The David Cook (“Light On”) video above is an outstanding AOL session (I couldn’t possibly love AOL sessions any more than I do – always outstanding.) With this song, David shows a different side than some may be accustomed to. He’s one of my all-time favorite Idol contestants and he (with Kelly Clarkson) ties for my favorite American Idol winner. With David Cook, it doesn’t matter WHAT he sings, he’s going to nail it in a way the song’s never been nailed before.

Or will be nailed again.

Yeah. I’m a huge fan.

David Cook fans are excited about This Loud Morning, from RCA records – available on June 28th.

This Loud Morning is the Season 7 American Idol winner’s sophomore album. Executive produced by Matt Serletic (Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty, Collective Soul), This Loud Morning features tracks written and co-written by David Cook along with many acclaimed songwriters including, David Hodges, Ryan Tedder, Kevin Griffin and Marti Frederiksen.

According to Cook, “This album is the culmination of one of the loftiest endeavors I’ve ever undertaken. The end result is an album that I cannot wait to share with everyone.” Earlier this year Cook recorded the farewell song for the 10th season of American Idol, which can be heard every week this season. The song, chosen by American Idol creator and Executive Producer Simon Fuller, is a remake of Simple Minds 1985 smash “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. After winning the Idol crown in season 7, Cook went on to sell over 1 million copies of his self-titled debut album and set out on a year long nationwide tour in support of his multiple hit singles. Released on November 18th, 2008, David Cook (19 Recordings / RCA Records) entered the Billboard charts at #3 and the digital album charts at #1, marking the best debut from an American Idol winner since 2006. Collectively the songs from David Cook have sold over 2 million tracks and ringtones combined. Cook’s coronation single, “The Time of My Life” was certified platinum and is not only the biggest single debut but the highest selling coronation single in the show’s history.

Download David Cook Songs (You HAVE to get Don’t You Forget About Me):

Click HERE to read a great interview David Cook did with AOL.

You’ll also want to bookmark David Cook Tour Dates and try to catch him in person.

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David Cook Video, Tour Dates, News, and More

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One of the standout stories from American Idol has been the beautiful story of Chris Medina. Unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut and was sent home this week.

It’s certainly not the last we’ll hear from this ridiculously talented man, though. I mean, if we didn’t know it when he walked out those doors (what an exit! – he left J Lo in tears, Randy and Steven near nears and got a huge show of support and love from Ryan), we know it now.

Fans across America now have the opportunity to show their support for Chris Medina. An original song based on his very emotional story, “What Are Words,” (19 Recordings/Interscope) written and produced only a few days ago especially for Medina to perform by acclaimed hitmaking songwriter-producer Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige), debuted this week, and is available digitally for download. A video, shot this past weekend, just premiered today on AOL.com.

In case you haven’t caught Idol this year, here’s Chris Medina’s moving story: Chris is a 26-year-old barista from Illinois who captured the hearts of viewers for more than simply his vocal talent. His story of becoming the primary caregiver to his fiancée, Juliana Ramos, who was severely injured in a car accident just months before they were scheduled to wed, won him fans around the country. One of those touched by the story was Jerkins, who was so inspired that he penned “What Are Words” for Medina to record earlier this week.

“To go from a mass audition in Milwaukee to the ‘American Idol’ stage in Hollywood and then to record an original song by and for Rodney Jerkins has been an amazing journey not just for me but for Juliana,” said Medina. “To be able to work in the studio with someone of his stature was a dream come true.”

Added Jerkins: “When I heard the story of Chris and Juliana, the words and music just flowed. Sometimes a song is more than a song and that’s really true with ‘What Are Words.’”

Below is the video of the moment the world also fell a little more in love with Steven Tyler:

I’ve listened to Chris Medina’s What Are Words three times already today – so I guess you know what that means…. Exactly, it’s time for number 4. Seriously, this is better than anything I’ve head on the radio for weeks.

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I remember how exciting and fun American Idol was during it’s first 5 or 6 seasons.  I remember waiting all week for Ryan Seacrest to say the magic words, “This IS American Idol!’  Then the music and I’d both get carried away.

Sadly, the show took a foul turn for the worse.  Simon seemed to lose interest (he always seemed crabby and bored), Paula seemed to lose her mind (she always seemed like her mind was floating somewhere near Jupiter).  The shows also took a turn for the worse when each episode seemed to focus more on the “featured” star of the night.  Who cares?!?!?  We tune in to see the IDOLS.  We want to hear more about them and more from them.

To be honest, the past few years were just too painful to even watch.  A show I was once obsessed with became something I just ignored.

