David Cook – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – VIDEO

This was great. My brother, sister-in-law, neice and I were just about to start opening presents when he came on, but we paused to watch it. And it was beautiful. It actually made my SIL cry. Safe to say she loved it.

I also hope that everyone had a great day. It was great for me to just spend a laid back day with some of my family. Just what I needed this Christmas.

i know david cook is a great singer.. but i don’t think Xmas songs are for him..of course ..it is just my opinion.

My opinion is that Christmas songs are for anybody who want to sing them. That includes me, and I certainly can’t sing.

Wow..are we listening to the same thing? I just listened and I thought it was amazing. I love this song, and the john lennon song he sang.

Very lovely, indeed. Liked the bit of falsetto, too. Christmas songs and carols are for all who wish to sing them, and all the better when a wonderful voice such as David’s is doing the honors! Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the holiday!
Thank you, mj, and glad you had a nice holiday with family.

Seriously I loved that. That was a sincere, from the heart vocal and performance. I loved the raised note to falsetto too! Warmed my heart. It has that melancholy yet hopeful vibe that DC seems to do so well. Merry Christmas.

IMHO all I hear is sincerity.

It’s nice to see so much of Neal, on a Disney show no less, LOL.

I thought David Cook sounded amazing. He ALWAYS has so much passion in his voice. He seems to be able to make any song work for him, including Christmas songs. I still listen to his version of “Happy Christmas” over and over.

Everybody is entitled to their opinion and I respect that everyone has one. We even got to see neal in a tie LOL…….I loved everything about it. Wish he had a Christmas cd out. Merry Christmas everyone

Reminder:

Attempts to bait or start fan wars are going to get your posts deleted. Which of course, I just did.

Please stay on topic, or move along.

I’d buy a Cook Christmas cd in a second. Loved Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and his Happy Christmas was amazing.

Cook’s voice is not made for traditional Christmas songs IMHO. Yelling during a traditional Christmas song does not make me feel warm and fuzzy. His voice might be suited to more modern Christmas songs and if he ever feels the need to produce a Christmas single or album, let’s hope he either writes new songs or covers some of the newer songs out there because he has not been able to “cook” this classic at all.

Thanks so much for the link, MJ. Glad you had such a wonderful time with your family.

I thought his acoustic version was sensitive and beautiful. To be honest, when I first heard that he was going to be featured on the Disney Parade, I thought he’d be on a float or something similar to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. Whew. Though, I’m sure he would have looked adorable. Love that Christmas carol, and thought DC and Neal were great.

I’ve heard better in a mall.

Beautifully sung Mr Cook, loved it! I personally love all styles of music from classical to rock to pop to celtic (love celtic) toss in some opera too.

I did not hear David yell & I have to heartily disagree that his voice is not made for traditional Christmas songs *for my personal tastes*. DC has a 14 step range (the only one beating him on season 7 would be Syesha who has 14 & 1/2 steps), there is not alot that his voice can not handle.

I do get that his *style* is not everyone’s, but that is what makes this world so great! We are all different and enjoy different styles/tastes etc.

To me, “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” are classic Christmas songs. “White Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song” (the one about chestnuts roasting on an open fire) are 20th century pop songs, sung by the same people who might do “My Funny Valentine” or “Cheek to Cheek” — other pop songs of the same general period. In fact, I believe “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has been done by both Rowlf the Muppet dog and the kids on South Park, not to mention Twisted Sister, which means it’s pretty much fair game for anybody at this point.

I think Cook is attracted to the melancholy aspects of the song, like James Taylor and Chrissie Hynde before him, and that kind of song is a good match for his talents.

edit: DON’T BAIT. Stay on topic.

I absolutely loved DC’s performance today. Heartfelt and absolutely gorgeous.

I may have misused the word “traditional” in my previous post. “Silent Night” and “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” are traditional Christmas songs. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Christmas Song” are classics. “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” are contemporary or modern Christmas songs. Cook’s voice might sound suitable singing modern or contemporary Christmas songs and he has proven himself singing Mariah so he should go for those last two IMHO.

Hey, I forgot all about this. I’m slippin’. I know.

Thanks for posting, MJ. Loved that….

LOL dlistfan! Na. Yes I am a AI Addict. :laugh_tb:

It’s “an interval of two semitones”. The things I learn from watching AI & seeking to learn more about the contestants on the net, :laugh_tb:. The site below tracks the contestants each year.

http://www.idolranges.com/

I’m sorry there were some who didn’t enjoy David’s performance this morning. I thought he was wonderful. Heartfelt, sincere and beautifully sung.

Lisa, I actually don’t understand the ultra importance of range. So Cook has 14 steps of bad notes for me, props to him. I only count a note being in somebody’s range when you can hit it, not yell it.

thanks for posting this, MJ!

i always love acoustiCook
lovely…

This was really beautiful. I think it’s good to have even traditional songs sung in a different way, for variety. BTW, I don’t consider something yelling or screaming which has a recognizable note to it. I have heard David yell in at least one song, and it did not sound like a note, as these do. JMO.

BTW, Merrry Christmas to all.

How fortunate for Cook that he got to sing live on a show that no one watches in front of an audience wearing Santa hats and Mickey Mouse ears as opposed to lip syncing in a parade with puppets that’s a world renowned holiday tradition and a ratings winner.

