David Cook's Heartwrenching "Permanent" at the Idol Finale

David Cook is probably my all-time favorite Idol winner and this is one of the most beautiful, though heartbreaking, songs I've ever heard. David gave this incredible performance at the AI finale after losing his big brother to brain cancer earlier in the month. The song can be downloaded at iTunes with proceeds going to cancer research.

David Cook at Idols Live

American Idols Live

We were able to attend the American Idols Live concert in St Louis last week. It was such a blast and our seats this year were so much better than last year. All of the Idols had a more improved sound and many were pretty amazing (i.e. David Cook, Micheal Johns, and Carly Smithson)

I'm already looking forward to next year!

David Cook Wins American Idol!

The top 2 Davids, Archuleta and Cook respectively, gave a stand-out duet performance of Hero. I was a little surprised by how great they sounded together, but they are both excellent musicians so I guess I shouldn't be to amazed.

My husband (David also) and I talked about how it would have been good to see Archuleta perform songs like this before. I think it would have shown people more of an edgy side.

After viewing the 2-hour show last night the suspense had built and when Ryan Seacrest announced that David Cook had won we all yelled out, "YES" in unison and started clapping and cheering for our Missouri boy. I'm not sure that he was expecting to win, but he definitely deserved it!

David Cook Singing "The World I Know"-American Idol Finale

Even though I would have liked to hear David Cook sing a song that rocks a little bit more, it was refreshing to hear the tender side of his voice through this ballad.

More importantly, even if not everyone agreed with his song choice here, DC definitely sang this from his heart and was moved to tears at the end. It was beautiful.

I've heard some criticizing him for his response to Simon's criticism. When DC said that he wanted to sing a song that he hadn't sang before on the show, that each week had been a progression, I don't think he was taking a mean-spirited slam at David Archuleta (because Archuleta repeated Imagine). He was just being honest and chose to take more of a risk by doing something different.

David Cook Singing "Dream Big"-Top 2 American Idol Finale

I loved this performance and totally disagreed with Simon. . . I also thought the song was great. I liked Randy's comment about how he was "singing his face off."

American Idol Finals Tuesday Night 7/8c-American Idol Mania

It's hard to believe how quickly this season has flown by! It all comes down to the 2 Davids, Archuleta and Cook. Although I admit that early in the season I was rooting for David A., I'm now cheering for David C. In addition to being a fellow Missourian, David Cook has impressed with his originality and vocal maturity. It's hard to compared the 2 because their styles are so different. Judging from the screaming preteen fans Archuleta has, I predict that maybe he will win. I think it will be close and I don't believe it will matter much if David Cook comes in second. His talent and ability to rock the house are going to take him far. In fact, I think he might even give Chris Daughtry (one of my favorite Idol contestants) a run for his money. Only time will tell, but I'm looking forward to Tuesday night's performances.

David Cook Performing Neil Diamond-American Idol Mania Top 5

The first one here was pretty good, but the second, "All I Really Need Is You" was pretty awesome! I loved hearing DC do a ballad. We know that he can rock, but it was nice to hear something a little more tender. As my 11-year-old would say. . "Swwwwweeeeet!"

David Cook's Unique Rockin' Version of Always Be My Baby-American Idol Mania Top 7

D.C. was the bomb this week with his super rockin take on Always Be My Baby. Loved it. . . especially the ending!!!!

Idol Gives Back Performing Shout to the Lord

I love this song and was pretty surprised (and happy) to see it sung on national tv. Very cool! Don't miss David Cook toward the end of the song. . . pretty incredible (as usual)!

David Cook Singing Dolly Parton's Little Sparrow

David Cook, 25 of Blue Springs, MO brought this original performance of Dolly's Little Sparrow. Loved the falseto! Nice ending as well. David Cook rocks. . . what else can I say?

Tonight's Top 9-Dolly Parton Week on American Idol Mania

Tonight's Idol should be interesting. Dolly Parton week should add a unique twist to the Idol contest. I'm sure Kristy Lee Cook is looking forward to the country focus, since that's what she does best. Assuming that the contestants will all be singing Dolly songs, it should be interesting to see who can come up with the most original arrangements and really make the song their own. Dolly Parton has such a unique sound, I'm curious to hear her advice for the contestants.

Don't miss the Top 9:

David Aruchuleta, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro, David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, and Syesha Mercado.

David Cook Rocked American Idol Mania Last Night Singing Michael Jackson's Billie Jean!

David Cook rocked American Idol's world last night with his unique rocker version of Michael Jackson's hit Billie Jean! He's been consistently amazing week after week presenting America with incredible entertainment, originality, great vocals, and amazing stage presence.

