American Idol’s David Cook Blows Past Competition

I haven’t had a lot to say about American Idol this season.  I threw in the towel after last year’s self-indulgent charitable extravaganza, “Idol Gives Back.”  (Apparently, we’re about to be subjected to a second iteration of IGB, starting April 9.)

This year I’ve watched sullenly, slogging through off-key performances, pitifully idiotic song choices, and the dreary "human interest"/biographical interstitials  - all of which allows Fox to stretch the show far beyond its useful life.

Finally, contestant David Cook has made me feel like I’m not wasting my time watching a 21st Century version of The Lawrence Welk Show.

Tonight, Cook established himself as the AI front-runner when he sang Chris Cornell’s interpretation of Michael Jackson’s "Billy Jean."

Whether Cook eventually wins the competition is irrelevant.  He’s already a star.  The confident Cook made the song his own and brought the house down.

Cook’s version of "Billy Jean" was also spiced with a touch of Eddie Vedder’s "Jeremy."

Here are all three – Chris Cornell, David Cook and Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson