I remember watching his performance that nite & after that I sat there not believing what I just heard. I was totally speechless & blown away. Just brilliant!
Watching this for the thousand time! 10-2-2021 Who else thinks this is the all time best American Idol performance of all time! “BRILLIANT PERFECTION!” Control, timing, cool casual glances, effortless and pitch perfect!
This blows away the studio version - one of the all time best live idol performances from any year - and the turning point of his skyrocketing popularity in this show leading to his ultimate victory
This performance not only won him the competition but also ensured it wouldn't be close. By this time, the main talk was that it was a battle between the Davids. He took control here and went to the stratosphere at 2:35 and stayed there.
this was totally the turning point for David Cook. I think he won it with this performance. he would have had to shit on every other performance after this to NOT win. and people like to say that he was given to much credit since the arrangement was Chris Cornell's but arrangement aside those vocals were amazing. he is amazing totally deserved the win.
Technically David Archuleta raked #1 with David Cook #2 until Michael Johns got the unexpected elimination at top 8. David Cook took Michael's votes and lead the rest of the season. But yes this is the performance that put him as one of the front runners.
shwonsh Did you hear Michael John died a couple of months ago from a cut on his leg that developed a blood clot that went to his heart? He was only 35 - fucking sad
My fav idol. I still buy his music & go see his shows to this day. Lucky to have met him several times as well. Super nice guy, lol easy on the eyes & wow what a voice
This performance of Billie Jean was a turning point for all of American Idol. David was the first to put a twist on a song. Many speculate about how he won but the article that I read a months after was that he won totally on his own and not by getting the votes from those who were eliminated. What put him over the top was his performance of Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera. He accumulated a whole other fan base with that performance, one that no one else ever had. He's my favorite of all seasons!
This was incredible. But it's obvious by their comments that none of the judges were really familiar that Chris Cornell created this arrangement. Cook does perform it better, but Cornell was the "brave" musical genius behind this.
I miss him! he’s the one and only singer I got obsessed with 😌 It’s been 10 yrs now but still couldnt resist the magic in him (voice, humbleness, stage presence and all...) 😍😍😍
David Cook was the best Idol ever. He's on tour right now. I'm hoping he will stop closer to where I live (Southern Ohio). David brings out the emotion in the songs, and I truly believe he could make his own song out of the telephone book. No kidding. Listen to Permanent if you haven't already.
I'm from Italy and I'm a fan. David is one of the best singers came out from a talent show, EVER! He's so brilliant and talented... I'm here... 2019... still listening to this beatiful cover.
I am watching all Idol from Season 1 to Present and I am just watching Season 7 now and heard this wonderful song!! WOW! What a great transition from MJ's version to yours. Great talent!
An amusing wrinkle about this benchmark performance: For years, "Some" Chris Cornell's fans have been saying that DC didn't give Chris the on-air credit for conceiving of this slowed down, bluesy arrangement of "Billie Jean" in his modified 90 second version - when obviously, he did. Seacrest says it - right there at the beginning of this video.'Before' a note is sung. The idiocy of that one judge notwithstanding (I'm looking at you, Randy). In the wake of that latest version from "Rising Star" (the 10th or 12th reality show contestant around the world to attempt this song since DC did it in 2008) - it's so refreshing to see a number of Tweets saying - 'well, at least David Cook gave Chris Cornell credit on the show'. *Snerk*. Yes, yes, he did. Thank you, whoever, for finally noticing. And NBC and their show did not. I suppose that was a Producer's decision? (Their judges were also idiots - but that's another matter. IMO.)
The same happened with Chris Daughtry's version of I Walk The Line. Live's fans said he didn't gave them credit. Chris repeated in a few interviews that he actually did say that in the tapped interview but it didn't make the cut
In season 7, AI contestants had 90 each; so every song had to build, peak, resolve in half the time or less than the original. Cook was a 90 sec genius. But to do this performance justice, go find Cooks AI studio version
I have C. Cornell's and I have been comparing it to David's version for years. My conclusion is: David's cannot be compared, his is the best. I agreed with Randy way back when and that's that.
