Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, David Cook Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson

Adam had said many times how influential MJ was on him growing up. Im sure the King of Pop was honored to hear all three fab artists do their renditions of his songs on AI. We have lost a pop icon. Such a sad ending but his legacy will live on forever…..

Nice interview. They shld have shown kris singing an MJ song and not the santana song. Both kris and Adam were very articulate.

David’s BJ was awesome on Idol, impressive on the AI tour, and really awesome as a tribute to MJ in Aspen now. I’ve been waiting for this to show up.

Thanks, MJ.

That was nice. I missed 20/20′s special friday night, and I always loved DC’s billy jean rendition.

That was a great video of BJ. Whoever took it must have been front row. Could’ve done without the random screams from the crowd, but eh, what’cha’ gonna do?

These past few days I completely rediscovered Michael Jackson’s catalog, including some songs I’ve never heard before and some I haven’t heard in too long. His music truly was the soundtrack of my school years, and it’s just a shame it took his death to remind me what a wealth of amazing songs he had to his credit.

That was an awesome Billie Jean. Thanks, MJ

can’t wait for the show tonight. rip mj. forever in our hearts: http://tinyurl.com/fanreactionpics

BJ was seriously one of the best performances EVER on Idol, and a great studio track on top of that.

I’m also looking forward to tonight’s re-broadcast, and I’m wondering if they’ll have anything extra considering that its being used as a tribute.

Love David Cook! His voice seems to be holding up well. Thanks so much for posting this.

Great to see them all honoring someone who had a lot of impact on many musicians.

David and his glory notes–just love it. It was tender, soulful and fantastic.

I heard David Cook’s Billie Jean on a NY radio station over the weekend. I believe it was the studio version. It was amazing.

For me, younger artists’ new performances have really revived my connection to Jackson’s music. Cook’ s Billie Jean, Fall Out Boy’s Beat It, Adam’s Black and White and Kris’ Man in the Mirror . . . oh, and thank you Kris for hooking up Allison with the dark little tune, Give In to Me, which I hadn’t even heard before. Maybe because hearing the music from talented people in an entirely different generation, it doesn’t have the sadness and creepiness of Jackson’s real later life mixed up with it so much.

ETA just to try the new magic edit button. In the future I have 600 seconds to decide whether I’ve been an idiot and try to de-jerkify my posts. Good to know. Also, all three of those men at the top there are articulate and hot.

Do you know if they will be cutting out the judges remarks? This is a tribute and wouldn’t it be weird hearing judges critique? There was a good line however, when Kara told Adam she hoped MJ was watching and Adam mutters “I love him”

boy, all that screaming has me once again rethinking going to a concert. I think it speaks clearly to the idea that a lot of fans are fans of the celebrity, not so much their music. Otherwise wouldn’t you be spellbound and quiet listening to the music/voice? eh.

I’m always surprised to not see it mentioned that Davids version is a remake of Chris Cornell’s Billie Jean. That is a truly amazing version off his second to last album.

Well I don’t know about the screaming but remember the poor Beatles, they could barely ever hear themselves when they played, no wonder they stopped touring so soon and well compared to the Jonas Brothers that is a smattering bwah.

I’m always surprised to not see it mentioned that Davids version is a remake of Chris Cornell’s Billie Jean.

Heh, seriously? We all know where it came from, why would we re-mention it over and over again? Seems sort of redundant to me, IDK.

Otherwise wouldn’t you be spellbound and quiet listening to the music/voice?

Even though I think during acoustic songs it’s nicer if the audience is quiet, some people get excited and voice it through hoots and hollers, it’s not a ballet, it’s a rock show, that’s acceptable behavior as far as I know, and I don’t see it as reflecting on their lack of appreciation for the material – just a different way (perhaps a bit annoying) of expressing said appreciation.

baxterlf: I’m always surprised to not see it mentioned that Davids version is a remake of Chris Cornell’s Billie Jean. That is a truly amazing version off his second to last album.

I agree, I wish performers would give more credit for the arrangements they use. I don’t follow David Cook closely but I assume that he credited Chris Cornell at some point since Cornell published the arrangement and chords. That said, I actually prefer David’s version.

I’m sure David has credited Chris Cornell at some point.

That was a great video of David doing BJ. Him doing that on Idol is still one of my all-time favorite performances on the show.

Nice to hear Adam and Kris articulate their thoughts about MJ so beautifully. Looking forward to watching the re-air of the AI show tonight. I was also wondering whether they are going to cut out the critiques or just leave it as is.

