Eddie Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 09:10 AM EST

Bosch, Cornell would of said the same thing in 91, the only person more soft spoken than him back then was Vedder

Bosch Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 10:33 PM EST

He's so diplomatic about it.
Though I would rather imagine Cornell circa 1991 beating the everloving sh*t out of Cook.

altheea Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 07:22 PM EST

I think that david cook was great! I really don't get what's eating people? I mean..they did say that it was the cornell-version of the song! I have been a huge fan of chris since early soundgarden. He is the best vocalist/songwriter on this planet! I think it was a good song to cover and david was great. :-)

Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 01:43 PM EST

LOL another great FAKE ACTING by cook. What a FAKE. Cover someone else's cover and take all the glory for it.

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Joe Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 11:30 PM EST

No Linda, you definitely do not have to stand in the middle of the highway. Just listen to Soundgarden, Audioslave and Chris Cornell's solo albums.

bitchnigga Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 10:23 PM EST

Hey Linda, you've probably never heard of Chris Cornell because you never leave the house. You sit inside eating tacos and cake all day. Maybe you can do us all a favor and stand in the middle of a highway during rush hour.

SteppinRazor Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

Chris Cornell is NOT being full of himself AT ALL. He said, "My FANS are very protective and felt David should have volunteered the info" and that Cook "was great". Which I agree with. Chris was just trying to curb the hate coming at Cook and A. Idol from his fans.

Cornell's version of Billy Jean is amazing & haunting and it made me think about the lyrics in a way that the original (Michael Jackson's version) never did. Besides, Chris will ALWAYS be more famous than this David Cook guy.

I mean, Soundgarden anyone? In 1994, as a member of Soundgarden, Cornell won not just one, but TWO Grammys. And how about Audioslave? Chris was in a band with members of Rage Against The Machine!

Not mainstream/pop enough for you? Maybe you heard of The James Bond film Casino Royale? The theme song was sung & co-written by Chris Cornell.

If all this wasn't enough for you, guess who just worked with Chris Cornell on his upcoming album?

Timbaland.

That's right b*tches!

Cameron Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:15 AM EST

it amazes me how many people don't know who chris cornell is, i feel like i'm taking crazy pills. i never watched AI until i saw the video featured on youtube. i still don't watch it but i thought David Cook did a good job. Hes no Chris Cornell, but he has talent. by the way Cornell is actually producing some stuff for Cook's new CD.

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pinkersweet Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

for da guy who think he knows good music or whatever..such a dumb things to say..come on..just admit it,david sing that song 99% better than chris..DC vocal is outstanding,even chris cant sing live as good as DC..just except the reality dude..what a loser!!..maybe u should try to listen to DC first individualy produced album(analog heart)..that's ORIGINAL!

Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 06:14 PM EST

LOL. They're both as arrogant as each other.

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katy Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

If you think David Cook is just a singer, you need to check out Analog Heart and The Story Thus Far. Regardless of what song and whose version David Cook covered, he is an up and coming talent! Wait and see. I know old men, young men, old women, young women of all different ethnic groups who feel the heart and soul of David Cook through his mannerisms and his music.

A Guy Who Knows Good Music Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 11:27 PM EST

Some of these comments are ridiculous, from dumb bimbos with ignorantly bland names like "linda" and "" saying they've never heard of Chris.. Well, it's because he was a big hit awhile ago. You obviously don't listen to anything other than the mainstream bullshit they forcefeed you. You can have and stick up for your faggy american idol amateur mic performances, I'll be orgasming through my ear drums listening to "Jesus Christ Pose", "Pretty Noose", "Black Hole Sun", "Spoonman", "4th Of July", ect..