I’m one of those not crazy about Cookie’s rendition here, but I just played the video earlier and listened without watching it. Maybe it would be better with the visual so I’ll take another shot.

In local news, Cookie’s Happy Christmas is being played by a Philippine radio station (99.5 RT). For those interested, here’s a recording of when it was first played (upon the request of the Cookistas, Cookie’s Pinoy fans, who sent the station an mp3 of the song) just before Cookie’s birthday…

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?r2nfygz4fkn

I hope everyone had a great Christmas/holiday.

Merry Christmas everyone. “Peace on earth, good will towards men”, and good will toward all who are willing to sing Christmas songs on national TV. :innocent2_tb:

wordnerdarchie, I was just going to post that. I heart you!

It is better with the visual (especially on HD)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v58OuryRbI

Cook did a great job, and his falsetto is absolutely beautiful. I would love for Cook, and Neal to release some acoustic Christmas songs next year. Bravo!

All of you guys, have yourselves a merry little Christmas!

How fortunate for Cook that he got to sing live on a show that no one watches in front of an audience wearing Santa hats and Mickey Mouse ears as opposed to lip syncing in a parade with puppets thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a world renowned holiday tradition and a ratings winner.

Huh? I read MJ’s comment about lip sync’ing with dancing puppets as a reference to the same Disney Christmas parade Cook was in, not some other “world renowned holiday tradition and ratings winner” (are you alluding to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade?). I dunno about you, but from what I could tell, that Corbin Bleu guy from HSM was definitely lip syncing on a cheesy float… granted there were no dancing puppets, but it was still a cheesefest, and I’m thrilled Cook didn’t have to do that!

Ooh, found a link to the Corbin bleu… “performance”

ETA: Wow, what a contrast! Thanks for the HD link, purplesmile. I didn’t even know youtube had HD like that!

When David meets Judy: this gay fan’s dream!
And that’s the 2nd time for Cook… first time at the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and now in the Disney Christmas Parade. I love that he covered a Judy Garland song (HYAMLC is actually a secular song written for the movie “Meet Me In St. Louis,” 1944). Judy Garland made it famous, and it’s been covered many times since. I think Cook’s performance this time was even better than the Rockefeller Center one because he had a really nasty cold back then (he was really hoarse on Z100 radio that morning). He sang it beautifully in NYC, but even better in Orlando! It’s no surprise given how amazing he sang that section of “When You Wish Upon A Star” in the Disney World spot after he won AI. Bravo David!

BTW, I thought Archie was adorable and did a fantastic job tracking the voice over of his segment. He’s such a great kid.

I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know youtube had HD like that!

I didn’t either. WOW 720p…

I just got David’s album today as a birthday gift from my brother(yeah bad fan…) and Jason Mraz’s WSWDWST limited edition. So happy~

It is better with the visual (especially on HD)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v58OuryRbI

Thank you, ma’am!

Wow….talk about HD!!

I think I saw Kelly Ripa’s pores.

I read MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s comment about lip syncà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ing with dancing puppets as a reference to the same Disney Christmas parade Cook was in, not some other à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“world renowned holiday tradition and ratings winnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (are you alluding to the Macyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Thanksgiving parade?)

I read MJ’s comment as fanwar baiting, but this is her blog so she can basically say anything.

Aww, I loved how the audience was full of smiles and everyone seemed to be singing along, from the youngest kids to that old man. What a great audience.

Interestingly, my husband saw Archie talking during today’s Disney show and asked me whether he had released anything yet. (He was an Archie during the season though I’ve managed to Cookify him.) I told him about the album and Crush, of course, but it just struck me as odd that he had not heard Archie’s stuff at all. I know he’s heard Cook’s stuff because (besides my buying his album) we hear LO on the radio in the car just about every other day now and, of course, TOML is still played semi-regularly. We do tend to listen to HAC stations rather than Top 40 (we live in the SF Bay Area) so that may explain things. We watched part of the Macy’s parade Thanksgiving Day parade but missed Archie (just like we watched the Rockefeller tree lighting and missed Cook) and don’t exactly watch much that’s targeted towards teens. And, oh yeah, he’s seen the AI commercial during football games. He was travelling during the AMAs so he clearly missed that appearance.

Anyway, I just thought it was strange how perceptions are so different. I had thought that Archie was getting a ton of TV exposure and, of course, with Crush’s success, a lot of chances to be heard on the radio. Yet, just sitting next to me was my husband who thought that Archie had not even released anything at all. Being so into Cook as I am (and by extension, also getting updated on what’s up with Archie through sites like this), I just assumed the general public would find it hard to miss these guys and their post-AI career. But nope. I guess that’s just me living in my AI bubble.

I love grungy Christmas songs. It was sort of like “Have Yourself an Angsty Little Christmas” LOL! Bing and Frank and Tony and Andy and Perry have done it to death. I’m not interested in another classic crooner. I have all the classics on CD already. I like rock and I love hearing this song sung in a new edgier way, with a fresh guitar arrangement. That’s the brilliance of Cook. The ability to play sweet and savory against each other. And the dulcet tones of his voice generate alpha brain waves. Me likey that. And since my opinion is the one that counts (to me at least LOL!)….

You’re welcome, folks. I think youtube has had HD for more than a couple of weeks now. I have watched some other videos in HD there recently. Nice, huh?

