For the record, I totally disagree with the judges. I am not sold on doing big powerful ballads for the finale anymore, it just seems so passe.

I just watched last night's episode in HQ DViX and I've gotta say, I loved loved loved his arrangement on "The World I Know". Maybe it's coz I've heard the original version and I can appreciate what he has done with the song. But honestly, it was so heartfelt that you couldn't help but be moved with it, the lyrics, the melody. If you listen to his performance carefully and with good audio , it really really feels like you're in one of the greatest acoustic rock concert... seriously...


May 23: I've added a post for those interested in downloading "The World I Know" (HQ) in their ipod, iphone. you guys can get it here...

http://www.david-cook.org/iPHONE-USERS-I-H...THIS-t4409.html

When I first heard that song 12 years ago, I teared. Never would I realise that would happen to me again, when DC sang it. I was moved to tears.

I couldn't agree with you more! I LOVE LOVE LOVE his version of The World I Know. I agree with everything you said I couldn't even explain any further because you said it already.

I agree. 200%. The runs he did with the song made me appreciate its message.

The World I Know
by Collective Soul

Has our conscience shown?
Has the sweet breeze blown?
Has all the kindness gone?
Hope still lingers on.
I drink myself of newfound pity
Sitting alone in New York City
And I don't know why.

Are we listening
To hymns of offering?
Have we eyes to see
That love is gathering?
All the words that I've been reading
Have now started the act of bleeding
Into one.

So I walk up on high
And I step to the edge
To see my world below.
And I laugh at myself
As the tears roll down.
'Cause it's the world I know.
It's the world I know.

I am so grateful that David Cook chose to sing The World I Know. It's a song that brings me to tears almost every time I hear it and last night was no exception. He gave an incredible performance and you could tell that it meant a lot to him.

Last week, there was a spoiler that mentioned that he would be singing that song and I'm glad that he eventually did. It really shows who he is as an artist...he took the risk and gave us something new instead of relaxing on an old reliable. David Cook IS the American Idol regardless of what happens tonight.

By far, my favorite song of the night

Brilliant song and brilliantly sung by Cook. I LOVED it.

I really hope that this is the song that has a studio version. Although the U2 song was also good. DC's performance could give U2 a run for its money.

Couldn't agree more. It was just beautiful, and obviously meant alot to him due to him tearing up and the end.

I actually think if I was there, I may have jumped on Simon and punched him in the face
I was so glad cookie stood up to him, i was thinking the same thing - whats the point of doing a song hes already done?
He took the risk, thats what hes all about.

Don't hate me for saying this, but I have to disagree. While it was another awesome performance, I really wish he would have sang "Billie Jean", "Hello" or "Always be my Baby". Randy gave him a standing ovation for "Always be my Baby" and I think that could have been the song that makes him win it. I understand that he didn't want to do a song he sang previously but IMO I think he would have nailed the competition if he did. I'm a little worried that may have hurt his chances of winning.

I'm so glad he sang it, too. And his explanation for why he chose that over doing "Billie Jean" again was awesome. I loved his vulnerability during the performance.

I had a feeling he wouldn't redo a song he already did. He chose this song and wanted to do this song, and it came from the heart. It was so beautiful.

i can understand why you would say that. and him doing any of those three songs would definitely be another stellar performance. but honestly, going into the show last night, i was actually hoping he wouldn't do any of those songs. i just kinda felt that nothing could top the emotion you get when you first saw him perform those songs... the goosebump, jaw-dropping feeling of "Billie Jean"; and the awe and emotion-filled performance of "Always be my Baby".

and honestly, i got all of that "goosebump, jaw-dropping, awe and emotion-filled" emotions in "The World I Know".

so, no i dont hate you for saying that...haha. we just have to agree to disagree.

I was so incredibly upset when he didn't do this song last week. This has to be one of my absolute favorite songs of the 90's. And I think it was actually a perfect way to end the competition for him. And as so many people have pointed out, it showed his vulnerability. He couldn't have done that with Hello or Billy Jean. Maybe with ABMB but we've already seen that with that song so it just wouldn't have been the same. We've seen him perfect those songs, it was nice to see him take a risk, do something different, and show his heart and emotion. I am so proud and happy for him on how he has handled himself in this competition. He's really stayed true to himself and his heart.

I hate to say it but I will anyway...I TOLD YOU SO... I really think "The World I Know" was the one that clinched it... awesome, awesome, awesome... i'm speechless...

I was moved by David when I heard him sing the song. Collective Soul is one of my all time favorite band. And seeing him sing one of the most beautiful songs of this band nearly made me cry. He had touched each and everyone of us I guess. Whew! Congratulations David you are our American Idol! =)

Most touching performance of the whole season.
WOW COOKIE!

I Was crying when david sang THE WORLD I KNOW because he did it with soooooo mch emotion...all of his songs have deep meaning to me..he touches everybodys heart....I STILL HAVENT FOUND WHAT IM LOOKING FOR???What a very nice version...HANDS DOWN..HE IS BEYOND AMAZING!!!

I agree with all of you who loved his version of "The World I Know"...that song and the way he sang it is a perfect example of how David Cook makes me "feel" the music. Listening to him isn't just hearing a tune or words of a song...it's feeling it...even if you don't think you can relate to the song, the way he sings it makes you think about how you can relate to the words or how you can feel what the song means to him. That's what makes him truly brilliant!