Mar 28, 2008, 05:35 PM | by Michael Slezak
Categories: American Idol, Idolatry
Dave Karger and I address these issues of vital American (Idol) importance on the latest installment of Idolatry. Ch-ch-check out our two-parter, then post your own opinions in the comments section below!
UGH Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 07:34 AM EST
Whilst in the shower this morning, I sang Shelby Lynne's cover for Dusty Springfield's 'I Only Want To Be With You', written by 2 guys, one by the name of Hawker.
Are you getting this??
Mimi Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 03:59 AM EST
It's really bothering me when the comments on David A is all about that he's going to win because of his big teen base fans. That's not true!! He has wonderful talent. Listen to his vocal!! I'm not a teen and most of my friends are not but they admire how he is. If he's not win 'cause of his age!! that's not fair. I think AL is all about 'talent'.
Dirty Laundry Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 12:13 AM EST
Rehashing this David Cook thing is ridiculous. I've posted many times on this controversy, and to tell you the truth, there is NO controversy. Everyone is making a big deal over nothing. Again, the contestants are all covering someone's song, go cry yourself a river somewhere else. Ever heard of Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry"? If I were David, I'd totally jam to that song, just to shove it in everyone's faces. Everyone is always focusing on the negativity.
Old Goat Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST
My problem with this year is This Pro/Am thing.You don't even have to wonder especially with David Cook it is very obvious he's a highly experienced Pro and Ramiele although a Great Raw Talent she is obviously way out of her league with these others.Carly isn't a Star and though also a very experienced singer Ramiele has to compete against her and I personally think if Ramiele had the Pro experience she'd be blowing everyone else away,she's really the only Star Power in the Ladies.I agree no one will probably beat Carrie Underwoods version of Alone not even Heart.But then its not a competion on that just in performing any song your own way and I think Ramiele did Ok just not the best with a bad voice that day but overall she's been one of the best.David Cook copied another rendition and didn't make it his own is the gripe.
tenpoundhammer Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 01:12 PM EST
WOW! I had forgot what a powerful voice Carrie has.Yep, Alone should be retired. Nobody will ever sing that song as well as Carrie ever again.
Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST
OMG after hearing the original version of the David A song in your video, I recognized it...I had no idea of what it was when Little David sang it, wow he sucks LOL
Eve Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST
No one is upset with David Cook for doing a great job on the covers but he should not stand there and let them congratulate him on his origianality when he in fact has copied all of his songs from someone else. The others don't need to do it because their covers are not revamped original arrangments like "Billie Jean" or "Elenor Rigby" were...he should have given credit and AI should be ashamed to sell his material on itunes,,,make the money,,,and not say a word,,,although Ryan did in passing saying, Chris Cornell.....Doxology wasn't even given that....
Eve Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST
No one is upset with David Cook for doing a great job on the covers but he should not stand there and let them congratulate him on his origianality when he in fact has copied all of his songs from someone else. The others don't need to do it because their covers are not revamped original arrangments like "Billie Jean" or "Elenor Rigby" were...he should have given credit and AI should be ashamed to sell his material on itunes,,,make the money,,,and not say a word,,,although Ryan did in passing saying, Chris Cornell.....Doxology wasn't even given that....
Susan Penn Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST
Who cares! Also if this is AMERICN IDOL shouldn't it be open only to Americans??
CJ Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:27 AM EST
After last week it can go any which way this week.Might be hard for David Cook to sing Dolly songs. I think the girls will fair better than the guys . But regardsless, time for Jason to go! He has a niche but not as an AI winner. Kristy will do well this week, but she is just average compared to Carrie U or Kellie P from previous years. But she will get a contract but bet she will never get much play from it. I hope Carly quits the wide scream she does at the end of her songs...she has lungs but lets hear the tone in her voice , she yells her songs to much. I really think DC should win but will he ...who knows. That is why it is a reality show. Depends on who votes , my friends only do so when they feel like it , depends on if they go out or not that night etc.
ann Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST
I think Jason Castro has the voice
to win the show. He truly shows what being our American Idle should be. He
shows each week that he is himself not trying to be something he is not.
He comes out and sings that brilliant
voice of his each week!!! And talk about a smile he has a great one and those eyes look out!! He is the total package for American Idle!! Vote Vote Vote Jason Castro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marlene Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST
My comment is not about David and his rendition. I feel that Chikeze should not have been voted off. He gave the show some pizzaz. His voice is better than several of those left in the 10. I will miss his next performance. Marlene
Tipster Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST
HELLOOOOO Kiggles!!! Carrie Underwood is not competing on Idol this year.