I just got Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s album today as a birthday gift from my brother(yeah bad fanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦) and Jason Mrazà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s WSWDWST limited edition. So happy~

Off-topic but I just got the WSWDWST limited edition recently, too, for less than $13. What a jackpot! Love it.

I was waiting to get DCTR until Cookie comes here for his supposed January gig but I guess that is, unfortunately, not pushing through anymore. Sigh. There is a little rumor, though, that he might do a Skechers promo here instead but that’s just a little rumor. Skechers is doing a pretty good ad campaign here, though…on radio, its ad features Cookie’s Light On (the full song) with just a little bit of intro.

I really enjoyed Cook’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It came across to me as very sincere and heart-felt.

Just imagine if he had tried one of the newer songs such as “The Night Santa Went Crazy”. :devil_tb:

On the other hand, don’t imagine that….that would open him up to negative critiques, I’m sure, and we wouldn’t want that during the holiday season. It would destroy all of the warm, fuzzy feelings we get during the holidays.

BTW, Cook is very capable of doing these songs in classic crooner style… or at least contemporary balladeer style. His pitch-perfect live and studio versions of “Always Be My Baby” (and the two octave range involved in that song) prove it. Same with TWIK. Very smooth and mellow voice in that.

And the dulcet tones of his voice generate alpha brain waves.

Scott, what Alpha brain wave does is put you into sleep and calm state. I am glad Cook’s voice does that to you, but it’s still too screamy to put me into sleep.

A little something for all those who love and appreciate David’s Cookified Christmas songs:

Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I ripped them both myself from better audio feeds than the YouTubes, hope they bring y’all some cheer! Happy holidays and much love to my fellow Cook-fans.

And thank you, MJ, for everything you do.

Wow, I thought DC sounded (and looked) GORGEOUS!!!!

He definately provided some sunshine on this cloudy and very wet Christmas day…Thank you, DC. And Thank You, MJ, for posting this lovely video.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Good Nite!!

:smoke_tb:

I loved David ´s rendition of this song. He is SO REAL and has a beautiful voice. I think he is the best idol ever. He does not need to manufacture at all, because he is original. In fact his rendition of Man in the Box was better than the original.

My favourite Christmas song is Happy Christmas and David ´s performance at Rockerfella Centre absolutely blew me away. But then he always blows me away. I listen to his album endlessly and each time change my favourite.

That was so *sniff* lovely! Yeps…my eyes got wet! Thanks Jolene for the DC rips…love them.

So glad he wasn’t on a bloody float and I love how the audeince was singing along while gazing at him (and hot ass Neal!) abd tge cheering afterwards…well-deserved. That man can SANG!

Can’t wait to see what the New Year brings for him and the EEB!

BTW his CD is doing quite well on Amazon UK!

I read MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s comment as fanwar baiting, but this is her blog so she can basically say anything.

Erm. That’s not how I meant it at all. Thanks for questioning my motives and putting words in my mouth, though. BTW, if you’re here solely to bait and piss people off, please don’t do that. You won’t last long here if you do

Huh? I read MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s comment about lip syncà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ing with dancing puppets as a reference to the same Disney Christmas parade Cook was in, not some other à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“world renowned holiday tradition and ratings winnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Exactly.

If folks are taking this as a slam against Archie, it’s certainly not how I meant it. I had completely forgotten about that other parade, if I’m being perfectly honest. BTW, I thought Archie’s performance at Macy’s was perfectly fine. He and Cook are completely different artists. What Archie can pull off Cook can’t and vice versa.

So, can we just stick to the subject here, which is Cook’s performance in the Disney parade?

I loved Cook’s performance, and Neal, too. Although I would say that the guitars sounded off key to me, but Cook’s voice was right smack on key. Anyway, I enjoyed the Christmas song. I would buy a Christmas CD from David Cook.

Some Christmas songs are better suited to being “rocked out” than others – “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is not one of them. Cook’s tone and “rock” stylings didn’t fit this particular song… With a few exceptions, I am one who prefers to hear the Christmas classics sung in the traditional manner to which most have been accustomed. He gets a gold star for effort, but the performance to my ears fell flat, and he and Neal seemed so out of place among the saccharine and sugar and cheese that is Disney….. But hey – a gig is a gig..

Wow! I really enjoyed that. Thanks so much for posting it since I completely missed the show yesterday morning.

Putting my 2 cents in – I LOVED it. It was beautiful and heartfelt to me, really lovely. I can feel David’s connection and honesty, which I really didn’t expect from a Christmas song. He does here what he did on Idol – he makes it “his own”. If you like David’s style, you’ll love it, if you don’t, you won’t.

It’s hardly a “rocked out” version, LOL, and I certainly hear nothing that sounds like screaming. He does sing a Christmas song with his regular rock voice (unlike the purer tone he used on Idol for MOTN), but it’s really not that big of a departure, IMHO.

Bottom line – I’m grateful for this “gig”, because I got another great DC cover out of it, and I’ll be spinning this version for a long time.

ETA: Point taken, MJ. I’ll let it go.

Some Christmas songs are better suited to being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rocked outà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  than others – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is not one of them. Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tone and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rockà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  stylings didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fit this particular song

I don’t consider David Cook’s version “rocked out”. To hear a rock version here isTwisted Sister singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Huge difference.

