American Idol Finalist David Cook has hard week but strive for competition

This week, we learned several things about David Cook: He has high blood pressure, a brother who may be battling cancer, and some of his most devoted fans call him “Cookie.”

Oh, and any obscure bands who want to glom on to his “American Idol” success because he covered their cover of a famous song should just go back to their bar gigs and be quiet, because this week, he did his own great arrangement on Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow.” So there.

It’s getting to look more and more like this season will inevitably come down to David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Which David you’re rooting for probably depends a lot on your age, taste in music, geographic location and preferences regarding Disney films and sappy ballads.

But only crazy people don’t enjoy the songwriting talents of Dolly Parton, so this week was a gift no matter which David you’re rooting for.

David Archuleta: Yes, CUTEBOT-5000 sang “Smoky Mountain Memories” to the best of his programmed abilities this week, inspiring awe from the judges, the parting of the heavens, and little bluebirds to follow him everywhere he goes. Cranky me, I still don’t like listening to 17-year-olds sing songs about losing their great love or missing their Tennessee mountain home — but it’s not his fault he’s so much younger than everyone else. It’s his evil stage dad’s fault.

Jason Castro: Perhaps this was the biggest surprise of the night — Spicoli’s big bounce back with an understated, heartfelt “Travelin’ Through.” Not really sure what Simon found fault with on this one, I just think he hates hippies in general.

Carly Smithson: Poor Carly can’t catch a break. She sings so well on “Here You Come Again,” but then Ryan Seacrest toys with her about whether she’s safe, and Simon picks on her outfits. As if being forced to ‘fess up to her Spanx pudge-controlling undies last week wasn’t bad enough. It’s just all so desperate and sad, really.

Michael Johns: Surprisingly good on “It’s All Wrong, But Balance = 30.0 pts It’s All Right” since he went to that bluesy/soul side that really suits his voice. He proved he’s still a contender (and still an Aussie hottie). But what the heck was with the ascot?

Brooke White: I had high hopes for her version of “Jolene,” but she didn’t deliver. Not that she could ever top Dolly’s, but she could have come up with something good in the Mindy Smith vein. So where was the torture in her voice, the desperation of a woman pleading with that hussy Jolene not to take her man? Brooke was smiling during her performance. Not good. America’s favorite Nanny has got to emote something deeper than sunshine and smiley faces if she’s going to win.

Syesha Mercado: It’s not that she didn’t sing well — it’s just that she’s so predictable. Everyone knew she wouldn’t be able to resist going near Whitney’s version of “I Will Always Love You.” She should have had the good sense to pick a different song, throw everyone off kilter and steal the show. It wasn’t bad, but it was pretty boring.

Kristy Lee Cook: She just shouldn’t have gone anywhere near “Coat of Many Colors,” because she would be measured by the original (not even close). You can’t condense a story-song like that in Idol’s short time frame, and even Kristy Lee knows she’s overstayed her welcome. Please don’t make her stay, America. Let her go home to her horseys.

Ramiele Malubay: Cute as a button, decent voice, but she just never could cut it as a live performer on the level of the other top nine. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” was one of her better efforts, but it was still pretty boring. And why did the stylists always insist on dressing her as a street urchin/extra from “Girls Just Want To Have Fun?”

The following are just comments, not from the author. Please leave your message afterwards. Thank you:

1. 4/6/2008 2:35:17 AM, Meleah,
I’ll have to disagree with you on David A. I’m in my late 20s, I usually hate sappy ballads and Disney films… yet, I still think Archuleta’s voice is the best. By a long mile.
2. 4/6/2008 3:10:17 AM, Melissa, Walnut
I also disagree with you on David A. Like Meleah, I’m in my late 20s and prefer alternative rock music. However, I can still enjoy David A., as he has the best voice and connects well with the audience at large. As far as the “evil dad” comment, I don’t see how that’s relevant even if true.
3. 4/6/2008 3:40:55 AM, D du Plessis,
Your assessment of David A is shallow and ill-informed. As Dolly herself said “he has the voice to become a great, great singer”.
I’m a 50 year old businessman with 25 years of classical music training. Archuleta is a genuine talent.
4. 4/6/2008 8:53:37 AM, Denise, Tulsa
Simon doesn’t hate hippes, Jason is one of his picks to win. And I agree!
5. 4/6/2008 9:05:29 AM, Sandra Jackson, Seguin, TX
Your characterization of David A. is truly naive. Yes, his age & youthful good-looks may cause a first impression of Disney material . . . But, if you had been LISTENING, you would realize that his talent is far beyond the likes of Hannah Montana . . . or his fellow AI contestants. As a 50 yr old fan, I believe he will easily avoid the tween trap & give us the artistic performances we crave!
6. 4/6/2008 10:10:21 AM, Chris, Niantic
I agree with Denise. I actually think Simon likes Jason a lot based on his prediction to take top 3 as well as previous comments from the show. I think he’s been hard on him lately because Jason doesn’t display this desperation to win. He doesn’t sing self serving songs (like Johns, Carly and Cook) and takes risks on obscure songs like “Hallelujah” and “Fragile”-which may or may not pay off as we’ve seen. This is why I love Jason and likely won’t watch once he’s voted off. He’s an angel to hear sing
7. 4/6/2008 10:19:11 AM, Cheryl, san jose
I completely agree. David A. — doesn’t he sing the same song every week???? And yes, Dolly did say that he had the voice to become a great singer one day…So doesn’t that mean he’s not a great singer YET???
8. 4/6/2008 10:36:50 AM, Archiegirl,
sorry but I think David Archuleta is the most
talented singer for me on the show. His voice is unique and he doesn’t sound the same every week..
I’m his biggest fan and i’m not a teeneger…
9. 4/6/2008 10:56:44 AM, Summar,
i am so tired of people saying they see him out of the disney channel. I think the only reson is what he is young, and cute, and his humbleness…. if u listen to his voice not looking at him you would never guess he was a 17 year old. he has an amazing voice and he hasn’t only sung ballads if u remeber his first performance was shop around,we can work it out sure he forgott his lyrics but everyone does it carrie underwood did u should hear the studio version amazing, or your the voice i really liked it he sang it great. he is 17 people he is only going to get better.
10. 4/6/2008 11:08:30 AM, Elle, New York
If we speak about talent, David Cook’s going to win the show.
11. 4/6/2008 11:30:15 AM, Kathy Hagan, Topeka, Kansas
You know, your critique would hold more weight if you’d leave any obvious bias out of it. You ASSUME that David Archuleta’s audience is young and into Disney music. I’m an actual fan and I’ve noted that he has a pretty vast older audience, both male and female, and that often they are music lovers. To me, his youth and looks are almost a side note. He makes me want to hear every note. He makes me feel every word. That’s talent.

