HA! I couldn't agree more! He's been under the strains of what we would call the idol bubble form the time he auditioned and like he said in interviews, he had sort built that wall around himself, but once the barriers sort of got broken down, we got to see someone who was full of life and stage presence and began to use the comments he got from the judges as room to improve and grow and in fact, he did.

Lack of carisma on stage??...Nigel...what do you what david to do??? He exudes carisma...shut up!

HOLY F-S! Nurse_KJ, THANK YOU for finding that.

Yeah, and this jack*** says Cook has no personality? Because the happy go-lucky dancin/prancin/lip-synchin' that Nigel Boy is doin' there is so captivating! Not EVEN! If that's what Nigel thinks is entertainment, we should check his pulse.

If David gets any more personality, girls are gonna be dropping dead at every tour stop all over the country.

All this will blow over - I read somewhere on the string about folks wanting to write the production company - [b]PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS - at the end of the day this will all smooth over. and we can move on with DCs Journey.

I was a late comer to the Idol weeks (hate to use the cliche) but David got me at "HELLO". He has all the wonderful traits that we talk about and he has a wonderful career ahead of him.

My words exactly and I couldn't have said it better...and I'm no spring chicken. Today I introduced a friend to our Dear David by showing her quite a few utube performances and what I could manage to save on the DVR. My two favorite interviews were Jay Leno's and Ellen's...Dear David couldn't have any more "personality" or I absolutely wouldn't get anything done!!! Anyway, she is now hooked and where she didn't before, she totally understands my DC obsession now. Mmmm...don't think she would have come around if he wasn't all that he is. And on another note, not that I don't think the "kid" has talent, but can you even imagine Archie doing interviews? Love and kisses to David!

Pam, what did he say about Jordin/Blake? Newcomers to the Idol party can maybe gain some perspective on this.

I said my piece on LJ but I'll say it again. David does NOT need to have this kind of negative press hanging over his head. I know I am quickly getting a reputation in David Cook circles but please someone reassure me that it is *not* what I am thinking and the Nigel is not trying to undermine David's win because of some ulterior motive to pump up Archeluta. I am so sick and tired of all of he controversy surrounding Cook with this win. This should be his moment and he does not need to put up with all of these people doubting him.

ETA: Just wanted to add that Carrie Underwood has been dogged for her lack of charisma/screen presence since day one and she's the most successful Idol contestant so far. So I guess it doesn't really matter.

Oh, and just to screw over Nigel, I'm going to go download TOML from Amazon! If this is the master plan, it is apparently working!

[quote name='getshorty' date='Jun 4 2008, 09:15 AM' post='128471']
I am confused like most of you.

Isn't this the same Nigel who after David sang "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" was seen jumping up and down next to the stage and pumping his fists in the air?



[quote]I think once again, this is a created controversary for ratings and drama, period!


I couldn't agree more! Sometimes I think things are said and actions are taken just to get
the fans riled up. Maybe he did it so David's fans will say..."We'll show him....and go out
and buy a gazillion CD's when they're released, and download every Davidism that comes
across cyberspace! (Not that we wouldn't anyway!)

You know, I've been looking for a spot to make this comment. I went back and watched Chris Daughtry's audition. Simon said no because he had no charisma. Wow!

Simon said no to DC in Hollywood week and then told him he had no charisma after singing All Right Now.

I just think Simon and Nigel don't understand rock or rock singers. It's so weird.

On the upside, if Daughtry's any indication, I can't think of a better harbinger of success for DC!

Last season I really enjoyed Melinda Dolittle as a performer, but as soon as she stopped singing, she just sort of stood there not connecting with the audience at all. I'd get so frustrated hoping she would perk up! When it came down to Melinda, Jordan and Blake, I KNEW in a flash, that Melinda was going. Wasn't the least bit shocked. Now THERE'S an example of someone lacking charisma - although it was there when she sang. David doesn't even have to say anything - he draws you in just with his facial expressions. The guy definitely has IT!