As always, everyone’s mileage will vary. His efforts were appreciated, but IMO, Christmas songs may not be his strength, or forte. His songs and song interpretations are usually hit or miss for me – I’m not invested in him as much, I guess, so there are some songs that go down easier with me than others…. Happy Xmas (War is Over) went down well, HYAMLC didn’t….. Eh, such is life.

Love David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s acoustic version of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  from todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade.

So do I. :thumbup_tb:

Merry, merry Christmas mj. :smile1_tb:

I liked David’s version a lot but realize that not everyone likes crazy rocked out acoustic guitars, lol. I thought the arrangement and performance was very representative of his sound, which obviously not everyone is going to be a fan of. Thanks for posting the video, mj.

I liked Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s version a lot but realize that not everyone likes crazy rocked out acoustic guitars

LMAO

I wish theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d get David, Neal and their acoustic guitars into a studio one of these days. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d take an EP of any acoustic songs theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to record!

100 times yes to this. The one I’d like the most right now is a recorded version of the acoustic Man in the Box they did at the HOB. I can’t stop listening to that YT video. If only we had a decent recording.

Dave and Neal sounded beautiful, as always. As far as I could tell, David was the only one who wasn’t lip-synching out of all the singers on the show.

I wish they’d get David, Neal and their acoustic guitars into a studio one of these days. I’d take an EP of any acoustic songs they’d like to record!

I appreciate all of the different views on this rendition, but still find it amusing about the comments of the acoustic guitars in reference to “rock”. I guess it’s all about semantics, and what each person’s interpretation of classical, pop, blues, jazz, or rock styles of music is.

On a somewhat related topic (guitar accompaniment and Christmas carols), this little tidbit of information has always struck me as very interesting. The very first public performance of the much loved “Silent Night” was done with guitar accompaniment.

The carol was first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf, Austria on December 24, 1818. Mohr had composed the words much earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service

Source

I’ve sometimes wondered if the people at that time discussed it’s style and critiqued the performer as much as we’re doing now? I suppose they did, people haven’t changed much throughout the years.

I missed this yesterday (like million others Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure) but taped it only because of the Davids. Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance was just awright for me, man. I agree it was heartfelt but a bit forgettable. What surprised me was I enjoyed the JoBrosà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Joy to the World more than Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance, and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a JB fan. They rocked a classic song and it worked.

They rocked a classic song and it worked.

Were Acoustic guitars involved in any way?

I didn’t see the JoBros, nor Miley, but I did see her dad. I really wish I hadn’t.

This was really beautiful! Thank you!

They rocked a classic song and it worked

The JoBros weren’t terrible, but IMO, despite the electric guitars, their performance sounded much more pop than rock to me. So to my ears, it was more like they “popped” a classic song than “rocked” it, haha. But then again, most of the JoBros’ stuff sound definitively pop to me.

I personally preferred DC’s performance, but IMO, he didn’t rock HYAMLC either– the Twisted Sisters did (hm, not a fan of that, nope). I don’t quite want to put what DC did in any box– he sang it straight, with acoustic guitar accompaniment, and with his distinct David Cook voice, which perhaps some identify as rock due to the natural grittiness. It’s kinda like how some country singers have that distinct twang in their voice, so everything they sing sounds countrified even if they don’t do anything to the original song. I don’t know if you can use the word in a verb form but if I must try to define what he did, I guess he didn’t so much rock the song as acoustic’ed it, haha.

These comments make for a funny read. Hm, maybe DC should have sung “Merry Christmas, War is Over”. Peace and goodwill to all. Heh.

Ok, I’ve just watched JoBros’ version and I’m very confused. They get praised for doing a rocked out version of a very religious Christmas hymn, complete with trapset/cymbals, screaming, and electric guitars, (and by the way, very poor vocals). It definitely was not in keeping with the original style of the song. In my opinion, it failed by not providing any entertainment value.

Cook, on the other hand does a low key, acoustic (not ROCK), heart-felt, beautiful version in keeping with the original feel of a Christmas classic and gets some less than stellar reactions to it. It just doesn’t make any sense to this music lover.

Wordnerdarchie, don’t look for sense in Idoldom, you’ll just find a headache… (-;

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if you can use the word in a verb form but if I must try to define what he did, I guess he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t so much rock the song as acousticà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ed it, haha.

I think that acoustic or not, he brings to his covers something that’s innately his. That’s why I simply think he Cookified it. I did really like “acousticà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ed” as a verb, though. That could come in handy… LOL

David Cook is one of a kind. Everything he does has his name written all over it. When you listen to David Cook, you know it is him and no one else. He’s such a rare talent. I’m surprised no one else noticed the guitars sounded off (like they were striking the wrong chords once in a while), but other than that, David’s voice was right on as usual. He sure can hit those difficult notes with no problem at all, it seems so easy for him. I think he looks like a lion when he hits the high notes, he opens his mouth real wide (I LOVE IT!!!!!!). I recorded his performance and have played it over and over again. I’ve yet to see David do something I haven’t liked. I don’t think it is possible. I love everything he does (music wise, that is). I also think he’s a great human being. He’s so conscious of those around him who have less than he does, and he’s so willing to sing for children at hospital, etc. I love his heart! David Cook is the REAL THING, BABY!!!