It was a nice surprise to see Kris and Adam featured in 20/20, talking about MJ’s influence on them. I know Kris has frequently talked about how MJ was his earliest musical influence, and Paula mentioned on MJ night that no one knew the MJ catalogue like Kris did, which was why he was able to help so many that week (including suggesting the fantastic “Give in to Me” for Allison, and teaching her to play it on guitar).

It had become easy to dismiss MJ in the last several years due to the ongoing weirdness in his life, but the musicians and artists whom he influenced didn’t shy away from crediting him for how he revolutionized popular music and influenced each of them personally. More and more are saying it now that he is gone as well.

Oh, wow… A generation that knows-not of CoverGate. LOL

Cook singing “Billie Jean” was a lovely tribute.

Seeing Kris and Adam talking about MJ’s influence on their lives and music really drives home the point that beyond his amazing music, dancing, and creative use of music videos, MJ will be remembered for his tremendous influence on the artists that have come after him.

Yes, David Cook did credit Chris Cornell during the AI season and after (in his post-win Idolatry interview, for example).

DC has consistently credited Chris Cornell for the arrangement, from the night that he performed it on Idol, through the press after his win, through the press during the Idol tour, through the press related to Light On (which was co-written by CC).

I’m sure David has credited Chris Cornell at some point.

Heh, yes, I’d say so. DC fans know his penchant for repeating the same words in interviews (though I don’t blame him since he’s asked the same questions dozens of times), so I can tell you with certainty that I’ve heard DC respond to tons and tons of interviewers who compliment his Billie Jean performance on AI with, “well, kudos to Chris Cornell for that incredible arrangement”. Not to mention the fact that it was also credited on AI during his original performance.

Remember on MJ Night, Kara threw a shout-out to Kris for helping the other contestants with their songs since he know so much about MJ’s catalog? Adam looked like he was going to cry after he sang BoW (and Paula gushed; he seemed genuinely touched). And Adam has gone on to say that BoW was one of his favorite performances b/c of Obama and the changes the country is going through, etc.

Ryan said that Cook was singing Chris Cornell’s version of Billie Jean before David started singing. It was hard to hear, however. His performance was my favorite of S7, followed by Always Be My Baby.

I would love to edit out the judges’ comments tonight, b/c most of them aren’t relevant, frankly. However, the opening clips would be nice to include, and it would be amazing if each Idol got to say something about his/her song or how MJ affected him/her. But hey, it’s just nice that FOX is re-airing the episode. And it has GOT to be better than last night’s BET Awards Show farce.

Heh, seriously? We all know where it came from, why would we re-mention it over and over again? Seems sort of redundant to me, IDK.

Yeah, I agree it would be redundant, you just don’t write it because you assume everybody know by now.

Cool. Cook needs to add Billie Jean to his set of covers. It kills live. I know he probably got sick of singing it on the AI tour but that doesn’t mean he should shelve it.

I like how he made this less angry then he did on the AI Tour. It was more appropriate. Except for the drunk girl screaming. LOL

I love David ´s BJ rendition and Adam looks gorgeous in that interview.

A little story from our household. My 12 yr. old son, who says he is going to try out for AI and sing “David Cook’s” Billie Jean, came running down the stairs the other night. He had been watching tv and they were replaying Michael Jackson videos. He couldn’t believe that Michael Jackson actually sang David Cook’s Billie Jean! When I explained to him that it was actually Michael Jackson’s song he said that David Cook sang it better.

tongue firmly in cheek

All idols who are singing covers must announce: I am singing a cover of ‘blank’ which is a sort of changed up cover sung by ‘blank’ who didn’t write the original song but performed it 30 years after it was written and had originally been performed by ‘blank’. This way all bases are covered…though the intro would be considerably longer than the song.

Taran33, your son is right , I also said the same thing about “Man in the mirror”, when I listened to MJ’s own on youtube, I concluded Kris’ version sounded better. Most of the time, covers are better and polished

All idols who are singing covers must announce: I am singing a cover of ‘blank’ which is a sort of changed up cover sung by ‘blank’ who didn’t write the original song but performed it 30 years after it was written and had originally been performed by ‘blank’. This way all bases are covered’ ¦though the intro would be considerably longer than the song.

AI should have a ticker tape scrolling under Ryan as he introduces each contestant’s performance. This scrolling ticker tape could list the various artists who have covered the song and who the contestant says he/she drew inspiration from. At first I was writing this as a joke, but now I think it might be a nice bit of information for the AI audience.

According to my mom, the fans screaming at singers started with Frank Sinatra. So its been around for a long, long time, guess its here to stay! I might be tempted to scream myself when I see Adam, but I’ll contain myself so I don’t look like a crazy lady. I wasn’t too sad about MJ until I heard him singing I’ll Be There on the car radio, that seemed very poignant due to his passing away. God grant you peace, MJ!