Sandi



Wow, that's really interesting! Simon and Nigel are obviously brilliant businessmen to be where they are; but they definitely don't bat 1000, especially when it comes to rockers! It's fun to go back and watch auditions for these guys knowing how it all turned out!

Quite a bit was said during the AI run that it would be better for David to NOT win like with Chris. Rock cred and all that. As far as I'm concerned, once he was given this chance for a widespread audience, there's no limit to what he can achieve now. I don't think anyone is going to not want to get his music just because he took the top prize. Talent + Charisma + SUPER HOTNESS! Mama Mia!

I read this today and all I could do was laugh. And laugh some more. No personality? Who is he freaking kidding?? Cookie has personality to spare. I can't think of one AI contestant who has oozed as much personality and fire as this boy does.

Unreal. Nigel needs a kick in the pants.

Who the flock is Nigel Lythgoe and why do we care what he thinks?

Isn't OK a tabloid? How reliable a source is that?

Maybe he means this kind of charisma:



Honestly, does a guy who looks like this know anything about charisma?

Nigel needs a personality...stat!!!!

My reaction this morning when I read this was "does Nigel have amnesia?"

Yes, this is the same Nigel as a previous poster just noted that was jumping up and down after I Don't Want to Miss A Thing and who questioned what the heck Randy J was doing when he criticized David!

Earth to Nigel: Did you hear David imitate you on the CBS Early Show? He is hilarious and has so much personality it's crazy!!

Looks like the disgruntled Archie fans have found this poll. The results are currently:
65% Cook is fine
35% he's missing something

Personally, I don't really give a damn to whatever he said - he simply wants to grab attention. Period.

As for the poll, I would suspect those 35% are more than just disgruntled fans - there are many more out there who are jealous of the Cookie.

Nigel must be visually, aurally and sensatorially impaired. Or just stupid.

AMEN to this!!! If DC does get any hotter, we'all all just probably self-combust!!!

Nigel is freakin out to lunch. This he has shown with the crappy songs he picked for the contestants to sing. And now this. I do believe he has gone senile. Saying that DC has no charisma or stage presence is the most moronic thing I've ever heard.

Seriously, does anyone here have any contact to Lythgoe? If so can someone please forward this article to him to help him get a freakin clue?

http://tvfan.ew.com/blogs/post/1092

LMAO!! I know this thread is super long already... but I couldn't even get past the first reply without laughing! Now I'll go back and read everyone else's comments.



seriously... is there any music that he likes that I don't?? Everytime he mentions an artist he likes it's one of my top.

loooooove Jimmy Eat World!! and I've only got one The Used track on my itunes and it's an acoustic version of "all that i've got"... and i looooooove that track... so... yeah... time to go download some more.

if he mentions Unwritten Law next I might flip a lid.

^that was at nigel's comments...not any of you!

Sorry, but with respect I completely disagree with this. David may be from a small town but he's completely seduced this big town gal (London UK) - David's intelligent, articulate and hilarious personality just shines through, it doesn't matter if he comes from the middle of nowhere or grew up in London next door to me, the man he is now is the man we all fell in love with. His personality and charisma are huge and he's handling everything with aplomb and grace - his success shows how he appeals to the majority, and long may it continue and he doesn't need to change a single thing.

http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/7090#

the poll has been corrupted

Indeed. Its almost even now. Someone is fervently voting against him.

I suspect that it's that very same girl who had dissed him before, and is now voting in that crap poll, against him.

I said this yesterday in this thread, but it's really best not to do that. Believe me, it could make things worse for David. It's really best to not bother. Fanbases who have done this have made things worse for their favorite by doing that and their favorite lost promotion because the fanbase revolted against an article. It's best to let it go. He has no stake in David's future.

Ok, Nigel needs to get real. David needs more personality and charisma?! Whatever. You think we've got it bad now? If David had any more personality and charisma (in addition to his amazing talent, heart, intelligence, etc.) we'd all COMPLETELY cease to function!