Although I'm still a huge David Archuleta fan, I'm going to change my original vote for this year's Idol winner to David Cook. But, even if he doesn't win, I don't think it will hurt his future success, as past contestants have proven. Take for example Chris Daughtry. Although he finished season 5 behind winner Taylor Hicks and runner up Katharine McPhee, he had the highest record sales in 2007 of ANYONE! In fact, I think his NOT winning Idol allowed Daughtry more freedom in producing his first record than he might have had if he had won and been tied to the Idol contract.

Anyway. . . please check out this video of David Cook's performance last night.

American Idol Season 7 Ford Music Video 3-19-08

David Cook is pretty funny in this video! Check it out:

American Idol's Top 10 Will Perform Tuesday at 8/7c

Here are America's top 10 Idol Contestants:

Brooke White, 24, Mesa, AZ.
Carly Smithson, 24, San Diego, CA.
Chikeze, 22, Inglewood, CA.
David Archuleta, 17, Murray, UT.
David Cook, 25, Blue Springs, MO.
Jason Castro, 20, Rockwall, TX.
Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Selma, OR.
Michael Johns, 29, Buckhead, GA.
Ramiele Malubay, 20, Miramar, FL.
Syesha Mercado, 21, Sarasota, FL.

My take on the top 10 is this: I think, so far at least, David Archuleta and David Cook deserve to be in the finals. Cook has been consistently solid and his sound is well-defined. He's been very successful at infusing his style into a song.

David Archuleta simply has a fantastic vocal instrument. With the exception of 1 tough week when he forgot the lyrics to a Beetle's tune, his performances have been "right on". Some are saying that he is getting boring, but I disagree. He is so charming and especially talented at connecting with the audience, particularly when he sings ballads. I think he knows this and, while at some point I think he's going to need to prove that he can sing an uptempo song, I believe he's doing the right thing sticking with what he does best. . . for now, at least.

Unfortunately, I don't see Kristy Lee Cook or Ramiele Malubay sticking around much longer. And, although she is a vocal powerhouse, because of her position in the bottom 3 last week, I'm a little nervous about what might happen with Carly Smithson. If she can manage to stick it out until the end, I think she's capable of giving the 2 Davids a run for their money. Song choice is going to be especially important for her at this stage in the game.

I'm also interested to see what Brooke White and Jason Castro's performances will hold in the coming weeks. I don't see any danger of them leaving this week and have seen glimmers of great potential in both of them. Although her vocal range is more limited than Carly's, she has proven with her piano-playing performance of that she's got what it takes. Jason, I think, is more of an acquired taste. He is pretty quirky and has some mannerisms that are entertaining to watch, but I've been very impressed with a couple of his earlier performances when he played his guitar. He seemed so comfortable and just like he was really enjoying himself.

Be sure and check back daily for updates and please share your opinions.

"Another Solid Look For David Cook", Day Tripper, Top 11 Performance

Check out our MO homeboy's Whitesnake-influenced performance of Day Tripper. I totally disagreed with Simon. I thought it was awesome! I would love to see David Cook and David Archuleta in the top 2. Tell me what you think.

David Cook Singing Eleanor Rigby-Top 12

Guy's Song Choices for 80's Night

Chikezie Eze
"All The Man That I Need" - Sister Sledge/Luther Vandross
Danny Noriega
"Tainted Love" - Soft Cell
David Archuleta
"Another Day In Paradise" - Phil Collins
David Cook (favorite performance of the night)
"Hello" - Lionel Richie
David Hernandez
"It's All Coming Back To Me Now" - Pandora'sBox/Meatloaf
Jason Castro
"Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen
Luke Menard
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" - Wham!
Michael Johns
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds

American Idol.com

David Cook's Incredible Tuesday Night Performance of Lionel Richie's "Hello"

If you missed this standout performance by Missouri's own David Cook, it's definitely worth watching!

Top 8 Guys Wow Judges and Fans Last Night!

The girls really have their work cut out for them this year. After watching the top 8 guys perform last night I couldn't believe that so many of them gave incredible performances. Although he didn't wow the judges as much as last week, David Archuleta continues consistently crankin' out show-stopping performances. He sang Phil Collin's "Another Day in Paradise." Last night his vocals were great (as usual) and he definitely infused the song with his own unique style. I enjoyed his piano playing too, brief as it was. As Randy Jackson would say, he "made it his own."

David Cook gave THE performance of the night (in my opinion). In case you missed it, he sang Lionel Richie's "Hello." I will work on getting a video on here ASAP. Other standouts of the night included Jason Castro's smooth performance of "Hallelujah." Leaving his guitar behind, I think he really proved that he can sing and he always seems to enjoy what he's doing! Simon was even impressed calling it "absolutely brilliant."

Finally, despite unflattering recent reports that could have potentially eliminated him from the show David Hernandez gave a strong performance of Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."