Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Gee, wasn’t it nice seeing David Cook back on the Idol stage Wednesday night?

Season seven of American Idol will always be one of my favorites. David is a large part of the reason.

He returned in fine form, kicking off the show with a blistering performance of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”

Hope the other Idols were taking notes. That’s the way it’s done, guys and gals.

You don’t have to destroy the song you’re singing. Or turn rock into reggae. You simply need to own the song you sing.

The best news of all on the David Cook front comes courtesy of Idol Tracker. David hopes to have a single out in April.

The timeline for a new album: summer, perhaps. David told Idol Tracker he’s already co-written about 30 songs with another 10 to 15 in the pipeline.

Here’s the link to the Idol Tracker interview, where David talks about the upcoming album, the songs he’s written and his impressions of Idol’s season nine talent.

Some other random thoughts after Idol’s first week of finals …

* I found it odd that the judges were so unaware of Paige Miles’ health problems this week. Jeez, judges, all you have to do is read the Twitter feed from your contestants.

* Now I know why some in the entertainment industry have dubbed Ke$ha Baby Gaga. Dancing TV screens? An Indian headdress? Exactly what did that have to do with the song she was singing?

Hey, at least she changed the lyrics enough not to be bleeped out on national TV. Give her credit for that.

* As odd as parts of Ke$ha’s performance were, I’ll take three guests artists over an Idol group number any day.

If that was a permanent change, thanks, American Idol. If that was a trial run, please make the switch.

* Love, love, love the fact that the judges’ save is back for season nine. I didn’t think for a moment the judges would use it last night. But I wonder what would have happened if Lilly Scott had made it to the final 12, then been eliminated? Just a thought.

* Next up for the remaining 11 Idols: Teen Idol Week. Does that mean songs by David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks are fair game? Paige could belt out “Battlefield.” Oops, almost forgot. Simon hates that song.

* Idol’s schedule next week follows the same timeline. That means a two-hour show Tuesday kicking off at 8 p.m. followed by a one-hour results show Wednesday at 9 p.m.