There are VERY few decent singers on American Idol. Sure, most of 'em could sing to an extent. But how many of them will go on to produce songs that won't contain any cliches overbeaten like a dead hooker and are unique and not poppish and fake and appealing to everyone instead of expressing themselves? None, most likely. They don't have creativity or intelligence to make unique songs that aren't about losing a girl or some bullshit. A good portion of the world forgot about David already

Courtie Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

First off, Chris doesn't sound the least bit pompous here. HIS fans were attacking Cook, and what did he do? He defended Cook. And secondly, David Cook did cover Chris' cover perfectly; and considering how Cyclopean Cornell's voice is, is an incredible feat. And finally, Chris Cornell does not have to thank David Cook for performing his version of the song. Ever heard of Soundgarden? Audioslave? Chris Cornell is an incredibly talented and accomplished artist, and was waaaay before American Idol came prancing along onto network television.

pan Mon, Jun 16, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

i wouldn't say that chris cornell (or anybody) really -deserves- praise, but he should certainly be credited with his adaptation. if anyone played 'all along the watchtower' like jimi hendrix, do you think they should get the credit, because it wasn't originally written by him? (it was authored by bob dylan) i wouldn't say so.
and i must say i'm not a fanatic about all of cornell's work, although i REALLY like his soundgarden. anyway, if you think he's being stuck up about his responses to the question, you came at it already thinking that; if you read into all the implications of the questions, you would see he is trying to give the benefit of doubt to the david kid - just insisting on credit. i admire his tact. this is the permission before-hand, or apology later, situation for the kid.

winzky Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:41 PM EST

Both Artists should have thank each other, Chris Cornells arrangement made David Cook catapult his career in American Idol competition by performing the song, Chris cornells song Version on the other hand boosted up its popularity and so as his other arrangements.

Liana Sun, Jun 8, 2008 at 07:14 PM EST

Alright. I heard both versions. Yes, obviously David Cook used Chris Cornell's version. If you want to argue that, clean your ears out a couple hundred times. Also, Chris Cornell didn't sound full of himself to me. He was being pretty nice about the whole thing. Furthermore, he has a right to be full of himself, because he's an amazing vocalist who has honestly earned the right to be full of himself. He was the one who redid the song according to his own style, so he deserves the credit, not the American Idol guy. All American Idol is is glorified Karoake, anyway.

Linda Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

Chris Cornell sounds very full of himself here. I will admit I had never in my life heard of Chris Cornell before this. David Cook was awesome, and no it doesn't sound exactly like Chris Cornell's, even though Chris Cornell said David copied exactly "down to the most subtle vocal nuances". Please, he sounds so pompous. He should be glad he got more people to at least listen to his music as a result of this. By the way, after listening to his and David Cook's performances of Billie Jean. I thought David Cook's performance was so much better that there really isn't any comparison. So that's my two cents worth.

zurri Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

David made that cover more well-known. Chris should thank David for that.

ali Tue, May 27, 2008 at 05:17 AM EST

Firstly listen to both David Cooks version and Chris Cornells. There is NO similarity here at all. I agree with the comment here too that is it NOT Chris Cornells song anyway it is Michael Jackson--who does Chris think he is. David only sang a song for gods sake and made Chris Cornells version of Michael Jacksons song DIFFERENT. Why so much hoopla over a song.I do not get it. Idol is only about seeing if you can sing. David Cook can. Who cares if they sing Nursery Rhymes---just show us you can sing....How many versions of "somewhere over the rainbow" are out there.more than I can count on my fingers for sure...........END OF STORY

Sammy Mon, May 26, 2008 at 03:18 AM EST

I'm a huge Chris Cornell fan, but he sounds like a real pompous ass here. Sorry. Not David's fault the judges are musically clueless. They should have done their homework.Besides, what difference does it make whose version David sang? At the end of the day, it's still Michael Jackson song!

Kate Fri, May 23, 2008 at 10:20 PM EST

I was curious about Chris's version, so yeah I listened to it. Im not sure it is right to the T. But they are both slow thats for sure. Great reinvention of the song, but I believe David kind of changed some stuff that I preferred David's rendition. Yes, very much started with Chris which is awesome but I guess it got tweaked a little more, and David did great job tweaking it.

xsoundgardenx Fri, May 23, 2008 at 05:50 PM EST

cornell's an established songwriter, performer, musician, and singer. cook is just a singer.

the mouthy children here (under 25) need to understand that there's far more to being a musician and songwriter than there is to singing songs you never created to millions of people that know nothing about music, other than how to listen to it and say "cool" or "that sucked".

peanuts Fri, May 23, 2008 at 07:29 AM EST

I cannot believe these comments. Chris Cornell has had a successful 25 year career and didn't have to be on a TV show to get where he is. Isn't that what AI is about? Making a star? I can't imagine that any Idol winners could do what Chris Cornell has done.

