Chris Cornell OK with David Cook’s Cover Of Billy Jean
There has been a mini Idol uproar since American Idol David Cook sang a cover version of “Billy Jean” the
Michael Jackson Original on March 25, 2008 Idol Top 10 show. The uproar is over the arrangement and vocal nuisances that are closely matched to Singer Chris Cornell and the judges praise for originality. Cornell released his cover version of the “Billy Jean” Song om his solo album called “Carry on” from 2007
When Ryan Seacrest announced David Cook, he clearly said and credited Chris Cornell Cover version of Billy Jean. However when it was time for the American Idol Judges to critic David Cook’s performance, the judges exuded praise for his originality. Randy Jackson said. ” Most Original, Most Bold, You might be the one to win the whole show, that was molten hot.” Paula added, “ How Smart, Brave, willing to stretch the boundary. You are Brilliant.” Simon Cowell said, “That was Brave, it could have been insane or amazing, that was amazing”
The originality praise is what sparked the controversy because of the many fans of Chris Cornell recognized the Billy Jean Cover and believed the credit should have gone to Chris Cornell for originality instead of American Idol David Cook.
The folks over at Entertainment weekly caught up with Chris Cornell to find out his thoughts on the
matter. Here is an excert form their interview:
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Were you told ahead of time that an Idol contestant was doing your version of “Billie Jean”?
CHRIS CORNELL: No. I had no idea. On my flight back from touring in South Africa, I started receiving messages from my fansite moderator and management [saying] that fans were furious about some American Idol guy who covered my version of “Billie Jean.” 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. 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.
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.
See the Full story here: EW
Click Here To see Video of the David Cook Version of Billy Jean
Click Here To See Video of the Chris Cornell Version of Billy Jean
Chris Cornell’s final words on the subject were, “ I think David’s performance was great and I want to thank all my fans for their dedication!“
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2 responses so far ↓
1 MRK // Mar 29, 2008 at 10:39 am
VERY nice article … and a fine way to close that chapter and move on.
Nice work!
2 American Idol David Cook The King of Covers Controversy // Mar 31, 2008 at 12:19 pm
[...] David Cook has come on strong in the American Idol competition with his “covers” of “Hello”, “Eleanor Ridgy” and “Billy Jean”. Last week a mini brewha had risen about the “credit” of the cover arrangement while David Cook performed “Billy Jean” and the original cover arrangement from Chris Cornell. Here You can see more on the Cook - Cornell Billy Jean story [...]
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