INTERVIEWS WITH DAVID (2009) (Full-text) Last updated 2012-02-09 Highlighted = new since last update

Table of Contents Ctl-Click on the links below to go directly to the relevant article. Control-F to find a word or phrase

Jan 14 2009 - BILLBOARD: JADED INSIDER - Idol Worship: David Cook Talks Tour, Season 8 Jan 22 2009 - DAILY NEWS ONLINE - Idol champ Cook keeps rocking Feb 3, 2009 - WIXX 101 (Green Bay, WI) Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime) Feb 3, 2009 - MIX 93.3 (Kansas City, MO) - The Rocket and Teresa Show Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime) Feb 4, 2009 - 97.5 NOW (Lansing, MI) Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime) February 10, 2009 - MIX 105 Orlando, FL, part 1 of 2 (Transcript by ItsMyTime) Feb 12 2009 - ORLANDO SENTINEL - American Idol David Cook displays his humor in Orlando visit Feb 13 2009 - ACCESS HOLLYWOOD - David Cook On Selling Out His Hometown Show In 6 Minutes - Im Floored Feb 13 2009 - PRESS ASSOCIATION - David Cook: Fame Is Odd Feb 17 2009 - FEMALE FIRST (UK) - David Cook Gets Floored Feb 17 2009 - USA TODAY - Season 7 update: David Cook FEB 19, 2009 Q107.5 (Memphis, TN) Interview Transcript by ItsMyTime Feb 19 2009 - GREENBAY PRESS GAZETTE - Idol Cook chases different dreams now Feb 19 2009 - MENAISET - Finnish mag article translation Feb 19 2009 - WCF COURIER - Idol winner David Cook comes to UNI, Wartburg Feb 22 2009 - NEWSDAY - Carrie Underwood, David Cook on 'Idol's' Simon Feb 25 2009 - HERALD-DISPATCH - David Cook Dont try to be, just be Feb 26 2009 - FOURTH ESTATE - Q&A session with David Cook - WGBX Feb 26 2009 -HERALD-DISPATCH - My 15 Minutes With David Cook Feb 27 2009 -TIMES HERALD-RECORD American Idol' winner David Cook is coming to Newburgh Feb 28 2009 - MORNING CALL - Idol winner David Cook is having the time of his life Mar 04 2009 - THE ECHO - David Cook rocks campus

Mar 04 2009 - PORTSMOUTH DAILY TIMES - Recovering From Flu, Cook Says SSU Enjoyable Mar 05 2009 - NEWSTIMES - David Cook hits college circuit Mar 05 2009 - NEWSTIMES - David Cook idolizes Our Lady Peace frontman Mar 10 2009 SEANS BLOG - I Talked to David Cook Earlier Today Mar 11 2009 SEANS BLOG - Just Met American Idol David Cook Mar 12 2009 - BUFFALO NEWS - Cook makes the most of Idol Afterglow Mar 12 2009 SEANS BLOG - David Cook Answered Your Questions Mar 14 2009 - FASHION IE - David Cook Does Finnish Magazine MeNaiset Mar 19 2009 - FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER - People now listening to David Cook's music Mar 19 2009 - PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY - Determined Idol Cook proves chops by cowriting debut CD Mar 22 2009 - MY SPACE - Attention! (Blog by David on unacceptable fan behaviour) Mar 23 2009 - FEMALE FIRST (UK) - David Cook Turns On Our Light Mar 23 2009 - YORK DISPATCH IDOL CHATTER - An interview with David Cook Mar 25 2009 - JUST JARED - David Cook Kissing is uncomfortable Mar 26 2009 - FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER - Idol winner finds fame hard to get used to Mar 27 2009 - NJ COM - Idol' pursuits - Reality show winner with fans in high places performing in Pemberton Mar 31 2009 - AMAZON - See David Cooks List of Music you should hear Apr 01 2009 - MTV - David Cook Has 'Nervousness' About Returning To 'American Idol' Apr 01 2009 - STAR NEWS ONLINE - David Cook to play North Carolina Azalea Festival Apr 01 2009 - TELEGRAPH MACON - American Idol champ David Cook talks about whats happening now Apr 03 2009 - DIGITAL SPY (UK) - David Cook Apr 04 2009 - DIGITAL SPY (UK) - Idol' champ Cook eyes up Clarkson duet Apr 10 2009 - PRESS PUBLICATIONS - American Idol David Cook in concert at Owens May 6 Apr 14 2009 - HERALD NEWS - Reigning 'Idol' makes campus visit in Joliet Apr 23 2009 - LEE SUMMIT JOURNAL - Home of David Cook Apr 23 2009 - MARSHAL UNI PARTHENON ONLINE - Grad turned idol Apr 23 2009 - TOLEDO FREE PRESS - Idol winner to play Owens Community College Apr 24 2009 - NEWSDAY - David Cook - 'I'm a goof' who wants to write serious music Apr 24 2009 - NEWSDAY - SunFest headliner David Cook not just an 'American Idol' star Apr 24 2009 - ROLLA DAILY NEWS - American Idolized Apr 28 2009 - CONNECT MID MISSOURI - American Idol winner, Mo. native David Cook plays local show

