I must admit that I like American Idol. It has its cheese but every year there are definitely a handful of top notch singers. Maybe some of the current radio “stars” should be on American Idol to see how they perform without the studio and vocal enhancers! But anyways, this year’s American Idol has some quality singers and this week David Cook’s performance of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean was the standout performance.
David’s performance of Billie Jean was creative, rocking, and nothing like the original. Thanks to a post below I was enlightened to the fact that David Cook’s Billie Jean sounded a lot like Chris Cornell’s version which can be heard below. Having spent my college years watching Singles and listening to Soundgarden’s Superunknown, I’ve been an admirer of Chris’ work from then, through his solo career and recently with his work with Audioslave. However I was not aware of his version of Billie Jean. Yes Chris Cornell has one of the most powerful voices in music. However, David Cook’s version of Billie Jean was almost as impressive and creative since he performed a version that probably 99% of the audience wasn’t aware of.
On top is David Cook’s Billie Jean video. Chris Cornell’s version of Billie Jean is below that. The original legendary video is at the bottom of this post. If you listen to Ryan Seacrest’s introduction to David Cook’s performance you’ll hear that he says “Chris Cornell’s version of Billie Jean.”
Of the three which one do you like the best? Leave your comments below!
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It was Michael Jackson’s song, but it was Chris Cornell’s arrangement that David Cook sang tonight. David Cook isn’t genius or original. He stole the version, which was previously published by Chris Cornell in his Sweden Unplugged album. Give props where props are due.
I am a huge Chris Cornell fan. I have just about everything he ever put out, recognized his version right away. David Cook is not bad, but he is no Chris Cornell. I look forward to hearing his next album. He may be one of the best singer/song writers that ever was “Cornell”.
Bart Ogilvie
IL.
Hey Jane, David Cook sung it way better than Chris Cornell ever could. But, if you want to really give credit, give it to Michael Jacson if you want to be fair. It’s a competition. None of the songs the contestants sing are ones that they wrote, so should they give credit to all the authors too? Your just ignorant, and sad that your Danny Noreigay didn’t make it. Too bad, ROCK ON DAVID COOK!
If anything, this has just given Chris Cornell free publicity! I’ve never heard of Chris Cornell, but I’ve already gone to his website this morning and am listening to some of his music as I write. This is the best thing that could have happened to CC! All the singers “cover” songs, what’s the difference whether they covered the original or a re-make? It’s still a cover/copy.
When I saw the David Cook’s Billy Jean again on Video at http://idol-mania.com/american-idol-fan I was impressed. So Some are sparking a controversy that David C ripped off musician Chris Cornell’s version.
Regardless David Cook was entertaining while David Archuleta’s suck up to David Foster was just plain cheesy.
Get real – Cook is exceptional. CC was given credit for the version. Why don’t you stop being critical and just enjoy.
Jane says: “It was Michael Jackson’s song, but it was Chris Cornell’s arrangement that David Cook sang tonight. David Cook isn’t genius or original. He stole the version, which was previously published by Chris Cornell in his Sweden Unplugged album. Give props where props are due.”
Come on Jane, you know damn well royalties were paid to Cornell, if indeed it was his arrangement and he had registered it with the proper authorities. Like Steve said below, Cook has just given Cornell free publicity. Never mind the fact that Cornell hadn’t released or published his version (before now).
Let’s get real here for one moment – when Ryan Seacrest introduced David Cook – he said David Cook performing billie jean Chris Cornell version. I listened to to both versions – yes Chris Cornell did originate that version – unfortunately David Cook sang it better and if you listen to david he changed it up slightly and put his own twist to it – especially that long dramatic note at the end which was a show stopper – the judges just asumed that it was his original version – when he was introduced they were probobly shocked that he was doing billie jean and didn’t hear ryan say it was chris’ version – let’s all get over it and give chris his props – it was an outstanding performance!
Thank you Annie
I can’t wait to see David Cook sing Again. He’s exceptional!! He got my nerves boiled up! Rock it Cook! To all of you, dont fight or argue, just enjoy it.
I definitely love David Cook’s version! I think I’m an average music listener but I’ve never heard of Chris Cornell ( I know Cornell University – he, he, heh
) and I believe most of the AI audience apparently are in the same boat as me. That’s why even when Ryan seacrest introduced it as Cornell’s version – we didn’t catch the name. Billie Jean (Cornell version) won’t be “on the radar” if David didn’t perform well, don’t you think??? Good job David! I just downloaded your songs (all of them) from itunes. I can’t stop listening to your music. I love the way you resurrect and put your twists on some old songs!
Chris Cornell – lead singer of Soundgarden in the 1990s and AudioSlave in the 2000s?!? One of the few guys who has managed to front two extremely successful bands!! Not to mention bands that were formed 10 years apart from each other! AudioSlave is particularly impressive in this hip hop era when anyone older than 25 is considered old. You also know that Dave Grohl was the drummer of Nirvana and now fronts Foo Fighters – right?
Nope. Never heard Cornell till results night of AI (coz didn’t catch his name when Ryan mentioned him the night b4 David Cook performed). Sorry. Cornell’s not as famous as you think he is… I know Michael J, if that’s any indication that I do listen to music!
David Cook sings like he owns his songs – he’s very believable. Even Lionel Richie agrees. I’m amazed at how everybody’s riding on his popularity boat now. Sad!
Never heard of Chris Cornell before today. I listened to his Billie Jean, and I liked David’s better. I like David’s voice better.
I loved Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean when it came out, and still love it. But David Cook made me fall in love again.
David, You owned this performance! It took me on an amazing Roller Coaster ride. You lulled me with in with a tender beginning, slowly climbing up the mountain.
Watching this performance, I was mesmerized and could not keep my eyes off of you. You captivated and teased me while building a powerful drama. You reached the high note and held it while I fell gloriously down the mountain.
I felt it, loved it and I want more!!
I also called in and voted for you a solid 90 minutes afterwards, until my fingers went numb. Got the The iTunes studio downloads too.
When Neil Sedaka offered his Guest Judge comments, He said he would love to arrange your first album. Dolly Parton said your voice is beautiful. She said she would like to do a duet with you.
I can’t wait to hear what Neil Diamond has to say after your performance.
Hope you pick “Solitary Man” to sing that week.
Congratulations on your outstanding work. You’re a true artist!
props to Chris Cornell for this unique arrangement of Michael Jackson’s brilliant song. Let’s all remember MJ wrote the song.
I to had never heard of CC until this performance. so now we know who he is and his talent as well. The comments I’ve read by him are all positive about David’s performance and use of his arrangement.
But David’s performance, for me, is the best. His voice is just beautiful, sexy, sultry, and powerful, with perfect timing and passion. Every praise that he’s received, he DESERVES.
I’m a Chris Cornell fan and I loved the way David Cook sang Chris’ arrangement. You should know how exeptional a musician/songwriter Chris is. He has won 2 Grammy Awards for Soundgarden and has been nominated Best Male Vocal performance for “Can’t Change Me” during his solo act. But if you care enough to listen to his songs, specially his late works for his solo and Audioslave, truly inspirational.