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« Cheers & Jeers
Cheers: David Cook Turns Up the Heat on Idol
David Cook by Frank Micelotta / FOX
Cheers to David Cook for providing the first truly transcendent moment on American Idol this season. As I noted in last week's Cheers & Jeers vodcast, none of the new contestants had stood out for me yet (I'm not convinced David Archuleta understands the meaning of "Imagine"). But by taking Lionel Richie's '80s cheese-pop ballad "Hello" — remember the video with the blind sculptress? — and turning it into a raging rocker, Cook whipped up an act of genuine musical alchemy. Jason Castro's quavering take on "Hallelujah" was also effective, but fell short by comparison to any number of versions of that can't-miss song (Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. lang). With Cook's stunning turn, we may have just said "Hello" to our next American Idol.
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Mar 5, 2008 9:49 AM
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I agree - he amazed me - blew me away! But I also like David A - think he's amazing though last night's song wasn't as fantastic for me as past ones - like Hernandez - think Danny, Luke, and Chickese were the weakest. But Cook - wow if he keeps it up??? Hope he's not a one song wonder.
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Mar 5, 2008 10:48 AM
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Agreed. He's become one of my favorites of this year's group (along w/ Jason Castro). I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't make it through...Another singer who did an amazing cover of "Hallelujah" is Brandi Carlile.
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Mar 5, 2008 1:35 PM
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Brandi Carlile's is good, too. I also like Willie Nelson's cover on his new album.
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Mar 5, 2008 1:46 PM
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I couldn't agree more about David Cook! He's been my favorite since we got to the top 24. I love his voice, and he always has great arrangements. Castro was good too. They are both bringing something pretty unique to the competition.
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Mar 5, 2008 3:09 PM
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Agree about Cook, but not about Archuleta. I think he's the real deal. And saying "I'm not convinced David Archuleta understands the meaning of "Imagine"" - This statement is made based on what? His age? It certainly wasn't from the performance, which was incredibly believable and emotional.
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Mar 5, 2008 3:36 PM
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Not his age, but the fact that he looked genuinely baffled when Simon Cowell described it as a sad song.
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Mar 5, 2008 4:56 PM
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David Cook's performance was OK. I'd hardly call it transcendent. As Randy would say, he's very pitchy (I know, rockers get a pass on that) and can barely play that guitar, if you ask me.
I like David A. but when you're family is devoutly Mormon, a song that posits the idea of no religions to divide us might be beyond you at 17. No slam intended on his beliefs, but his world view might not be in line with "Imagine." I think that's what Bruce was getting at.
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Mar 5, 2008 5:14 PM
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Bruce I agree, David Cook has it all.
Dorjean, I don't think he is a one song wonder as all of his performances to date have been great, and his song choices have been spot-on, at times very surprising choices (Lionel Ritchie?), but he really delivered and made each and every song his own. If you can't remember how great he's been, go to I-Tunes and listen. If you compare Brooke's and his renditions of "Happy Together" you will understand. I am just so thrilled this year with the guys. Now all we just need to do is get rid of Danny - PRONTO!!!!
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Mar 5, 2008 6:13 PM
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I agree with getting rid of Danny, Melissa, but I've watched from the beginning and Cook really didn't make me sit up and take notice until now. Know we've all got different tastes, but maybe he just had to grow on me. Blew me away this time - didn't stand out for me the other times when I had other singers rating higher on my scorecard.
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Mar 5, 2008 11:14 PM
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Bruce - I understood David A's confusion to be about "Another Day in Paradise" being a sad song, not "Imagine". In either case, you may have a point; however, he still brought the appropriate emotion to each. Whether or not he understood the meaning is irrelevant, at least to me, given what a great job he did.
"No slam intended on his beliefs, but his world view might not be in line with "Imagine"."
I think you are assuming to know a lot about a person by only actually having a few facts...
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Mar 6, 2008 8:41 AM
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Dorjean, you are right, we all see/hear things differently. For me, there was just something about David from the first time I saw him (lousy hair and everything) that made me sit up and take notice, even more than Daughtry last year. Anyway, I'm glad everyone is starting to feel the love!
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Mar 6, 2008 12:42 PM
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I believe David A was definately referring to "Imagine" being a sad song. If I remember correctly, he actually said "Imagine is a sad song?" I deleted my recording, so I can't check for sure. Either way, it is a bit judgemental to assume things about a person, but I guess that's the point of reality TV. I actually thought David A had no emotion when he sang "Imagine". While I think the kid is sweet and does have a good voice, that's the reason why I didn't like the performance.
Back to the post at hand, David C completely blew me away with his performance. I'm like Dorjean, as I really didn't like him up to this point. But now I'm a fan and I hope he can continue with performances like that.
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Mar 6, 2008 1:38 PM
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I absolutely agree with the comments--David Cook definetly blew me away, and I'm 18, I didn't live through the 80's and I don't even know the original song. :/
David A is definetly an amazing singer, but David Cook suddenly reminded with that re-rendition that we may have a "daughtry" like contestant this season. Bring it on!
*I was and am a huge fan of Daughtry.
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Mar 6, 2008 8:42 PM
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transcendent or not, david cook's performance was the most memorable of the season so far.
'imagine' sucks no matter who sings it, frankly.
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Mar 9, 2008 11:09 AM
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