Apr 29 2009 - OK MAGAZINE - How to land an A-list hunk Apr 30 2009 - GAINESVILLE SUN - Idol's' David Cook performs sold out show Apr 30 2009 - TOLEDO BLADE - American Idol' winner in Toledo Wednesday May 04 2009 - DCO (Blogs) On Behalf of My Family and Myself May 10 2009 - BRAZILIAN NEWSPAPER -To bring down the walls May 12 2009 - LIVEJOURNAL - Live Video Conference With David (Singapore) (fan recap) May 13 2009 - PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER - Whats cooking, David May 14 2009 - SPOT PH - David Cook tells Spot - Im blowing off the roof of Mall of Asia May 14 2009 - TEQUILA PJ - Davids romantic playlist May 15 2009 - MALAYSIAN WORD NERDS - Speed dating with David May 16 2009 - MB COM - David Cook on Pinoys, Lennon-McCartney, and the other David May 19 2009 - MANILA TIMES -David Cook - Im living the dream May 20 2009 - FOX KC - Life After Idol - David Cook & Family Reflect On Year In The Spotlight May 20 2009 - ROTTEN TOMATOES - Five Favorite Films with American Idol Winner David Cook May 22 2009 - EXAMINER - David Cook talks movies, acting, and Footloose May 22 2009 - MTV - David Cook Tried Not To Cry During 'American Idol' Finale Performance May 24 2009 - MORNING JOURNAL - He'll be cookin' at Stocker - David Cook keeps hitting home runs with 'Idol' glow, Midwest style May 25 2009 - CHANNEL NEWS ASIA - Cooking up a storm May 25 2009 - NY POST - David Cook Tweet Week May 27 2009 - MTV - David Cook Says 'American Idol' Didn't Change His Musical Goals May 29 2009 - NEWS OBSERVER - Idol' David Cook takes the long road Jun 11 2009 - SDNN - Idol chat - Q&A with Season 7 champ David Cook June 15, 2009 LARRY KING LIVE - Interview with David Cook (TRANSCRIPT) Jun 16 2009 - LAWRENCE COM - Return of the Idol Jun 16 2009 - US MAGAZINE - David Cook: Fans Helping Him Cope With Brother's Death Jun 17 2009 - ASSOCIATED PRESS - NORTH COUNTRY TIMES - Idol' champ helps Cook up some rockers on debut album Jun 19 2009 - KANSAS COM - WICHITA EAGLE - David Cook comes to Cotillion on Sunday 2009-06-24 TULSA TODAY - David Cook from the heart Jun 24 2009 - EXAMINER - David Cook at NOKIA Theatre Times Square on August 6th Jun 25 2009 - VAIL DAILY - American Idol visits Vail Valley Jun 29 2009 - EXAMINER - David Cook talks acting, Michael Jackson, and the music scene today

Jun 30 2009 - MTV - David Cook Remembers Michael Jackson, The Global Icon Jul 01 2009 - LANSING STATE JOURNAL - Idol' puts up bigger numbers now that he's a Billboard-topping rock star Jul 02 2009 - ALWAYS ACOUSTIC - Interview w David Cook 2009-07-02 - CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS - David Cook's Declaration tour here Wednesday Jul 02 2009 - THE ADVOCATE - David Cook credits experience with 'Idol' win Jul 03 2009 - GALVESTON COUNTY DAILY NEWS - Former American Idol winner coming to island Jul 07 2009 - LIVEJOURNAL - FAN REPORT (96.5 HOUSTON LIVE LOUNGE) - Stuff David Cook talked about.... Jul 09 2009 - M LIVE SAGINAW NEWS - David Cook takes steely determination on the road Jul 11 2009 - SIOUX CITY JOURNAL BRUCES BLOG - David Cook advice July 14, 2009 - DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE - More from David Cook Jul 15 2009 - FOX 21 ONLINE - David Cook in Duluth - FOX 21's exclusive TV interview Jul 16, 2009 - DES MOINES REGISTER - Record contract, loss of brother influence 08 'American Idol winner Cook Jul 16, 2009 DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE - David Cook talks about life after 'Idol' and what he'll play in Duluth (incomplete) Jul 17, 2009 - SIOUX CITY JOURNAL 'Idol' David Cook talks about path to tour Jul 20, 2009 - RADIO - Bob & Tom Show - Interview with David Cook Jul 23, 2009 - FOX 6 NEWS - American Idol's David Cook rocks out for thousands at the Washington County Fair Jul 24, 2009 - FOX 6 - David Cook The American Idol Bachelor (unedited Video) (Transcription) Jul 26, 2009 - DELAWARE ONLINE - Putting up some all-star numbers Jul 27 2009 - FOX 19 - David Cook with Brian on Fox 19 - Behind The hits (Edited version) (TRANSCRIPT) Jul 28 2009 - RADIO - Mix 107.3 - Interview w Jack Diamond (TRANSCRIPT) Jul 28 2009 - PEPSI MUSIC BLOG (YAHOO) - David Cook's Golfing Idyll Jul 30 2009 - MORNING CALL - American Idol' David Cook not looking back and he rocks full steam ahead Jul 30 2009 - NORWICH BULLETIN - David Cook is an 'accidental Idol Jul 31 2009 - THE DAY - David Cook speaks ... a little Aug 02 2009 - LEHIGH VALLEY LIVE - 'American Idol' season 7 champion David Cook brings his solo tour to Bethlehem's Musikfest