Squirrelly,

I agree with you, it might have been the sound mix but I thought the guitars sounded off too. Didn’t quite match DC’s vocals which I thought were great. He sounded a little hoarse, hope he doesn’t end up ruining his voice. I love that song, it is about the ONLY Xmas song I can stand to hear anymore.

Wow, I went to bed, woke up this morning, and this little christmas video at disney world is still getting comments? Who would have thought that one little song at a christmas parade would generate so many opinions?

When does season 8 start?

Jolene, thanks for the advice.

geekygirl
Dec 26th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Squirrelly,

I agree with you, it might have been the sound mix but I thought the guitars sounded off too. Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t quite match DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s vocals…

After reading this, I decided to listen to the posted clip above instead of what I taped on my VCR. Wow, there is a difference in the audio quality of the guitar accompaniment. I understand now why you’re questioning it. There could be a difference in feeds. Oh, and looking at the kids (and Mr. Cook) on a bigger screen is much more appealing and adds to the performance. (I’m in the midwest by the way, and on my tape, the guitar accompaniment was perfect.) To bad that you can’t hear my version…it’s BEAUTIFUL….

ETA: I have way too much time on my hands with nothing to do today, hence my post ho..ing.

Cook, on the other hand does a low key, acoustic (not ROCK), heart-felt, beautiful version in keeping with the original feel of a Christmas classic and gets some less than stellar reactions to it. It just doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make any sense to this music lover.

Can’t agree more….I can’t imagine anything better than David Cook putting out a Christmas Album. He has incredible vocal range that makes every song he does special and puts that “Cook” stamp on it versus bland and generic sounding. When David sings a song he brings passion and feeling to the lyrics and doesn’t offend anyone with his interpretation and delivery. He just doesn’t “sing” a song, he feels the lyrics and his acoustic versions of not only his songs, but covers are unbelievable. There is no way that I would clasify this as “rock” anymore than I would say his fantastic version of Happy Christmas was rock.

He gets a gold star for effort, but the performance to my ears fell flat, and he and Neal seemed so out of place among the saccharine and sugar and cheese that is Disneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.. But hey – a gig is a gig..

As far as this being a “gig” well being seen & heard by millions of people on a Disney televised show on Christmas day could hardly be classified as a “gig” nor do I think Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers thought of it as a “gig” especially since it is connected with “Disney.” I love anything Disney because it’s a wholesome good family values kind of a place with memories of childhood fun and there’s no better place to go to during the Christmas holidays. Cook is a good person, he’s just like you and me. He has good family values, he loves kids and he isn’t anymore out of place there than anyone else would be.

Everyone has different tastes in music and I personally don’t comment at all if I didn’t like a particular performance or a performer but I don’t think I’ve never witnessed so much criticism of any performer as much as I’ve witnessed it with David Cook.

Reinharv, I totally agree with the following comment:

but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never witnessed so much criticism of any performer as much as Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve witnessed it with David Cook.

I don’t mean my following comment as a question of one’s motives in posting negative comments for Mr. Cook. People have different tastes in music. However, generally, if a person is at the “top of the heap” there are always others who will try to bring one down a few pegs. I guess I should take negative comments here to be a compliment for Mr. Cook’s status in the entertainment industry. :tongue_wink_ee:.

I just checked out Jonas Bro’s ….Pretty damn annoying… I prefer cook’s ..although i still think Cook should not sing any of Xmas songs. btw, Cook and Archuleta are 08′s breakout stars in OK magazine…congrats to both

Awww, I liked the JB”S “Joy to the World”, and they sang it with great well…Joy!:)

I too would buy a Cookified acoustic Christmas album with hopes that he would cover several classics.

Wordnerdarchie, thanks for the info on “Silent Night” I didn’t read the entire source link so I don’t know if they mentioned that SN was accompanied on guitar due to the organ not working…I think this is what I’ve heard in the past…or that this was the only song sung that first night because of the organ problem, or something like that, sorry for lack of source and reference and clarity… and OTness…

Always loved acoustic always will.

but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never witnessed so much criticism of any performer as much as Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve witnessed it with David Cook.

I really think that level of criticism is reserved to the Idol blogs and fanboards. Fans of the show are used to judging and criticizing performers regularly, and that habit doesn’t die at the end of the season. Nowhere else in the music world is singing considered a competitive sport.
Also – because this is a general Idol board and not a fan board, this is where non-fans will come to voice their opinions, while the fans also have other places to talk and gush about the performance.
It’s just important to remember this place does not represent some unbiased public perception – it represents nothing more and nothing less than the opinions of the few Idol fans who post here, and that’s true for both positive and negative comments.

A little something for all those who love and appreciate Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Cookified Christmas songs:

Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I ripped them both myself from better audio feeds than the YouTubes, hope they bring yà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢all some cheer! Happy holidays and much love to my fellow Cook-fans.

wow thanks so much! =)

Wow if you think Cook is being criticized more than anyone in Idol history, you haven’t been here as long as me. And supposedly even before my time (S5), there was intense criticism of S2,3 and 4 winners. Maybe even Kelly Clarkson.

Anyway Cheese and Jolene, your posts are on the $. Idol fans get very protective of “their guy” but since both Davids look safely on their way in the BIG world, the need for them to be defended from every critical remark should pass quickly. In general, the bigger they get, the less protection they need. Although maybe Carrie fans still feel the need to defend her from every “Carrie is boring” comment made on a blog. But I kind of doubt it.

