I Heart David Cook

I have to admit I've never voted. Not once. I've followed the race from the beginning, not always on television, but in snips — its online and videos here and there — whenever work allows.

I've got my favorite. He's a Missouri guy, but that's not the reason I like him, though it would be fun to see a Midwesterner win this thing.

His talent is unparalleled at every turn. He reaches out to the audience every time. His eyes sparkle, and you can tell this is where he belongs.

Besides, he's got those down-home values. Every time they're lined up for judging, he's hugging and congratulating someone, and he's always genuine in his good-bye hugs to those just voted off.

So here's to you David Cook. I'm voting for you. You are my American Idol. Everytime I see you I do a girlie, "Awww ... He's so cute."

I liked Syesha. She was energetic and always put on a sexy/funny/innocent/whatever-character-she-needs-to-be performance. And she could sing. But David Cook can play and sing. He can be himself completely while doing someone else's songs. It was theirs, but that was him.

This other David? Come on! Archualotta-nuthin. The kid is four members short of a boy band. Where's the hunk, the rebel, the older brother, etc. to round out his act? Because he really is the little one. No personality and not much to ride on except for a wave of pity.

The nature of print and the newspaper business is such that this column actually gets written on Tuesday. With that in mind, congratulations, David Cook. You deserve it, and I'll probably buy your album.

If a catastrophic cell disaster occurs and I don't get to vote and you lose, fine. Being in the final two pretty much guarantees you a record deal, anyway. I'll still buy it.

P.S. My sister thinks you and I would make a great couple.