Aug 02 2009 - MORNING CALL - Conversing with Cook (again) Aug 03 2009 - TV (LOCAL) WFMZ TV69 - David Cook Interview w Amanda Cox Unedited version (Transcript) Aug 03 2009 - TV (LOCAL) - WFMZ TV69 08 - Musician Reunites With High School Pal At Musikfest (Transcript) Aug 06 2009 - ABC NEWS - The Highs and Lows of Being an 'American Idol' Aug 06 2009 - NY DAILY David Cook - 'The Declaration Tour' Aug 07 2009 - VENTURA COUNTY STAR - He does declare Aug 11 2009 - MJS BIG BLOG - Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and David Cook ABC News Radio Interview Aug 12 2009 - CHARLESTON GAZETTE - Still Cooking: 'American Idol' champ's career remains hot after his win two seasons ago Aug 14 2009 - THE DAILY TIMES - Man on A Mission: David Cook finds his place in the world beyond 'Idol's' borders Aug 16 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - Cook, Archuleta still buddies Aug 17 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - Cook comments on Lambert, Allen Aug 17 2009 - SEATTLE TIMES CONFESSIONS OF AN IDOL ADDICT - Q&A with road warrior David Cook, Season 7 winner Aug 20 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - David Cook vs. Albert Pujols Aug 20 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - David Cooks Permanent Aug 21 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - Advancing Cooks performances Aug 21 2009 - SAC BEE - "Idol's" David Cook headlines opening night of fair Aug 24 2009 - CASPER JOURNAL - Idol chatter: David Cook dishes on music, life and more Aug 24 2009 - PRESS DEMOCRAT - David Cook & Dublin Aug 23 2009 - SAN DIEGO ENTERTAINER - David Cook: An American Idol Aug 24 2009 - WYOMING NEWS - American Idols David Cook is coming to Casper Aug 27 2009 - ARGUS LEADER - Extended David Cook tour makes a stop in Mitchell Aug 28 2009 - IN FORUM - Q & A with David Cook Sep 08 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Twitter Party Sep 10 2009 - CLEVELAND COM - Adjusting to life after 'American Idol,' David Cook is set to headline a sold-out concert at Cleveland's House of Blues Sep 10 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Session Sept 10 2009 - M LIVE COM - Life after `American Idol'A busy David Cook fits in time for plastic chickens and ficus plants Sep 10 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A party

Sep 11 2009 - PEOPLE - Former Idols Love Ellen! Sep 13 2009 - HERALD PALLADIUM - Opportunity rocks Sep 13 2009 - MLIVE - GRAND RAPIDS PRESS - David Cook on life after winning 'American Idol': It's 'not a normal lifestyle' Sep 14 2009 - NEWS HERALD - 'Idol' winner has found success for which he'd hoped Sep 15 2009 - YORK DISPATCH IDOL CHATTER - York Fair bound, David Cook talks about those new song snippets Sep 16 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Sep 16 2009 - YORK DISPATCH IDOL CHATTER - David Cook talks about upcoming York show, his music and his next album Sep 24 2009 - PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY - American Idol Revisited - No time for negativity, Cook is rockin' down his new path Sep 24 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Oct 01 2009 - KC RADIO - Andy Skibs interview w Andrew Cook (transcript by Coolshades) Oct 08 2009 - FREDERICKSBURG - 'American Idol Winner David Cook Talks about Life After Idol, and Not making Compromises Oct 08 2009 - THE SUN NEWS - 'Idol' lives his dream Oct 16 2009 - MACON COM - American Idol champ Cook to close out fair Oct 16 2009 - THE STATE S.C. - State Fair: Our Q&A with David Cook Oct 26 2009 - TWITTER - Cook boyz twitter war Oct 27 2009 - MTV - Adam Lambert, David Cook Honor Michael Jackson At 'This Is It' Premiere Oct 27 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Nov 06 2009 - FRESNO BEE - David Cook, the American Idol winner, performs at Table Mountain Nov 11 2009 - EXAMINER - David Cook talks with Examiner about tours, future plans, and mysterious tattoos Nov 11 2009 - PJ STAR COM - David Cook answers to fans Nov 12 2009 - FREEP COM - 5 questions with David Cook, rock singer and guitarist Nov 13 2009 - NWI TIMES - A rockin' 'Idol' Nov 14 2009 - JAM SHOWBIZ CANOE - David Cook overcomes tragedy Nov 14 2009 - TORONTO SUN - Rock steady Nov 15 2009 - GOERIE COM - David Cook feels 'American Idol' pressure Nov 17 2009 - ACCESS ATLANTA - David Cook interview for Tabernacle show November 23 Nov 22 2009 - TAMPABAY COM - 'American Idol' David Cook is one cool, calm singersongwriter-guitarist

