David Cook returns to ‘American Idol’ with Lady Gaga on the Wednesday, April 1, show — and a chance to show Adam Lambert fans what the real deal looks like.Until this week, I definitely felt Adam wasn’t as good as David was last year when it came to interesting, creative interpretations of songs that made you hear them in a new way.
But now, I’m not so sure. Adam’s haunting take on Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” ranks right up there with David’s startling “Hello,” or his slowed-down “Billie Jean.”
So Tuesday/Wednesday will be a great chance to hear the two of them back-to-back. I like them both, and I think a lot of fans of David’s are rooting for Adam to win this year, so it’s not really some sort of a grudge match.
One odd thing — “American Idol” isn’t saying yet what the theme will be or who will be the celebrity mentor. Not sure what that means; usually they don’t keep it secret. Any guesses or information?
Read the rest of this story here: http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/american_idols_adam_lambert_vs.html
As much as we all know I love Adam, and as much as I look forward to seeing him every week, due in large part to his vocal range, I am going to have to go with Cook. I think Adam has the better voice, but Cook is, as Paula and Kara would say, the whole package. He never puts on a “show”–he is true and truly innovative. (Oh, and ridiculousy handsome.) I watched his performances over and over. There is serious talent, America, plus NO ONE pegged him to win; it was going to be Archuleta until it wasn’t.
Sadly, there is a family emergency and Cook as had to return home and has canceled his shows in N.H. and CT. Our prayers are with you, Cook family.
I amend what I posted. I love them both for different reasons. BUT if I had to choose which concert to go to, I think (at this point) I would have to go with Cook, if only for him singing Permanent (written for his older and very ill brother Adam); he couldn’t even finish it the other night because he got so choked up (I saw the YouTube video). So sad.
I’ll have to cop out and go with “different” not better. They are both very good at what they do. Adam is the better pure singer, but David’s voice has more texture. Both can be inspiring and give you chills, but in different ways.
David is a remarkable song writer and musician, so that gives him a leg up on Adam.
If you wanted to go to a stadium and see a really good rock concert, go see David. If you want to go to qa stadium and see a mind-blowing spectacle, see Adam.
David is meat and potatos. Adam is a hit of acid.
Based upon what I have seen of the Zodiac performances, God only knows what a Lambert Caocert would be like.
An experience for sure.
Is there really a need to compare? I love both of them for different reasons.
I definitely don’t see Adam as this year’s Cook. And let’s admit it, Cook’s genius performances will be hard to ever top. I’m not even expecting that to happen.
By the way, my heart goes to David, I really hope everything gets better with his family issue
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I voted for Cook last year but I like Adam better. Adam generates more shock and awe for me. He’s more provocative and therefore more interesting.
I love both of there voices, and Adam is the better singer but David has the better voice, so I don’t know there both great. David sounds amazing live and I will have to wait to hear what Adam sounds like live at the tour.
Everybody sounds different live. Jason Castro who I thought sucked on TV last year sounded really good live, ditto Kristy Lee Cook, while Ramiele and Jordin didn’t sound very great live.
Syesha, David Archuleta, Carly and Michael sounded great too.
I totally agree with Jill M.
Cook cause he can sing and isn’t a divish fairy…
Adam by a mile. David’s fine, and certainly talented with a nice vocal tone, but here’s why I say ADAM.
- Way more impressive vocal range – I mean come on, have you heard Adam in Brigadoon or Is Anybody Listening, or Prayer?
- Way more versatile – can do anything, ballads, rock, pop, Broadway, classical, electro, etc. Variety is what makes a great concert.
- Dances better.
- Way better to look at – sorry, but David does nothing for me.
- Fabulous fashion (except for those dim gloves and black polish).
- Better showman/performer – when I pay $100+ or more for a concert I want entertainment.
- More humility – yea, really, I think David is a bit haughty.
- Sexy- sorry, David isn’t sexy. Pairing him with Carrie Underwood was just plain awkward.
I’d pay to see Adam, but probably not David. Disclaimer – if Adam turned total Rock, I probably wouldnt be as interested.
Adam has fashion? Guys aren’t supposed to have the same wardrobe as scary spice.
Range? High pitch screaming isn’t range.
Sexy? Bad acne covered with loads of make up is the new sexy?
