In November, on a date not yet specified, both David Archuleta and David Cook will release their debut albums. That's when we'll really know which American Idol contestant is most popular.

For now, though, the runner-up has bragging rights over the winner.

According to E!, Archuleta's first single, "Crush," debuted in second place on the Hot 100 singles chart, overshadowing Cook's No. 3 bow in June with "The Time of My Life."

Archuleta is the first American Idol runner-up to have a better showing than the champion in head-to-head single competition since Clay Aiken outsold Ruben Studdard in 2003. For most, Aiken remains the real winner from that season.

"Crush" is the highest-debuting song by an American Idol contestant that was never performed on the show. Impressive. It joins joining Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" as the only other non-debut single from an American Idol to chart at No. 2.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.