This has been a paid political advertisement.
Kiggles Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST
I really didn't like the way Carrie Underwood sand "Alone" and think she should be booted off for it. Amanda O. could really rock it and I hope she gets a chance to sing it cause it's one of my faves. I don't know why Randy and Paula were so huffy about it. Next time they need to take a chill pill and ley Jason castro alone for goodness sakes.
DOREEN Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST
i was really shocked aboutchikeze getting elimanate. i dont think it is right about david cook. i think kristy should have been elimanated last week. i cant wait for this weeks show to see how they do with dolly and country music.
BELINDA Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 03:06 AM EST
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ALL ABOUT THE JUDGES AND THEIR DRAMA. RYAN AND SIMON NEED TO DUKE IT OUT AND RANDY AND PAULA NEED TO GET OVER THEMSELVES. LET US WATCH IDOL AND ENJOY IT. THE JUDGES HAVE HAD THEIR FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME
Nicole Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:29 AM EST
If people are seriously THAT upset about David Cook then they should petition the producers to make the contestants sing only originals. Oh wait, this isn't a songwriting competition, it's a singing competition. Who cares who arranged what they sing?
I'm wondering if they'll let the contestants sing cover songs this week. Dolly covered various rock and jazz songs and I would love to see David Cook sing Shine by Collective Soul and Brooke White sing Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
Tina Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM EST
I'm not sure that the contestants are required to just sing Dolly stuff, just country in general. Maybe she's just going to mentor like they did last year with some celebs. Let's hope so. Dolly's repertoire is not broad enough in my opinion. I mean, is there anything you could actually rock out on? A tough week for the power vocalists.
chickadee Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 07:58 PM EST
he rocked...it was awesome...chris cornell is my boyfriend, but David did awesome
Melissa Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST
bonnylass-I thought Jolene would be great for Brooke White! I can see KLC doing "Coat of Many Colors." I'm really looking forward to this week just to see the song selections.
bonnylass Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST
Melissa--Ha! I was thinking the same thing about David Cook's song selection this week. I hope somebody does Jolene though. Maybe even KLC.
idolfan Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 04:59 PM EST
Dave Karger is so dreamy. He should appear on idolatry more often!
mary Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST
I have a totally different take on these singers now than when it was the top 12. Some that hadn't hit my radar have upped their game and those who I thought were sure-bets are becoming disappointing. And it all has to do with song choice. Face it, some of these people desperately need help picking songs. Cook is the only one so far who's been pretty consistent in picking winners.
Song choice is definately swaying my vote.
Melissa Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST
Oh yeah, one more thing: As much as I love him, if David Cook does the White Stripes version of "Jolene" on Tuesday night, I may have to jump off of his bandwagon for good.
Melissa Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST
Thanks again for having me as a call-in guest, Michael. The only thing I want to add is that I do think David Cook's "Billie Jean" performance was absolutely "brave" and "original," if you consider that most Idol contestants stick to singing popular versions of popular songs. David Cook made the risky decision to take on a largely unknown and nearly unrecognizable version of a beloved pop song. And if he wouldn't have sung the heck out of that song, it could have been a complete and utter disaster. So I think that was quite a brave choice of song, or at least the most brave song choice of the Top Ten that night.
M Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST
For all of you saying that Jason Castro can't make it on his voice, ever heard of Jack Johnson??
adam875 Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST
ever thought of making this feature into a podcast so we could take it with us wherever we go?
taylorCHAO$ Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST
duude. david cook is sexy- no matter what all of you say. hes hott, and hes got the sexy rocker vibe to him. hes an amazing singer, and hes going to win it all this year. id bet money on it.
taylorCHAO$ Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST
duude. david cook is sexy- no matter what all of you say. hes hott, and hes got the sexy rocker vibe to him. hes an amazing singer, and hes going to win it all this year. id bet money on it.
Suzanne Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 07:39 PM EST
Me again. Maybe you guys should have cut the second idolatry a few seconds earlier? (Do they know at the Today Show that Dave Karger can be a bit of a potty mouth??) I hope you do an idolatry w/song suggestions for this week. I listened to a few Dolly songs today and, man, good luck to them. Except for a couple (I will always love you, travelin thru, 9 to 5) they all seem to be super simple, musically repetitive sad-story songs. Yikes.
Nikki Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST
Slezak and Karger, my EW crushes, in not only the same Idolatry, but a two-parter that also features subtitled Kristy Lee Cook robot footage? Heart be still! Best. Idolatry. EVER.