Nov 23 2009 - TWITTER - Neal Tiemann Q & A Nov 23 2009 - TWITTER - Neal Tiemann Q & A (UNCENSORED VERSION) Nov 25 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Nov 27 2009 - MIAMI HERALD - A few words with the accidental 'Idol' Nov 30 2009 - CHARLOTTE OBSERVER - Time is on David Cook's side Dec 28 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A Dec 29 2009 - TWITTER - David Cook Q & A 2009-12-30 - PECHANGA CASINO - Interview with David Cook (Transcript partial) 2009-12-30 - AI NOW - Interview w David Cook (Transcript partial from WNH)

Jan 14 2009 - BILLBOARD: JADED INSIDER - Idol Worship: David Cook Talks Tour, Season 8Source | Copy DCN

It wasn't that we weren't ready for season 8 of American Idol to start, but on premiere night, we couldn't pass up one last look back at season 7. And so, instead of being glued to our TV at 8:00 p.m., we watched David Cook wow a crowd of several hundred diehard fans live! on the Jimmy Kimmel Live outdoor stage, in what was undoubtedly a stroke of booking genius. Perhaps you caught some of the performance on Tuesday night's show? Well, let us fill you in on what you didn't see. Cook played a five-song mini-set that kicked off with his debut single, "Light On," and included a rousing version of "Kiss on My Neck," a bonus track offered with his self-titled album, as well as one very ambitious cover of Fleetwood Mac's 1987 hit "Little Lies" (see full set list lifted from Cook's guitar tech below). There was lots of sing-along going on, as the audience took over the chorus on "Declaration" and handled the breakdown in "Light On" with aplomb, which made for a cheery Cook and a confident, now super-tight band. Band members Neal Tiemann, Andy Skib, Joey Clement and Kyle Peek brought the rock, but it was Idol worship all the way. The proof was in the signage: "David Cook Is My Guitar Hero," "I heart DC" and "Marry Me, David," among other homemade banners held high by teens and cougars alike, some of whom had been waiting out in the L.A. heat all day in hopes of scoring a front row spot. But we've got some good news for fans aching for their own live dose of Cook: He's heading out on a college tour starting Feb. 13. Following a performance to open the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Feb. 12, Cook will hit the road for a month's worth of dates, starting in Tallahassee, Fla.. The full tour routing should be announced this week, Cook told us after the show. What else did our reigning American Idol winner have to say on this premiere night? Read on for our quickie Cookie Q&A... What can you tell us about the tour?

We're gonna do a kind of grassroots thing and hit a lot of colleges. Because I remember going to shows in my college life and feeling like there's such a cool energy that you don't find in a regular venue. Like in the '70s, all these amazing bands were playing college circuits, and I want to get back to that. It's what I'm really stoked about not only do I get to go out with four cool guys and have fun, but I get to do what I want to do. Any thoughts on openers? We'll take on any comers, man. My vibe right now is that we just want it to be real. I want whoever goes to the show to come out and feel like they got way too much for what they paid for. Your cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" was unexpected. Are you a big fan? I'm more of a cursory fan. It was an idea that my guitar player Neil brought up, and I was, like, "Oh yeah, I remember this song." He and I tossed it around and worked it out. It's fun to play, it's got a cool energy and when you throw on the distorted guitars, it works. You're obviously no stranger to big moments on live television, but what was it like to receive your first platinum plaque on "New Year's Rockin' Eve?" I was a little bit in shock, so my reaction was not indicative of how I felt. I was just so focused in on the performance that night that it was like, "OK, what?! There's a platinum record right there. It's legit!" But it was an amazing plaque and it looks very nice in the house. Hopefully I'll get a few more to add to the collection. Idol is starting up as we speak. Will you be watching this season? I Tivo'd it. But it's funny, I was telling my manager earlier, everything is so fresh all of a sudden. To talk about Idol again, I remember how it felt to do city auditions and get to Hollywood. I'm anxious and nervous for these people. So I'll probably watch it with half a fingernail hanging on, chewing them to the nub. According to new judge Kara Dioguardi, the guys are looking good this year. Do you feel like you and David Archuleta had anything to do with an impressive male turnout? Talent is talent and I'm certainly not at the point where I feel responsible for anyone. It's all much bigger than me. But I'm excited to see how the changes go and I'm always on the lookout for another good rocker. I'm still amazed that it happened to me! January 14, 2009 in American Idol, In Concert, Music, Television |

Jan 22 2009 - DAILY NEWS ONLINE - Idol champ Cook keeps rockingSource

DAVID COOK: Joined younger brother Andrew for moral support at an American Idol audition, but was persuaded to try out himself. David made it to Hollywood; Andrew didnt. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

By Erin Carlson Associated Press Writer Friday, January 23, 2009 12:08 AM EST NEW YORK -- When he was on American Idol, David Cook -- as cool as a cucumber for much of last season -- fought back tears after performing for a studio audience that included his brother Adam, who's fighting brain cancer.

It was a moment of raw emotion, winning Cook the sympathy of viewers who've also been touched by tragedy.

Cook's tears have flowed more freely in private. The 25-year-old rocker, who won the Fox competition in May, fueled his anguish over Adam's illness into the gut-wrenching ballad "Permanent," one of 13 songs on his namesake debut album.