~Jen

My sentiments exactly. I too wouldn't even think of writing in, lest it jeopardizes David's chances.

Just take it that Nigel is all but some armchair critic. After all, he can't do anything to David anyway.

Exactly.

ironically, Lythgoe has supreme personality.

http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/nigel-l...inging-7236.php

It looks like this guy who is attacking David is really just looking for attention, I don't know who he thinks he is - he isn't Simon Cowell - so he really shouldn't try to force his views on us >:o

He's the producer of Idol.

so let me see if I get this right....when DC came out an rocked the stage....he is pompous and arrogant. So he reigns it in a bit and no he has no personality.


Nigel why don't you pull your head out of your ass!!!!! 56% of the voters thinks you are full of S**T. The only thing you have right is DC is going to be huge.

This is what I said originally...I'd like to reply to some of those who disagree..





56 million voters didn't vote for his personality, they voted for his voice and his looks. If he can sing and look good doing it, but have a personality of a rock (not saying he does) he'd still get the same votes.

I saw the same David Cook you did on TV and I fell for him the same way you did, but Nigel does have a point, DC's stage personality leaves a lot to be desired. I've never met him so I don't know what his person to person personality is like, but, after watching some behind the scenes videos, we can see that he does have a great off stage personality...but his on stage personality needs polish. (Thank you to whoever brought up Bon Jovi and agreed with me, David Cook's stage personality has yet to be Bon Jovi's and that comes with, like I said, experience.)
I’m not saying only small town people voted for him, I’m saying he’s from a small town and thus, that’s where his personality comes from. He can appeal to big town people as well, everyone can find something about him they like. His off stage personality does appeal to them, but on stage I think he needs practice.



Yes, I agree with you, he does have a lot of (off stage) personality, but I don't think it translates well to the stage. In interviews and behind the scene videos I think he's very interesting to watch and listen to. He is bright and intelligent, but I do see a change when he gets on that stage. His fun loving personality off stage doesn't seem to come on stage. He turns into David: Professional Rock Star...which, yes he needs to be successful but I think watching him sing would be a lot more interesting if he wasn't stiff all the time.

Nigel is in charge of a major television program that gets millions of viewers every year. He worked for the position he's in and I respect someone who has a project as successful as he does. Us agreeing or disagreeing with him won't change anything, he's still going to make more money than I do, he's still going to be remembered for the one who helped make it possible to bring David in our living rooms, and if he says the David's don't have personality, let him say it.

Haha....wow I am going to get shot for this, I know it. My final words: The majority of us don't know David so we all see him a little differently (a mixture of reality and fantasy). I'm happy with how I see him.

among the articles I have read that have "critical views" on david cook, i find this the least bothersome to be honest. I think the title of the article is a little bit misleading, implying more hate than there actually was. I think someone mentioned earlier, that it's more of like a reply or a comment to what can david improve on more. Nigel Lythgoe does seem to believe that Cookie has the talent and did deserve to win, but that he can be better by honing his skills performing to a live crowd. Although, it really can be a tad bit irritating reading that Cook lacks charisma (of any kind) on stage, I really think he meant well though, and not intentionally serve a put-down for Cookie.

I was thinking about this the other day and I remember Nigel speaking about Oasis once, saying what characters they were etc...

So if thats his version of charisma I am glad DC is nothing like it!
Because the Oasis lads are arrogant little buggers!

Starlight and DavidCoolLove are right.