Anti-Smug Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST
Oh Lil, get over yourself! 'SMUG'??
What are you, his best bud or something? You seem to know him so well!
You're the one who's smug.
Zdawg Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 04:34 PM EST
Rami will definitely sing "I Will Always Love You." Just another Mullaby Lullaby! she needs to change it up if she wants to stay in this competition! I can't take another week of slow songs from her! I'll explode!
Lil Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST
OK you know what??? David Archuletta over David cook!!! i love david Archuletta! but david cook is way to smug right now for me. He used to be really cool until he started getting good feed back. Then he started thinking "hey. i am really good" then he got all smug about it and now.... HE GETS ON MY NERVES!
aw Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST
i think one thing everyone has going for them this week (except for KLC) is that our expectations are incredibly lowered! So if anyone does pull off a Parton song well - it could mean a bigger than usual boost.
e. Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST
Suzanne - agree with you re David A. Also dislike how Seacrest has teased him - the girlfriend schmalz came across as unprofessional - and maybe a smarmy attempt by Stage Dad to dispel the gay rumors - all of which had no place in the competition (& cost David A a hunk of his tween fan base). David C got on-air kudos when Richie & Cornell liked his covers - but when Yoko Ono called re David A's Imagine - not mentioned. Also not mentioned that he had strep throat when he flubbed the lyrics - and geez how they keep reminding us that he flubbed them with their vid clips. Haven't repeated anyone else's vocal mistakes like that. Strange.
Duh Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST
EW is milking this 'story' for all it's worth. It's getting old really fast so please move on people.
So who's gonna sing 'I Will Always Love You' next week? Sounds like a Rami move.
Suzanne Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST
KG--I've never heard anyone slammed for smiling too much. Hmmm.
I feel for David Archuleta these days. I loved him for the first two weeks of the competition--Shop Around/Imagine. Adorable, sings great. But since then, he's still adorable but struggling. Song selection is everything in AI, and he just doesn't seem to have the maturity/experience for it.
Suzanne Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST
KG--I've never heard anyone slammed for smiling too much. Hmmm.
I feel for David Archuleta these days. I loved him for the first two weeks of the competition--Shop Around/Imagine. Adorable, sings great. But since then, he's still adorable but struggling. Song selection is everything in AI, and he just doesn't seem to have the maturity/experience for it.
e. Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST
Slezak - the KLC robot was brilliance - said it all. Scary stuff. Another thing - re David Cook, I think we've seen this guys confidence/stage presence soar, especially when compared with his early footage, and i don't have a problem with that, considering his Billie Jean's apparently been number 1 on iTunes (over Mariah Carey, etc) and all this must be heady stuff. There has been the buzz that off-stage he's the most arrogant of the lot, and if true, that would be different, but I think of all the performers, he's the one most held back by the confines of AI, and if his success/popularity continues, will be interesting to see how he plays the AI-requisite humble act. He's not Daughtry yet, though, in my book. :-)
To Duh: Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST
Uhm, I think you wandered into the wrong site. We care about AI here, but when we want to post comments on world hunger we go elsewhere. Here's two sites you can look at: http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/
or http://ifpriblog.org/ http://worldhunger.typepad.com/
Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST
i completely agree w/ u about kristi lees evil plan. what was up with that? i think that it doesn't matter what she sings, she just has to get voted off. NOBODY VOTE FOR KRISTI LEE! GO BROOKE WHITE AND DAVID ARCHULETA!!!!!
Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST
i completely agree w/ u about kristi lees evil plan. what was up with that? i think that it doesn't matter what she sings, she just has to get voted off. NOBODY VOTE FOR KRISTI LEE! GO BROOKE WHITE AND DAVID ARCHULETA!!!!!
Island Girl Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST
Jill, I couldn't disagree more. Daughtry himself in his pre-song interview credited The Chili Pepper's for the version he sang of "Walk The Line" (which he sang brilliantly). Daughtry's comments and credit got axed by the producers. Daughtry took huge criticism over this, so as I see it, Cook should get the same. And David Cook is just smug enough to want to take the credit for the Cornell arrangement of Billy Jean. Note all the talk in his interview about finding songs on iTunes, but failing to mentioning anything about how he came to find the lesser known version of Michael Jackson's mega hit. I'll give credit where credit is due, and do agree that Cook did sing the song very well, but I just can't seem to find a liking for him. Cook makes Daughtry look humble to me !! I don't think for one minute that Cook won't look shocked if he finds himself in the Bottom 3 ... I'd love to see that boy eat some humble pie.