Of course Cornell did that version in his late 30's. When Chris was Davids age his voice was probably the best rock voice in history. Not only that but Chris wrote his own music which was incredible. You cant compare cook and cornell, there is no comparison. Chris was a God. Cook has a good voice who sings other people songs very well.
wow ! this dude can sing , and i wonder why in hell he is not more famous???.. oh I forgot because we have more talented guys like Drake and lil wayne !!!! whatever !!
He killed it no doubt, great performance. However, it honestly seemed like the judges had never heard Cornell's version. It seemed like they thought that Cook made this version...
So glad they don't cut away from the performers during the performance to show the judge's expressions like they do in the Jennifer Lopez years, would have taken away this perfect performance.
Came to watch this from reading about Chris Cornell - still trying to process his death - and wow... I have no doubt that, if he heard it, Chris would've definitely approved. May he rest in peace.
+Daniel K------- Sorry Daniel but Chris Cornell is a future Rock N Roll Hall of Famer and although David Cook has a great voice, Cornell's version is far superior.
Watched this series from England and used to get my friend in USA to vote for David Cook for me. I thought he was great and this version of Billy Jean was awesome.....and much better than Chris Cornell's. I hope he went on to bigger and better stuff
10 years later and I still think about this guy's performances on Idol. Amazing talent!
David Cook is my favorite American Idol of all the seasons. He is truly amazing!
mine too..he is truly great
+Cliff O Mine too
Cliffy and adam lambert or chris daughtry
He was yes!
I remember being totally blown away by this performance. Still SO amazing!
I remember watching his performance that nite & after that I sat there not believing what I just heard. I was totally speechless & blown away. Just brilliant!
Best performance. Holds up after all these years. ❤
still give me chills on this performance
"Chills" is right
Right!
Single most electrifying performance ever on AI.
Anotheryou21 agreed fully!! Its been years and still i know his name and this performance :) id love to hear him sing Dirty Diana !!
Thats because no one probably saw Bo Bice
Me too that was the best season on idol ever. I still listen to him to this day!
2:35-2:43.... Good lord. He was the best contestant ever on Idol. No doubt about it.
he killed that shit
Both he and Chris Daughtry were the best Idol contestants ever.
DAUGHTRY COULD NOT HOLD A CANDLE TO DAVID COOK!
Totally agree!!
Hate to say but Chris Daughtry got screwed!
Adam Lambert says hi
Watching this for the thousand time! 10-2-2021 Who else thinks this is the all time best American Idol performance of all time! “BRILLIANT PERFECTION!” Control, timing, cool casual glances, effortless and pitch perfect!
I do!!! Hands down PERFECTION! 4/4/23
Yess! Watching 5/7/23 ❤
Best performance and voted number one by Rolling Stone. ❤
This blows away the studio version - one of the all time best live idol performances from any year - and the turning point of his skyrocketing popularity in this show leading to his ultimate victory
I was a David Cook fan from day one!!!
This performance not only won him the competition but also ensured it wouldn't be close. By this time, the main talk was that it was a battle between the Davids. He took control here and went to the stratosphere at 2:35 and stayed there.
I like how in most of his post performance judgements, he gets really excited when he gets a positive reaction from Simon
this was totally the turning point for David Cook. I think he won it with this performance. he would have had to shit on every other performance after this to NOT win. and people like to say that he was given to much credit since the arrangement was Chris Cornell's but arrangement aside those vocals were amazing. he is amazing totally deserved the win.
You are 100% right Jaylecia, we also watched this live and saw the world fall for this guy.
Technically David Archuleta raked #1 with David Cook #2 until Michael Johns got the unexpected elimination at top 8. David Cook took Michael's votes and lead the rest of the season. But yes this is the performance that put him as one of the front runners.
shwonsh Did you hear Michael John died a couple of months ago from a cut on his leg that developed a blood clot that went to his heart? He was only 35 - fucking sad
I agree. This was the performance that made him on American Idol. I still remember being amazed at his performance.
luckyvet fucking sad when I heard this shocking piece of news. He's so talented and has an amazing voice.
This moment changed my life.
David Cook is a brilliant artist this here was a masterpiece.Always was my favorite on Idol
No one could ever be DAVID COOK!!!