P.S. Note how I managed to share my viewpoint without bashing any other contestant?
12. 4/6/2008 11:59:24 AM, Eric Hook, Baltimore
Cary sp?
I am on the East Coast, Like his Disney songs, and don’t mind his age. I feel his feelings in the songs he picks and sings, rather than picking someone else’s arrangements.
You truly have issues that are worth, not writing about, cause that would seem more objective, but rather worth seeing a psych about.
take care. PLease learn how to give someone their due.
As put in the end of last year, when I did not understand at the time, IT IS A SINGING COMPETITION
Who has the better voice
Who can sing better
Good luck in your career…seriously…u would be taken more seriously if you were more objective
13. 4/6/2008 12:31:07 PM, D. du Plessis,
re- Cheryl’s comment
When Dolly Parton said that David A had the voice to become a “great, great singer”, she was diplomatically singling him out as the one singer who has the potential to become great vocal artist. Few singers have the innate ability to touch the audience, combined with outstanding vocal facility and quality. Becoming a great artist requires life experiences that none of the competitors on AI could possibly have, due to age restrictions. The show is all about discovering potential.
14. 4/6/2008 12:32:04 PM, D. du Plessis,
re- Cheryl’s comment
When Dolly Parton said that David A had the voice to become a “great, great singer”, she was diplomatically singling him out as the one singer who has the potential to become a great vocal artist. Few singers have the innate ability to touch the audience, combined with outstanding vocal facility and quality. Becoming a great artist requires life experiences that none of the competitors on AI could possibly have, due to age restrictions. The show is all about discovering potential.
15. 4/6/2008 12:33:04 PM, Becky, Sioux Falls, SD
Did you download the itunes version of Travelin’ Thru? It is perfect (as you might expect a studio version to be). I think it’s too bad we don’t get more than 1 1/2 minutes to hear these performers. You can’t appreciate Jason Castro’s talents in that short of a time span. He is so heartfelt in his singing, and has a great tone and range, if allowed to sing an entire song. I hope Simon is right and we see Jason with the Davids in the top three.
16. 4/6/2008 2:43:12 PM, Shannon,
David A. is a FABULOUS singer, but every time I hear him sing, I think Disney. My 7 year old niece adores him. David A. has a long and wonderful career in front of him. Whether its on the Disney channel or elsewhere.
As far as David C., whether he wins or not, his objective has already been complete. He has a huge fan base and will follow up in the footsteps and maybe even bypass Chris Daughtry’s success. He has a lucrative career ahead of them in the music business, and thats the real goal, yes?
There is room for both Davids in the music industry. True both of them won’t win American Idol, but who really cares who “wins”? The execs at AI want us to care, but the real first place prize isn’t winning “first” place.

I hope they are the top two because I enjoy both and want to see them on my tv for as long as possible. But seriously, didn’t they both already “win”.

17. 4/6/2008 5:31:14 PM, B. V., Tulsa
I’m 42. What’s the Disney Channel? No, I’ve heard of it. I like David A.’s singing because he’s got talent. His youth only means he’s got many years of success ahead of him. David C. can’t seem to get away from his guitar and let his singing talent speak for him.
18. 4/6/2008 6:10:36 PM, Scott, West Hollywood, CA
Couldn’t agree with you more! My money is on David Cook. He’s going to have a huge career regardless.
19. 4/6/2008 6:36:40 PM, Duane, San Diego
I also 100% agree.

David Cook is going to beat David Enchilada, no contest.

David Cook is genius.
20. 4/6/2008 6:46:14 PM, Kim, Cold Spring Harbor
I think– as what is playing on the radio proves right now– one does not have to win AI to be a star and get a record deal. I think a couple of winners from AI have basically disappeared. Yes? So there is room for both Davids.
21. 4/6/2008 8:29:15 PM, lisa rose,
As a journalist I would suggest you get some new material. Its been written before about David A and the Disney thing. I think that’s causes he looks the part, but his singing ability is way beyond the disney, teen idol stuff. I am 34 and think this kid has one of the strongest voices I have heard on idol. He also has many, many older fans. I think people are not giving him enough credit on his ability to sell past AI, his itunes are always up there better then most of the other idols.
22. 4/6/2008 9:20:32 PM, Concerned, Toronto, Ontario
This will be my last look at your web. I can’t stand reading your columns being critical of David A. For the first time in AI, only now that I believe that a contestant is worthy of being watched, with his wholesome image, sweet, God-loving, all the nice adjectives, by the name of David A. All my friends and I hate your web now.
23. 4/6/2008 9:59:20 PM, Jules,
As a David Archuleta Fan (age 34):

I am disgusted by what I see written here. People calling David names. We do not call David Cook names. Actually, we pray for David Cook’s health and the health of his brother. (Look at the FabBlast site for David Archuleta).

