David Cook - National Anthem ???

David Cook shoots, scores national anthem gig
By Herald wire services
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - Updated 2h ago


“American Idol” David Cook may be a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan, but last night he knew his performance singing the national anthem before Game 3 was going to be part of hoop history.

“It’s the Lakers and the Celtics [team stats],” said the new Idol and all-around sports fan. “I think this is one of those quintessential rivalries in sports. I’m just honored to be here.”

Got any predictions, Dave?

“I think its going to go seven games, and then it’s whoever shows up,” he said, adding that he did hope to say hey to Celtics’ Big Ticket Kevin Garnett last night.

The Missouri boy, who grew up Idolizing Jeff Hornacek, said pulling the oh-say-can-you-see duty at the NBA Finals is among the Top 3 coolest things he’s done since being crowned American Idol.

He put visiting a children’s hospital in New York and appearing on the “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno as his first and second picks.

David did amazing, and I cannot believe how many of David's fans feel like his performance was a let down.

It totally was not a let down by any means.

He sang the song the way it is supposed to be sang, and he hit those high notes.

He did both those things while being in his own words, "petrified".

I don't get it.

David Cook dates ex-'Idol' singer ???

Previous American Idol contestant Kimberly Caldwell from season 2 did not manage to win the show, but she has done the next best thing, by dating the winner of the 2008 show David Cook. The couple has been seen out going to dinner; Caldwell has said that she has been a fan of Cook throughout the whole season. David Cook wanted to thank her for her support, so decided to take her out for a meal as a thank you, the couple were joined by Justin Guarini and David Archuleta.

It is not a foregone conclusion as to if the pair are an item, but the early signs of a budding relationship are promising. Both Kimberly Caldwell and David Cook would have had a much better first date than most, as they were both finalists on American Idol, they share a common ground. The two of them are well suited, as both have gritty voices. Many of you will remember the great performances that Caldwell pulled out of the bag way back on season 2 of American Idol. Who knows by going out with David Cook, this could open up new windows in the world of music for Kimberly Caldwell once again, she has put her music career on hold, and has been doing a lot of TV work.

This could change as Cook might just inspire her to take hold of that mic once more, and if a budding romance between her and Cook does blossom, this could help both of them produce some great music.

Veterans at heart of Obama's Las Cruces Memorial Day talk

With the state flag and the Organ Mountains behind him, U.S.... (Sun-News photo by Norm Dettlaff)

LAS CRUCES — In front of a Memorial Day crowd of southern New Mexico veterans and their families, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama promised veterans better medical care and more help transitioning back into civilian life if he's elected president.

Obama addressed an audience of about 200 on Monday afternoon at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. The outdoor event, though initially announced as open to the public, was invitation-only.

Obama, answering questions posed from the audience, said the federal government isn't adequately serving veterans.

He said he'd work with Congress to pass the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs budget on time each year and have accurate budget planning.

"My expectation is that every single veteran that's eligible for benefits is going to get their benefits that year," he said.

Obama said the country needs more veterans' hospitals, so those seeking basic health services won't have to drive long distances. A records-transfer system between the Department of Defense and the Veterans Affairs department will have to be improved, he said.

Also, Obama said, more emphasis must be placed on improving mental health care for returning vets and in helping them find jobs and qualify for business loans once they leave the armed services.

A key part of that transition, Obama said, would be in funding a modern-day G.I. bill, a measure that would fund college education for veterans. He said he's backing such a bill in Congress that would establish the program.

Ben Watson, a Vietnam veteran from Tularosa, made a trip to Las Cruces on Monday to hear Obama speak. Watson said he liked what he heard, especially the comments about offering help to those transitioning out of the military.

"I think he's right on target," he said.

The topic turned at times to the Iraq war. Obama reiterated a plan to end the conflict and "start bringing our troops home in an orderly fashion."

State Rep. Nate Cote, D-Las Cruces and a Navy veteran, said Obama was knowledgeable about veterans issues.