You know, Nigel didn't say David had NO personality. He didn't even say he had a little personality. He said he wants to see more personality. The interesting thing is that DC has already shown more persnality in post AI performances, most notably on the CBS Early Show. He was soooo relaxed and it was, I believe, his last live performance before heading back home after that week of NYC interviews & performances. He was smiling, waving to the audience while singing, and the pressure of the competition was clearly off. DC thrives on live performances-the bigger the crowd the better. But AI was also a PG-rated competition and a very different dynamic from simply peforming on your own terms. I think Nigel was referring specifically to the AI performances. I do take issue with Nigel's assertion that DC and other contestants this year had LESS charisma or personality on the show than contestants of previous years. Daughtry was never a high energy charged performer on AI, but he really rocks it now. That said, Nigel never said DC doesn't have the ability to generate a stronger on-stage personality.. in fact he kind of implied that he thinks DC will, and hopes that he will. So that said (and you've seen my previous posts on this thread strongly defending DC), I think we all made more out of this than we should have. And the magazine's headline didn't help. Bet you Nigel isn't happy with the way his comments were portrayed either. BUT... like I said in previous posts, Simon Fuller and Tom Corson - who pretty much run 19E and RCA and are now directing DC's career - have full faith in DC and already think he's a dynamite performer. DC would be the first to say to all of us there's always room for improvement and growth-even with him!

Again, in YOUR opinion his stage personality leaves a lot to be desired. I don't hold to that opinion at all. You are entitled to your opinion of course but please understand it in no way represents the majority. Certainly not in this thread or any other boards whose threads on this I have read.

As to his personality being "small town" I won't even bother with that. The mind boggles to think of some very out going, big and dare I say it, cosmopolitan personalities that came from small towns. Then again, I am just not fond of sweeping generalizations.

What in the world is wrong with Nigel????? No personality when he sings???????? If he had anymore, I'd be passed out on the floor. He is intoxicating.

It's a rainy, dark day and I'm listening to the finale for some music. I'm reminded how little personality Carrie had in her Idol days, she was so boring to watch. Now, WOW! I'm not a country music gal, but I'd pay for tickets to her show, she's incredible now! So, assuming David had no personality (even though he DOES!), with a little coaching, he'll be a PHENOM!

i'm sure there are other David Cooks in this world and Nigel was talking about one of those. Cause what he said just doesn't fit the David Cook, winner of American Idol 2008.

What bothers me is that I think Nigel always wanted David A to win. Maybe he's bitter things didn't go his way. But fans have the last word.

And we can't compare David to stablished bands and artists. We still havn't seen him alive, on concert. That's when you see the charisma and how he deals with the audicence.
What DC did till now was to work the cameras to convince the people watching the show. And he did it very well.

Stiff? When has he ever been stiff? Hello? Always Be My Baby? Dont Wanna Miss A thing? Billie Jean? Elenor Rigby? Day Tripper?? I must be missing something.... Lets see...is it because he stood still to sing "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"? Dear God, I would hope he would...its all about the vocals..which were amazing and the expressions in his face emoted that song to my core...and burst the dam, I was a mess after he sang that. I guess Im not getting what you're saying.

Umm, I'm at a loss for words at that comment myself. David sang MOTN and FTIESYF straight because he didn't want to be known as "predictable" because I think he thought in the back of his mind that people thought he could only do rock type of arrangements and obviously he proved the public wrong or he wouldn't have won by such a large margin.

I took it that way too. He wanted to show that he could just stand there and "sing" as well as rock it with the guitar, or do it accoustic. I love that he showed all sides, David Cook.

Hey, Starrlight. Honestly, I think that what you see on AI limits their stage performance dramatically. Between the lights, hitting your marks, ending on your mark where the camera will be, or roaming to where you know there will be a camera that can pick you up . . . all of that is extremely rehearsed. And it has to be, because AI doesn't care about the personality of the contestant coming through (which is why Nigel's criticism is so ironic) -- they care about the television production and getting a winner they can then bring into the 19 family for future business deals.

Think we'll see a very different David on tour, esp if his pre-Idol stuff is any indication.

Oh I totally agree they homogenize the heck out of the people on that show. But if you can still pull people in within the constraints of that program you have something. And Nigel does suffer from cake and eat it too syndrome.

And a current hair do

I wrote THIS ARTICLE after reading Nigel's ridiculous comments.