My 12 yr. old son, who says he is going to try out for AI and sing ‘David Cook’s’  Billie Jean, came running down the stairs the other night. He had been watching tv and they were replaying Michael Jackson videos. He couldn’t believe that Michael Jackson actually sang David Cook’s Billie Jean! When I explained to him that it was actually Michael Jackson’s song he said that David Cook sang it better.

He’s 12, so I forgive him!

Taran33, your son is right , I also said the same thing about ‘Man in the mirror’ , when I listened to MJ’s own on youtube, I concluded Kris’ version sounded better.

What???

never mind………………………..

I just reminded myself to stop reading about MJ in Idol bubbledome, and go back to the real world, where an artist like MIchael J wouldnt even share a sentence with any contestant on a karoake reality show, not to talk of a direct comparison to a cover!

^^ Hi, it’s called a personal opinion. Different strokes for different folks?
I never liked the original Billie Jean (although I love many other MJ songs) and I flove the CC/DC version of it (CC for coming up with it, DC for performing it in a way that leaves me in awe). There’s no right or wrong in musical taste, different takes and opinions are valid, and I live both in “Idol bubbledome” and in the real world.

It’s all good, new versions and covers expose old songs to new, younger crowds and sometimes infuse them with something different that illuminates the original with a different light. It takes nothing away from the original artist to have someone cover his songs. The first time I understood what Billie Jean was about was when I heard this “bubbledome” version of it, and it made me appreciate the song so much more.

EDIT: wow, this is TOTALLY out of line and BAITNG. DELETED.

I think anybody who sings a version of anybody else’s cover of any song needs a fucking blinkie shirt…nah, nevermind, people would prolly still be pissed. maybe neon arrows toward who’s cover it was? y’all think think that will help?

I was already a fan of Mr. Cook when I heard he was going to sing Billie Jean. My first reaction was, wtf? a Michael f’ing Jackson song? But youtube was my friend and I found the Cornell cover and was thinking he could do nothing but that cover. I can’t tell y’all how freaking delighted I was when Ryan announced that it was the Cornell version. I knew David would blow it out of the water, and umm he did. It’s one of my two favorite ever covers on AI.

nevermind…duplicate post…again

I think Cornell did with such a different version of Billie Jean that I don’t think liking that version over the original is that strange or disrespectful to MJ. They seem like two different songs. If you’re not into dancing pop and you’re more into rock power ballad or grunge you’ll probably like Cornell’s version more. Seems natural to me and I don’t see why can’t that come up in the same sentence. Also, Cornell’s vocals are not as pleasant as Cook’s, if you ask me, and maybe that’s why so many would rather listen to David doing it than Chris.
Not everyone loves MJ’s music and originals.
I’m not that familiar with Man In The Mirror though. It’s actually interesting to notice that MITM doesn’t show in the Itunes charts of most european countries but it’s the #1 song in the US Itunes. Seems like that one never really made it to this side of the ocean.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Michael and not just my old favorite. I recently discovered Stranger in Moscow – fantastic song.

I didn’t like that version of BJ when CC sung it DC does a better job in my opinion, but I still love MJ’s version the best.

edit: Deleted post you were responding to

I think it’s all a matter of musically taste but it easy to get carried away with “Idol love” — at least I do occassionally.

I like both DC and MJ’s versions of Billy Jean. Plus, one big difference is that MJ wrote “Billy Jean”.

Regarding “Man in the Mirror”, IMO James Morrison did the best acoustic/contemporary version of this song. BUT there is nothing comparable to MJ’s performance of “Man in the Mirror”. Here’s MJ’s version from the 1988 Grammy’s:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zpTQCQEFhg

Stranger in Moscow – fantastic song.

I thought I knew all of Michael’s music as I am a huge fan, but I slept on this one until a David Archuleta blog, believe it or not. It was one of his recommendations and I was blown away. So thanks David, lol.

I just reminded myself to stop reading about MJ in Idol bubbledome, and go back to the real world, where an artist like MIchael J wouldnt even share a sentence with any contestant on a karoake reality show, not to talk of a direct comparison to a cover!

I hear ya!

****** Here’s MJ’s version from the 1988 Grammy’s:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zpTQCQEFhg

FANTASTIC! He IS one of a kind.

Hi, it’s called a personal opinion. Different strokes for different folks?
I never liked the original Billie Jean (although I love many other MJ songs) and I flove the CC/DC version of it (CC for coming up with it, DC for performing it in a way that leaves me in awe). There’s no right or wrong in musical taste, different takes and opinions are valid, and I live both in ‘Idol bubbledome’  and in the real world.

Well yeah, I guess that’s true. However, the fact must be acknowledged that Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean was a worldwide phenomenon will David Cook’s cover of it was merely a good performance on a reality tv show.