DC fan Sun, May 18, 2008 at 09:03 PM EST

I don't really know Chris Cornell but I listen to both version and sorry but DAvid sound so much better. I think Chris is just jealous that David made it sound more amazing than he did!Just like Doxology was when David took on "Eleanor Ridby"SORRY but you guys are no camparison when it comes to David cause he makes every song sound amazing just like it was his own.

mira Wed, May 7, 2008 at 02:52 PM EST

and that cornell guy was a sly bastard. He didnt really defend cook with his comment: "followed my arrangement down to the T" bla bla. He was just praising himself.

U give rockers a bad name, cornell.

mira Wed, May 7, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

YOU ARE ALL IDIOTS.

RYAN INTRODUCED THE SONG AS CORNELL'S ARRANGEMENT BEFORE DAVID SANG. DAVID TOLD EVERYONE THAT IT WAS CORNELL'S ARRANGEMENT BEFORE THE DAMN SHOW STARTED.

ALL OF YE THAT SAID THE GUY CHEATED WHATSOEVA WERE NOT REALLY LISTENING WERE YA?

GET YER FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE U DECIDE TO TRASH SOMEONE.

beh Mon, May 5, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

Wow, that is really abominably funny that someone said that Chris Cornell should thank David Cook for putting him on the map.

TRAGIC.

Mike Sun, May 4, 2008 at 06:36 AM EST

I didn't know who Chris Connell was until David Cook did the song. I bought his CD because of it.

Mike Sun, May 4, 2008 at 06:36 AM EST

I didn't know who Chris Connell was until David Cook did the song. I bought his CD because of it.

Les Barbes Thu, May 1, 2008 at 05:00 AM EST

Hey, I found the link to the other David Cook stuff - it's at http://www.haikureviewer.com/category/david-cook/

Enjoy!

Les Barbes Thu, May 1, 2008 at 04:56 AM EST

Chris Cornell...what a legend - there's are some reviews on www.haikureviewer.com of some of David's other performances which are pretty funny, but I didn't see one about Billie Jean yet. They should get some Soundgarden/Audioslave stuff up there too!

I agree with the man himself - David should have acknowledged it. Still, it made the judges look a bit stupid for not knowing it...but then again, that showed that they weren't briefed on all the songs beforehand, which probably makes for a better, more spontaneous show....

david cook fan #1 Sat, Apr 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM EST

David Cook is soooooooooooooo AWSOME!!!!!!!! I know he's going to win american idol!!!!!

david cook fan #1 Sat, Apr 26, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

David Cook is soooooooooooooo AWSOME!!!!!!!! I know he's going to win american idol!!!!!

david cook fan #1 Sat, Apr 26, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

David Cook is soooooooooooooo AWSOME!!!!!!!! I know he's going to win american idol!!!!!

sydney Sat, Apr 26, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

David Cook is soooooooooooooo AWSOME!!!!!!!! I know he's going to win american idol!!!!!

BigMike Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

and one more thing...
http://www.imeem.com/hammirocker/music/ISdHps4C/david_cook_dont_say_a_word/

BigMike Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

You don't have to wait for original DC material... http://www.imeem.com/hammirocker/music/5IwARpDq/david_cook_fall_back_into_me_mp3/

LeeLee Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 02:51 AM EST

When I heard David Cook sing Chris Cornell's version,Ihad never until then heard it except by Michael Jackson.I was struck bt the obvious fact that it was a man's song to sing not a young boy.I've listened to both Chris Cornell's and David Cook's since and find them both to be amazing.Chris Cornell should be flattered.

