I included this clip of David's Hollywood audition because it further cements the points I just made. Notice the scowl on Simon's face throughout the audition. (Yes, I know he always has that sort of look, but this time it's more pronounced than usual.) Even though most people boo Simon's criticisms, everyone knows that he's generally on-point with his observations 95% of the time. So why does Simon look so displeased with this performance?
"I think the minute you lose that guitar, you're going to look very vulnerable up there."
Vulnerable, insecure - they're pretty much interchangeable. What they mean is that David Cook is always clinging to some gimmick, whether its his rooster-do or a Les Paul. He can't just go out there and be himself. Simon saw right through David's charade, which is why he was the only one of the three judges to give him a "no".
Also, for those of you who watched the video all the way through, notice how David tried to make a joke that Simon was just jealous of his hair. You know, just in case we hadn't noticed his latest style...
After all this psychobabble and overanalyzing, you're probably wondering why I even care about David Cook, his hair, and whether or not he's got a big ego or is insecure? The reason is that I feel it would send a very bad message to a lot of impressionable youth if David Cook won the competition. David is blatantly trying to be "something" and live up to this pre-conceived notion of what's "cool" instead of being himself and proving that he has intrinsic value because of who he is. If you're having any trouble grasping what I'm trying to say, Mr. T will explain it for you. Let's be honest, the media doesn't want you to be confident in being yourself, because then they couldn't sell you the clothes and cars and other materials you need to own to be like everybody else. David Cook is just reinforcing that self-suppressing message instead of breaking the mold. If you ask me, that's not what the American Idol winner should represent. For further proof, you can refer to this clip...
Isn't Brooke White just the best? Seriously, how can you possibly dislike the girl? Yeah, she's a little strange and awkward, but that's who she is and she owns it. She's completely genuine and isn't trying to "impress" anyone. She's beyond humble even to the point where she's far more likely to point out her mistakes than praise her amazing performances. Isn't this the type of person we should be supporting? Wouldn't she be not only an incredible talent, but a world class role model if she won the competition?
Then there's David Cook! This video proves my point perhaps better than any other. Just look at the contrast between him and Brooke. She's sitting there being her goofy but true self, and David's rambling on, beyond smug, and trying to sound clever with his comments about how Mandy Moore is "Immaculate", how he loves "Americana bar food", how he does a "general calisthenics routine" before performances, and how he considers himself to be an "entry level renaissance man". It's just pure meaningless drivel that's supposed to make us think he's this great intellectual. Throughout the entire clip Brooke is entirely sweet, genuine, and charming, while David, well... If you can get through the entire two and a half minute clip without wanting to punch him in the face, you're a better man than I am.
