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Carrie, Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Jordin, Kris and Taylor were all on hand to sing Simon Cowell off in style — but where was David?

Last night’s Simon Cowell tribute performance was as touching as they come. Seven of the eight Idol-winning artists he (nearly single-handedly) made — Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen — were all on hand to bid the departing American Idol judge farewell May 26 with their heartfelt rendition of Delta Goodrem’s “Together We Are One.” But where was season 7 winner David Cook?

Don’t worry — the sexy singer doesn’t have beef with cranky Cowell: he simply had a prior cancer charity commitment in Kansas City, says his rep tells Access Hollywood.

Although he wasn’t on hand to take the stage with his fellow Idol winners, the 27-year-old singer proved he was still there in spirit but tweeting to season 9 winner Lee DeWyze, “Congrats to Lee DeWyze! So sorry I couldn’t be there to see all my fellow Idols. I’m there in spirit!”

We missed you, David!

– Laura Schreffler

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