After recording the track in two takes, "I actually called my dad and wept openly for about 10 minutes," he says. "Anytime you can create something where what's in your head actually comes out the way you originally heard it, it can be pretty overwhelming and pretty heavy," he adds. "I just remember being completely knocked on my (butt) by this song."

Cook, scheduled to perform March 13 at Seneca Niagara Casino, is hoping listeners have a similar experience when they listen to the rest of David Cook, released last fall six months after he snagged the Idol crown. Recorded in a span of 10 weeks, it's packed with power ballads that accentuate his anthemic voice.

"I wanted to come out with a record that was both heavy and delicate and had some eclectic-ness to it," he says during a break in rehearsals before an appearance on Saturday Night Live. "So I feel like we've got this record that meanders and takes people on a journey a little bit."

Cook's path to stardom took the fast-track after he auditioned for Idol. A working musician/bartender in Tulsa, Okla., he auditioned for the competition on a lark: He joined younger brother Andrew on line for moral support, and was persuaded to try out, eventually facing Simon Cowell in the judges' chambers. Cook made it to Hollywood; Andrew didn't.

Once Idol started, Cowell was one of Cook's biggest critics, condemning him for lacking personality. But the boyishly handsome singer clung on each week, gaining momentum after a midseason makeover that included manly facial scruff and a much-needed haircut. He ultimately won over Cowell with rock-infused covers of pop songs (like Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby") that were downloaded by thousands of fans.

If only he could remember his big moment.

"I actually watched it back and was like, 'I don't remember doing any of that,' " Cook muses about the finale. "I can't tell you what it was like to stand up there and hug Archie (runner-up David Archuleta) after the fact."

While 17-year-old Archuleta controlled the tween voting bloc, Cook held sway over smitten fans -- many of them women of a certain age -- who delivered at the polls (the phones), propelling him to his title. Cook laughs off all that "cougar" love, claiming a lack of heartthrob appeal.

"I've never ever looked at myself or thought of myself as that," says the singer, whose bright hazel eyes, bee-stung lips and mussed hair add a sexy mystique to his nice-guy demeanor. "I'm just this goober who likes crosswords and plays music. And that's really what I am. The whole rock-star mythos thing, man, does not apply to me in the least."

If he had to chalk his success up to something, though, he'd say his emotional honesty made the ladies swoon.

"I didn't put up a front," says Cook. "I wasn't trying to be anything else. I wasn't trying to cater to any particular person. I just was on the show, you know? And so, when I cried, it was real. When I laughed, it was real. And, I don't know. Maybe that hit a nerve with some people."

Following the Idol finale, Cook jumped immediately into writing sessions for his album. He recruited Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo and a team of songwriters including Chris Cornell, Brian Howes and Johnny Rzeznik of Buffalo's Goo Goo Dolls.

Cavallo compares Cook to big-voiced former Journey frontman Steve Perry, who dropped by the studio while Cook was recording.

"He really is an unbelievably gifted singer," Cavallo says of Cook. "There's no song on the record that he didn't sing in two or three takes. ... He can sing harmony to any of his songs automatically without even thinking about it."

Cook marvels at his own journey from nobody to reality TV star. But he understands that the transition to rock star will be a harder one to pull off.

"I mean, look, there's way better musicians out there than me, there's way better singers out there than me," says Cook.

"The problem is they never get the opportunity to do this. And I think that's what 'Idol' represents. It's an opportunity. It's not a golden ticket. It's not a free pass."

AREA DATE: David Cook is scheduled to perform 8 p.m. March 13 in the Seneca Niagara Event Center at Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls, according to Ticketmaster. Tickets, which cost $35 to $55, go on sale at 3 p.m. Friday at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (716) 852-5000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

On the Net:

David Cook Web site: http://www.davidcookofficial.com/

American Idol Web site: www.americanidol.com

Feb 3, 2009 - WIXX 101 (Green Bay, WI) Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime)

DJ:

Are you there caller? David Cook.

David:

Hey, whats up?

DJ:

How you doing man?

David:

Im good. How are you?

DJ:

Good. Well, were excited to have you return to Green Bay by yourself on February 20th at the Weidner Center on the UWGB Center after the grueling, Im sure, Idols Live Tour. Now its all on you. Are there any nerves?

David:

Ah, a few more only because I cant, I cant finger the blame on, ah, on Michael Johns this time. Its really all on me.

DJ:

Yeah, you get to blame it on 11 other people on the Idols Live Tour.

David:

Yeah, it was perfect. Yeah, I could really divert the blame. This time I cant.

DJ:

Right, right. Well its pretty much sold out February 20 th at the Weidner Center. Now, over the last year for you, with fame being thrust upon you, youve appeared really comfortable with everything. I really admire that so has there been anything that youve been uncomfortable with?

David:

Man, Im just trying to navigate it all, so, I mean, its really been, um, its really all been kind of new and uncomfortable and exciting and all that stuff so, ah, its nice to hear that it doesnt look that way [laughs]. Um, yeah man, I think the crazy thing about this right now is just take, take like what you consider to be a, like a normal existence and just flip it on its access and its pretty much what its been since I got on the show, so.

