the buzz log

Now this is the kind of scandal "American Idol" should be having. No naughty photos, stripteases, or follicular extravaganzas… just about the music.

Dubbed the contest's "dark horse," David Cook won the judges' adulation for savvy and modern takes on old classics. He has even managed to steal the Buzz light from judges' pet Michael Johns (stylistically his closest competitor), who only recently salvaged his gold star by dipping back into the Queen repertoire.

Yet, were Cook's solemn takes on "Eleanor Rigby" and "Billie Jean" the equivalent of Mehta-level musical plagiarism? The revamped Beatles original came from Doxology, while the Michael Jackson redo owed its debt to Chris Cornell. In the past week, the online profiles for both surged as the Seattle band clamored for recognition for their arrangement, while Cornell appreciated the exposure despite what he called a "note-for-note take."

The "Idol" producers paid attention to the buzz, and gave Cook a chance to give the artists their props Tuesday night (and set off a renewed round of searches). But, as MTV asked, should Cook be blamed for these "not-so-new interpretations"? After all, during Top 10 week, Johns' flourishes in "We Are the Champions" could've been straight out of a Freddie Mercury echo chamber. It's not just song choice, as the judges harp, but song delivery.

Controversy aside, Cook has been steadily cultivating an online presence, while early favorite Johns has yet to establish himself. Still, with about eight weeks left to go, the competition is far from decided. Saved by the Queen, Johns got another solid Search showing this week thanks to Dolly Parton. The tennis instructor may finally prove he can do more than fill out a pair of jeans. Check out this Season 7 Buzz Rock Off to see who may inherit the Chris Daughtry legacy.