I tuned in to the first episode of American Idol this season and, lo and behold, I fell in love with the series all over again.  Randy Jacks0n and Ryan Seacrest are back, and quite frankly, I’d missed them.  To their credit, through it all – they never lost their enthusiasm, passion, energy, or sense of humor.  They were the only things consistent about the series throughout the good years, the bad years, and the years I wish had never happened.

The remarkable thing is, the guys brought more magic with them this year – Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.  Lightening didn’t just strike American Idol, it struck twice!   Tyler and Lopez have everything Cowell and Abdul lost along the way… and then some

There’s something captivating about all 3 judges (and Ryan Seacrest as well).  They obviously have a genuine love and respect for the contestants as well as the show.  Unlike Cowell, they aren’t bored or “annoyed” with the contestants.  They don’t seek to embarrass or humiliate anyone. They obviously want them to do well.  In the Hollywood rounds, it has been SO obvious that Jennifer Lopez is truly pulling for the singers.  You can see it in her ridiculously beautiful face – she’s physically WILLING them to do their best.

I love every single thing about what the new judges have brought to American Idol and I’m just truly grateful that I can love the show again.  American Idol has reinvented itself and it is honestly better than ever before.  Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are exactly what American Idol and its fans needed.

This is the show we fell in love with.  Welcome back, Idol!

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Now, This IS American Idol!

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American Idol contestant, and a personal favorite, Jason Castro married his girlfriend Mandy Mayhall in a private ceremony near Dallas on Saturday.

Details of Jason Castro’s wedding haven’t been leaked, but it is said that he made it known via social networking that he married the girl of his dreams. His mother Rene Castro is also rumored to have leaked photographs of the wedding via a social networking site. It is said that the couple left quickly for their honeymoon.

Jason Castro’s The Love Uncompromised EP will be released digitally on January 12, and he is scheduled to start touring later this month. Busy January for Jason, right?  I’ll post about his EP as soon as I get the details.

Apparently Jason proposed to Mandy Mayhall while the two were dressed as Beauty and the Beast for Halloween. How cool is that? Their engagement was leaked in November – via a social networking site.

Jason was the fourth finalist during season 7.

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Last week, several new Eminem tracks hit the net, one of which is causing a stir… a familiar stir for Eminem.

In ‘Elevator’ – Eminem mentions three openly gay singers: former ‘NSYNC member Lance Bass, and American Idol’s Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert.

In the song, Eminem says, “Sorry, Lance, Mr. Lambert and Aiken ain’t gonna make it/ They get so mad, when I call them both fake/ It’s all these f—ing voices in my head, I can’t take it/ Someone shut that f—ing baby up, before I shake it.”

More than one website is claiming that Eminem is back on his old homophobic horse. “Eminem cleverly avoids using the word ‘f——” in his new song ‘Elevator’ when referring to Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken, replacing it with the words ‘fake it’s,” says Towleroad.com, a site which describes  itself as “More than gay news for more gay men.” The blog believes, “Of course, phonetically, it sounds just like ‘f—ing.”

Avid tweeter Adam Lambert responded via Twitter: “Wow, Eminem mentioned me in a song?! I must be doing something right!? Even if he used the ‘F word,’ whatever,” which he followed with, “Oh, he says ‘fake it.’ My bad.”

So… what do you think about it all?!?!

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I always knew I liked that boy.  Adam Lambert recently had nothing but good things to say about two of Strike a Chord’s favorite artists, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry:

“The album Kelly just came out with is fantastic.  Great writers, great producers. She wrote a bunch of songs on there, and Katy Perry—my girl—wrote songs on there, too. It’s great.”

Can’t wait for what Adam has in store for us.

Speaking of Adam, he spoke out about recent anti-gay protestors at an American Idol concert:

“I don’t think I’m going to change their minds.  I respect their opinion, but they didn’t need to come to a concert and spread negativity…Go use your energy for something productive.”

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Last night’s American Idol was better than I’d hoped for. Disco night? I was a little worried. Below are my opinions, for what they’re worth!

Lil Rounds sang “I’m Every Woman,” and her vocals were perfect as always. I didn’t think it was her best performance but partly because I just don’t like the song. As in at all. I wanted desperately for Lil to sing a Donna Summers song.

I just don’t know why Lil can’t get a break from the judges. Why do they applaud everything Allison does and give Lil heck for everything? Allison’s not any better, whether they realize it or not.

Kris Allen sang the Donna Summers song I wanted to hear from Lil. Go figure! Problem was, the song was twisted and contorted in such a way I didn’t even recognize it. He sounded great – he always does, and the judges seem to flip for singers putting their own spin on a song.