To me personally, there’s just no comparison here.

I just reminded myself to stop reading about MJ in Idol bubbledome, and go back to the real world, where an artist like MIchael J wouldnt even share a sentence with any contestant on a karoake reality show, not to talk of a direct comparison to a cover!

The real world is tearing him apart and I can’t stand it. I think I’ll stay in the bubble for a while.

Well yeah, I guess that’s true. However, the fact must be acknowledged that Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean was a worldwide phenomenon will David Cook’s cover of it was merely a good performance on a reality tv show.

That’s completely irrelevant to the question “Which one do you like better?”. Since that’s what we’re talking about… I could hear the most obscure version of a song that is the biggest hit, and still prefer it. It wouldn’t make my opinion any less valid than the Billions of people who prefer the original (Or never heard the obscure version at all). The context has no bearing when it comes to musical taste.
Just in case it’s not clear – I’m aware MJ wrote the song, it’s his, no doubt about it. I still don’t care much for it. Like leome said, IMHO the DC/CC version is so different, it really is like comparing apples and oranges.

The real world is tearing him apart and I can’t stand it. I think I’ll stay in the bubble for a while.

You nailed it. At least people here are writing about MJ’s music.

That’s completely irrelevant to the question ‘Which one do you like better?’ . Since that’s what we’re talking about’ ¦ I could hear the most obscure version of a song that was the biggest hit ever, and still prefer it, it wouldn’t make my opinion any less valid than the Billions of people who prefer the original (Or never heard the obscure version at all).

Well, it was relevant to me. I wasn’t attempting to invalidate anyone’s opinion, just expressing my own.

Like leome said, IMHO the DC/CC version is so different, it really is like comparing apples and oranges.

For me, it’s apples and oranges because one is an original, artistic vision, while the other is a different spin on someone else’s art. The second cannot exist without the first. Cornell wouldn’t have been able to create his version if the original song wasn’t such a great tune.

I’m not shocked that some people don’t like MJ’s voice. At one time or another he’s had a few hundred million fans, but not everyone liked him.

I just personally cannot imagine comparing him unfavorably to any AI contestant I guess. In the world of Popular music, MJ was clearly at least at one time the undisputed king. While in that same world, to me, most of the Idols are just teeny tiny blips on the screen.

Squirelly, thanks for posting Man in The Mirror, I just spent 7 blissful minutes watching it. I love that song, and that performance is a tour de force. I especially loved his pentecostal church ‘shout’ that he included in the dance. He was spectacular.

I too am gonna stay in the bubble as I just can’t stand to hear all of the crap. I would rather talk about the music. The music defined him for me as a fan. The other stuff, I have no knowledge or control over, so it’s out of my hands and way above my pay grade.

edit: deleted thea’s post

I, myself love MJ’s Billie Jean. It is actually my son who had never heard it before David Cook sang it and prefers David Cook’s. I just thought it was interesting that he didn’t realize MJ had sung it. Then I realized thru my son’s life MJ had a big cloud of controversy over his head and MJ wasn’t someone you really played for your child or heard a lot on the radio.

I totally get the whole thing about them sounding like 2 totally different songs and in that respect some people might favor one version over the other. It’s all good.

For me, it’s apples and oranges because one is an original, artistic vision, while the other is a different spin on someone else’s art. The second cannot exist without the first.

Well, in that case, it’s never valid to like a cover better than the original version. I simply don’t believe that. I think some covers create something new, interesting, inspired in it’s own. If a cover is simply a similar rendition with a better vocal, I see your point, but there are some covers that are so much more…
I love Gary Jules’ “Mad World”, while I really can’t stand the original from Tears for Fears. I simply think his version brings out the qualities in the song that I can relate to, that enhance the meaning. The meaning was possibly there all along, but if I couldn’t see it and appreciate it, what good is that?
Same goes for DC’s ABMB, BTW. Covers that made me look again at a song I always dismissed and find the beauty in it.

Well, in that case, it’s never valid to like a cover better than the original version.

That’s not really what I’m trying to say. I think I’ll just be done now.

Covers that made me look again at a song I always dismissed and find the beauty in it.

This is so true. I hate Kanye West’s music, but when Kris sang Heartless, I actually realized that it was a good melodic song with interesting lyrics. I didn’t get that from Kanye’s version even though I heard it 5 times per day at work over and over again for several months.

Same goes for Billie Jean, and ABMB from David Cook, and Mad World from Adam (I only heard the original before Adam sang it and didn’t care one way or another for it).

The Beatles “Twist and Shout” is a cover, but I like it infinitely better than the original… just sayin’.