DJ:

It really seems like youre embracing it, though. I mean, youre going on all the national talk shows. I mean you got to go on Ellen. That was pretty cool.

David:

That was rad and you know, as far as like, rolling with the punches, I dont really have an option at this point.

DJ:

Yeah, I suppose

David:

Yeah, I just, Im loving it though. I get to, I get to do a lot of amazing things. I actually just got back, ah, from the Middle East. We went and, ah, played for the, played for the troops for USO. You know, getting to do things like that is what makes all this worthwhile.

DJ:

Absolutely. Thats definitely gotta be a highlight. Now, do you remember the exact moment you won American Idol or is that just all a blur to you?

David:

Um [sighs] I remember Seacrest was there. Thats about it.

DJ:

Well, yeah, you cant miss his gleaming white teeth under all those lights.

David:

Exactly. The guy, the guy takes care of himself.

DJ:

Well I was heavily pulling for you on Idol. With the few negative comments you got from Simon Cowell, did you ever go backstage afterward and just swear his name and want to punch a wall?

David:

Um, never out loud. The thing about, the thing about Simon is you cant let him know he got to you, so, I, ah, which I learned very early in the competition, so I ah, I usually kept my mouth shut until I could find a pillow to scream into or something.

DJ:

You probably watch it in a whole different way now. Was there anything that surprised you about the whole process of being on Idol? Anything we dont see on TV?

David:

Um, Ive never worked so hard in my entire life. You know, I, its also on the front end of our season that you know, ah, its boot camp and if you can get through this with your head on straight then you can do anything. I gotta be honest, its kind of true. It really is the most intense kind of pressure cooker situation I think Ive ever been in. Just, you know, every week, you really dont have time to enjoy any, uh, any of your accomplishments while youre on the show because its just go go go, so, ah, you make a cut and its like Great. I gotta go learn three more songs.

DJ:

Yeah *laughs+. You dont really have any time to socialize or anything. Now that the show is over and you do have some of the fame, have there been people that you havent seen or talked to in years that have tried to contact you?

David:

Um, you know if they have, I havent really, ah, I guess I havent acknowledged it enough to know. I, ah, I still try to keep, you know, some semblance of normalcy, so like, Ive still got my old phone and all that stuff so if I dont recognize the number I dont answer it. I normally dont, ah, I dont hear from them enough to know.

DJ:

A lot of unidentified numbers on your phone

David:

A few more unidentified numbers for sure.

DJ:

Alright, so about the enormous amount of fans that you have definitely hear in the Green Bay and Fox City areas, they call themselves Cookies. Are you okay with that name?

David:

Ah, Im absolutely okay with that. I got that nickname, um, when I played machine pitch baseball, but that coach didnt play me too much so I dont think, I dont know what the nickname actually connotated. It doesnt sound like it, I dont know, its not very intimidating. Ive been called way worse than Cookie so Ill take it.

DJ:

Well, theyre very proud of that name. I think your fans might be upset if I didnt ask if you were officially single again. Is that true?

David:

Ah, it is true, yeah, I am single.

DJ:

Alright. Well were excited to come for a sold out show. How does that sound, sold out show, February 20th

David:

Sounds great, can you say that again, please?

DJ:

Sold out show at the Weidner Center with David Cook, buddy. Thank you so much for checking in. We appreciate it.

David:

Thank you man. Take care.

Feb 3, 2009 - MIX 93.3 (Kansas City, MO) - The Rocket and Teresa Show Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime)Male Interviewers = MI1, MI2 Female Interview = FI

MI1: [sounds like MI is talking to someone in the room before David comes on the line] You got him in here? David you there?

David: [David might be talking to someone else as well] It goes man. How are ya?

FI: Hi David. I need to start off by saying that your mom was so nice when she came into our studio last week to talk about a fund raiser she was doing for the American Cancer Society and shes just adorable.

David: Oh, well, thank you very much. Yeah, she ah, shes been great. I know shes been trying to do as much as shepossible can out in KC and ah, Im, Im very proud of her so thank you guys for giving her the time.

MI1: Alright David, I know we were just talking to your people talking to, well, we dont have people but, your people were saying that you, were the last call of the day. Are you getting tired man? Is it really starting to catch up to you?

David: Not at all man. I, Im still kind of on cloud nine so I think ah, yeah, we got this tour (tewer .) coming up. We start, ah, I think February 13th in Tallahassee and I get to come

home and see you guys on April 22nd so, Im ah, Im counting the hours at this point.

MI1: We were trying to figure out how that worked out David, because this is supposed to be a college tour, cuz youre hitting all these college campuses, but when you come here its at Ameristar. [Everybody laughs]

David: Um, yeah, Im completely with you. I, ah, I was kind of surprised when I saw it on the schedule, but ah, as long as I get to come home, Im cool. And, ah, you know, whatever, Im just stoked to be home. Thats it.

MI1: Which I dont mind cuz Im gonna go hit the slots and then, you know, have some drinks, and maybe some, some

David: There you go. Maybe we have an off night and then you can always get some gambling in

MI1: A little buffet; a little buffet action.

