David Cook
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We were all set to praise David Cook's performance last night, but first we need to report on the fact that the American Idol favorite was actually hospitalized after his Dolly Parton rendition.

He felt heart palpitations and was treated for high blood pressure. Fortunately, Cook was released back to the American Idol apartments where he was "doing fine," a source confirms.

As for his pre-hospital singing: Cook once again impressed the judges with a stylish version of Parton's "Little Sparrow." He looked healthy during the performance and we wish David Cook a full recovery.

We already know that David Cook can sing, but did you also know the American Idol contestant can act?

Oh, wait, that's Chace Crawford (below, left), isn't it? Forgive us for confusing the Idol finalist with the Gossip Girl star, but you can see why it's easy to make such a mistake, can't you?

Not many American Idol fans are familiar with Raine Maida, but one of this season's top contestants sure is.

When asked which singer David Cook would like to have a duet with, he didn't hesitate to name this member of Our Lady of Peace.

"I have been a huge fan for a long time and something about that dude's voice and stage presence is really unique," Cook said. "So to be able to perform with him would be kind of cool."

Tuesday's American Idol featured the contestants performing songs from the year they were born. Born in 1982, David Cook finished the night with a stunning and unique performance of Michael Jackson's hit "Billie Jean."

David Cook slowed it down, rocked it out and created an entirely new vibe for what is a very familiar song, earning raves from all three judges.

See for yourself, or watch it again if you tuned in last night. It's worth it.

Here's David Cook performing "Billie Jean" ...

Earlier, Kristy Lee Cook finally had a good night, while the judges also seemed to like David Archuleta and Michael Johns, predictably.

Carly Smithson? Not so much this time. The rest of the also-rans received typically mixed reviews, leaving a lot of question marks tonight.

All in all, it was David Cook's show, however.

Randy called him "the most original, the most bold contestant we've ever had" and suggested he "might be the one to win the whole lot."

Could Jackson be right? Tell us. Who do you think had the best - and the worst - performances from last night on American Idol?

Despite all the praise you may be hearing right now about David Archuleta's rendition of "Imagine" on last night's American Idol - and despite the shrieks from teenage girls we can still hear - other contestants did sing throughout the evening, as well.

Until Archuleta enthralled viewers, it had been a relatively weak night of auditions. But the following pair did earn praise from the judges:

David Cook: It's official: this wannabe rocker isn't nearly hardcore enough to be the next Chris Daughtry. But he did a solid job on the song "All Right Now." Randy Jackson said about it:

To me you're our real rocker from the boys this year. I actually really, really liked that. I thought it was a smart choice of song. it was cool for you, man. I really kind of believed you right there.

David Hernandez: No longer flying under the radar, Hernandez impressed fans with his take on the song "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." It earned this reply from Simon Cowell:

This may surprise you, but in my opinion that was the best vocal of the night so far ... I like the fact that when you are given some criticism, rather than sulking you treat it as a challenge ... You've risen to the challenge.

Might Jason Castro be a dark horse on season seven of American Ido? It's possible. All three judges loved his rendition of "What a Day for a Daydream."

Still, after the opening performances of the top 12 American Idol males, we see three favorites standing out from among the rest. They are:

- David Archuleta: How is it possible that this former Star Search winner is just 17 years old? He sang "Shop Around" and was told by Simon Cowell: "When you got it, you got it … That was, by a comfortable mile, the best performance of the night so far."

- David Cook (pictured): This wannabe rock star has the look and sound to go far. He turned the 1960s romantic tune, "Happy Together," into a fun, speedy tune.

- Michael Johns: He lit our fire, readers! Singing that classic song by The Doors, this Australian is as polished as any American Idol semifinalist, maybe ever. Former lead singer of a band called The Rising.

Who was your favorite of the night? Who do you think will be voted off? We think it's time for Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager to go home.