LeeLee Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 02:50 AM EST

When I heard David Cook sing Chris Cornell's version,Ihad never until then heard it except by Michael Jackson.I was struck bt the obvious fact that it was a man's song to sing not a young boy.I've listened to both Chris Cornell's and David Cook's since and find them both to be amazing.Chris Cornell should be flattered.

TVFanatic Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

Chris Daughtry was praised, too, for his "reworking" of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," when in fact, it was the Red Hot Chili Peppers' version of the song that he copied...

Sarah Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 08:35 PM EST

I say that David Cook is the best singer out of all the AI singers. They should just cut the show and give David a huge record deal!

Jordan Sat, Apr 12, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST

I have been a HUGE Chris Cornell fan for 15 odd years and I was happily surprised to see David C cover Chris's cover. No question it was brave, not at least because the original artist is Michael Jackson (need I say his rep is not all it once was). Chris had the brilliance (as usual) to recognise the potential of that song and David C deserves credit simply for his taste in choosing Chris's cover. But seriously people... never heard of Chris Cornell before!!?? One of the greatest rock singers/lyricists of the last 20 years. It's a sad sad commentary that an American Idol contestant had to tell people who Chris is. Oh, and bring back Michael Johns who is far more like the real Chris that David.

bigone64 Sat, Apr 12, 2008 at 01:53 AM EST

ryan said before david started that he was doing chris's version of billie jean...the judges just gave their comments on the performance...and I thought the performance was excellent...

Steve G Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

For those that love Chris Cornell's stirring cover of Billie jean... try checking out his originals... Like "Sunshower"... he is widely regarded as the best rock vocalist of the last 15 years. He left a grammy nominated band to go solo and do music that mattered to him, that was outside the mainstream

Michael Johnson Sun, Apr 6, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

I am getting tired of hearing these kids getting called bad karaoke singers. They sing in front of a live band, not a cd player. Is this not what Cornell does, play in front of a live band. What makes them karaoke singers and not him ? These kids are trying to break into the music world by singing, is this not what all these over priced so called rock stars do ? Grow up and get a real job.

Heh heh.... Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 09:31 PM EST

Heh heh... heh heh... he said ERECT... heh heh...

alan Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 06:05 PM EST

good for you. should we erect a statue in your honor or something?

Darth Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

I am now a fan of Chris Cornell thanks to David Cooke's cover

Barb Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

Hater, why don't you just go hold a vigil for Chris Cornell's dying career. LOL

Get it Straight Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 11:41 PM EST

Uh-oh.......has NO ONE recorded Little Sparrow so Cook could cover it? He had to do his "own arrangement"...he sang it well, but the arrangement sukked. Stick to doin covers of covers, Dude.....that's your niche.

Shel Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 11:25 PM EST

Or they will continue to watch, just to be able to make up things that they never saw or heard to begin with, like all three judges supposedly never using any word but "original" when talking to David Cook. lol

Vader Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

It doesn't matter if he sang it better than Cornell, or worse, or the same. He picked a song, chose his preferred version, and sang it. He did absolutely nothing wrong; in fact he did exactly what a contestant is expected to do. If you want to blame AI for this, go ahead, but you're wasting your time because AI has not broken any laws. You don't like it, don't watch it, plain and simple. Of course, the same people who whine so much will likely continue to watch AI, just so they can find excuses to slander this or that contestant.

Chris Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

Man I come back to this website and we still have people aruging over the same stupidity behind Chris and David?

(-_-).. is all I have to say to this one folks

Todd Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

RE: this non-issue, if David was supposed to be performing a cover and he chose to cover Chris's cover of Billie Jean, then it SHOULD have sounded EXACTLY the same. If it is true that he did not cover it to a T and it doesn't sound the same then I guess he didn't perform the way he was supposed to, now did he. As far as the people on here that have never heard Chris's version of Billie Jean, I guess you don't own his album that came out last year...it has nothing to do with whether it is good or not but if a song isn't released to be played on the air there's a pretty good chance you wouldn't have heard it huh? Lastly if you don't know who Chris is, I am truly sorry for you because that means you have not listened to Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, or Audioslave, to say nothing of his solo work, and if you haven't heard any of that outstanding music, you are truly missing out. While I do like David Cook and think he is doing an excellent job, he will NEVER compare to Chris Cornell!

