Kristy Lee Cook on American Idol

What's Kristy Lee Got Cook-ing?

American Idol kicked off it's latest season with a stunning premiere last night in which 23 year old blonde contestant Kristy Lee Cook sang 'Amazing Grace' so movingly even Simon Cowell had to search for something nasty to say, finally settling for telling Cook that he loved her voice but she needed "10 to 20 per cent more confidence."

A native of Oregon who now lives in Texas, Cook's performance is being hailed as the highlight of the show. Talking about herself, Kristy Lee revealed that her hobbies include training in martial arts, riding horses and, most surprisingly for such a sweet looking girl - cage fighting.

Her path to a chance at stardom on American Idol did not come without sacrifice however, as Kristy Lee revealed that to pay her way to the auditions she sold her prize barrel racing horse, Midnight.

Facing a panel that has in the past reduced many contestants to a tearful, voice-cracking spectacle, the young Ms. Cook kept her calm and, evidently her faith, as she launched into a twanged, countrified version of the old Gospel favorite, 'Amazing Grace'.

Judge Paula Abdul, who can be expected to know a good singing voice when she hears one, commented that she loved Kristy Lee's tone in her singing and the control of her voice that she displayed.

You just knew Kristy Lee was going to advance when it became Simon Cowell's turn to comment and he seemed momentarily at a loss for words, which is something that rarely happens to this acid-tongued panelist.

Indeed, as regular viewers of the show will attest, watching Cowell's biting remarks to contestants is one of the primary reasons they watch the program. And the shows producers do seem to try to get the balance right between serious contestants like Kristy Lee Cook, who can receive good constructive critcism from Abdul and fellow panelist Randy Jackson, and the 'train-wreck' contestants who come out warbling off-key who then get Cowell unleashed upon them.

American Idol Season 7 is off to a most promising start, and viewers can't wait to see more of the talented young Kristy Lee. And the mean old Simon Cowell.

Kristy Lee Cook moving forward on American Idol