AMERICAN IDOL PREMIERES TONIGHT!

“David, it was like sort of coming out of karaoke hell into a breath of fresh air, because that was original, it was daring, it stood out by a mile. And this is the sign of a great potential artist – someone who takes risks. Congratulations!”

-- Simon Cowell, after David Cook’s performance of “Always Be My Baby,” Season 7


Season 7 was highly touted, as every season inevitably is, as containing the best group of talent EVER IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN IDOL. While that claim is certainly debatable, I would argue the validity of that statement for last season. Look at the Top 6: Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta, and David Cook. All were favorites (or dark horse competitors) at one point or another and all had weeks in the competition where their respective performances was clearly the best. I defy you to pinpoint another season as deep and diverse in talent.

David Cook was a standout from his first audition. The emo rocker with the faux-hawk and the gravelly voice made quite the impression with Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” He made it through Hollywood week into the semi-finals, and delivered his first outstanding performance during the final semi-final week with “Hello.” After two strong performances during the two Beatles themed weeks, he finally became a threat for the title with a smokin’ hot rendition of “Billie Jean.” While most of the attention and praise seemed to be focused on other contestants, David Cook slowly built his case with the audience on the strength of his performances.

He didn’t connect every week, but his Idol resume is loaded with magic moments on stage. In addition to “Hello” and “Billie Jean,” he shined on “Little Sparrow,” “Music of the Night,” “I’m Alive,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” However, I think David Cook won the competition during Top 7 week with the unlikeliest of themes – the music of Mariah Carey.

David reinvented Mariah’s signature, saccharine pop ballad, slowed it down, rearranged it, and gave it haunting male perspective. The result, combined with a new haircut that confirmed his sex symbol status, changed the entire trajectory of the season and lent legitimacy to the whole concept of theme weeks on the show. A few weeks later, in the finale, he took a risk by performing a new song instead of reprising any of his numerous standout efforts from the season. The risk paid off, to the tune of 12 million votes more than David Archuleta.

David Cook was the model of consistency, superior talent, and musical integrity.







Stay tuned for a special wrap up tomorrow!