Catch up on previous columns, read bios and interviews with Alaina and David and watch their audition videos. www.tulsaworld.com/americanidol

Tulsan wows Cowell, other judges

Tulsa teen Alaina Whitaker may have proved Wednesday night that age is no obstacle on her quest to become Oklahoma’s next “American Idol.”

Judges praised her version of “More Today Than Yesterday,” a song that has been recorded by Spiral Starecase, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder, among others.

Whitaker’s was one of the standout performances by the female singers on Wednesday’s show (featuring songs of the ’60s), earning compliments from all three judges.

Randy Jackson said Whitaker’s performance proved that it’s “the year of the young ones.”

Paula Abdul thought Whitaker “nailed it,” and Simon Cowell, who had dished out some criticism at her audition in Dallas, said he thought the performance proved that she’s “very good” and that Whitaker would be “sailing through to the next round.”

Staying another week would make an ideal birthday present for Whitaker, who turns 17 on Thursday and is a junior at Metro Christian Academy. Before her performance, Whitaker joked with host Ryan Seacrest that voters’ keeping her on the show would be the best birthday gift, along with “some great shoes” from her family.

Rachel McCloskey, a 17-year-old schoolmate at Metro Christian Academy, said she’s not worried that her friend is coming home anytime soon after Wednesday’s performance.

“I thought she did so good! I am so proud of her,” McCloskey said. “And her shoes were really cute! I’m excited to borrow them when she comes home.”

The school hosted a watch party Wednesday night so friends and classmates could cheer for Whitaker.

Her shot at “American Idol” started after she won a local singing competition last year that paid for her trip to audition in Dallas. She performed at Country Fever last summer and with her sister, Brittney Whitaker, won the local talent competition “My Big Break” last February, earning $5,000 and a chance to record a three-song CD.

David Cook, a Tulsa musician and bartender, is also competing as one of the top 24 on “American Idol.” He performed a version of the Turtles’ “Happy Together” on Tuesday.

Viewers can tune in to Fox channel 23 (cable channel 5) at 7 p.m. Thursday to see whether Whitaker and Cook got enough votes from viewers to stick around another week.