David's got great stage presence. I think if he had a headset on that he could sing into while he played his guitar we'd get to see him perform a bit more...but come ON.

When he sings ballads of course he's going to be a bit bland in his performance, but everyone does. To quote Amanda Overmyer "Ballads are boring." The singers emote w/ their faces because they'd look like they were on drugs or caught in a bug zapper if they danced or bounced around during the slower songs.

Cook showed throughout the season that he will have great presence when he's in less stressful environments. Look at how loose and happy he was w/ ZZ Top, or during "Time of My Life" or how mesmerizing he was when he used a huge portion of the stage in "Billie Jean."

I think a lot of the problem also had to do with the fact that IDOL forced the contestants to always remember which camera at what moment in their performances to look into - combined w/ the pressure of not looking like a fool on stage before millions of people - that left them little room to want to get ultra creative w/ their staging presence. Look how poor Brook got slammed every time she tried to dance or move around? Who the hell would WANT that kind of ridicule from the judges? Syesha talked about how difficult it was to choreograph some of her numbers, I can bet that a large part of that was remembering what cameras to look into.

Guh!

Please. It sounds like he is just trying to stir up something. I think that David has more charisma in his little finger than many of the "stars" out there today. There is a lot to be said about not being over the top and seeming to be a real person. David appears to me to be a genuine and clearly intelligent person and I look forward to many years of his performing..It also seems to me that he knows exactly who he is and who he wants to be. So I say David just keep on being yourself, we love you just the way you are.

Nice article. If you like steaming piles of horsesh*t, that is. Time to send Nigel to Shady Pines Rest Home. The dementia is starting to set in.

I honestly don't know how Nigel can even suggest that David Cook needs to up it on the personality scale. What the hell does he want the man to do? Hang naked from the rafters and blow bubbles out his nose? Geez, millions and millions and millions of people voted for David Cook. If he had the personality of a paint can I don't think that THIS would of happened. He connected with an audience of millions. The proof is in the pudding. David has an endearing personality. He is confident, polite, humble, a bit eccentric, and funny as heck. Leno couch or Guitar Hero, anyone? Plus, he is mega talented, handsome, quietly charasmatic, and very sexy. What else do they want? Jam on it? The Idol powers need not worry about David Cook. Their wallets will be well lined with the green because of this man and his talent. He was the "find" of the century, if you ask me. Maybe when the $$$$$ starts pouring in, Nigel and Co. will stop whining. David does not need to act out and whistle Dixie from his butt cheeks. He is just perfect the way that he is.

I get a kick out of Simon and Nigel. The two of them are sooo special. Must be amazing to be that perfect. Only NOT, if you catch my drift.

Put a plug in it, Nigel. David is fab, but you need to re-adjust your meds cause your mind is going, you old fool!!<_<


Lacey

The only thing that really bothers me is the chance that the radio stations and/or the press will take this and run with it and use it as an excuse not to play David because he's already assumed to be subpar/untouchable/as disliked by TPTB as Taylor Hicks. We already know that RCA and Fuller are crazy about Cook but we want to avoid any kind of perception otherwise, and my fear is that the radio stations will use this little tidbit to talk trash about Cook instead of playing him.

However, given the fact that Cook broke another record for radio play and the spins seem to be doing okay, I do not think it is a problem. Even if this is mentioned in various places, it shouldn't be remembered in six months.

We should just let it die. Already the "Idol shocker" stuff has died down, and I noticed that Archie's press release was much less glowing than Cook's.

I'm not sure what Nigel's intent was, but Archie didn't escape criticism, either. Also I remember after the win he stated that AI would set things up so that one week it looked like the producers were pulling for Cook and then that they were pulling for Archie so that the voters would decide. So I don't think he has any personal biases, but after everything that happened I am distrustful.

I do think Nigel should have shut up in the first place, too. Cook has likely made millions for them through ITunes. He has busted Billboard records and his record company is fully behind him. AI needs someone like him and insulting him in the press is not doing anybody any favors.