It just makes me wonder, why bother having themed nights any more?

Danny Gokey sang “September” and I thought it was great. I loved the energy and fun – several things lacking from a lot of the performances.

Allison Iraheta sang “Hot Stuff,” and although she was a favorite early on, this was the third song in a row I didn’t like from Allison. She’s screaming the lyrics – and if Simon weren’t so busy getting his hate on for Lil, he’d call her on it.

Allison’s clothes are beginning to get extremely distracting, too. Someone needs to style this girl!

Adam Lambert sang “If I Can’t Have You” and did an absolutely beautiful job. It was my favorite performance of the night. Adam’s was, as always, spotless and perfect. His vocals are out of this world and if he puts together a band, they’ll top every chart and sell out every concert.

Matt Giraud ironically sang “Staying Alive,” after the judges saved him from elimination last week. I couldn’t love the sound of Matt’s voice any more than I do. He’s great, great, great. Musically, he’s as talented as anyone on the show ever. My only problem is a minor, maybe even silly, one: I wish he’d quit wearing things that look like they came out of Justin Timberlake’s closet. It’s a great style – but it’s someone else’s.

I’d love to watch a performance by Matt without trying to remember the exact video, photo shoot, or performance JT wore a similar outfit. Distracting, much.

But the performance? Killer.

Anoop Desai sang… uh… well, he sang. Honestly, I had to just go look on the American Idol website to see. I fogot. He sang “Dim All the Lights.” Riddle me this, Batman, why is this guy so hot and cold. One performance you’re left thinking, “Hm, Anoop’s pretty good.” But the very next one you think, “Remind me, why’s this cat still around?” And why does his attitude suggest that he thinks he’s the greatest thing this show has ever seen? He gets this smug look on his face when the judges say anything – man, you’re a contestant on their show, they didn’t just show up at your sold out concert or something.

Adam Lambert, who IS one of the best the show has ever seen oozes humility and sincerity. I’m not sure the boy could even do smug if he had to. So, why for crying out loud does Anoop?

More likely than not, we’ve seen the last of Anoop and his smugness. He won’t have time to run hot or cold anymore – and it’s a shame he ended on such a cold note.

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Okay, so Megan acted a fool and, frankly, I’m glad she’s gone. The whole bird walk thing was blissfully stupid, but the way she acted when Ryan was about to read the news was disrespectful and petty.

Do you know what’s a cross between frustrating and sad – hovering somewhere around pathetic? The fact that A LOT of other idol hopefuls (more deserving, more talented, would have taken the competition more seriously, etc) lost the slot that went to her.

If I were them, I’d be miffed. Heck, I’m miffed and I’m not even them.

My favorite part of the video is toward the end, when the contestants “mock” one another, all in fun of course. The rest of them are a cool group who honestly seem thrilled and honored to be on the show.

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Well, it doesn’t get much better than this.  Arguably American Idol’s most talented winner, David Cook, and arguably the hottest female artist of the moment, Lady GaGa will both make live appearances at the result show of “American Idol” on Wednesday, April 1.

David Cook is set to sing his new single “Come Back to Me”, while Lady GaGa is scheduled to delivered her smash dance hit “Poker Face”.  Along with “Heartless” by Kanye, Poker Face is absolutely my favorite song of the moment.

A sneak peek of David Cook’s  music video for “Come Back To Me” will be aired during a commercial break of the American Idol result’s show.

“Come Back to Me” music video is directed by Gavin Bowden, the same man who helmed Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lifehouse and Jason Mraz’s videos.

Filmed at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 5, it will have Sarah Roemer landing the part as David’s love interest.

As for Lady GaGa, she has been touring across America to promote her debut album “The Fame”.

The Fame is one of the funnest, most entertaining, packed, powerful, and deliciously sexy cds I’ve ever heard.  Every song could be a hit and it seems like it’s headed in that direction.  She’s also leaving her fierce mark on the fashion world.  I’ve seen tons of Lady GaGa-ish sunglasses popping up in stores.

Love her.  She’s spirited and completely original.

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It seems like I like more contestants on American Idol this season than ever before. It oughta make each episode a little more nerve wrecking, especially the elimination shows.

In years past, there have only been, like, 4 or so I really like out of the top 12. This season, though, I honestly like every contestant. Sure, I have my favorites (Hint: They’re the ones pictured in the post!) but I don’t dislike any of them.  For me, it’ll come down to individual performances each week.  A few could jump right in here with my favorites.  I’m keeping my eyes and ears on Megan Joy and Kris Allen.  If they cause me to sit up and take considerable notice, I’ll add their lovely faces to this post!

