'Idol': David Cook Performs New Song, Becomes the Male Kelly Clarkson

Frank Micelotta / FOX

David Cook didn't quite hit as bit as Idol fans thought he would after he was crowned the Season 7 winner of American Idol. He had a few hits, but as of yet, he hasn't quite matched up to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, or even Jordin Sparks. But we always knew he could do more. He was always destined to reach a little further. And Thursday night, Cook took the stage for the results show that saw the elimination of darling Amber Holcomb, and proved one very important thing for the castoff contestant: There's no where to go but up.
Cook took a quick little victory jaunt, happily joking about how teary the hometown visits are about to make Kree Harrison, Candice Glover, and Angie Miller. But then he got down to business. And his song was, well, the business. "Laying Me Low" has all the fire and angst of the best Kelly Clarkson songs, a veritable anthem for the Idol fan who's oh-so in touch with all of their feelings, whose hearts have been broken (or at the very least confused). Cook has tapped into the right vein with his new pop-rock song and if he plays his cards right, it could carry him right to a firm lock as a summer jam.