I like MJ’s Billie Jean, but have never been a big fan of his. I LOVE DC’s version (sorry, DC’s version of CC’s version). The angst, the voice, everything. That doesn’t negate anything about MJ, it’s just subjective taste. The studio version is fantastic.

Doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with an Idol bubble, either. I just like one artist’s style more than another.

The vid up top is gorgeous. He performed it differently than on AI or on the AI tour. It’s more… I don’t know… thoughtful, or plaintive. Very nice, Dave.

Speaking of covers, I’m a big Madonna fan but I totally love Rob Thomas’ acoustic rendition of “Borderline.” Some have said that while the song was a pop dance confection, it was talking about manic-depression or schizophrenia. Rob Thomas’ version kind of realizes that.

Anyway, I think people can like a cover more than the original without it being an OMGHOWCOULDYOU?!@!! to the original. I used to like MJ very much when I was younger, and to this day, I can still acknowledge the contribution that he made to music but I sometimes find it hard to listen to his voice/music and not think about the other stuff that dominated his life. Especially the children…that always gets me.

I was a teen when MJ was famous (or should I say, when MJ was at his most famous), but I was never really moved by his music (his dancing is another matter). The thing with CC’s version is that it made me pay attention to the lyrics and the myriad of emotions they conveyed much more clearly than MJ’s version. With DC’s performance, it was CC’s arrangement as well as DC’s powerful vocals and emotional connection to the song, that really sold me on the song for the very FIRST time in my life despite having heard the original countless times in the prior two decades. So, yeah, I am one of those oafs who likes the cover much better than the original.

In the world of Popular music, MJ was clearly at least at one time the undisputed king. While in that same world, to me, most of the Idols are just teeny tiny blips on the screen.

I don’t think anyone is arguing that somehow that reality show contestants are somehow more relevant than MJ. I think they’re just saying that, for certain performances of certain songs, the reality show contestants actually made them connect to the music in a way that the original artist didn’t. Not a diss on MJ and his creation of a great song, but they’re just talking about a particular performance / version of the song — as it resonated with them personally.

Oh, by the way, the stories about the young ‘uns discovering that MJ sang the original version of BJ reminded me of a story that one DC fan told on TWoP last year. Apparently, one afternoon her two kids (around 4-5yo or so) came running out of their rooms one day and screamed, “Mom! Mom! The lady! On the radio! She’s singing David’s song . . . and it’s, it’s . . . WEIRD!” The song? ABMB. The lady? Mariah Carey.

I like Adam’s version of RoF a lot better than Dilana’s and way better then Johnny Cash’s.

And I like this version of When I Grow Up much better then the PCD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aAdQNVGxHI

MJ did write Billie Jean. But he did not write all his songs, including Man in the Mirror and Thriller. So actually, you could say MJ was doing a “cover” of someone else’s song. Most singers are singing someone else’s song. That is why I’ve never understood the covergate stuff on Idol.

Mariah is the best example that showed that most artists see it as a compliment, when people come up with a good cover that moves people.
She said to David about ABMB something like
” it make her proud as a songwriter and that it shows her song can stand the test of time.”

Or, alternatively, that story may mean that a couple of little kids who first heard ABMB on Idol might think that the original was the “alterna-version.” That was always how I interpreted that story (once I stopped laughing), but hey, YMMV. [smile]

It’s actually the fun thing about covers—sometimes I think that they improve on the original, sometimes I think that they are equal, and then sometimes I want to fling something at the person doing the cover. [My parents still have not forgiven Adam L. for Ring of Fire. If his name comes up, that is always the first thing that my mother mentions. So, yeah, opinions vary.] I have an itunes playlist of different covers—sometimes of songs where I love the originals, sometimes not. I also tend to think that a song that can be molded into a good, difflerent cover is probably a strong song.

For me, I like both the original and the CC/DC cover of Billie Jean. I think that I mostly like the original for my memories of Thriller being such a big deal when I was around 10 years old, and the dance steps that he did with it. I like the remake for fitting really well with the lyrics—full props to CC for that—and I do prefer DC’s voice on it to CC’s.

And for six degrees of separation, I like Johnny Cash’s cover of “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” better then Dylan’s original and am deeply moved by his take on Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.”

I’d really stopped caring about Jackson’s music until it started being done fresh by another generation. Not just Idol, but all the younger singers to whom the tunes are unspoiled.

As for Michael Jackson the man: the pedophilia (which is what bringing young boys to sleep in his bed was, even if that’s as far as it went), the wasting of a vast fortune in sheet excess, the bizarre self-mutilation by surgery, the hired breeding of children–it had gotten to the point where hearing his music just triggered a huge “uuuuuugggggh” by the force of association.