I’m really ready for S8. Bring it on.

realize that not everyone likes crazy rocked out acoustic guitars, lol.

LMAO. You owe me a new computer, cheese, since I just spit my water out all over my laptop because of this comment.

Rocking out with acoustic guitars. I’m impressed.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just important to remember this place does not represent some unbiased public perception – it represents nothing more and nothing less than the opinions of the few Idol fans who post here, and thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s true for both positive and negative comments.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Fantastic! Acoustic Dave is my Fave. Bring on that acoustic album!!

BTW, David Cook should feel free to “scream” for me, any ol’ time. LOL

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Everyone~

I love it – and in general I like non-traditional versions of seasonal songs. I like alternative rock versions especially. This year I bought all non-traditional Christmas music on itunes, and it was a nice change of pace.

And David Cook just never sings a song I don’t like. I loved him and Neal singing these Christmas songs acoustic. Just my two cents.

p.s. Hated the Jonas brothers performance at Disney! Wimpy screeching is how I would describe it, lol.

I don’t mean my following comment as a question of one’s motives in posting negative comments for Mr. Cook. People have different tastes in music. However, generally, if a person is at the “top of the heap” there are always others who will try to bring one down a few pegs. I guess I should take negative comments here to be a compliment for Mr. Cook’s status in the entertainment industry.

Honestly, with all due respect, what you need to do, if you are going to peruse my comments section is to accept the fact that not everyone loves David Cook. If the criticism bothers you, you need to skip the comments altogether.

I’m going to say this once more.

NO pissing and moaning and questioning and griping about negative opinions. No questioning posters motives. Please don’t make assumptions about your fellow posters when you don’t like what you’re hearing.

THIS IS NOT A FAN BLOG.

If it’s constant positivity you’re looking for, you’re looking for it in the wrong place.

Everyone has different tastes in music and I personally donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t comment at all if I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like a particular performance or a performer

Well, that’s you.

but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never witnessed so much criticism of any performer as much as Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve witnessed it with David Cook.

I could prove you wrong. Easily. But I’ve got other things to do right now.

Like I said, if the negative stuff bothers you to the point where you can’t stop yourself from complaining about it on the blog, you need to stop reading it.

I’LL BE DELETING AND EDITING POSTS AS NECESSARY.

Also – because this is a general Idol board and not a fan board, this is where non-fans will come to voice their opinions, while the fans also have other places to talk and gush about the performance.

I also like to think this blog is a place where the FAN can dare utter a few negative words about their favorite, knowing they can do that without fear of being shut down, dogpiled or run off like they might on a fan forum…

ETA:

BTW, miss-my-newest-ip-proxy-is-from-China? You’ve been busted. AGAIN.

Now, let’s get back on topic. Thank you.

Thank you for posting this, MJ. It really was a lovely version of the song, and he and Neal sounded great. I enjoyed DC’s version from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, but he was clearly a bit healthier here, which just added to the performance. Loved the audience shots of people singing along.

One thing that I’ve appreciated is how DC has walked the line with these “AI Winner” performances. Obviously, it’s a big honor to perform at the tree lighting or at one of these major holiday parades, but given that DC, his management, and his label are trying to establish him as a credible new rock-oriented artist, these performances also presented some risks. There was the risk of him appearing cheesy at a time when he’s trying to move past his recent AI-group-performance past if he went for anything too cutesy, but there was also the risk of him annoying the sponsors or audience if he did something too non-traditional. Instead, he did his own acoustic arrangements of two Christmas classics, performed by both him and his guitarist—which enabled him to do something that fit into a Christmas show, while also sounding true to himself. Nicely done.

I also give Cook credit for keeping his dignity in a cheesy setting. I’m a bit surprised that Archie didn’t get the singing gig and Cook the intro to the Idol attraction at Disneyland. To me that would have made more sense but Disney probably has some deal with Idol that the winner got this gig.
Also Archie is in direct competition with Disney teen acts and maybe Disney didn’t want him to get the extra promo. Or none of the above.

I think that just by being in the parade, whether it was singing or introducing the attraction, Archie got the promo. He doesn’t necessarily have to sing for people to be reminded that he was on Idol. I dunno, I just think that if Disney was really that concerned about Archie taking the spotlight away from their own money-makers, they didn’t have to invite him. They probably weren’t obligated to ask him to do anything at all.

ETA: I think there probably was some kind of deal where the winner would do something with the parade. And because of the attraction opening soon, the spot for that fit perfectly. I’m not surprised they asked Archie. They probably could have just gotten Ryan to do it, along with his other duties. But, imo, it worked better with a former contestant doing it than it would have with Ryan. And I thought it was a great spot.

…but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve never witnessed so much criticism of any performer as much as Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve witnessed it with David Cook.

Wow if you think Cook is being criticized more than anyone in Idol history, you havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been here as long as me.

I could prove you wrong. Easily.

Memories. Heh.

I think he looks like a lion when he hits the high notes, he opens his mouth real wide (I LOVE IT!!!!!!).

Haha. I think so, too.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a bit surprised that Archie didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the singing gig and Cook the intro to the Idol attraction at Disneyland.

