I wasn't the avid Idol fan like I'd used to be a couple of years ago. I'm sure if you'd gotten a hold of the younger version of me, I could quote you back an entire episode from a previous week. Idol was not doing so well, and previous winners had made me lose hope in the entire integrity of the machine. There hadn't been a quality star since Kelly Clarkson, who's had more than her share of strife since exiting the vices of her contractual agreements.

I'd basically just given up the ghost in regards to American Idol, and yet- I found myself catching a later round of the show this past season on a bored Tuesday night, ironically my birthday. "Songs from Birth Year," interesting. I gave it a whirl. Out comes this strikingly handsome guy who looks sort of like Ryan Renolds, who knocks out a version of "We Are the Champions" and alas, my love for Michael Johns was born. As I was in the kitchen later on towards the end of the show, I hear this amazing cover of "Billie Jean." I literally stopped dead in my tracks and ran into the living room to see who could have possibly been so brilliant to cover that song and completely re-invent it. David Cook. The guy not only was good on the eyes, but could knock you dead with his talent. I wondered where the hell they picked up their contestants this year, wondering if it was staged at all because not only were Johns and Cook absolutely stunning, but so was everyone else. And that rarely ever happened where I had more than one person to call my favorite in previous seasons. After that, I was hooked. I went back and watched everything up until then and then started following the show weekly. As they say, the rest is history.

Why I'm a fan? Because true talent is indeed hard to find, and I strongly believe that David Cook is here to stay. For once, there is someone in the industry I can relate to and actually enjoy their music! While others fizzle out, Cook's star will remain bright. Fan for life? You bet. I can't wait to see what's on the menu next for this master chef!

09.12.08