I would ask that you give David Archuleta the same respect given to David Cook. You don’t have to like his singing, don’t listen, but please respect him as a human being.
24. 4/6/2008 10:03:13 PM, jen,
I agree with most of the previous posters. I am 29, not a fan of the Disney channel, and think that David A. is great, great singer. He connects with me and most of my friends around the same age. We all vote for him and will buy his albums. You are clearly biased toward David Cook, who is also talented, by the way. But like previous posters suggested, you would be taken much more seriously if you tried being a little more objective and stopped recycling the same old crap that we hear elsewhere. Both Davids will be successful, but I’ll take David A. and his beautiful voice any day.
25. 4/6/2008 11:05:40 PM, KathyKat,
I’m 43 and an Asian who lives in Manila. I’m not a fan of American Idol but David Archuleta made me one. He is truly talented and the only one who deserves to win the title. If you’ve read the sites on him, he has touched the lives not only of young Americans but people from all ages, race and gender.

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It’s getting to look more and more like this season will inevitably come down to David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Which David you’re rooting for probably depends a lot on your age, taste in music, geographic location and preferences regarding Disney films and sappy ballads.

But only crazy people don’t enjoy the songwriting talents of Dolly Parton, so this week was a gift no matter which David you’re rooting for.

David Archuleta: Yes, CUTEBOT-5000 sang “Smoky Mountain Memories” to the best of his programmed abilities this week, inspiring awe from the judges, the parting of the heavens, and little bluebirds to follow him everywhere he goes. Cranky me, I still don’t like listening to 17-year-olds sing songs about losing their great love or missing their Tennessee mountain home — but it’s not his fault he’s so much younger than everyone else. It’s his evil stage dad’s fault.

Jason Castro: Perhaps this was the biggest surprise of the night — Spicoli’s big bounce back with an understated, heartfelt “Travelin’ Through.” Not really sure what Simon found fault with on this one, I just think he hates hippies in general.

Carly Smithson: Poor Carly can’t catch a break. She sings so well on “Here You Come Again,” but then Ryan Seacrest toys with her about whether she’s safe, and Simon picks on her outfits. As if being forced to ‘fess up to her Spanx pudge-controlling undies last week wasn’t bad enough. It’s just all so desperate and sad, really.

Michael Johns: Surprisingly good on “It’s All Wrong, But Balance = 30.0 pts It’s All Right” since he went to that bluesy/soul side that really suits his voice. He proved he’s still a contender (and still an Aussie hottie). But what the heck was with the ascot?

Brooke White: I had high hopes for her version of “Jolene,” but she didn’t deliver. Not that she could ever top Dolly’s, but she could have come up with something good in the Mindy Smith vein. So where was the torture in her voice, the desperation of a woman pleading with that hussy Jolene not to take her man? Brooke was smiling during her performance. Not good. America’s favorite Nanny has got to emote something deeper than sunshine and smiley faces if she’s going to win.

Syesha Mercado: It’s not that she didn’t sing well — it’s just that she’s so predictable. Everyone knew she wouldn’t be able to resist going near Whitney’s version of “I Will Always Love You.” She should have had the good sense to pick a different song, throw everyone off kilter and steal the show. It wasn’t bad, but it was pretty boring.

Kristy Lee Cook: She just shouldn’t have gone anywhere near “Coat of Many Colors,” because she would be measured by the original (not even close). You can’t condense a story-song like that in Idol’s short time frame, and even Kristy Lee knows she’s overstayed her welcome. Please don’t make her stay, America. Let her go home to her horseys.

Ramiele Malubay: Cute as a button, decent voice, but she just never could cut it as a live performer on the level of the other top nine. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” was one of her better efforts, but it was still pretty boring. And why did the stylists always insist on dressing her as a street urchin/extra from “Girls Just Want To Have Fun?”

American Idol Finalist David Cook has hard week but strive for competition

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