David Cook, Eleanor Rigby and an Idol Controversy?

David Cook, one of the better would-be "Idols" this season, sang brilliantly on the Beatles rendition night. He sang Eleanor Rigby, the well-known song from the Beatles' song book. Evidently the version David sang hit too close to home for the band Doxology from the Seattle-Tacoma area of Washington State. Or did it? Perhaps this rarely heard of band was only attempting to capitalize on David's great performance. What other reason could Doxology have to be upset? Just a quick check on any major search engine shows the band is getting thousands of hits. Let's remember this show is about performing other people's songs. If this show was about creating original music, then perhaps the complaint could have credence.

David chose a song from the Beatles' song book. Idol has said they have purchased rights to these songs. If anyone had a responsibility to clear the version being sung by David it was the Idol producers. Within the structure of the Idol live shows, there certainly is no time for participants to give credits. Also, it is doubtful that with the stress these contestants are under that they would even remember to do so. Given the fact that American Idol is in its seventh season, it is doubtful Idol producers would be negligent where observance of rights is concerned. If credit had been due, no doubt it would have been given.

David Cook will gain in support thanks to Doxology and their lame complaints. This is the "Pastor Wright" moment for David because the blogs and posts of the fans are going nuts in support of him. He probably would have come out on top this week anyway but it's a shoe-in now.

Doxology, on the other hand, is getting the thumbs down, in general from the Idol fans posting on the Internet today. They, Doxology, have what they wanted, and that is some name recognition. Unfortunately for them, it is negative name recognition.