They’re DIFFERENT! How can we even compare? I mean, have you guys listened to their back catalogue (their pre-Idol stuff?) David is all grunge rock anthems / somber emo-ballads, even folksy-rock with his Axium, Mid-West Kings or solo Analog Heart stuff. On the other hand Adam is all glam pop-rock or dance. I don’t think either one would be caught dead singing the other guy’s stuff LOL! I love both of ‘em, but where I think David pips Adam is that he’s a musician first and singer second and he’s a prolific singer-songwriter (yeah, I have a thing for musicians LOL!). So his singing career could tank, but I think he’d still be in a good place. And they’re both good guys with sweet personalities (David’s had a really bum rap with all the ‘haughty’ and ‘arrogant’ sniping, but anyone who has consistently watched his interviews will see that that is VERY far from the truth).
Cook brought a real musician’s sensibility to Idol. That’s his real legacy to Idol. Lambert’s legacy will be his she-male theatrics – the hair/makeup / costume / body language effect(he’s better when you can see him. His studio versions aren’t really standouts even compared to his season’s co-Idols). Vocally, Fantasia / Melinda / Archuleta / Bo Bice (for me personally) own both Cook and Lambert.
I agree with wizkid.
I like Adam better. He is more interesting, and it’s fun to see what he’ll do each week. He has a lot higher of a range than Cook. Cook is good too.
Its kinda hard to pick, they are soo different. I’d buy both their CDs, but I’d probably look forward to an Adam Lambert concert wayyy more.
I agree with Wizkid, too – I like Adam better. D C just doesn’t do it for me, not that I didn’t like some of his performances, last year, but I always felt he was emulating others.. like Daughtry, who I like. I just never felt he was “himself”, though he can sing – and no, I don’t care for his looks, either.
Adam seems more talented all the way around, is seemingly multifaceted and we haven’t seen everything, yet. And as looks go, he is more pleasing to look at and smoldering. Yet, look how cool he looked this past week. Wait until Elvis week.. (if there is one).
Anyway, just my opinion -
Hey Suebrody – can you advise that youtube link?
They are 2 different animals. I love both a lot. I’d be in heaven if they sang together. Their collaboration would be epic.
This whole thread is pointless to me. “Better” is too subjective. One’s taste in music and singers can vary too widely. One person could love a performer for the very reason another hates him/her.
“I think a lot of fans of David’s are rooting for Adam to win this year, so it’s not really some sort of a grudge match.”
Even though this journalist is trying to make it into one.
Lame article.
I’d go to both concerts (provided they’re on different dates haha).
But if it falls on the same date, I’d go for Adam’s. I’m not a huge fan of David Cook’s CD even if it’s platinum or whatever. I was a fan of what he did on the show, and I’m wondering where that went after he won.
And idk, I’m a theatre person so I guess this answer has a hint of bias for Adam.
Overrated, you are so right. and david cook is definitely sexy. he is a wonderful man who creates wonderful music. the things david cook does are so amazing and the his song really touch hearts. i’m sooooo into David Cook. i’ll go with him with whatever.
whatever adam lovers! DAVID COOK is wayyyy better than that stupid GAY!
Wow. Surprised at some of these answers. No comparison at all for me – Adam Lambert, all the way. David Cook had a couple of good performances last year, but I thought he was highly overrated (and handsome?!? LOL). In fact, Season 7 was dull as dirt for me and I didn’t even watch the last two shows. David vs. David? Whoop-de-doo.
The title of the article is incorrect anyway. David has already recorded his performance, so they won’t be on the “same” stage, at least not live on the show.
Bill, liked your summation …hit of acid, is right. Hit me, baby!
Cook won the show. Lambert on the other hand….
i rest my case.
Anne Marie, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/db4qny
I got this from MintTee on Twitter (huge Cook fan, goes to his concerts and posts his vidoes). If you do Twitter(lots of Idol fans there), check her out. I’m on there as subrody1.
This is kind of a silly debate. You can like them both and not have to compare them, in the sense that they are so different. I went to a board, and it was like, OH, DAVID IS SO MUCH BETTER and ADAM KICKS DAVID’S BUTT.
And I thought…what?! Why?! I guess it’s because Cook was the front runner (along with Archuleta) at this point last season and Adam is (along with Allison and Matt or Kris) this year.
