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“Give back” those two minutes of our lives, David Cook!

April 9, 2008

davidcook2.jpgOh no he didn’t.  Unfortunately, oh yes he did.

Rocker David Cook bombed on “American Idol” Tuesday night with an unfamiliar song and cocky performance that made it seem like he believed he had already wrapped up the competition.

Cook chose “Innocent,” a song by Canadian alternative rock band Our Lady Peace, to sing on a night when contestants were told to choose music that inspires them. The night’s theme was intended as a preview for “Idol Gives Back,” the show’s charity special that airs on Wednesday.

Cook, wearing a white military-style jacket, strutted around without his signature guitar, finally sauntering through the audience while he sang. But judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell were decidedly uninspired, with Cowell calling it “a teensy weensy bit pompous.” Only Paula Abdul liked it.smithson2.jpg

To make a bad performance even worse — cringe-worthy, in fact – Cook ended it by raising a palm scrawled with the words “give back” up to the cameras. The judges praised him for that move, but Cook already appeared completely deflated after their criticisms of the performance.

It was clearly a rude awakening for Cook, who has become a favorite with the show’s fans in the last few weeks.

Another weak performance was Irish diva Carly Smithson’s take on Queen’s “The Show Must Go On.”

Smithson, who had a stellar run on the show at the beginning of the season, is clearly struggling. Cowell, who called her performance “angry,” said she may even be vulnerable to elimination this week. If that does happen, Smithson would be going home before Kristy Lee Cook, the leggy blonde country singer who has narrowly escaped the hatchet for several weeks running.

Comments

David Cook is beyond arrogant. I used to like him, but forget it! He did himself in tonight.

Posted by Jane | Report as abusive
 

You can hardly call someone that you know nothing about arrogant. Just because they appear to be one way on a stage, doesn’t always reflect how the person is in real life. Give this guy a break with an open mind. If you feel so strongly that he is so arrogant, go search and learn more about him. You might be suprised on what information you find.

Posted by Sophie | Report as abusive
 

~*i love david cook*~
he is sooo hot and the best singer idol has had..apart from his vocal ability its his daring song choice and arrangment that sets him apart..and that smirky smile..i love u david!

Posted by maria | Report as abusive
 

I actually like it!

Posted by Fantasien | Report as abusive
 

What arrogance are you guys talking about? Other than the choir drowning him out, it was a good performance (although admittedly not his best). In no way have i seen arrogance from David. What, because some stylist put him in a white jacket (nice change from the all black ensembles he usually wears). What, because he wrote give back on his palm. His performance is the only one that actually moved me to actually donate.

Posted by Danuta | Report as abusive
 

Sometimes I think people just mimic what the judges say.The judges influence the voters,which shouldn’t happen. David Archuleta obviously has the best singing voice,however this is about reaching the masses.I don’t understand how David Cook’s performance can be called “arrogant”. And who is SImon Cowell to criticize David Cook’s white jacket? What does that have to do with anything? What is pompous or arrogant about having “give back” on the palm of your hand? Have we become so jaded and cynical that this gesture cannot be seen as a sincere one? We have lost our way. And thankfully,David Cook doesn’t get into verbal back and forths when he doesn’t agree with what the judges say. He is at LEAST,gracious. I don’t see him as arrogant at ALL! Michael Johns fits that bill,if anyone of the eight,or Kristy Lee Cook.

Posted by Karen McCullough | Report as abusive
 

This is becomeing another David Archuleta issue! He has a bad night where people are thinking, “WHAT IS GOING THROUGH HIS HEAD?”, and so is he. He is not going to be eliminated, and he will bump it up next week. Im predicting Archuleta and D.Cook in the final 2.

Posted by Matt | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is a brilliant singer and performer, undeniably sexy and there is strong evidence that he has a good heart. Let’s not forget that “Since top 12 week he has also been wearing an orange wristband to support a 7-year-old fan with leukemia.”- Wikipedia and that last week his “heart was palpitating at a high rate and his blood pressure was high” yet he fought through the show and gave another great performance of “Little Sparrow” and last but not least – his brother is battling cancer. These are indicators that he is not only under stress, but a good person, not arrogant. I think it is clear also from his demeanor after his performance that he knew he did not do well, and if he had the chance would have changed it up. He seemed disappointed even before the judges spoke. Everyone has their weak moments, and it seems to me that other “idols” have had comparatively far more weak performances than David Cook has. For every weak performance by David Cook every other idol has a single strong performance. I stand beside him. And I have to say I have watched 3-4 seasons of Idol, and he is the first singer that I can say I would actually buy his album, and the first that I have cared enough to post any comment about on the internet. Good job, David. Strength to you, and to your family, and especially your brother Adam. Have faith that your futures are blessed.

