Songwriter Lee Greenwood Praises 'Idol' Contender Kristy Lee Cook

Tags:

Music,American Idol
 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: March 26, 2008 2:48 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: March 26, 2008 3:04 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

After two weeks of shaky performances that landed her in the bottom two, Kristy Lee Cook took to the stage on “American Idol” Tuesday night with a song that even had Simon Cowell complimenting her.

Kristy Lee belted out “God Bless the USA,” a tune from the year of her birth, 1984, made famous by Lee Greenwood.

“Kristy, your best performance by a mile,” Simon said. “That was the most clever song choice I’ve heard in years … That’s going to keep you in the competition.”

And her performance was also met with pleasure by Greenwood himself who shared his thoughts about it earlier today with Access Hollywood.

“I was not only flattered but proud to hear ‘God Bless the USA’ on ‘American Idol’ last night,” Greenwood said in a statement. “It’s really wonderful to give these young singers a chance to perform on the world’s largest stage to vault their careers. Win or lose, they have a chance to reach an audience never before possible. My only regret is ‘American Idol’ was not on TV when I was at the start of my career.”

Greenwood said that Simon’s comments, which were just a few of the compliments dished out of his tough palette Tuesday, were also pleasing.

“Thanks to the judges for their comments and Simon, you’re my new best friend,” Greenwood added.

The country singer plans to autograph his “God Bless the USA” book for Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon.

A rep for Greenwood said the book would be given to the judges next week in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the beloved song.

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