David: Absolutely. Youll, youll find me at the Blackjack table.

MI1: David, does it, does it feel weird, like its been a dream. Like, wow, the new seasons on. Youre already, youre the winner, youre going on, what does it feel like to you now?

David: Um, you know, I, ah, I watched the first episodes of this season and had like a panic attack. You know, its, its ah,Id forgotten the, ah, the nervousness and the intensity and the anxiousness of the whole thing and so, ah, its weird

kind of dealing with the other end of it cuz you have a whole different level of empathy for these

MI1: Do you remember coming home to KC, when you came to our radio station and we had the Wizards. We had the Chiefs, we had all the cheerleaders there,

David: Yeah, you had the Chiefs cheerleader, which was nice, I think, ah, when I come home again, you should do that. [FI laughs]

MI1: Yeah, we should, and then I remember because I remember that cuz I got caught, I got in trouble because we were onTMZ that day at Power & Light and I got called the guy that made you cry and girls were booing me. [David laughs] I also remember this David, I remember asking you little questions, David, youre going to be American Idol, hey, ah maybe you can play Red, White, and Boom and I believe you said yes. I just want to catch

David: Hey, you, you just, you tell me when and where

MI1: Thats what I said, [FI is interjecting, says something about summer and Kansas City] thats the second time I have it on tape

MI2: You guys leave him alone.

MI1: NO!

FI: NO!

MI1: No, I asked him point blank, I said David, your fans

David: You realize right now, you realize right now, 19 is saying dont commit, dont commit

MI1: Dont commit to anything!

FI: Too late!

MI2: David how about this, since were committing to things, Im getting married on June 20th. Do you think you can sing at my wedding? [everybody laughs] That would be fantastic.

David: Now, you said it yourself, this is my last interview of the day and thats the first time Ive been asked that today.

MI1: I wanna talk about the album and get to that. Great piece of work, David. Um, I was

David: Thank you.

MI1: I was really, not surprised, but it was just, going through it and Im listening to it over and over again. Its just well done. Life on the Moon is one of my favorite tracks on there and hopefully

David: Oh, yeah, thats rad man, thank you very much.

MI1: Hopefully that that becomes a single

David: Ah, hopefully, all 12 of them become a single.

MI1: Yeah, absolutely,

FI: Thats true.

David: That would happen and that would be rad.

MI1: Whats cut 1? I forget, I cant even say the word. Its um, gosh, I was listening to it driving to the plaza.

MI2: In-a-gadda-da-vida.

MI1: NO! [FI laughs]

David: Its ha, its ah, Smoke on the Water. No, Im kidding. The opening track on the record is Declaration.

MI1: Declaration! Thats the one.

FI: You cant say Declaration?

MI1: No, I couldnt remember the word. I dont have the CD in front of me.

MI2: Declaration

MI1: I remember the plaza lights were lit on you, were lighting up. You were in town and I was playing that CD listening to it and driving around going, My gosh, David, this is so cool and youre flipping the switch and things are moving so fast for you, man, were so happy for you. Can I borrow some money?

David: [Apparently David didnt hear the last joke.] You know I got a chance to come home over the holidays and um, I ah, I met with some friends. We went and bowled over at Lucky Strike and I walked over by the stage and, ah, I just had one of those kind of transcendent moments when you look around and go wow and, ah, that was such a cool experience, definitely kind of a cornerstone moment for me for the show, to be able to come home and have that experience, ah, you know, it was just really cool.

FI: And Im sorry I have to go there David, but we have so many of, ah, local people that are emailing that are wanting to know, we heard that you and Kimberly Caldwell broke up [David audibly acknowledges] but youre still good friends.

David: Yeah

FI: Are you seeing anyone or whats it like just to be able to see yourself in US Weekly, you know, all the little gossip tabloids?

David: [Snickers a little] Ah, I dont know that I will ever get used to the whole US Weekly thing. Its a little unnerving because I am a private person and, ah, you know, I look at that kind of stuff and think, why, why, why, why is that news? You know, especially with the climate were in right now theres obviously more important things going on, so, ah, but having said that yeah, Kim and I are still really great friends and shes an amazing person and you know, its just one of those stories, two people that didnt work out, but currently Im not seeing anybody. Im far too busy getting ready for this tour.

M1I: Well what are you doing this weekend? I mean, ah, [everybody laughs]

FI: Whaa??

David: Did you just ask me out? Is that what happened?

[Everybody laughs again]

MI1: Well, remember that, remember that time in the rain when we were standing at the haunted houses at ____________

David: Im just gonna say, Im just gonna say, Ive been talking, I said Id do Red, White, and Boom, I did not say I would go on a date.

MI1: David, real quick, tell me a little about your band. Where you pick these guys up because on the CD, theyre fantastic, dude.

David: Oh, thank you. Actually, my guitar player Neal and my keyboard player Andy, Ive known them for about 6 years. Theyre from the Tulsa area and I actually moved down there and joined their band when I moved and so, um, its cool to be able to bring them on board. Theyre amazing guys and great musicians and the other two guys we kind of found through the audition process back in September and October, um, and just, Im, Im so fortunate, Ive surrounded, I managed to surround myself with really down-to-earth people that, ah,

MI1: Yeah, but are those two guys

David: I want everyone in KC to meet them, man,

MI1: Are those two guys going man, were so lucky. Were sitting here in Tulsa and David won American Idol. Yes, please hire us David, please hire us.