Last night, I personally thought Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, Jasmine Murray, and Matt Giraurd had the best performances.   I thought Lil Rounds and Cris Allen sounded great, but I didn’t like them quite as well as the rest.

Alexis really took on a huge song, and I loved her performance.  Her voice is one of the most amazing voices I’ve ever heard – and, come on, I listen to music practically 24/7.  She’s fresh, unique, and I think she’ll be there at the end – IF people keep in mind that it’s a singing competitition!  You know how it goes, sometimes people tend to treat it as a popularity contest and just flood the studios with calls for their “guy” or “girl,”  irregardless of who had the better night.

Adam was born to be on stage, wasn’t he?!  The boy has the charisma and energy of the legendary Elvis Presley and I would pay good money for them to have another Elvis night so we could see what Adam would do with an Elvis song.    I expected him to have a great night with Michael Jackson’s music and he definitely did.

Someone that pleasantly surprised me was another favorite of mine, Danny Gokey.  I had no idea how he’d do with Michael Jackson night, and I was blown away.  His energy and level of fun were contagious and I smiled during the whole performance.  His voice is absolutely exceptional and he has one of the greatest personalities the show has seen since Bo Bice, Bucky Covington, and Kellie Pickler.

Lil Rounds has another one of the best voices in the competition, but something about the performance kept me from being overwhelmed.  She’s still a favorite, but there was something not quite as good as some of the others.  She looked stunning, no doubt, and sounded great – but, I don’t know.  Maybe I expect perfection from her.

Jasmine was adorable.  The judges were incredibly harsh with her, I thought.  I know it’s kind of different, hearing them live, but I just don’t understand what they thought was so wrong.

Someone I’ve been kind of on the fence with is Megan Joy.  I love her look, and her voice has a lot of potential.  While her stage presence isn’t quite as polished as some of the others, I actually like it.   It just shows that she is a complete newbie – an unprofessional, which is what this competition is all about.  I want to love her, but right now it’s just a strong like.  I totally hated her performance last night – the song choice was WAY wrong and the overall performance was just unfortunate.  Sadly there were probably a lot of people, like me who were on the fence with her – and she didn’t do anything to make us move in the right direction.    I’m almost 100 percent certain she’ll get another chance, though, and I’m also pretty certain she’ll do a much better job.

She does have one peculiar little swishy move that I would love for her to ditch.  After one performance, Ryan asked her why she did it and she kind of got an attitude – she was all like, “I don’t remember doing that.”   If she goes back and watches her performances she’ll see that she did do that again and again.  And again, and again…  If it’s a good trick, by all means, keep pulling it out of the bag – but if it’s annoying (it is), throw it out.

Speaking of out.  Back to Adam Lambert.  I am overjoyed that the fact that pictures proving him to be gay didn’t dampen his fans’ enthusiasm one bit.  It shouldn’t!  What matters is what the contestant does on the stage and, later, in the recording studio.  Adam’s meant to be a star and that’s that.

I also see a lot of star potential with Matt Giraurd and Allison Iraheta.  They have great, flawless voices and I love each one’s onstage  presence and style.

My only wish for Matt is that he’d do whatever he can to separate himself from the Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke comparisons.  When judges and fans start making comparisons, they begin to just see an imitator of the original.  Matt has the talent (big time!) to be his own  guy, and put forth his own sense of style and presence.

He does resemble Justin, but I’d love to see him pull away from dressing and performing so similarly to him.

Little Miss Allison is a contestant I hope will be around for many weeks.  She’s a breath of fresh air and her voice is incredible.  It catches me off guard every single time.  Each time she opens her mouth, it’s like WHOA!  Where’d that husky voice come from?!  She has a lot of power behind her voice and I’m anxious to see how it  holds up.  She’s like a baby Kelly Clarkson, and we all know how successful she’s been. (On a side note, I am SO excited about Kelly Clarkson’s new cd!  She’s back in a big way and her critics had better get ready for a steady diet of crow.)

Like I said, I honestly like all 13 of these contestants and  find myself pulling for each one to do well.  It’ll be sad to see two of them go home tonight.  Personally, I have a feeling that we’ll have to say goodbye to one of these guys:  Jorge Nunez, Michael Sarver, or Kris Allen.  Anoop Desai (who I didn’t think was nearly as bad as the judges said) seems to have a pretty loyal fanbase, so he might escape this week.  I’m afraid that it’s just a matter of who’ll leave with Jorge Nunez.

I KNOW I’ll cry when he leaves.  What a sweet person!

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American Idol’s Diverse Contestants

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