David Cook News

On last night's AMERICAN IDOL, the Top 8 traveled back in time thirty years to bring the nation the best hits from the 80s!

Just as it did last week, tonight's AMERICAN IDOL featured the Top-8 finalists. After an ill-advised use of the sole judge's save, Sam Woolf remained in the competition long enough to be mentored by former IDOL champ David Cook for this week's 80's theme. With the obvious negligence of 'full-time' mentor Randy Jackson, it is staggering to see how much progress can be made with a mentor who is actively engaged in helping the finalists become better singers, performers, and artists.

When last we left our Season XIII AMERICAN IDOL finalists, an uncomfortable amount of confetti was raining down on 17-year-old Sam Woolf, who had survived America's vote by garnering the season's only judge's save. As the show went off the air host Ryan Seacrest informed us that Top-8 Week Part 2 would focus on the songs of the 1980s. Again, first-year Executive Producer Per Blankens has opted to give the contestants an extremely open-ended theme. Thus far, the strategy has proved beneficial for audiences and Idols alike, as both have been exposed to songs outside the normally limited Reality Show set-list.

Last Thursday when I heard about this week's theme, 'I'm with the Band,' I have to admit that I just didn't get it. However, now that I've seen how the IDOL Powers-That-Be implemented it on stage, I still really don't get it. The contestants sing with Ricky Minor and his band every week, however, to switch it up, this week the finalists will be singing with Ricky Minor and his band ON STAGE.

After years of airing live from LA's Nokia Theatre, the 13th season finale of FOX's AMERICAN IDOL may be heading to New York City's recently renovated Madison Square Garden,

SETH GLIER is a singer/songwriter who is a veteran to the music business. At 24, Seth has been writing and singing his own music as he tours with people like Lisa Marie Presley and David Cook. His music is unique and tells stories about the world Seth sees around him.

This week at Joe's Pub at the Public, August 5-11, will feature: Summer & Eve...and Friends, Jac 'n Swallow, Diego Figueiredo, Ryan Star, Freestyle Love Supreme, Lindsay Katt, Debauche, Katy Steele/Andrew Shapiro, Osekre/Mean Lady, Kim Lenz, Lalana, Henry Butler, Jayme Stone, and Incoming! The Public Theater's Under the Radar Festival.

Gotham Stage Company's third installment of the new play series will be co-presented for the first time by Slant Theatre Project. Launched in 2011, the SPRINGBoard reading series exists to nurture new plays and to provide opportunities to both early and mid-career theatre artists. Past featured playwrights have included Carrie Barrett, Randall David Cook, and Ethan Lipton.

Gotham Stage Company's third installment of the new play series will be co-presented for the first time by Slant Theatre Project. Launched in 2011, the SPRINGBoard reading series exists to nurture new plays and to provide opportunities to both early and mid-career theatre artists. Past featured playwrights have included Carrie Barrett, Randall David Cook, and Ethan Lipton.

Gotham Stage Company's third installment of their new play series will be co-presented for the first time by Slant Theatre Project. Launched in 2011, the SPRINGBoard reading series exists to nurture new plays and to provide opportunities to both early and mid-career theatre artists. Past featured playwrights have included Carrie Barrett, Randall David Cook, and Ethan Lipton.

Despite rumors that former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson was under consideration for one of the show's season 13 judging slots, the singer tells The Hollywood Reporter that she will not be returning to the program. Meanwhile, American Idol execs are reportedly still mulling over an all-alum judges panel for next season, including Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls).

Vulture reports that Fox, FremantleMedia, and 19 Entertainment have approached many of the stars churned out of the IDOL machine - including Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson - for the vacant judging positions. Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken are also being considered.

AMERICAN IDOL's dueling divas showdown came to an exhilarating close last night as Candice Glover was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX.

When he assumes his hosting duties on Saturday Night Live this Saturday, Ben Affleck will join SNL's exclusive '5-Timer's Club.' To mark the occasion, VH1 will air his first four appearences on the legendary comedy show beginning Saturday May 18th at 2:00 PM ET/PT.* Later that evening, Affleck will take his place alongside fellow 5-timers like Justin Timberlake, Tom Hanks, and Alec Baldwin.

Gotham Stage Company's third installment of their new play series will be co-presented for the first time by Slant Theatre Project. Launched in 2011, the SPRINGBoard reading series exists to nurture new plays and to provide opportunities to both early and mid-career theatre artists. Past featured playwrights have included Carrie Barrett, Randall David Cook, and Ethan Lipton.

Season 7 AMERICAN IDOL Winner David Cook returned to the Idol stage last night, performing his hit 'Laying Me Low'. Watch his fantastic performance below!

All good things come in threes, and tonight more so than ever! AMERICAN IDOL revealed that the Top 3 finalists are Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Angie Miller.

Another contestant was sent home on tonight's results show of American Idol. The night kicked off with a performance from the four ladies. They sang Crazy in Love. As always, they sounded great together.

Don't miss the live AMERICAN IDOL results show, Thursday, May 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the final three remaining female powerhouses will be revealed. In addition, Season 7 winner David Cook will perform his new single, “Laying Me Low.”