Duh Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 08:13 AM EST
If you morons would actually go and listen to both versions of Billie Jean or whatever, you will see that they are not 'note for note'. Cook added some suble changes on his own. Please end this stupid conversation and get back to more important things like say, world hunger?
Kim Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 07:01 AM EST
hey moroccomole that doesnt make him a hack that makes him a kick ass artist if he can impersonate every note that another artist can do, and by the way people just because simon said that dave cook was "brilliant" i think we can all come up with another term for it what do you think? work on it!
HermanMann Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 01:31 AM EST
David Cook is very talented. What I have a problem with is this pretentious notion that he's doing anything OTHER than pop. Just because you have a guitar in the backgroud, you slow the pace down and slink around the stage doesn't make you somehow more artistic or that different. I get sick of this notion that the rock that comes out of AI is some pristine art. It's product, just like the pop rock fans so malign. It's AI! You're feeding from the same trough.
JILL Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST
I think David Cook is brilliant. He is hands down the best performer this year. He has shown that he can sing and own the stage. He has no pitch problems DAWG (LOL) he is as good ore better than Chris Daughtry, and he doesn't have the attitude Daughtry had that made me not like him. (THE I'M THE BEST I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU STUPID PEOPLE WOULD VOTE ME OFF ATTITUDE) HE'S HUMBLE TO AN EXSTENT BUT ALSO HAS THAT CONFIDANT SWAGGER OF A ROCK STAR. I THINK HE WILL DEFINITLY WIN IF ALL THOSE DAMN TWEENS DON'T BLOW UP THEIR PHONES VOTING FOR OTHER DAVID.
JILL Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 10:42 PM EST
I think David Cook is brilliant. He is hands down the best performer this year. He has shown that he can sing and own the stage. He has no pitch problems DAWG (LOL) he is as good ore better than Chris Daughtry, and he doesn't have the attitude Daughtry had that made me not like him. (THE I'M THE BEST I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU STUPID PEOPLE WOULD VOTE ME OFF ATTITUDE) HE'S HUMBLE TO AN EXSTENT BUT ALSO HAS THAT CONFIDANT SWAGGER OF A ROCK STAR. I THINK HE WILL DEFINITLY WIN IF ALL THOSE DAMN TWEENS DON'T BLOW UP THEIR PHONES VOTING FOR OTHER DAVID.
ana Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 09:14 PM EST
we know they are all essentially doing covers so it doesn't bother me at all that david cook picks these rock covers for variations on the week's theme. what kills me is how the judges then go on and on about how original he is. he is no more original than anyone else, he simply has a well-defined style and therefore a relatively narrow pool of interpretations to choose from. moreover, since those interpretations are not usually the best known version of the song, they sound original. but he--as an artist--is no more original than anyone else.
Sue - Pa Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST
I loved those little docudrama's you guys do and for the most part all of your comments are right on the money ! I am glad to know this little website exists I will def check back next week!
PDub Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 07:52 PM EST
enough of the controversy already. as you all pointed out, isn't EVERYONE doing a cover of SOMEONE??? even if they sing the original, they are COVERING someone else. credit was given where due, and no one did anything unethical. but isn't that how it always is? if someone is doing well, pounce on them. thanks, slezak, for your amazing coverage week after week.
Suzanne Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST
that was so great--the untouchable monster. great.
I love watching these things.
MoroccoMole Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST
Here's the thing about David Cook and what the caller said: It's not like when Fantasia sang "Summertime," you immediately thought, "Oh, she's doing Nina Simone." Yes, the contestants are all doing cover versions of old songs. But what Cook does is slavish, note-for-note impersonations of *other people's covers* and that's why he's a hack.
Raven_Moon Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST
David Cook is amazing. As long as it's mentioned on the show that he is doing someone else's cover, then I don't see the big deal. And why is there no uproar about little Archuleta doing a cover. Double standard, much? Minutiae, you are 100% right.
Minutiae Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST
I am seriously tired of hearing people question Cook's use of Cornell's arrangement. Seacrest credited Cornell before Cook sang, and hardly anyone on AI has ever done a successful original arrangement outside of Blake Lewis. DC's cover of a cover is no bigger deal than someone doing Joe Cocker's version of "A Little Help from My Friends" or Tina's version of "Proud Mary."
Maggs Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST
The KLC Godzilla robot almost made me choke on my soda. Thank you Slezak!
advertisement
Home
Comments