 

I find him completely pompous. I was so glad he bombed.

Posted by BK | Report as abusive
 

I completely agree, David is far from arrogant I really don’t understand how somebody could say he is. With all of the things that he is going through in his life and to be able to do what he does week in and week out to me is absolutely phenomenal. He has an amazing voice and gets people excited to watch Idol each week. Everyone else has had a bad week this is his first, although personally I rather enjoyed it. Archuleta had a terrible week (butchering a great Beatles song and forgetting the lyrics 3 TIMES!) and he was not even in the bottom three as will David this week. People are so quick to criticize don’t forget this is the same guy who did “Hello” “Eleanor Rigby” “Billy Jean” “Little Sparrow”. They guy is a star win or lose he will be great mark my words

Posted by Jim | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is the most talented performer that has been on Idol EVER! He is not arrogant – I don’t know how anyone could ever say that. Maybe because he is of few words people say that – but I don’t see that as arrogance I see that as being polite – he listens – he does not wait to talk. Since the beginning he has not had one bad performance. Maybe some were better than others but they have all been great! I look forward to his performances and he is the main reason I’m watching this year. I can’t wait for him to put out an album because I’ll be buying it!! My heart and prayers go out to him and his family. DAVID – YOU HAVE MY VOTES!

Posted by Jackie | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is the most talented performer on the stage. He is better than Archuleta and David Cook will be the only contestant to sell records and get radio play like Daughtrey. This show is turning into one big joke. This guy is the most humble guy and most giving person. This show is beginning to disgust me. Everyone has a bad night, all the contestants did, and they are still there and they have less talent than David. How quickley we all forget Billie Jean.

Posted by Mare | Report as abusive
 

I used to be a BIG FAN!! of David C but when all the “copies of copies” thing came out I got soooooo turned off by him, I know they all do it, but he did it WEEK AFTER WEEK and it was really disappointing cause I thought he was original, that’s what I loved about him. Now that he has to do his own arrangements he’s a complete mess.

Posted by Mandy Allan | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is the first person I’ve seen on Idol who could make an album of his performances and it would be a best seller. He is great! And he seems like a sweetheart. Its obvious that his family is number one to him and they adore him too. But he doesn’t seem pompous. Confident yes, but that is a good thing! Keep on rockin’ David. You have many fans and we will but your albums when they are out there. We already buy your itunes!

Posted by Evie | Report as abusive
 

What do you mean David Cook bombed? He was fantastic, as usual. He is the most talented contestant, and is defintely not pompous – he is kindhearted and humble. Where do you get this stuff from?

Posted by Jane Eyre | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is clearly balding; his ugly haircut isn’t fooling anyone. Embrace your baldness, David. Oh, sidebar, the hand stunt will go down as one of the LAMEST in Idol’s history, you loser.

 

It wasn’t his best, but I don’t see how it was arrogant. He’s still an amazing performer. He is easily the most talented this year. He has proven that he should be the one to beat. This was one ok week compared to the rest of his GREAT weeks. He hasn’t had a real bad week unlike the rest.

And tell me one thing…how is it an pompous performance when he had “give back” on his hand to honor what was going on this week with American Idol?

Posted by Danielle | Report as abusive
 

Dear Danielle,
No one can coach you on how to detect arrogance. Either you can, or you can’t. And as someone who can detect pompousness from a mile away, let me assure you, HE WAS ARROGANT…
prancing around the stage and scampering through the crowd, with smarmy looks on his face and cheesy crooked grins. Please. I didn’t know if he was performing or trying to sell me a used car. He needs to go home.