I was surprised that Cook didn’t do both. So far, since the albums dropped, it seems like Cook and Archuleta are rarely booked for the same events. Plus, unlike Cook, Archuleta’s speaking voice isn’t exactly great for voiceovers, and that was…awkward. Maybe Disney wanted to avoid David favoritism and divvied up the duties. I’m sure MJ can relate, with her attempts to remain fair to both fanbases.

Anyway, I’ve said before that I want An Acoustic Christmas with David Cook album or better yet TV special (dream on, dream on, sing with me…) thus of course I dug his version of this song mucho, and I’m not even a big fan of the tune in general. I will add that my visiting out of town fam loved Cook’s cover of HYAMLC. Most of them were impressed that he didn’t lip sync and sounded so awesome, and my astute sigO remembered Neal from the HOB…”Hey, that’s the same guitar player. He’s pretty good.” My 8 year old niece was the lone Jonas Bros. fan, and poor thing got barraged by some of the older peeps who were recalling the JB halftime performance from Thanksgiving with a round of “They can’t even sing.” To which she rolled her eyes and replied, “Wellllll, not everyone sings as good as David Cook. He did win American Idol for crying out loud. At least they don’t lip sync all the time like Miley, and anyway, I TOLD you people that I mostly like them for their lyrics.” I got a huge chuckle out of that and gave her a high five for playing the lyrics card. I’m not sure Jonas Bros. lyrics are all that deep and meaningful, but she’s 8 so I’ll let that slide. That’s my mini-me, future rocker chick.

As the aunt of an 8-year-old niece, I love your story, sunchick. My niece can roll her eyes with the best of them. By the time that she’s 13, you’ll probably be able to hear the eyerolls from a block away.

I think there probably was some kind of deal where the winner would do something with the parade. And because of the attraction opening soon, the spot for that fit perfectly. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not surprised they asked Archie. They probably could have just gotten Ryan to do it, along with his other duties. But, imo, it worked better with a former contestant doing it than it would have with Ryan. And I thought it was a great spot.

Plus, in the past, there’s been more than one Idol from a season appearing in the parade. I think one year–maybe Season 5, there were 3 or 4 that appeared together. So, I didn’t find it strange that both Davids were invited.

ETA: In 2006, Mandisa, Paris, Kevin Covais, and Ace Young appeared. And note how I mocked the cheesiness. LOL. That’s what my comment in my post was all about.

Yes, they were dancing with puppets.

I wish theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d get David, Neal and their acoustic guitars into a studio one of these days. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d take an EP of any acoustic songs theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like to record!

100 times yes to this. The one Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like the most right now is a recorded version of the acoustic Man in the Box they did at the HOB. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stop listening to that YT video. If only we had a decent recording.

YES! YES! YES! to both of these comments. All I hear in my head is David singing Man In The Box! I’m glad I’m not alone in this.

I also give Cook credit for keeping his dignity in a cheesy setting. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a bit surprised that Archie didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the singing gig and Cook the intro to the Idol attraction at Disneyland. To me that would have made more sense but Disney probably has some deal with Idol that the winner got this gig.

It does seem like Cook would naturally be the one to do voice-over narration and on-camera “reporting,” given his comfort level and the great job he did filling in as DJ on Sirius Hits a couple of months ago. But to the winner go the spoils. I suspect that’s the deal. Ironically, I felt Archie did a great job (as I posted yesterday) with his segment. It was one of his most relaxed speaking performances and he was charming.

And yes, Cook has the knack for keeping his dignity. He walked that fine line week after week on AI: never selling out, yet never mocking the show. He’s a master at that.

I also give Cook credit for keeping his dignity in a cheesy setting. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a bit surprised that Archie didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the singing gig and Cook the intro to the Idol attraction at Disneyland. To me that would have made more sense but Disney probably has some deal with Idol that the winner got this gig.
Also Archie is in direct competition with Disney teen acts and maybe Disney didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want him to get the extra promo. Or none of the above.

Since Disney has a new attraction opening in January 2009 – the American Idol Experience, they would naturally utilize any former winner, current winner or former contestant do a little promo.

Jordin did a promo on it already which we saw at the finale and Cook already did a promo for it, which MJ already posted stating it will part of the Idol Experience attraction and he even recorded “When You Wish Upon a Star” which Disney may be using also as part of the attraction in addition to it being a commercial. I am sure Archie was thrilled to do the promo also.

David Cook Walt Disney Commericial
Jordin Sparks Disney Promo
David Cook Taping Segments to be used on American Idol Experience

As Cook won American Idol, it makes sense that he would perform a song on national television over a runner-up. There would be no point to winning American Idol and have no perks for it.

Disney is huge and it doesn’t have any competition and anyone associated with Disney makes tons of money themseleves and tons of money for Disney. As far as anyone being in direct competiton with Disney teen acts, be it Jordin Sparks, Archuleta, or whatever, I doubt very much that Disney is worried about anyone being in direct competition with Disney teen acts. If that is the case, Radio Disney would never give airplay to Jordin, Archuleta, or Cook.

If Disney saw that interest was falling in their current teen pop stars, all they have to do is put out a new TV show featuring a new teen “pop” star. There are many teen pop stars in the music business and Disney isn’t worried that so-and-so would take the spotlight off any of their current money-makers.

I think Disney actually got it right with the placements of both Davids.

David A. did an excellent job on the voice-over. He is young, cool and showed just the right excitement for Disney world wide promotion.

David C. did a fine job on his Christmas song. It was very sweet and appealing to the fans.