As for the vast amount of records he sold and the “he’s a global pop phenomenon” etc–shrug. It’s not that I don’t get how big he was, it’s that his behavior made me not care. The London concerts would have been a ghastly spectacle, I suspect.

For me, hearing Jackson’s music covered by different artists has made me realize the potential in the songs once more, and look more kindly on the creator. Still think he was a deeply disturbed man who created some strangely compelling pop songs that are all the better for passing into the era of being recreated and explored by a new generation.

I thought this was the bubble

This isn’t all about David Cook. Think of it this way. I am a huge movie fan. There are remakes of films that are sometimes horrific, but at other times, they reach the heights and even surpass those they’ve chose to honor with their own interpretation.

For instance, I have always thought that “An Affair to Remember” starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr was a wonderful remake of “Love Affair” starring Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne. I could say the same of “Imitation of Life.” But, in the latter case, I actually thought the Lana Turner remake surpassed the original movie.

The same occurrs on the theatrical stage. There are constant remakes of classic stage plays. Are we to suggest that every other interpretation is not worthy? That they shouldn’t do another re-interpretation? If so, we wouldn’t have a Broadway today.

Artists are always paying homage to other artists, be it on canvas, in film, on stage, in music, or writing. (How many Jane Austen spin-offs have there been?)

We can appreciate the effort and even find them equal to the original. But, it’s all about art building on each other, bringing it to a new generation, interpreting it in a new way.

And … that being said David “accidentally” gave new attention to Michael’s song. David was trying to win Idol, NOT draw attention to MJ. But, his performance did just that. Granted, it was Cornell’s arrangement, but Cornell wasn’t getting millions of viewers on the most popular TV show. David was. And … giving David credit here, it was HIS voice. A singer’s voice that sold it to the millions. Furthermore, it was to his credit that he recognized the artistry involved in both Cornell’s arrangement and MJ’s song to bring it, once again, to our attention. He was doing it for his own benefit and because he thought he could do it justice, but HE did it.

For that — and for a different view of that song — I give DC credit.

****

On another topic, I really wish David could have finished “Billie Jean” in that concert video.

People have been discussing how the video is marred by the screaming fans and the sing-alongs. Well, it’s a double-edged sword. As someone who can’t attend every concert, I enjoy the videos fans make, but I must admit to getting irritated by the singing along and the screams. I want to hear David!

However, as someone who attended a concert, one does get caught up! Live, I found myself shouting out, whooping it up, and singing along. I can only imagine the video watchers of THAT concert — just like “video watcher” me — cursing the “concert-goer” me out for being so annoying. Spoiling the perfect DC moment. “Why can’t concert-goer me shut up,” yells video-watcher me!? I am so-o-o annoying!

So my first thought when I opened this thread was as follows: mmm, hot, hotter, hottest. My second thought was hey, it’s an Adam sandwich. Yes, hi, I’m twelve. :bye_tb:

A bazillion people have probably covered MJ tunes over the years. Sometimes I like the covers better, sometimes not. Will always throw down for AAF’s Smooth Criminal. Brils.

On the three Billie Jeans…I do dig MJ’s Billie Jean, mostly because it reminds me of being six or seven and wishing I could make the sidewalk light up when I stepped on it. Kinda freaky to watch the end of that video now and think, well, he actually has disappeared and found peace away from the perils of this world. Anyway, Michael’s version, thanks to the video, was always more of a tale of innocence corrupted in my mind. Cornell’s version is plaintive and angsty, but Cook made it angry and kinda sexy. He was really ticked at this manipulative bitch, and he was also maybe ticked at himself too, and it’s my favorite take on the song. Course the one up above is more soulful and introspective as befitting a tribute to the original artist.

I am a huge movie fan. There are remakes of films that are sometimes horrific, but at other times, they reach the heights and even surpass those they’ve chose to honor with their own interpretation.

Yeah, you can have the same type of arguments about musical theater, too. Get a bunch of Sondheim nerds together and they could argue for hours as to the best staged version of Sweeney Todd (the 2005 revival doesn’t get a lot of love but I really dug it), and whether Tim Burton’s movie was a lesser version of the stage show or a stand alone piece of art.

SpenserJ and others. I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth but I think I can understand were you are coming from. I actually really get annoyed in general when AI fans say that one of their contestants covered a song by a really great artist and they are all..that was so amazing!!! It was better than the original!!! It is the best evah eleventy!!! But that is just a personal gripe. And I totally understand everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I am sure this kind of thing has been happening as long as people have covered songs by great artists. The Beatles covered a few songs I am sure their fans were saying the same things. That was amazing they are even better than xyz.