 

Thank you to all the people defending David Cook! I just have to laugh at all the people who get bent out of shape when a singer on this show (David Cook) comes off cocky, arrogant or as like to call it comfortable in his skin. Say it’s true for the sake of argument, that he acts cocky or arrogant. Name some front men who are not perceived this way. You can rule out Bono, Mick Jagger, Axel Rose, Sebastian Bach, Steven Tyler, Scott Wylan, Freddie Mercury…. on and on. It’s part of the show! No one want to see some plane dude on stage that could be the guy next door just singing the song note for note. They want a “Rock Star”. I know Cook personally and he anything but cocky and arrogant. He is just all about music. I think the mix last night did him in. When I played it back and listened more closely I thought he did an excellent job. True it wasn’t the best but not bad by any means. As far as the “give back” on his hand, that was sincere.

Posted by Ben Hosterman | Report as abusive
 

I really enjoy David Cook and would definitely buy his album. I don’t find him arrogant or pompous, just confident. Last night, you could tell he was unhappy with his performance. Perhaps he couldn’t even hear himself over the background singers and the band…I surely couldn’t! I don’t think any of the contestants had a good night last night with the exception of MAYBE Kristy Lee. She was good but she wasn’t great.

Posted by Linda | Report as abusive
 

I don’t see why people found him arrogant. He looked really unconnected and stressed, like he was struggling with something. The difference of opinions is interesting.

Posted by Mary | Report as abusive
 

The only people I know who are incapable of seeing through his arrogance, and who actually like David Cook, are over 40. Maybe that’s the problem – you’re just old and out of touch. Perhaps.

If you think the “give back” was sincere, you need a reality check. It was a desperate attempt to win votes and be edgy. To the person who said “All front men are cocky” – yes, but they are cocky without being LAME about it.

David Cook REEKS of having no self confidence, and his FAUX ARROGANCE shines through. That’s the problem. There’s nothing genuine about him and many of us can see that.

 

Jill, I am NOT over 40 and I find YOU arrogant. If you don’t like David, stop trying to convince us that you are right. You know what opinions are like…everyone has one…but YOU ARE ONE!

You must be 12.

Posted by Linda | Report as abusive
 

Ok, I had to put in my two cents here. I knew David Cook peripherally back in highscool, and I promise you he IS NOT arrogant. Last night it looked to me like he was tired, stressed, and a tad depressed. To be honest I’m a little worried about him. True, it wasn’t his best performance by far, but as so many of you have said, everyone has bad nights.

It dissappoints me how quickly the media jumps to tear down someone for showing the littlest bit of human frailty, and how easily people are swayed to join in on the burn-fest. These people you’re bad mouthing are PEOPLE. How can you judge them so quickly when all you know of them is what you are fed by the media?

Anyway… David is a great musician, a wonderful performer, and an all around nice guy. He always has been, and I’ll be rooting for him. Go ahead and judge his performances however you like, but don’t talk about his personality, motivations, or character unless you actually know him.

Posted by Amanda | Report as abusive
 

Bravo Linda. Jill, what are you so angry about? Did you not make the cut on AI or something like that? He has no FAUX ARROGANCE. He’s just doing what he does best and that is singing the hell out of songs. If you don’t like him vote for someone else! I would ask any one of you David Cook haters to put yourself in the same spotlight and imagine how people would judge you. He is dealing with a lot more than just trying to win over the general public from week to week. He has real family troubles and I’m impressed that he has held up as well as he has. It’s real sad seeing how so many people make crude and completely of the mark judgments about people they don’t know anything about except what the editors of AI want you to see. Do some research. Dave Cook is a sincere guy. I can say that with personal experience. You rock Cookie!

Posted by Ben Hosterman | Report as abusive
 

I think Jill is transferring her feelings for a former cocky boyfriend (who probably dumped her because when she opens her mouth her brains fall out) when she speaks so ugly about David C. who is an amazing rock singer. I suppose she thinks that David should sing and lick his lips over and over again (david a) and bore us to tears with his sweetness. What’s the comment about being over 40?????
What a “special” girl she seems to be.

 

I love his personality. He comes across as competitive and very cerebral—- a real thinker. As someone who has gone through grad school I find his mind and approach very attractive. That aside, I did not like his performance last night. That song did not suit his voice at all. I still voted for him feverishly because I want him to stay in as I still really believe in him. Hopefully he will learn from this experience and go back to what he was doing before and pick music that better suits his voice.

