I was watching the Olympics in between glimpses away from my laptop this evening and was kind of aghast at the song selection for the US ice dancing duo of Meryl Davis and Charlie White. It was a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, done by former “American Idol” David Cook, and it’s terrible.

“Billie Jean” is one of the pop songs that works on a specific level as Michael Jackson is clearly singing to and about someone, so when Cook (or anyone else) tries to co-opt it, there is already a step missing, but what is especially disappointing is that the song is reworked, but no chances are taken with it. Instead, the melody is replaced with some MOR-like guitar parts. Maybe we can give Cook some credit for at least plugging his guitar in, but that’s where it stops. In comparison, there isn’t one moment in Cook’s version that is preferable.

It may be a better choice (ie, “safer”) choice for an Olympics performance to skate to, but I can’t imagine anyone else seeking it out when Jackson’s is also readily available.