Dane Cook Slams 'Weirdo' Ian Benardo, 'Idol' Crasher

By Marc Schneider Posted May 27th 2010 09:47AM

Ian Benardo's his name. Interrupting Dane Cook is his game. The 'American Idol' finale had its own Kanye moment on Wednesday when lippy loser Benardo grabbed the mic from Cook and raged against his one-time foe, Simon Cowell.

The episode came during a song called 'Simon Said,' in which Cook put some of Cowell's best zingers to music. Near the end of the tune, a bevy of 'Idol' rejects appeared onstage and that's when Benardo creeped up and took over. "Who cares? It's all about Ian Benardo tonight!" he announced. "I'm going to replace you, Simon Cowell! No one has a thing to say about you, just me."

On his Twitter page, Cook railed against Benardo for interrupting him. "That was not staged. Weirdo hijacked the song," he said. "Just glad he didn't hit me in the face w/ the mic or American Idol would be American Beatdown."

But Benardo wasn't the only 'Idol' has-been to hijack Cook's little ditty. As the Bronx native was working his "weirdo" magic, another prancing reject, Tatiana Del Toro, tried to commandeer the mic. Mind you, while all this was happening, a confused-looking Cook continued strumming his guitar.

"Nobody cares about you," Benardo told Del Toro. "It's all about Ian Benardo, and I want to say I'm replacing you, Simon Cowell, because I'm more entertaining than you!"

At that, 'Idol' producers ordered the cameras to pan away and the show quickly cut to commercial.

Cook later called Benardo a "F***face" for the stunt and said despite the interruption, Cowell still "loved" the song.

Benardo auditioned for season 7 of 'Idol,' and quickly became a hit with his over-the-top bravado and chinchilla scarf. Cowell was particularly hard on him, and Benardo threatened to look into the Brit's work visa status. One of his finer boasts: "You can ask one of my therapists. I am a superstar."

More: Paula's Goodbye | Lee's Single | Where Was David Cook? | Bret on 'Idol' | Complete Coverage

Tags: American Idol, dane cook, Ian Benardo

Comments

(61)

Thursday 27 May

By Gandalf

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Thank you! I knew it was not stage - it was obviously very awkward and obvious that they cut away, but I couldn't quite figure out who that was or what was going on.

By Sin D

You are Right...we don't know who it was...just another non-talent jack-hole like Kayne who need to make a ruckus to cover up their lack of skills.

By Wanda

If Bernardo or Del Toro think this makes them look anything but stupid and deranged,they are totally delusional.Security should have stopped them from going anywhere near the stage,but then again this is so-called reality television,where NOTHING is more important than the drama!

By Mark

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The Dane Cook performance was the one "low" of the show. It was horrible!

By tammymoons

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I was just glad that someone got the mic away from Dane Cook. He's a hack and should leave the guitar playing to Stephen Lynch.

By seth7o5

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Are u joking?! Dane cook is hilarious!!

By Andy

If you allow idiots and losers on stage, you get what you ask for. No one should have been surprised.

By Daniel

Wow what a loser. If I were Dane Cook I would've fake smashed the guitar over his head and grabbed the mic back and finally I would've finished the song. Dane Cook used to be one funny guy but he's kinda lame now (although that song was great-and WAY funnier than that hack Geogre Lopez)

By Steve

No one noticed that the "I Am Your Brother" guy was among the Idol rejects?

Figured that Ian Bernardo would try a stunt like that - we should be thankful SYTYCD hasn't invited him back. Narcissistic tool...

By SuzzQ

Wow SanjayaRama, you got all that in just 1 minute?

By Chris

I cant believe people get so outraged over hearing from a judge they cant sing...Face the facts you cant sing and move on from there....dont make a A-hold out of yourself on national tv.....idiot!!!!

By Lana

Both Lee and Crystal were worthy of the Idol crown...lots of talent on the show this year and I'm sure many will reap the benefits. Have watched from the beginning and always enjoyed Simon's opinion....which was 99% right on . Will miss him...show won't be the same for me. Best wishes , Simon.

By Cat Jones

Personally I can't stand the show, but I think it's funny that the display name of someone ripping American Idol contains the first name of a past American Idol reject.

By sethjj1975

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So an unfunny douchebag interrupted an unfunny tool. What's the problem?

By flash

It was more entertaining than any Idol show.Idol is on its way out.

By mike

Check your spelling before you call people idiots. You are what you speak.

By lilrghow

AI is a fantastic show that bridges generations & musical genres. The talent that emerges is for the most part incredible, & it is inspirational to see growth in career focus as well as self esteem. But there should have been more, aware, super-professional security people on hand last night. You would think big-name stars would have insisted on that. I think Crystal should have done more songs that let her belt it out, rather than the softer, sleepy ones she usually did. But to watch Lee's growth as a performer was astounding. His Chicago collaboration was super. My bet for next year: Lee's one-of-a-kind voice. Prediction for Crystal: her teeth will appear MUCH whiter!

By T

Beautifully said WTF, couldn't agree more!

By wtf

Mike does not like bad spelliiiing. Mike I spelled wrong thinking that way you'll be able to read it you are a citizen in this country aren't you?

By Ruben

we just need to stop showing shows like this. We have stooped to the lowest of lows with our morals.

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