My fav idol. I still buy his music & go see his shows to this day. Lucky to have met him several times as well. Super nice guy, lol easy on the eyes & wow what a voice
One of my absolute favorites that David did on Idol. He WON & was SO deserving!! ♥♥♥♥♥ 👏 👏 👄👄👄. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ M
i remember this !!! the moment i fell in 💜💜!!! still watching in 2016!! David Cook AWESOME !!! 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌❤❤❤👏👏🙌
we're the same
This performance of Billie Jean was a turning point for all of American Idol. David was the first to put a twist on a song. Many speculate about how he won but the article that I read a months after was that he won totally on his own and not by getting the votes from those who were eliminated. What put him over the top was his performance of Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera. He accumulated a whole other fan base with that performance, one that no one else ever had. He's my favorite of all seasons!
This was incredible. But it's obvious by their comments that none of the judges were really familiar that Chris Cornell created this arrangement. Cook does perform it better, but Cornell was the "brave" musical genius behind this.
@@davec3651 and David made sure that Chris was acknowledged for it as well.
the best of them all!, David Cook!!
i swear to god he fucking nailed that song so deep. Man what a performer.
+lightThatcherry I just wish his own songmaking ability could match his singing chops
I miss him! he’s the one and only singer I got obsessed with 😌 It’s been 10 yrs now but still couldnt resist the magic in him (voice, humbleness, stage presence and all...) 😍😍😍
DC knocked it out of the park with this one. Unforgettable.
This I Love ! His voice really has the emotional strength to carry it in exactly the way it needs to express the lyrics. Amazing 🌹🌹❤️👌🏼
David Cook was the best Idol ever. He's on tour right now. I'm hoping he will stop closer to where I live (Southern Ohio). David brings out the emotion in the songs, and I truly believe he could make his own song out of the telephone book. No kidding. Listen to Permanent if you haven't already.
I hope he comes to Ohio too!!!
Rebecca Haley ื
Best ever from American idol
I'm from Italy and I'm a fan. David is one of the best singers came out from a talent show, EVER! He's so brilliant and talented... I'm here... 2019... still listening to this beatiful cover.
I am watching all Idol from Season 1 to Present and I am just watching Season 7 now and heard this wonderful song!! WOW! What a great transition from MJ's version to yours. Great talent!
He successfully turned
this into a rock song. Right on dude. The year of the Davids. A rocker and a Balladeer.
An amusing wrinkle about this benchmark performance:
For years, "Some" Chris Cornell's fans have been saying that DC didn't give Chris the on-air credit for conceiving of this slowed down, bluesy arrangement of "Billie Jean" in his modified 90 second version - when obviously, he did. Seacrest says it - right there at the beginning of this video.'Before' a note is sung. The idiocy of that one judge notwithstanding (I'm looking at you, Randy).
In the wake of that latest version from "Rising Star" (the 10th or 12th reality show contestant around the world to attempt this song since DC did it in 2008) - it's so refreshing to see a number of Tweets saying - 'well, at least David Cook gave Chris Cornell credit on the show'. *Snerk*. Yes, yes, he did. Thank you, whoever, for finally noticing. And NBC and their show did not. I suppose that was a Producer's decision? (Their judges were also idiots - but that's another matter. IMO.)
The same happened with Chris Daughtry's version of I Walk The Line. Live's fans said he didn't gave them credit. Chris repeated in a few interviews that he actually did say that in the tapped interview but it didn't make the cut
BEST AMERICAN IDOL!!! After him, all the succeeding winners were nothing compared to DAVID COOK!
Him and adam lambert where the top!!
Aaaaaand that's the way it's done !! David Cook ~ Awesome
Every time I hear tihs song, I think of David Cook. Here I am again.
In season 7, AI contestants had 90 each; so every song had to build, peak, resolve in half the time or less than the original. Cook was a 90 sec genius. But to do this performance justice, go find Cooks AI studio version
Chris Cornell is the absolute genius behind this version of the song, but honestly I gotta say David performs it better for me. And I love Cornell.
I love David Cook because he has charm and originality in his music, that's why he will always be my favorite American Idol!
You are too amazing David , miss you much ❤️
One if the best version from David Cook ..
