Oh-kay.
I know that I am a married, hard (ish) working, responsible 25-year-old. I know that I am a college graduate that listens to NPR and watches the news on PBS each and every night (which by the way is much more balanced and world-event inclusive then the major network versions). I should have more respectible things to do then to get completely, utterly, ridiculously over- involved and way over-invested in a reality tv show.
But David Cook had me from "Hello". I mean, really, I was pretty taken from the first moment I watched his raw "Living on a Prayer" audition, but he won me over heart and soul with his fresh and haunting take on Lionel Richie's cheesy classic. Seriously, download it now. Along with his "Billy Jean" which he so wisely borrowed from well-respected rocker Chris Cornell and his version of "Always be my baby". If a grown man can make Mariah Carey's 90's bubblegum pop hit sound hip and radio-worthy today, he's got the goods to make it.
Not only that, but the man is humble, generous, comfortable on stage and has a back story that gives you chills. He never intended to try out, but instead accompanied his brother as he took a shot at fame. Luckily for us, David was convinced by producers to give it a whirl. His brother never made it through round one, but continued week after week to show his pride and support in his bartender turned superstar sibling. How's that for proof that these guys are genuine? How wonderfully refreshing after being subjected to such moral garbage on TV every night.
And his little co star? Now I have to admit that I actually uttered a "hear hear" in agreement with the cranky pants judge Simon when he stated unabashadly, "For the first time ever in this competition, it makes no difference to me who wins, you are both terrific." And I meant it. Little David won me over in the end with his "aw shucks" demeanor and unfaltering vocal prowess. Even the rumors flying about his scary stage dad weren't enough to turn me off when it was all said and done. How could you not fall for the kid? Even David Cook himself said that he voted only three times this season and each time he voted for Archelleta (once again, the man has class). But I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel that the right man won.
American Idol redeemed itself in my eyes last night, and I think that I am joined by legions of once-bitter Chris Daughtry fans. This season was excellent. A little topsy turvy at times and for sure it had its fair share of controversy (the term I've heard that I most love is "Paulagate"), but the inclusion of musical instruments opened the arena to a whole new brand of true-blue talent, led most assuredly by Mr. Talent, himself, David Cook.
Congrats, sir. Well played. I am very much looking forward to your album.
PS I was listening to the radio this morning and a woman called in to say that she was so excited that David Cook won, that she actually peed her pants. So, I'm not that over the top in my excitement. There is always someone a little bit nuttier.
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