Posted by Sarah | Report as abusive
 

This is the FIRST time that I have ever posted anything on the net. The main reason I am doing so now is to say to Jill, GET OVER YOURSELF!!!!!!!!! YOU are the one coming off like a pompous know-it-all. Whether Cook was cocky or not is simply a matter of opinion. And making snide comments about his lack of hair is just petty and rude.
You sound like a spoiled self-centered egotistical BRAT!! Do you have NO LIFE that you have to respond back to anyone & everyone who disagrees W/ you? Someone who has to ram their opinion down others throats and make statements that passive aggressively put others down REEKS OF NO SELF CONFIDENCE!!
I am not over 40( which has absolutely nothing to do W/ the matter by the way, except in showing us how immature YOU are).You are not the only person alive W/ a corner on determining whether or not someone is arrogant. Then again, you probably have quite a handle on it since you see it reflected so clearly within yourself.
It is people like you that ruin these sites.

Posted by Rene macleod | Report as abusive
 

While this performance was not my favorite for David Cook, I believe he is the most talented performer, with inspired and creative vocals and a unique, memorable style. I will listen to his music after Idol is over and will look for more.

Posted by Carl | Report as abusive
 

david did fantastic, and will continue to do so. arrogance wasnt apparent last night; adamacy was. the ONLY problem with his song choice is that it was unknown. fact of the matter is “our lady peace” is an awesome, understated band and “innocent” is one of their very best songs. david, dont worry big man, whether you win or lose this competition, you’ll still have a tremendous future in music. why your better than the rest? definitive ability. and your own tste in music, where as everyone lse are somewhat minionish.

Posted by bobby | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is an amazing talent. I find him to be humble, gracious with the judges and sexy as heck. I don’t think he will win, but he will still be a star. I don’t think he will win because all the little girls will vote for David A. But, it is still early in the season. I have faith that David Cook will come back strong next week after this week’s less that great (but good) performance. He has set his own bar so high.

Posted by Brett Godwin | Report as abusive
 

Last night’s performance was not my favorite for David C., but, as has already been said, every other night has been stellar. He is a rock star. He is talented and confident and definitely NOT arrogant. Holy cow! What a load of garbage. If anything, David looked tired and stressed and a little frustrated (maybe from trying to sing over the obnoxious back-up singers?). I applaud him for continuing on, week after week, with everything that is going on his life. It is pretty obvious to me that he is sincere, mature and very grounded. And, never once did he claim the versions of the songs he was singing as his own. The judges are guilty of crediting him with that. He just happened to do a MUCH better job of covering the remakes!
Jill, your comments are rude and, frankly, quite arrogant. I think you need a hobby, or an anger management class!

Posted by Julie | Report as abusive
 

All these opinions of David Cook are what they are – Opinions! No one should really listen to the judges. It is what “we” think and if we choose to vote for the one we like the best, we will. David is an amazing singer and he will be getting a record deal whether he is the American Idol or not. He has an amazing voice and does not show himself as arrogant. He shows himself as serious and creative. Also, like others said, he has personal things in his life that are on his mind, like anyone else. I personally think that this has been the best season so far and David Cook brings his own to a song and that is what makes him the great singer that he is. American Idol is not only about winning a competition, it is about these young singers being shown to the public eye and someone somewhere will approach them and offer them their dream. On that note, enjoy the rest of Idol!

Posted by Donna | Report as abusive
 

Jill,

Believe it or not, not all the people that like David are over 40, as has been stated several times since you made that post. I’m actually younger than David, so I’m not over 40 by any means. But what does age matter? Not a whole heck of a lot.

And if he was so arrogant, then why did he actually look defeated after the performance before the judges even gave him comments?

And a little cockyness and arrogance honestly helps performances. It shows you at least think you know the song. It makes it a little more convincing to the audience.

Posted by Danielle | Report as abusive
 

Boy, you guys sure did put me in my place. I have seen the light. I’m David Cook’s biggest fan!

Sidebar, I was seemingly only half right about your ages; you’re clearly all over FIFTY. If not in age, in mentality and senility. Happy Idol-ing!

 

I love David Cook- he is so talented and truly “star quality”!!
Everyone has a moment where they stumble and I am eagerly waiting to see what he brings to the party next week!

Good Luck, David and our prayers are with your brother!
Keep on Rockin’!

Posted by Christine | Report as abusive
 

And Jill, you’re still 12.

Posted by Linda | Report as abusive
 

Jill,

I’d rather be over fifty in mentality then under twelve as you seem to be. =)

Posted by Amanda | Report as abusive
 

harsh. I liked it…maybe it wasn’t HIS best but it was still pretty good compared to the crock some other contestants have been putting out there. and you don’t see them getting ripped apart like this, do you? don’t hold him to a higher standard, it’s not fair.