As If Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

David Cook doesn't follow Chris Cornell's arrangement down to a T, even w/the most subtle voice nuances. "What you talkin' 'bout Arnold?" Don't know & don't care who you are but you should go back to the country & get over yourself because apparently you've lost both your good judgment & hearing. Have no right saying that.. Ryan Seacrest announces it at the beginning of every performance, it's not the contestant's job or duty to announce it. If Mr. Cornell has a problem w/that, he should place the blame solely on AI & get over & on with his bad self. :)

Mary Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:49 PM EST

It was brave for David Cook to use a mostly unknown arrangement. Either it was a real find that he could elevate, or there were obvious reasons it hadn't been a mega hit for CC.

Sho Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:28 PM EST

Back on topic, that was indeed brave by Kristy Lee Cook though. Regardless it was her own arrangement or not. Turns out maybe it wasn't even her arrangement, but look how badly she got ripped on for attempting a wildly different arrangement from the original.

The more I think about it, the more I realize Cook was brave for what he did, regardless that he did not write the arrangemnt. Cornell's arrangement hadn't exactly been a smash hit since its release. I had seen mixed reviews on it from before Cook's performance. Cook could have easily gotten backlash for performing such a wildly different arrangement from the popular version. But he went out there in front of millions and delivered it like a rock star.

Sho Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

That Eight Days a Week mess wasn't just her and the band, but that hideous pink lighting. I kept wondering why they were TRYING to make it sickening.

NotSoSubtle Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:23 PM EST

I yhink most everybody thought it was Kristy and the Idol band. If anyone is interested, find the Lorrie Morgan version and listen, whether you like the country twist on it or not. In my opinion, Kristy did it and sounded better than Lorrie Morgan.

American Idol sure didn't announce whose version it was done to....she had to do a Lennon-McCartney songbook song. Even the EW review blamed it all on Kristy and the Idol Band as if it were their total creation.

Duh Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:10 PM EST

I thought Kristy came up with that herself? I mean, what artist in their right mind would have come up with that mess? Brave yes, whacky yes.

NotSoSubtle Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 07:43 PM EST

Don't be so hard on Betty. To recognize the famous Bille Jean (Micheal Jackson's), you could really only recognize that if you remembered any part of the lyric.....of a 25 year old song.

Covers....absolutely they all do them, but the Chris Cornell credit announced before he did it I think only happened because of the Doxology claim/complaint about David using their arrangement for Eleanor Rigby. American Idol has not been giving those credits and can very well make a difference on the judges and viewers outlook.

How many of the viewers and the judges knew the cover version that Kristy Lee Cook used for her brave performance of Eight Days A Week?

seabreeze2007 Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

American idol rules stated pick a SONG from the year you were born not PICK AN ARRANGEMENT. Cornell got credit, Cook performed it well. Jeeez

Shel Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 06:37 PM EST

To the oh-so-brave-soul who only identified themselves as "To Shel" while accusing me of being every person on this board: I'm Shel, that's it, I don't do the whole "let-me-change-my-name" to make a point or attack peeps. However, considering you didn't ID yourself at all, it apparently is the type of online person you are. Get over it: The only sad thing in this story now are the people who continue to act like there IS a story, and perhaps Chris Cornell himself, who apparently foolishly listened to some Fan Club president tell him that the version was identical when you only need to listen to them both once to see how NOT identical they are. Also, he also quoted the standard groupie's claim about the judges over-praising Cook's original version of that song, when they did no such thing. Chris needs to listen to things for himself before his fans make him look any more foolish. But at least he knows this totally upped his own star, I'm sure he appreciates that just fine.

Hey Scott Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

Betty lives in shack down in the holler in Tennessee.

scott Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

Betty wrote:

"I didn't recognize the song or know who Chris Cornell was. My daughter said she had heard Michael Jackson's version, but if I did I don't know it."

This is by far the most disturbing post in this thread. What human being alive has never heard "Billie Jean"?