Just a little a story about DC’s Billie Jean. I love Billie Jean by MJ. I like many others had moved away from MJ because of his weirdness. When DC covered CC’s cover of MJ’s BJ (LOL follow that) It made me love Billie Jean by MJ more. I guess I never really understood what the whole song was about. I was usually caught up in the cool unique beat and the amazing dancing. I new there was a women named Billie Jean and she was not his lover. But that was about it.

When DC sang it, the song became more of an angry song with this layered story. A story that was always there. So I went back and watched Billie Jean by Michael and I saw it was there and I loved it even more. The End.

And while I think that David Cook is a guy with a good voice, I do not find him to be one of those artists that really effects the pop culture the way some of the historically big acts do.

Based upon Billie Jean? No. He performed it on Idol to get him to the next episode of Idol. Everything else was gravy. That doesn’t mean, it wasn’t good.

But, since David won Idol, he’s revisiting his “old” music that didn’t reach a national audience and he’s producing new music that *is* building a body of work that may be the grounding for a career on a similar scale. We don’t know. I have to say, that some of what David has recently created is an excellent start. For instance, “Permanent” could stand up to any of the classic ballads out there.

He is a new artist. I won’t be dismissive of him before he’s even had a career worth evaluating. Who dismisses a young journeyman before the journey has hardly begun?

When DC covered CC’s cover of MJ’s BJ (LOL follow that) It made me love Billie Jean by MJ more.

That’s very true. I can’t say DC’s rendition made me love Michael’s more, but it did make me revisit it and reappreciate it. After many years, I broke out my vinyl “Thriller” album and played it. In a sense, it almost seemed like a totally different song, both equally good. One an angsty singer’s version; one a pop dance version.

I get ya Spencer J

MJ is not my fave singer, but anyone who loves music can’t deny his incredible talent and influence. The first tune I hooked on was Beat It – that irresistible beat, the snarky irreverent lyrics – I remember dancing to it when I was 6 with an old neighbour, who musta been 60, balding and uh, outsized, and yet even he could spin on his heels (he thinks!) when Mikey sangs! Fun times. That song makes everybody silly, I love it.

Billie Jean was a second favourite. But the strange thing is – it took Chris Cornell to sing it before I knew what it was all about. Hee. Yup. The MJ version was all about the spins and that magical moonwalk. Chris made me see the heart of the song. So when David picked his version for the show and blew it out of the water, I never looked at AI as that cheesy show ever again LOL. For me, Chris Cornell brought out the older man’s melancholy bluesy regretful vibe, while David Cook put out this younger man’s passionate f*ck you to the girl who’s tormenting them both. Meanwhile, listening back to Micheal’s version – I feel like the guy who sings it is scared to death. Some girl is saying I had her kid? No way, please believe me – kind of vibe.

But then I stumbled back into Off The Wall – woo! I looooooved that album. MJ’s best in my book. Quincy Jones + MJ = R&B magic. I don’t know if any other R&B album ever caught that lightning in a bottle again.

His later stuff – not so much. I remember laughing at the Bad music video. There was this pancake white (by then) MJ in black badass mofo gear effeminately doing his shctick going wooo! and yeooow! and crotch-grabbing with his “gang” in front of an impassive Wesley Snipes (the badass of the other gang, whatev). I swear Wesley and me both had belly-laughs strapped under our mouth. If I wuz Wesley, I woulda smacked Mikey’s character up his head like you smack a silly chile. In my defence, I was in middle school and already going through my ironic phase by then. So….

I just deleted and edited a bunch of posts. Knock off the defensivensess and the putting words in people’s mouths. EVERYONE here is entitled to an opinion. That doesn’t mean you can’t disagree, just do it with respect. And when someone disagrees with you, or disses your fav Idol, please disagree without being huffy and defensive.

Well I was never a fan of Michael Jackson either and never bought anything of his. I went back and listened to Billie Jean (MJ’s) and it sounded disco to me, which I also never liked. It’s a matter of taste. People do covers all the time and it’s a testament that the lyrics were good then and still are. I listened to CC’s version and I wasn’t crazy about it either but liked it better than MJ’s. Cook took CC’s slowed down version and he put more feeling and passion to it. I’ll never forget that performances with that glory note. However, both CC & DC recognized the lyrics were good and timeless so kudos to CC for making it more modern and darker and to Cook for taking it a step further and adding more soul and feeling to it.

Though I was never a fan, MJ was talented and I did like a few of his songs and I could have done without the famous crotch grab but as MJ got weirder, I just tuned him out.

Sometimes covers are better than the original. It is a matter of taste & it depends how old the song is. Making it modern, adding a touch of this and that and suddenly it’s a totally different vibe.