100 times yes to this. The one Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d like the most right now is a recorded version of the acoustic Man in the Box they did at the HOB. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stop listening to that YT video. If only we had a decent recording.

YES! YES! YES! to both of these comments. All I hear in my head is David singing Man In The Box! Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m glad Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not alone in this.

I love that cover!!!! olga787 has a great video of that song.

I was glad that they had DA handle the narration, rather than have DC do both the narration and a song. Set aside that it was nice that both Davids got spots in this nationally televised event. This gave DC some time to do some rides at the park, plus it led to that sweet moment where DC gave a shout-out to DA, who was in the tent behind DC’s audience for the recording of his spot.

This gave DC some time to do some rides at the park, plus it led to that sweet moment where DC gave a shout-out to DA, who was in the tent behind DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s audience for the recording of his spot.

Ooh, when was this?

Carrie also filmed a spot for the AI Experience this month.

DC talked about going on rides in the ET clip previewing the parade.

There was a livejournal (I think?) report on DC saying something like, “Where is my buddy?” and then pointing out DA in the tent behind the audience. It was reported in the thread about the taping of DC’s parade performance….

Here’s the link to MJ’s report—if you go toward the bottom of the comments on that thread, there’s a quote and link from a livejournal:

http://mjsbigblog.com/david-archelta-and-david-cook.htm

I loved David Cook’s acoustic performance of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Every good performer puts their own twist on the songs they sing. David is no exception. Every song he sings sounds like a David Cook song and I love it. What a lovely Christmas “present”. Thank you for posting.

After hearing the video of this, I left my comment and am just now reading back over the previous posts. There is one thing that Scott posted earlier that I just loved and wanted to comment on. I think you hit the nail on the head exactly when you said that a part of David Cook’s charm is his ability to combine sweet and I might add sentimental, with an edgier rock sound. I love the contrast. From all I know about him through this site and others and because I just love him I read everything I can find, he is really that combination of sweet and edgy in real life that comes through so beautifully in his voice and therefore in his performances. He is a sensitive guy with a great sense of humor and an amazing creative take on everything he sings, with a rock edge. I loved this rendition and always love how into his music he is. He said at his audition that he is versatile vocally, and that is an understatement. I have yet to find a song that he can’t sing and sing well and this one was no exception.

It does seem like Cook would naturally be the one to do voice-over narration and on-camera à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“reporting,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  given his comfort level and the great job he did filling in as DJ on Sirius Hits a couple of months ago. But to the winner go the spoils. I suspect thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the deal. Ironically, I felt Archie did a great job (as I posted yesterday) with his segment. It was one of his most relaxed speaking performances and he was charming.

Being on A.I. gives artists an opportunity they would never have otherwise, especially in this tough music business today. Winning the title entitles Cook more media, exposure, thereby more chances to make it to the top. That’s the only perk to winning. Of course the winner gets a record deal but other contestants often get the same record deal. Nobody gets any money for “winning.” It’s more exposure if you perform on television to attract non-A.I. fans. Both of the Davids already have the A.I. fanbase, but they need to expand their fanbase. Both benefited from their exposure. Archie did a great job with his segment when frankly he isn’t great with speaking or the “interview” in the past, but this proved he’s more comfortable now and less nervous. Cook is a natural at public speaking and he’s already done a Disney Commerical and a promo for the upcoming American Idol Experience attraction as has Jordin and Carrie.

reinharv said:

Of course the winner gets a record deal but other contestants often get the same record deal. Nobody gets any money for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“winning.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Do we know that for sure? Because I recall during the first Larry King interview of the Top 10 after the season that David Archuleta said something (in response to a question from LK) to the effect that Cook got something and Cook kind of tried to play it down by saying they were taken care of or something like that. (I just rewatched the first 4 segments of that interview (up til Syesha and Jason were interviewed) but couldn’t find the exact segment where Archie said that, but I do have a specific recollection of that exchange.) Anyway, this led me to believe that the winner did get money for winning. Does anyone else recall this?

Do we know that for sure? Because I recall during the first Larry King interview of the Top 10 after the season that David Archuleta said something (in response to a question from LK) to the effect that Cook got something and Cook kind of tried to play it down by saying they were taken care of or something like that. (I just rewatched the first 4 segments of that interview (up til Syesha and Jason were interviewed) but couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find the exact segment where Archie said that, but I do have a specific recollection of that exchange.) Anyway, this led me to believe that the winner did get money for winning. Does anyone else recall this?

I think I read that the winner gets an advance for promotion, etc., but that they have to pay it back with the sales of their albums. A record deal is a big deal and as the winner he gets more media and promotion to help him succeed. I am pretty sure he doesn’t get money he can keep. They get royalties from all the iTunes sales of their A.I. performances, of which Cook had close to a million total downloads, and they each get at least $1,000 for every song they perform on the A.I. tour and a portion for the group songs and that again is designed to give them some hard cash in their pockets after A.I.

I am also pretty sure that the reason Cook said they were taken care of is because they are not allowed to say anything about what they get. It’s some big secret but the only reason I know they make money during the tour is because I read last year on another blog that a certain contestant hinted about the money they make for each song they sing during the tour. In the past #1 & #2 got to do 4-5 songs and they made more money while everyone else did one solo. This year it changed for the better as each did at least 3 songs.