Songs of Their Years

Are "American Idol" voters getting tired of rock ’n’ roll arrangements and oddball hair? If that’s the combination that sent Amanda Overmyer home last week, then maybe David Cook ought to be looking over his shoulder.

But it could be that "Idol" viewers prefer their rockers to be male instead of female. Chris Daughtry has been one of the best-selling "Idol" runners-up with his angst-filled rock styling. Cook, of Missouri, has been channeling that popular sound all along.

Tonight, after two straight weeks of singing Beatles songs, the Top 10 "Idol" finalists can do a song from their lifetime, possibly. The rule is that they have to pick something from the year they were born. Cook was born Dec. 20, 1982, so it’s likely his choice will be before his birth as well. Among his choices: Survivor’s "Eye of the Tiger," Journey’s "Open Arms" or, if he wants to do Lionel Richie again, "Truly."

Ages of the Top 10 singers range from 17 to 29, so expect to hear songs from 1978 (when Michael Johns was born) to 1990 (when David Archuleta debuted). Mostly, it will be like ’80s week all over again.

Here are some of the songs they can presumably choose from:

• 1978 (Michael Johns) "Shadow Dancing," Andy Gibb; "I Go Crazy," Paul Davis; "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel.
• 1982 (David Cook). In addition to the above, "827-5309 (Jenny)," Tommy Tutone; "Hurts so Good," John Cougar; "I Love Rock N’ Roll," Joan Jett
• 1983 (Brooke White, Carly Smithson) "Every Breath You Take," the Police; "Flashdance," Irene Cara; "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," Eurythmics; "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Bonnie Tyler.
• 1984 (Kristy Lee Cook) "When Doves Cry," Prince (imagine it: a bluegrass version); "What's Love Got to Do With It," Tina Turner; "Against All Odds," Phil Collins; "Time After Time," Cyndi Lauper.
• 1985 (Chikezie) "Every Time You Go Away," Paul Young; "Easy Lover," Phil Collins and Philip Bailey; "We Are the World," USA for Africa.
• 1987 (Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, Ramiele Mulubay) "Walk Like an Egyptian," The Bangles; "Livin' on a Prayer," Bon Jovi; "With or Without You," U2; "Open Up Your Heart," Madonna.
• 1990 (David Archuleta) "Nothing Compares 2 U," Sinead O’Connor; "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," Michael Bolton or "Blaze of Glory," Bon Jovi (He already did Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise" for 90s week).