Posted by Lisa | Report as abusive
 

You have to be confident to sing on stage. Definitely agree that it wasn’t his best performance because the choir did drown him out as he sang low. However, my 8 year old was inspired by the words of the song and hasn’t stopped singing it all day.
When was the last time that your absolutely favorite band or singer hit it out of the park on every album and every song. Plus I believe he chose that song, which had a lyric about cancer in it, as a tribute to his brother who is struggling with cancer.

Posted by hjoyal | Report as abusive
 

Jill, we’re not telling you to change your opinion, we’re just trying to tell you that you are being immature with the way are trying to change ours.

You need to get used to the idea that not everyone will share your opinion because you seem to not get that.

Posted by Danielle | Report as abusive
 

I just want to add that first the judges run them down because they don’t appear confident enough. And now the ones who have become confident (David Cook) get told they appeared “pompous”. For crying out loud make up your freakin mind. David Cook has sung on stage before, and a lot of the other haven’t. He’s going to put on a show because he knows what the audience wants! He is still a VERY good performer and I don’t think he should go home because an “off” night. There are a few others who deserve to go home before he does.

Posted by Crystal | Report as abusive
 

I have never, ever, ever been so crazy about an American Idol contestant, as I am about David Cook. He is, as Paula said, the TOTAL package!!! He has got me completely hooked, and I will do all I can to help him remain in the competition. Like many have said before me, he seems to be a real thinker, very creative, and when it comes down to it, all about the music and the performance. I think being called names is really out of line and uncalled for and mean spirited. I for one do not agree with any of it.

I am listening to his music right now, a great song from his Axium Album “The Story Thus Far” (bought both Axium albums on Walmart.com mp3 downloads) called “On The Floor” — ooohhh it is sooooooooooo good. So is Pecking Order, and Holding Court, and so many more.

I love, love, love this guy (my husband is a little jealous).

Posted by Michelle | Report as abusive
 

There is a difference between arrogance and confidence! Our friend David is very confident! We love you David! The Hostermans

Posted by Dawn | Report as abusive
 

I am a HUGE David Cook fan… and although last nights song was not my favorite, he is still an AWESOME singer. Everyone is going to have an “off” night and I just hope all the Cook fans out there voted… The show just wouldn’t be the same without him!!!

GO DAVID COOK!!!!

Posted by Mindy | Report as abusive
 

Because of David Cook’s “give back” last night, I am committed to give $5000 and I don’t typically call in to shows to give. He is heartfelt. He sang from his heart as he always does. Regardless if he chose a song many didn’t like, there are many of us who did like that song, and the way it was arranged. I enjoyed it thoroughly, even when I played it back. You go David. I will buy your album. I will buy tickets to your concerts. You are the real thing and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When it comes to people writing hurtful things, just remember “chew the straw and spit out the sticks”. Those with negative comments haven’t a clue. You are da bomb diggity.

Posted by Idol | Report as abusive
 

I think \”arrogant\” is a poor adjective to use for David. He has been suffering from panic issues related to the poor diagnosis for his brother, who has cancer. I think, if anything, he is suffering from depression and fear. But arrogant? Not at all. I still love him. :)

Posted by Rene | Report as abusive
 

David Cook is not only an inspiration to many dreamers out there, but he is a true artist. By artist, I dont mean he writes his own songs, I mean the man can sing and can PERFORM his heart out. We know he has a big heart (just by his mannerisms and him actually crying last week after the “Idol Gives Back” video aired).

David Cook, BOTTOM LINE, is the only contestant that will SELL RECORDS!

David Archuleta is ok, but he’s no David Cook. David Archuleta is popular was teenage girls, that’s about it. I know a few adults that like him, but not near as many as the people that are David Cook fans. He has heart, he’s an excellent singer, and he deserves to win this competition.

He’s also replaced Justin Timberlake as my “baby daddy”. ;-) Yowza!

Posted by Rachel | Report as abusive
 

I realy think David Cook was trying to make a point, he cares, he care for all, there isn’t much els to say. I feel he would like to help make this world bertter..

 

Everyone entitled to a mistake, last night was not his best night for sure…..but come on, he is awesome

Posted by Richard Saraiva | Report as abusive
 

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