David Cook: A Critique from the March 25 American Idol

On March 25, American Idol contestants chose songs from the year that they were born. Born in 1982, David Cook performed Billy Jean. His arrangement of this song was very different than the Michael Jackson version that most people are probably familiar with. Cook's arrangement was a bold one, but it worked. I was a little worried when the song first started, but it very quickly became a very powerful performance.

Cook is known for his rock performances, and arranging the song into a powerful rock song turned out much better than I would have expected. Cook has, out of all the contestants, the best sense of which songs are going to work for his voice. Cook has definitely improved every week, making him probably the best performance of tonight. He is quickly becoming a challenger to the number one spot.

He has excellent pitch, a strong voice, and a very powerful presence on stage. He has one potentially serious flaw, however. At times, he seems a arrogant. If he does not keep his pride in check, it may prevent him from winning. If I were just going by voice (and his looks), he would be my pick to be the winner. However, watching him puts a little seed of doubt as to how much I really like him.

Simon said a few weeks ago that he didn't think that particular performance was as good as Cook though it was. I agree, and the same is probably true this week as well. Yes, his performance was excellent, but I wouldn't that it was the best thing since sliced bread, which is how he seems to view himself. His biggest competitor, at this point, is definitely Michael Johns. The competition could very easily come down to these two performers. However, Johns' more gracious personality might be the x-factor that keeps Cook from winning.