"I think it was extraordinary for Las Cruces and the vets of Las Cruces," he said of Obama's visit.

Ruben Arzabal, 55, of Las Cruces, attended. He said he has encountered numerous veterans who have experienced trouble receiving health benefits.

"Obama, if elected, is going to better the system," he said.

After an introduction by Gov. Bill Richardson, Obama took the microphone and presented a 15-minute speech about honoring veterans. He then fielded several questions from attendees.

Richardson, a presidential candidate who dropped out of the race earlier this year, reminded attendees that he announced support for Obama two months ago. He said he's come to know Obama well over the course of campaigning.

"He's a man of principle and impeccable character," Richardson said. "He's a patriot who loves this country with all of his heart. He's an extraordinary leader, a once-in-a-generation leader."

After leaving the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Obama and his press entourage made a surprise stop at Veterans Memorial Park in Las Cruces. He arrived before a previously scheduled ceremony meant to honor veterans.

At the park, he and Richardson placed two large wreaths at the memorial and shook hands with members of the El Perro Diablo Marine Corps League Detachment, a local veterans group.

American Idol Recap: David Cook Completes His Journey

David Cook is the new American Idol. (FOX)

The two Davids face each other in all white in the first shot of the show. It's like a really angelic version of "Face Off." How are they not cracking up when Ryan refers to the competition as reaching "critical mass?"

Aww...Ryan gets to make his "grand entrance" down the staircase just like a deb at her coming out.

See an American Idol slideshow featuring photos of all the singers.

The audience shots include Holly Robinson Peete and Lori Loughlin. That's the best they could come up with?

Whoa... 97.5 million votes: One David got 56 percent, the other 44 percent. Hmm... what could it mean? I have no idea.

Who is Mikahlah Gordon? Why is she acting like a porn star in Kansas City?

Matt Rogers is muffled by thousands of blonde Archuleta fans in Salt Lake City.

The Top 12 are back... singing "Get Ready, Cuz Here I Come," and are also in white, like a big Brady Bunch special! They are backed up by what I'm sure is a gaggle of "So You Think You Can Dance" peeps.

They all sound fantastic and have a lot of energy... but look at Archie all out of sync. Nervous, you think? Very nice Top 12... even you, Amanda.

David Cook starts singing in a darker outfit and Archie joins him to perform "Hero," and their harmony is wicked! How the hell do they have time to rehearse this all?

Hold the phone, I forgot to say that the camera just flashed to Janice "Plastic-more-than-flesh" Dickinson. Yikes!

These two singing together sound perfect. Why can't they both win? Never mind, I still am all about Cook!

Ugh, Fox is pimping "The Love Guru," which looks so lame. I love you Mike Meyers, but this is beyond ridic. The Davids actually go to the set and meet "Guru Pitka" who is just creepy looking Mike Meyers in his guru getup. It's painfully unfunny. BOO product placement! OMG, they actually bring him onstage. His "chant" is actually "Mariska Hargitay"... you know, Benson from "Law & Order: SVU."

Syesha is back! She looks so hot! Go girl! She's singing with Seal! OMG, this is a match made in heaven. How stoked is she right now!? The do a nice job together, but they're making Syesha sing too low. And seriously, what's up with the white? Is that normal during the finale show?

Jason is singing "Hallelujah" which was by far his best performance earlier this year.

Thank God, my grilled cheese just arrived... I'm starving.

Oh look, one more Ford commercial for the road. Ugh. But, it's nice to see the gang all back together, having fun.

Whoa... Ryan just gave the Davids Ford Hybrids. Sweet.

Now the ladies, all dressed in vampy red, sing "She Works Hard for the Money." Amanda looks like she'd rather be having a root canal. Ha. Yay! There's Carly sounding amazing as always.

Donna Summer is introduced to sing her new single. Please don't fall down the stairs, Donna. That would ruin the buzz of the night. The ladies are singing back up for Donna. Pretty cool. LOL... I can't get over Amanda's sour puss.