Adam Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

holy crap, i can't believe how much talkback there is for this. can't blame idol singers for borrowing other's arrangements. do you think they time to rewrite a song, rehearse it with the band, and record it for itunes with all the other stuff they have to do for idol? also...if you are criticizing fans of cornell for watching idol, i'll admit i fought off watching it for the first 4 seasons. it's just so damn fun i got hooked. have i ever bought an idol record? no, but i enjoy watching it. it's entertainment people, lighten up!

Bejjo Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

Well jp,
I'm not Cornell's fan nor Cook's hater.
I just pointed out the title of this (the above) article that says "Chris Cornell defends David Cook" is somewhat manipulating, because after read it I think he is not.
I said "he WRAPS UP his dismay well", means he borrowed his fans to expresses his thought, and add "good" thing after every "bad" thing, like "He followed my arrangement down to the T, including the most subtle vocal nuances. [and add] I think he did a great job at pulling it off"
Very mature media aproach
Anyway, I can't find a word from him stating that Cook actually COVERING his version, not IMPERSONATING him.

Matt Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

Seems like kind of a backhanded "defense" here.
"It was clear to me [that] he was a big fan as he followed my arrangement down to the T, including the most subtle vocal nuances."
As in: "Sure it was awesome, because he literally copied me."
Also, not sure it was exactly the same:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2MgwAJrfXo

jp from Singapore Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:23 AM EST

From Bejjo "Reading this, I don't think Chris Cornell defends David Cook.

and

"It appears the judges had no idea that it was my arrangement and were giving David Cook praise about how brilliant he was in performing the song that way. David should have volunteered the info [at that point]."

Quite a blatant attempt at misquoting CC. The actual quote: My fans are very protective and felt David should have volunteered the info [at that point]. Even though he did cover it well, and it was brave of him to try and pull it off." It was some of fans (including you) that felt that way. NOT HIM.

Please note that the contestants have only about 5 days (after the result show), to pick a song, work with the band with an arrangement and rehearse the song. The band has to work with all AI contestants, making it really difficult for a contestant, who barely has enough time to rehearse.

Try to show a bit more empathy.

jp from Singapore Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

From Bejjo "Reading this, I don't think Chris Cornell defends David Cook.

and

"It appears the judges had no idea that it was my arrangement and were giving David Cook praise about how brilliant he was in performing the song that way. David should have volunteered the info [at that point]."

Quite a blatant attempt at misquoting CC. The actual quote: My fans are very protective and felt David should have volunteered the info [at that point]. Even though he did cover it well, and it was brave of him to try and pull it off." It was some of fans (including you) that felt that way. NOT HIM.

Please note that the contestants have only about 5 days (after the result show), to pick a song, work with the band with an arrangement and rehearse the song. The band has to work with all AI contestants, making it really difficult for a contestant, who barely has enough time to rehearse.

Try to show a bit more empathy.

jp from Singapore Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:06 AM EST

From Bejjo "Reading this, I don't think Chris Cornell defends David Cook.

and

"It appears the judges had no idea that it was my arrangement and were giving David Cook praise about how brilliant he was in performing the song that way. David should have volunteered the info [at that point]."

Quite a blatant at misquoting CC. The actual quote: My fans are very protective and felt David should have volunteered the info [at that point]. Even though he did cover it well, and it was brave of him to try and pull it off." It was some of fans (including you) that felt that way. NOT HIM.

Please note that the contestants have only about 5 days (after the result show), to pick a song, work with the band with an arrangement and rehearse the song. The band has to work with all AI contestants, making it really difficult for a contestant, who barely has enough time to rehearse.

Try to show a bit more empathy.

To Vader Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 07:29 AM EST

Actually I'm the one who's been posting all these comments, all 200 or so. I work in the PR dept. of EW magazine.
Sorry, it's an addiction.