Or something like that.
Adam is by far the best talent AI has ever seen in 8 years. It is not even close.
Just cancel the rest of the season and make Adam the winner as far as im concerned. I want his Cd like tomorrow!
But Doug…do you like Adam?
I would buy Allison’s CD too…..
I would also buy Matt’s. Have you heard his Motown recording? Awesome.
Fun Fact: Adam’s Tracks Of My Tears got 28 spins this week on radio stations! According to Brian Mansfield at US Today’s Idol Blog, that puts him at 73 on the list of how Idol’s singles performed during the week.
BTW, no other current Idols got spins on radio stations.
Put Adam as front man for the band The Binges. (Youtube)
That would be MY vision for what kind of music Adam would make.
The guitar players are twin japanese girls!
Even my professor got “Tracks of my Tears” stuck in his head after hearing it off the TV when he passed by his daughter’s room LOL.
I was actually a huge daughtry fan, and I was a david cook fan last yr but the similarities between adam and cook and sparse. Cook is more grunge and rock, his voice is more raw and deeper, whereas adam has more of a falsetto and is more than rock. Although, they both are extremely creative and can make somthing their own and are very great performers. Adam is so much more appealing/sexy/interesting/intriguing/shocking/touching..he gives me butterflies
so I will say I favor adam for all those and that if i was forced to choose..id say 100% ADAM!!
Leave Adam’s sexuality out of this discussion as it just shows the problem you have is the fact you are a bigot and hateful…just realize that tolerance makes you a better and more likeable person.
I will say if I wanted more entertainment value for my buck I’d go to an Adam Lambert concert. Their voices are completely different however Adam is able to pull off any song. Adam also has what I found lacking in David stage presence and charisma. Also Adam’s personability makes Adam better able to connect with fans. Overall Adam I believe will be an international star whether he wins or not. David has yet to reach that status.
I agree with whoever said upthread that Cook is a musician first and singer second. That’s what made his win on AI suh-weet for those of us who like instrumentation front and center. It’s a throwback to a time when music wasn’t so autotuned to death. The vocals don’t have to be perfect, eg Bob Dylan, or Billy Joel et al. All the guy needs is his voice and his musical instrument. I don’t think anyone would call Lambert a musician. He’s a performer. Whatever rocks your boat. Again, sex appeal is completely subjective. Some people out there still find Keith Richards sexy. And that guy could scare ghosts out of graves. Go figure.
I love COOK… simple as that!!!
adam is good i like it, but david cook is awesome ….
Adam and David is totally different..adam is from theater,of course he got much better vocal range and stage present..but can you name me one rocker who actually have vocal range as good as david?i don’t think you can..adam actually have change the show back to where it belong..a “KARAOKE SHOW”..nothing more..
when it comes to originality on idol,nobody come close to david..he have set the bar so high for this year contestant..sorry for that..david cook is the BEST idol eva!!go watch david cook live in concert..he and his band just beyond AWESOME!
Adam Lambert is beautiful and the best singer idol has ever had. Great stage presense, beautiful smile, sings perfectly he will win this year, As for David Cook that looks like he has just craweled out of bed he is awful. I do not think he is a good singer nor is he attractive. He is a nerd like that Gokey guy this year! ADAM IS THE WINNER!
David Cook by a long shot. He is the whole package.
If both of them happens to be at the same AI season, it will be a close fight but I think Adam Lambert will win unanimously.
For all AI season winners, never seen a performer like Adam. He should not be in AI after all but rather in professional league already.
To me, Adam Lambert is above and beyond comparison. He is the most talented performer I have ever seen in my life. Over here in England the only Idol winner that people have really heard of is Kelly Clarkson. Adam will be a worldwide icon, Europe, Asia, everyone will be mad for him. He is phenomenal and then some!
DAVID COOK! to me adam comes across as a wannabe rockstar kind of guy… hes over rated and hes trying to hard to have the rockish image…he actually kind of scares me, he has an amazing voice but i cant see him going aroudn in a tour bus and doing shows like Mr. Cook.
I had the amazing privilege of getting to see David Cook in concert…most amazing singer in the world…he was amazing on Idol but that doesnt compare at all with seeing him live! David Cook 4EVER!