David Cook

David Roland Cook, a twenty-seven year old singer, was born on December 20, 1982 in Houston, Texas to Beth Foraker and Stan Cook. Many people may know him as the winner of the seventh season of American Idol. He won against David Archuleta by twelve million votes. David Cook is more than just your typical American Idol. Having said that, I could say that there’s something unique about him that other winners of the show have not done before.

As many people may not know, and unlike some of the previous winners of the show, he is no newbie in the music scene. While in high school, he was in a band called ‘Axium’. The band released a couple of albums and became a famous indie band in Missouri. In college, he joined another band called ‘Midwest Kings’. Just like Axium, they also released a couple of albums and even got a chance to play shows on different states in the U.S. He left the band after a few years to pursue his own career. In 2006, he released his first solo album entitled, ‘Analog Heart’. The songs in his album showcased his wide vocal range and his talent in playing musical instruments like the guitar and the piano. Because of this album, people began to discover his talent. He even won an award and had had a few television appearances. He also had different solo shows in bars around Tulsa.

While he was in the process of writing for his second album, he was asked by his younger brother to accompany him in auditioning for American Idol. While waiting in line at the Omaha auditions, producers of the show urged him to audition, and he did. It would be the start of his journey in becoming the next American Idol. During the Hollywood auditions, he wasn’t the judge’s favorite. When he made it to the top twelve, the audience, and even the judges, began to notice the remarkable talent that he has. Each week, he surprises everyone by his unique song arrangements and vocal power. As an example of how the judges got impressed by his talent, his performance of ‘Billie Jean’ made Simon Cowell say that he may be the one who would win the show. One of his most famous performances was his rendition of Mariah Carey’s ‘Always Be My Baby’. What made that performance famous was because he changed up the vibe of the song and it helped showcase his vocal capacity. Even before winning, this particular song was played in different radio stations and became a hit around the world. He was the first contestant to ever have a number one hit while still competing in the show. That just proves that he is the one to look out for.

On May 2008, he was declared the American Idol. While touring with his fellow ‘idols’, he started writing and recording songs for his upcoming album. On November 2008, his highly anticipated album was released. Upon listening to the album, you would really know how talented he is in singing, songwriting, and composing songs. Not long after its release, the Declaration tour was set. It was supposed to last for about twenty shows. But due to the public’s demand, it was extended to one hundred fifty four shows and even had some in Canada and the Philippines. When fans describe his shows, they always have positive reviews about it. And unlike other artists, he usually finds time to approach fans after the show to sincerely thank them and show that they are appreciated.

Having cited his works and accomplishments, I have proved that David Cook indeed is not a typical American Idol. He constantly tries to be unique in everything he does and tries to improve every time. Unlike previous winners, he constantly tried to make people listen to his music and make it big in the music industry. He is also one of the few winners who became more famous than the runner-up. Versatile and talented, David Cook will not just be remembered as an American Idol.