Vader Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 05:27 AM EST

To the muppet who said Shel and I are the same person, stop making moronic assumptions. It's actually possible for two or more persons to share the same view, as unbelievable as that may sound to you. Back on topic: glad to see that there are yet MORE people who agree that David didn't do anything wrong, and that his rendition wasn't at all identical. Of course, we could all be the SAME person posting under 10 different names! Heh never ceases to amaze me how pitifully stupid some people can be.

capwellian Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 04:31 AM EST

I disagree that David Cook followed his arrangement "down to a T." There is a video floating around on YT where they play David's video with his vocals and CC's vocals on top of it. David definitely veers off in his own direction... especially with the glory note. Also if you listen to both "studio" versions, D. Cook's is clearly different (and in my opinion, better.) The vocal style is SOOOO different.

Arja Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 03:58 AM EST

I quote Simon Cowell: ''I've got to tell you, watching it back, this performance he did on "Billie Jean," in my opinion, was in a different league to anything we've heard on the season so far. It was so much better, [chuckles] he kind of made some of the other performances seem ridiculous. But I'm glad! He was smart — I know where he got the arrangement of the song from, but that doesn't really matter. He was brilliant! ''
SO THEY ALL KNEW WHERE HE GOT THE SONG FROM. End of discussion ;o) And David Cook is brilliant!

Kelley Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 12:38 AM EST

Good grief. Ryan Seacrest introduced the song as "Chris Cornell's version of Billie Jean". How much more clear can it get? If people are too stupid or deaf to have heard that's nobody's fault but there own. Everybody needs to get over it.

Justin Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM EST

A stumpy little white man getting up there with his 2-chord guitar playing know-how and performing that song the way Michael Jackson intended it would have been ORIGINAL and BRAVE. Kristy Lee Cook changed up "Eight Days a Week," and it was an epic disaster. Why? Because who the hell is she to mess with that song? (and just for the record, a law should be passed that blondie must remain at least 100 yards from any and all musical paraphernalia for at least the near future...even microphones) David Cook's verson of "Billie Jean" was not an epic disaster (wasn't the second coming of greatness, either, but who's counting?). Why? Because Chris Cornell already did all the heavy lifting. He already TOOK THE CHANCE that it would be badly received. He reworked that song because that's where his art took him. David Cook risked NOTHING. He did it solely to sound like Chris Cornell. He's the worst kind of "rock music" poser. But America likes posers, apparently. So Viva A.I., and the dumbing down.

Hey Shel... Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 10:44 PM EST

It's obvious that "Cindi" is you. You posting as "Sho" and "Vader" too, just so you'll have someone to agree with? Pathetic.

Kate Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 09:17 PM EST

And David SHOULD be given credit for originality - in song choice.
Hmmm.... now if he could only help Ramiele with her song choice ha ha

Kate Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 09:12 PM EST

David Cook gave a brilliant performance that showcased the brilliance of Chris Cornell! As far as Kudos to David Cook for giving credit to Chris on idol for his arrangement when the other contestants rarely do.

AMERICAN IDOL should make it a practice to credit the songwriters and singers who made these songs famous.

wendy Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 09:06 PM EST

I got to say that David C. is one of the best idols I've ever seen. He's creative and does it so well. Like a natural. I'd without a doubt buy his CD.

brat Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

I think David Cook did Chris Cornell a favor - I had never heard of Chris Cornell, but am now a FAN.

Kyuhin Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 07:32 PM EST

Never hear his version, but the one on idol sucked, so I guess his version does too. Horrible, terrible sound of a classic MJ song.

Margo Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

It seems as if David Cook gave credit to Chris, and that Chris was, in fact, flattered that David performed his arrangement. If David Cook had sung the Michael Jackson arrangement of the song, it would have been ridiculous. David found a cover that would work well for him and he used it. All songs sung on Idol are remakes, except for the song written specifically for the finale. There are many covers that people aren't even aware exist, so I don't think Idol contestants should be penalized for using someone else's cover.

In terms of the Idol "crown," it should come down to the execution.

