look at me.'”

Archuleta continues, “We were both just like, ‘Okay, well, we’re here. Oh, we’re at the finale now. Oh my God. We want to do well, and we want to do our best, but how the hell did we end up here?’ It was just wild.”

In addition to Cook, the “Crush” artist continues to stay in touch with Abdul. “Paula has consistently been a good person who genuinely cares about others,” he says of the “Forever Your Girl” singer.

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Long before auditioning for American Idol, Archuleta was a fan of Abdul’s work. “She’s sold tens of millions of CDs and singles and had so many No. 1 hits — and her workout DVDs,” he continues. “My mom and I used to work out to them.”

Since Archuleta’s time with Abdul on the show, she’s remained a supportive figure in his life. “Regardless of if you’re considered the hot thing right now or not, she’ll go and watch Idol contestants when they have shows in town,” he says. “She genuinely just roots for her people.”