Entertainment Weekly recently interviewed Chris Cornell on David Cook and his Top 10 performance of “Billie Jean” Here’s what he told EW:
Were you flattered by the performance?
Very much. 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. I think he did a great job at pulling it off.Can you tell us a bit about how this cover came to be?
It was a complete reinvention of a song that no one thought would work until they saw me play it in Stockholm acoustically. It received such an enormous reaction that it prompted me to do a studio recording. It ended up on my second solo album, Carry On.In general, do you find anything disingenuous about Idol contestants doing covers of covers?
This song is a special case, but in general, I don’t think it should be an issue to cover a cover, as long as it’s clear who the creator and/or interpretor of that piece is. I think David’s performance was great and I want to thank all my fans for their dedication!
More After the Jump
Cornell is smart. He’s happy for the exposure. And as far as the whole “covering a cover deal”–first of all, it happens more than it gets mentioned. It’s only when a contestant does well that it causes a stir. And the real problem starts with the judges, who haven’t heard the original version and assume the contestant did the arrangement. Or, when the contestant mentions the inspiration in their video package, and the producers cut it out. Few contestants arrange their own performances. Blake Lewis arranged his own music, but he has strong skills as a producer/arranger. For the most part, the kids don’t have time to work out something new in a few days. Seriously, American Idol is a big fat karaoke contest. The knack for choosing the right songs is THE most important skill to have in order to survive. David Cook has that skill in spades. One more thing. While David may not have been original, he was brave. Performing a completely switched around arrangement of a well-known and beloved song IS taking a big risk. David took the risk, and it paid off.
ETA: Cornell managed to say that he didn’t find David’s performance original in any way without being a dick about it. Clever!
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Damn, wordpress was unkind and I lost my post.
4got, I never really thought about “Hallelujah” that way. Except for useless Randy, it was praised very highly by the judges. Honestly, I am glad they mentioned it was the Jeff Buckley version. That’s part of the reason his version made such an impact on iTunes. It’s STILL in the top 100 songs. Very impressive.
Jason’s vocals and phrasing were different, so I give him props. Although I loved many performances, he’s the only one who’s actually “moved” me this season.
OMG, I sound so corny. *goes back to packing*
if we take this down to the end point-every single person who sings a song that someone else did is a thief.
now doesn’t that sound stupid?
this show is about doing covers-no one steals anything-they merely borrow a cover for the night. if the contestant gets the song cleared-then the borrowing is allowed. you can’t steal something that is freely given, however, it is the right thing to do to give credit to the lender. if the judges aren’t in the loop-then it is their fault not the fault of the contestant.
That’s okay. I know what you mean, lol.
I actually don’t care if DC did a cover because who has time to pick a song and come up with a completely different arrangement in time to rehearse and record the studio version? The only thing that bothers me is that he’s done it 3 times already and instead of being surprising, it’s a little repetitive. I didn’t like this cover all that much and part of it was that he’s gone to the well too many times for me. I love his voice and give him credit for pulling it off but I’d like to see what else he can do.
I do think that it’s kind of amazing that Blake was able to come up with the arrangements he did given the short time they have.
I have Analog Heart as an item in my Amazon Idol store… Just click the link. ;).
As far as “fanwars” go–this has been a great discussion. People disagreeing, but respectfully.
I have to say, I pride myself on having one of the most readable, intelligent comments sections around. In short–You guys rock.
As long as everyone who chooses to post here remembers that it’s only a Tee Vee show, and that this shiz is meant to be fun and not angst-ridden and rage-inducing, we’ll have a fab and fun season.
i didn’t think it was ON itunes, mj…did i miss it? where’s the link i’m supposed to click? *confused*
edit: nvm! firefox was blocking the store ad thing; it showed up in IE.
MJ, I always just click the iTunes box at the top and then search for what I want. That works, right?
As for Jason, it seems to me that he’s picking songs that are meaningful to him (minus Mee-shell). Maybe not the best strategy, but I lurve him for that.
I’m such an effing space cadet. LOL. I meant my Amazon IDOL store. You’ll see it pop up from time to time in the featured items box. I fixed the link.
I need a brain transplant. lol
David Cook was friggin’ fantastic on Billie Jean. Chris Cornell should be a little more diplomatic in his thinly veiled praise, especially while he’s counting the money in his pocket that David personally made for him.
BTW, Cook gave credit to Cornell (via Ryan) before he performed and I, personally, went to listen to Cornell’s performance and you know WHAT??? David Cook completely outsang Cornell and he had to do it live. Cornell’s video voice came in a poor second to Cook.
And Cook is not a one trick pony as he proves on his low register, singing slow and does a great glory note to prove his versatility. He’s the only one who thrills me week after week on that stage, although I do give props to Michael John on his very good rendition of a tough duo of songs by Queen.