Ousted ‘American Idol’ finalist Kristy Lee Cook brought more to show than looks
By Matthew B. Zeidman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/18/08 – It’s been a rough road on “American Idol” for this week’s eliminated finalist, 24-year-old Kristy Lee Cook. She was criticized for being an industry insider, chided for her choices of song and accused of being the show’s resident pretty face, narrowly escaping elimination week after week only by the grace of her good looks. But while her departure surprised few fans or bookmakers, the wave of negativity surrounding the young Oregonian was less than deserved.
Firstly, the accusations regarding her aesthetic appeal were completely unfounded. If “Idol” supremacy hinged on the votes of tongue-wagging male viewers, fellow country belles Alaina Whitaker and Kady Malloy would still be strutting their stuff alongside the likes of Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey each week and auditioning contestants would be greeted with a picture of Katharine McPhee smiling on the wall next to the show’s other winners.
As far as those purists who think show producers should close the loophole that allows those with prior record contracts to audition for the show, Cook’s ouster (as well as the surprise elimination of critic favorite Michael Johns last week) proved that being a professional musician isn’t an unfair advantage over diamond-in-the-rough amateurs.
Additionally, the claim that people of Cook’s ilk already had their chance at fame and should give someone else a try violates the very core of “Idol.” While some series alums have skyrocketed to fame and success right after being crowned (e.g., Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood), others have found themselves wandering the abyss of obscurity (e.g., Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard). If anything, the show is a testament to the predicament of talented artists who, after all is said and done and they’ve tried their best, have to surrender their careers to the uncertain hand of fate. If the judges originally felt Cook had potential—more potential than others who tried out—why should a prior record contract be a scarlet letter? That would be unfair to Cook—not the inferior performer she won the spot over.
Cook did have her faults, of course. Despite telling judge Simon Cowell she could “knock his socks off,” she rarely did so, her inhibited style of performance eclipsed by Brooke White’s passion, Carly Smithson’s charm and David Cook’s talent for arrangement. But, all in all, she was a colorful tile on the “Idol” mosaic whose only “unfair” advantage was her homey, down-to-earth attitude and honest demeanor. After all, who could say “no” to the all-American girl next door, who went so far as to sacrifice her beloved horse just for a chance to bask in the glitter of Hollywood?
9 responses so far ↓
1 soulthing // Apr 18, 2008 at 8:29 am
Matthew – do check out Taylor Hick’s schedule at http://www.soulthing.blogspot.com. He also has a CD, DVD and tour planned for this year. If you’d get your head out of the sand pit, you’d know this instead of showing your cluelessness.
2 George Cochran // Apr 18, 2008 at 10:30 am
Matthew:
I think your remarks about this young woman are “spot on.” She is a pretty girl with a delightful wholesomeness and significant talent. In the right developers’ hands, she could have a good, professional future.
3 pezastic // Apr 18, 2008 at 10:32 am
“David Cook’s talent for arrangement”? Name one song that was his original arrangement. He’s always copied from others.
4 idol fan // Apr 18, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Kristy Lee definitely grew on me. I’ll admit that there was something (I don’t know exactly what it was) that turned me off about her even before “Eight Days A Week”.
But she definitely proved me wrong!!!!! She is a smart girl and she has a sense of humor. IMO, she handled herself better than most would have in her situation. She knew her fate, but she went out and had fun and improved every week. I thought she did pretty well this past week. She got to me and I really did not want to see her go after all!
5 idol fan // Apr 18, 2008 at 3:26 pm
To Pezatic:
Um, I think “You’ll Always Be My Baby” was his original arrangement.
And even if he has copied some arrangements, who cares?!!!!! The kid is very talented!!!! I can’t remember anyone else in the history of AI who has tried different arrangements the way he has. Can you? Most do it the original way with minor changes.
Michael Johns was my fav.; and I’ll admit I’m a little biased with David C. because he’s from my home state. But he rocks!!!! And I would buy his CD in a heartbeat!!!
I also like him because he proves to be intelligent and very strong considering what he is going through right now.
GO DAVID COOK!!!!!
6 sony // Apr 19, 2008 at 7:36 am
*Idol*
America is voting who they think is the winner. Judges will say what they think, but they do not have something to do with the actual vote. Legalities is all over America. Sometimes just say I tried my best is better to hear rather than trying to blame someone…..
7 Liz // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:05 am
Good article. Kristy was growing on me and I’m not a country music fan. I felt she was getting better each week and was looking forward to her next performance. I hope she does get out there and knock our socks off. Go Kristy!
8 Judy // Apr 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I liked Kristy Lee from the start. Thought she has a sweet voice.
Why is anyone complaining?
She made it to the top 7, will go on tour, get a record deal, and go on to have a good carer if she is smart.
Go! Kristy Lee!
9 Philbert // Apr 20, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Taylor who?
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