American Idol rock-n-roller David Cook sang his way into the Top 9, but in the doing may have upset some Chris Cornell fans.

Cook played Cornell’s version of the Michael Jackson classic “Billie Jean” during Tuesday night’s performance episode, earning him high praise from judges. But the Chris Cornell fans weren’t so pleased. After Cook’s performance, all three Idol judges praised his creativity. Randy Jackson called him “original” and “bold,” Paula Abdul said he was “brilliant,” and even Simon Cowell found it “brave” and “amazing.” Here’s the rub: there wasn’t anything original in either the arrangement of the song, or the way Cook sang it.

The fact that Cook was singing a re-made version of “Billie Jean” was mentioned by host Ryan Seacrest before David took the stage, but perhaps the judges didn’t notice (or recognize the name Chris Cornell). Cornell fans reacted, saying that Cook should have pointed out to the judges he was covering a cover - none of the elements of the song were at all his. Either way, David Cook is safe to sing another week. How does Chris Cornell feel about the whole affair (if you care)?

The singer stated he had no knowledge of the performance before it happened, and he was on a flight when he began receiving messages regarding Cook’s song choice. Cornell said Cook “did cover it well, and it was brave of him to try and pull it off.” He also said he was “very much” flattered by the performance, and he thanks all his fans “for their dedication.”

I must admit, I’m not a fan of Chris Cornell. I don’t care for his voice or his music, generally speaking. But in this matter, I will say he seems like a classy guy. His responses were quite clever (though this may be the work of a good PR agent and not Cornell, but I digress), alienating neither the fans of himself nor American Idol.