http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/spot/article.aspx?articleID=20080525_278_H1_hBesto801223
By hook or by Cook
By CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer
5/25/2008
Best of the best: Cook's crowning 'Idol' hits
Anyone who watched David Cook's interview Thursday on the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" knows that by now, all he really wants is some sleep.
The "American Idol" Season 7 winner embarked on a whirlwind of media interviews immediately after winning Wednesday night, and hasn't slowed down since. He jokingly collapsed on Leno's couch after coming out on stage, and told the host he'd had about an hour of sleep that day.
But Cook's die-hard fans will have to wait until Sept. 13 to see him perform in Tulsa at the BOK Center, and maybe even longer to buy his future album.
So for those who can't get enough of their favorite rocker-turned- "American Idol," we've compiled a list of Cook's eight best performances from this season. Here's hoping a few of these covers end up on Cook's album.
1. "Billie Jean"
Yeah, it was based on Chris Cornell's version of the Michael Jackson classic. But Cook's ended up even better, and he sang his lungs out on this version. This will go down as one of the best "Idol" performances of any season. At Fox's post-finale party this week, everyone in the bustling tent stopped and gushed when the DJ started playing Cook's cover juxtaposed with the original version from Jackson's "Thriller."
2. "Always Be My Baby"
This will go down as the performance that turned "karaoke hell into a breath of fresh air," as Simon Cowell put it. Cook's original arrangement of Mariah Carey's 1996 hit "Always Be My Baby" was brilliant and fun (even Carey has said she wants him to release his version as a single). Another reason the performance was so memorable? David's older brother, Adam, who is battling brain cancer, was in the audience that night, and David got a little teary-eyed as the emotion behind the evening settled in.
3. "Sharp Dressed Man"
For anyone who plays guitar, getting to rock out with legends ZZ Top is a dream come true. And Cook rocked the heck out of "Sharp Dressed Man," playing some wicked guitar, singing fantastically and even busting out some funny dance moves. This was a great moment on the finale when fans could tell Cook didn't care whether he won or not — he was just having a good time.
4. "My Hero"
Pop quiz: What song should Cook have sang on "Idol Gives Back" night instead of Our Lady Peace's "Innocent?" Anyone who saw the footage from his hometown visit to Blue Springs, Mo., knows the answer: the Foo Fighters' "My Hero." His beautiful version on acoustic guitar would have been a huge hit on "Idol," so we're not sure why it never made it on the show. If you missed it, check it out at
www.tulsaworld.com/cookhero.
5. "Hello"
Cook got rave reviews for his edgy take on Lionel Richie's ballad, in a performance that marked the start of some serious momentum for Tulsa's bartender-turned "American Idol." It established his status as the contestant willing to take big risks (and even impressed Richie).
6. "Eleanor Rigby"
Considered one of the toughest Beatles' hits to cover (because it marked the start of a more experimental phase for the band's music), Cook took on a beast and won the audience over with his version. Even though little-known band Doxology later came out of the woodwork to try to snag credit for it, Cook's is the better version.
7. "Little Sparrow"
Cook didn't get enough credit for his take on Dolly Parton's bluegrass song, which had a nice alt-country feel to it. His performance was overshadowed by his rush to the emergency room for high blood pressure that turned out not to be such a big deal, and the debut of his new, slicker hairstyle that was a big hit with the ladies (especially the cougars).
8. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
Simon Cowell apologized to Cook for calling Tuesday's final performances in favor of Archuleta. But fans shouldn't doubt that Cowell was always kind of rooting for Cook, because he said so in multiple interviews and chose Roberta Flack's classic love song for Cook to sing the previous week. Whatever you think of Simon's snarky ways, there's no denying he has good taste. The Flack pick with David's spin on the arrangement and gravelly vocals was a home run for Cowell and Cook (and much smarter than Randy Jackson's choice of Alicia Keys for Syesha Mercado).
this MAN....
And so my obsession continues to grow.
I'm afraid I might turn into a stalker.
Considering a 1 day ticket is about $75, and I'd have to take my DD, it'd be not too much more to just upgrade all of us to annual. I have a feeling he won't be here until the AI Experience opens in January. But I plan to do some recon work tomorrow at DHS. 
(those are my spy glasses)
They take soooooo long!!! 
They calmed down.
