David Cook's "Little Sparrow" Draws Attention to This American Idol Rocker

Each week I become more and more impressed with the American Idol performance by David Cook. A few weeks ago I would have considered him to be one of my least favorites but after last week's performance of Billie Jean and this week's performance of Dolly Parton's Little Sparrow I am rethinking my earlier opinion of this rocker.

Most participants of the top rated reality show choose arrangements and songs that are safe but this week once again Cook challenged the norm and performed his own arrangement of Little Sparrow. His voice added spark into a song I would normally never listen to. The judges were pleased with his performance complementing him on his choices and his ability to think outside the box when choosing his songs and the background music.

One thing that the American Idol judges are always talking about is a contestant having that "it" factor that will make them marketable over the coming years. Based on this week's performance Cook definitely has something that other's in the competition only dream of. His confidence on the stage is apparent by his song choices and the comfort he seems to have behind the microphone.

The question on the minds of most, including myself, is whether or not David Cook has the talent and range to be the winner of Season 7 of American Idol. With strong performances coming from favorites like Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, and David Archuleta coming in each week Cook has some tough competition. Cook's saving grace might just be his consistency. While other top rated constants have struggled at some points throughout the past weeks, Cook has delivered consistently great performances when others have been fighting to stay alive.

Of course, past seasons have taught American Idol fans that winning that coveted first place prize isn't always the best. Past winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have had wide commercial success where others such as Ruben Studard and Taylor Hicks have recently lost their recording contracts.