It’s all about the 80s this week on American Idol, so I expected to hear lots of cheesy, disposable pop. But that’s far too boring for the show’s resident rock god, David Cook.

In the decade that taste forgot there’s no escaping cheese. But it’s what David did with one of the corniest songs of all, Lionel Richie’s Hello, that really blew me away.

With his electric guitar chords, moody vocals, and emo attitude, David could easily have a hit with this version today.

Thanks to this risky rendition, David cemented his place among the top contenders for another week. I just hope he keeps coming out and surprising us, because when he does it’s brilliant.