American Idol: David Cook Wows!

Last night on American Idol, the contestants received coaching from the Right Honorable Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. This man is a legend, revolutionizing the American musical. His songs are challenging and musical, giving the singer a chance to shine and really show what they're capable of. During last night's performance, most of the American Idol contestants were up to the task...and David Cook surprised me most of all.

I did not like David Cook in the beginning of the season. I thought he was kind of weird and didn't particularly like his singing. I wasn't sure how he even made it to the top 24. As the weeks have moved on, David has impressed me more and more. His critics complain that all he does is rock and rock ballads, but last night David changed all that.

On the April 22nd episode of American Idol, David Cook sang "The Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. This song is sung by The Phantom and is probably one of the most famous songs from the show. It's powerful and moving, and there's no way to fake your way through the song: if you can't sing, you're going to bomb.

If you had asked me what song David Cook would sing this week, I never would have guessed he'd sing "The Music of the Night." I would have expected to sing something from one of the rock operas, not this challenging, lyrical piece. However, he stepped far out of his comfort zone and tackled it, and did an amazing job. Listening to his performance again on my headphones with no video, I could imagine him on the Phantom of the Opera stage, complete with mask and cape. He was transformed. Ok, he was no Michael Crawford, but who is?

The judges agree with my assessment: Randy said, "That was an amazing vocal performance," Paula said the song proved that he's well rounded and it was fantastic, and Simon said he made the most of it.

Every time David Cook sings on American Idol, he impresses me anew. Each week, he proves that he has earned his right to share the stage with Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, Brooke Smith and Syesha Mercado...oh, and Jason Castro. David Cook should sail right on to the final, and I sincerely hope now that he will take the title of American Idol. He's shown he has the versatility and the talent, now it's up to America to make the right choice when they vote.