TxJen Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

Okay, I'll give Dave Cook kudos for copying to the "T" Cornell's version. That was a genius move. AND, I absolutely love Cornell's version best- he has the most amazing voice ever! Anyone who liked Dave Cook's copy who hasn't checked out Chris Cornell's last solo album should DEFINITELY check it out!!! Cornell is a rock god, come on! I'm so glad he's being given credit where it is due.

brenda Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 06:47 PM EST

Maybe Chris will sign off and let David have a go at "Outshined".... LOL

Cindi Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 06:45 PM EST

Apparently some people making comments have only read this story. Another story on this site is an interview with Simon. He said he knew whose version it was and he didn't feel the need to bring it up AGAIN. I guarantee Randy know whose arrangement it was. Ryan already gave credit to Chris. David changed the vocals and made it his own. Also someone said David was not as talented vocally as Chris. I beg to differ. David's voice is different and he has a much larger vocal range. There is NO WAY Chris Cornell could have hit the glory note. And you know what he would not try because he is not that type of singer. I am a Chris Cornell fan and a David Cook fan. Last but not least he did NOT STEAL his version of Hello from Incubus. They are totally different. Not even close. David sings it with much more power and it's faster and there are probably too many bar bands to count who sing Eleanor Rigby the same way as Doxology. So that discussion needs to end quickly.

Metalliholic85 Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

Chris Cornell is a great performer and a true artist. He recognizes great talent and is an ispiration to others through his own great body of work and showmanship. I am glad CC is receiving additional recognition for his Billie Jean redition.

Cathy Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I will always love Chris Cornell, but who cares if David Cook covered one of his songs. Loved Chris Daughtry's version of Hemorrhage. I never listened to Fuel before and then downloaded some of their music. I'm almost 50 and I've learned that when your happy for anothers accomplishments its good for your mental health and well being. Feelings of bitterness,jealousy,resentment,anger and constant criticisms toward others poison your soul. Rock on David and good luck!

Shel Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

To Sho & Vader: Thank you for backing up my opinion as well - while obviously Cornell's version was the template Cook used, it was by no means an exact duplicate, starting very simply with the fact that it had to be much shorter. Cornell's starts slower and more simply also, has this incredible bluesy part in the middle which Cook's did not and Cook did the glory note, and other notes as well, in his own way also. Also, & perhaps sadly but no less true, Cornell is *not* on the par of a Celine Dion or Whitney Houston, hence his version got a credit where all the copies of THEIR versions do not. David A did Stevie Wonder's version of a Beatle song the other week, yet if that was left on the cutting room floor (as happened to Daughtry), would there have been the outcry David C has gotten? I think not, and the fact is, no one cares except when its from a current not-extremely-famous rocker. As earlier posters have said, this was HUGE for Chris Cornell and he would be a fool not to know it.

PatheticWasteOfOurTime Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

Old news = boring.

Bejjo Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 02:23 PM EST

and Kady Malloy impersonating Britney... cool.

WildKAT Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Right ON! Chris Cornell and Dave Cook.
Every artist in the music world copies another since time immemorial. So what is the big deal? Fans who have their heads up their posteriors and think that a contender on an entertainment show MUST, somehow, for some obscure illogical "reason" according to the fan be "original".
This is asinine, immature and idiotic.
Justin Timberlake copies Michael Jackson, Beyonce copies Aretha, and Diddy Combs copies EVERYONE in his "sampling" of other artists for his CDs. Britney copies Madonna, the list is endless. Grow up Fans. GET that imitation is the SINCEREST form of flattery and in this case, Dave Cook has the musical chops to DO IT RIGHT by Chris Cornell. Say it.

lyn1792 Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

Yea David Cook, yea Chris Cornell.

What's the next topic?

Cindy Goodpaster Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

I am one more person who never heard of Chris Cornell before AI this week. The arrangement sounds strange compared to Michael Jackson's version I knew as a kid. I agree that David Cook is awesome! He has become my favorite!

Vader Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

Another thing I've noted with a chuckle is how Cornell fans like to imply that Cornell is so huge that anyone who doesn't know him must be living in a hole. The judges clearly have never heard of his version, and as evidenced by the many posters here who say that they've never heard of Cornell until David's performance. So maybe you guys should take a step back and take slow deep breaths, and remind yourselves that the world doesn't revolve around Chris Cornell. When you've calmed down, slap yourselves on the head for being whiners. That's better. Rinse and repeat when you feel the need to whine more.