I love and appreciate the song as he sings it .. !
5 years later and I still get goosebumps - FANTASTIC :)
This just NEVER gets stale!
Absolutely brilliant...just wow!
Best AI performamce EVER!!!!
awesome. speechless
He is humble which is so cuuute
Best ever yes best winner I said it
This was his best performance. So good! One of the best performances ever on American Idol.
His Voice, WOW!!
he valued simon's comment the most! how happy he was!!
I have C. Cornell's and I have been comparing it to David's version for years.
My conclusion is: David's cannot be compared, his is the best. I agreed with Randy
way back when and that's that.
Of course Cornell did that version in his late 30's. When Chris was Davids age his voice was probably the best rock voice in history. Not only that but Chris wrote his own music which was incredible. You cant compare cook and cornell, there is no comparison. Chris was a God. Cook has a good voice who sings other people songs very well.
best male idol ever. amazing performance!
I totally missed this season... and a great singer.
For me this is the best version on American Idol of billie jean.
+jasmine I love Mackensie,but this is a better version.
Great. What a voice! Tank you David.
HE IS AMAZING!!!!!!
I still love this performance.
One of the best covers on Idol
Still LOVE!!!!!
Powerful Voice!! GOAT in American idol. ❤❤❤
love this much..i view and listen to it almost everyday.....yeah..that's right..really really love it.
Incredible......
I loved it so happy Ican enjoy it still after all the years from when . I first saw it..... I knew you would be the winner. Ya who
Love it the quality of his VOICE :)
2nd best Idol performance ever only behind Joshua Ledet's It's a Man's World
Best season ever, ten years later!!!
No one has a voice like this. I just melt into goo when he sings. That's all. :)
my favorite idol.... ever!!!!
Me, too! It is sooo amazing!
after this performance , no one can sing that song better than David Cook.
wow ! this dude can sing , and i wonder why in hell he is not more famous???.. oh I forgot because we have more talented guys like Drake and lil wayne !!!! whatever !!
He killed it no doubt, great performance. However, it honestly seemed like the judges had never heard Cornell's version. It seemed like they thought that Cook made this version...
Amazing voice!!! Takes a Michael song and makes it his OWN!!!!!
So glad they don't cut away from the performers during the performance to show the judge's expressions like they do in the Jennifer Lopez years, would have taken away this perfect performance.
Ugh I know. Why I never watch those seasons. Awful! Who cares about their reactions!
LOVE HIM !!!!
amazing!!!
I LOVE DAVID SO....much....
Chris Cornell is so awesome.
Came to watch this from reading about Chris Cornell - still trying to process his death - and wow... I have no doubt that, if he heard it, Chris would've definitely approved. May he rest in peace.
Does anyone know how I can download his version of Always be my baby to my mp3 player? If you do please let me know thanks!
This is STILL good - all these years later.
unbelievable
Awesome.
El mejor
That was by far the best season of American Idol...
his shout is freakin awesome!!!!!!
Total original..creative.
why? this is not a version made by david cook
I love him
I don't know why but I laugh in blazin molten hot baby! hot! hot paula! LOL
the last season i watched.. the best too!
The only season I ever liked and yea, he was the reason :D
I think this might just be better than the original!
It's much better than cornell's version! Can't compare it to Mj though. Apples and oranges.
+Daniel K------- Sorry Daniel but Chris Cornell is a future Rock N Roll Hall of Famer and although David Cook has a great voice, Cornell's version is far superior.
SuperDerezzed I'll have to listen to it then.
+SuperDerezzed - A question of taste. Cornell's version sounds good and interesting, but I just prefer Cook's voice.
Tee Jei Same
Watched this series from England and used to get my friend in USA to vote for David Cook for me. I thought he was great and this version of Billy Jean was awesome.....and much better than Chris Cornell's. I hope he went on to bigger and better stuff
my fave idol. 2018 anyone?
Awesome! He is really cookin' ey
Best version of this song Period! Michaels is second
Me regusta / I really really like it!!!!
27 dislike coming from david archuleta fans hahaha
David Cook and Adam Lamberr are the only 2 who have ever stood out to me.