As far as icons and legends go, well everyone starts out somewhere but if I had to go back to the Jackson 5 I would have never thought anyone from the lot would ever become legend. It was Motown and that’s all to me and there were plenty of people who have come and gone and nobody cares about them but it was good music in it’s day. If Michael hadn’t added those dance moves, the glove, etc., maybe he would have never caught on. I am over simplifying it, but you know what I mean.

As far as people doing covers. I love that because I’m familiar with it and there is nothing better than a real good singer doing a cover really well but adding to it. Some people have made careers on doing covers really well.

I can see it now. Vegas will soon have MJ impersonator acts side by side with Elvis impersonators.

As far as icons and legends go, well everyone starts out somewhere but if I had to go back to the Jackson 5 I would have never thought anyone from the lot would ever become legend.

YMMV, but I knew MJ had IT from the minute I laid eyes on him when the Jackson 5 and 11 year old Michael debuted on Ed Sullivan. That memory is still vivid to me nearly 40 years later.

If Michael hadn’t added those dance moves, the glove, etc., maybe he would have never caught on. I am over simplifying it, but you know what I mean.

I think the dance moves helped grab some people’s attention but in the end, I think the music, the voice and the artistry also spoke for itself. I was also looking back at those performances when Michael was 11, and I can’t think of any other child performer at that age with the same kind of voice, stage presence and personality. Regarding Cook’s BJ vs Michaels’s. Love both versions but they sound like two different songs so I can’t compare. However, I listen to Cook’s more, because that style of music fits my current taste and I love Cook’s voice in it. For that same reason, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of young people preferred Cook’s version to MJs. Doesn’t make it better, just more current.

I like Johnny Cash’s cover of ‘It Ain’t Me, Babe,’  better then Dylan’s original and am deeply moved by his take on Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hurt.’ 

Oh man, I can never miss an opportunity to link to this brilliant cover of Trent Reznor’s nihilistic addict’s lament. In Mr. Cash’s hands the song depicted the stark reality of a man facing his own mortality in the twilight years of his life.

One other note about Cook’s Billie Jean…few guys do worked over by a chick who is bad news like David Cook. I mean, it’s kinda his forte (so many great original Cook tunes with variations on this theme), so it was kind of fitting that he brought that whole vibe out of Billie Jean. In lesser hands it could come off either whiny or self indulgent, but there’s something about Cookie doing these tunes that make them sympathetic and rather than pathetic.

YMMV- what does this mean?

YMMV- what does this mean?

Your mileage may vary, i.e. you may have a different opinion.

(I think that usually goes without saying. I always stick with the tried-and-true “IMHO.”)

Thank you- I looked it up and saw it meant ‘Your mileage may vary’ but still had no clue what that had to do with a blog post.

IMHO – I know that one ;p

Sometimes it takes me forever to read a post trying to decipher these codes.

For you Cook fans, there are two more fantastic Billie Jean videos posted. One from the AI tour :

“Billie Jean” on AI tour @Evansville, IN

and one more from Aspen Colorado on Saturday:

Aspen “Billie Jean”

Ha, interesting discussion on covers, MJ’s stardom, etc.

Here’s another version of DC singing CC’s version of Billie Jean, which is the version *I* prefer over the original worldwide phenomenon. The latter is quite good as well, but for obvious reasons for me (I wasn’t born yet when original BJ came out), sounds much less “current”, like May said.

ETA: Oops, wordnerdarchie beat me to the link.

For you Cook fans, there are two more fantastic Billie Jean videos posted. One from the AI tour :

‘Billie Jean’  on AI tour @Evansville, IN

Wow, that *is* a great version. I’ve seen many videos that were taken of that performance and others during the Season 7 AI tour but that’s one of the best.

Personally, I don’t think anybody else could top Michael on his own songs. He brought anything he sang to a whole new level. He can’t be duplicated. Others did well with their covers, but I think some are pushing it to say some amateur performers on Idol topped the King of Pop. YMMV.

Lexus – that’s what’s so great about MJ’sbigblog – we can respectfully agree to disagree. and I do.

That Billie Jean performance from the AI tour — just incredible! DC owned that stage, undeniably the American Idol of that batch. Stunning, powerful stuff.

Pretty apropos quote from DC from a new interview (posted on the Headlines thread)

I asked him if anyone had contacted him about the passing of Michael Jackson due to his memorable rendition of “Billie Jean” on Idol, and he said that they had. David does admit, however, that his success with that performance was a bit of “dumb luck!” As far as Michael Jackson goes, David said that he thinks that Quincy Jones put it best when he said that a great musician comes along once in a lifetime, but an artist like Michael Jackson only comes along once.

Another great video of Billie Jean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAwEvCfWIBg&feature=channel_page