David: I dont know if they feel lucky. I mean, theyve been hanging out with me now for a few months and theyre probably like, what did I get myself into?

FI: I bet theyre excited though cuz your university tour, arent you going through Tulsa?

David: We are, actually, we end the tour April 25th in Tulsa. [Scribes comment: HAH!!] so, um,

FI: Fun for them

David: Theyll get their moment. Theyll get their moment in the sun.

MI1: Alright, we know youre busy man. Thank you for your time and ..

FI: We should say thanks again for putting us, you know, in your CD, as far as all the thank yous.

MI1: Oh yeah!

FI: We really appreciate it.

David: Are you kidding me? Its the easiest thing Ive ever had to do.

MI2: Besides Red, White, and Boom. [Everybody laughs] and my wedding, June 20th. Write that down, would ya?

David: Ive got it on my iCalendar right now.

FI: Awesome.

MI2: If it becomes a scheduling problem, we can send a filming crew

David: Right, right.

MI2: and maybe you say hi to my fianc. Yeah right, and then maybe its a via satellite thing.

David: Thats fine. As long as when and if I ever get married, you MC the reception.

MI2: Absolutely.

MI1: Well put it on the radio. Well, I was gonna say, Im an ordained minister, David, so I can officiate.

David: Oh, are you?

MI1: Yes.

David: Nice. Actually I was asked to do that at a wedding, so I have to get certified to become an ordained minister.

FI: Go on-line.

MI1: Yeah, you just go on the internet.

David: Thats what Im planning.

MI1: Its simple. It takes like 30 minutes. Hey, before we let yougo, anybody you want to say hi to here at home?

David: Ah, yeah! Obviously my entire family, um, my new nephew Marshall, I gotta say hi to him, and, ah, cant waitto come home and see everybody. Im, Im just crazy stoked to be home.

MI1: Whats the date of the Ameristar?

David: April 22nd at the Ameristar, yeah.

MI1: Sounds good. Nice. David well see you there, man. Thanks for taking time with the Rocket and Teresa show bro.

David: Ah, my pleasure. You guys take care. Have a good one.

MI1: You bet. Kansas Citys own, David Cook.

FI: Bye

MI1: Peace. Hes a great guy. You so Star Jonesed your wedding with David Cook.

MI2: What are you talking about?

MI1: Oh my God.

FI: I think you should man. Get him for free.

MI1: You asked David Cook, American Idol winner, to sing at your wedding?

FI: You can have a private honeymoon. Make that a public affair.

MI1: Kansas City, let me make sure you guys heard what I heard. I think it was twice in that interview he said he committed to Red, White, and Boom, is that right?

FI: Im pretty sure I heard that and even when he said I cant be at your wedding dude Ive already committed to Red, White, and Boom. I heard that!

MI2: If you want to go to the show, Ameristar first, be caller 9 now

Feb 4, 2009 - 97.5 NOW (Lansing, MI) Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime)

DJ:

David Cook everybody. American Idol David Cook, how are you?

David:

Im good man, how are you?

DJ:

Fantastic, ah, Im excited because I voted for you.

David:

Well thank you very much.

DJ:

Youre welcome. And I was thinking about it. That is like you share a class with like; there are only 2 sets of people who get voted for, the Presidents and the American Idols.

David:

Yeah, ah, first off I consider myself extremely blessed and honored to be in, ah, in the sentence, so, um, you know you look at somebody like Carrie Underwood for instance who sold just millions of records, and ah, you know, to ah, ah, I guess to be mentioned in the same paragraph or short story with that girl is, ah, is pretty amazing. I can only hope to sell that many records but, ah, you know I think its ah, its a great stepping stone, certainly something to kind of put in the pocket and move

forward with. Im just excited to, ah to, you know, stretch the legs on this record and get out on this tour and ah, get it rolling.

DJ:

Well, you know, the skies are the limit and ah I dont know your credentials but, ah, who knows, I mean, maybe you could be the next President too. [Laughs]

David:

Well, you know, um, I dont foresee myself having a future in politics. Im, ah, Im far too opinionated and non-PC for that I think.

DJ:

No aspirations to go that route

David: DJ:

Yeah, exactly. Alright, well lets talk about whats going on with you. Youre, ah, youre hitting the road, right?

David:

Yeah, we actually, ah, we start our tour up, um, in Tallahassee, Florida, I think on the, on the 13th of this month and well go, you know, well hit mainly college shows and play, ah, till the end of April.

DJ:

Is, ah, on the road a place that you enjoy being or would you rather be writing in the studio or what, what do you do?

David:

Um, you know, I think the two in conjunction are what kind of got me into this gig to begin with. You know, I love, ah, I love the idea of, of creating something, so from that aspect the studio is the place for me but I also love, I love traveling and I love waking up in a different city everyday and kind of trying to make you own experience out of it. So, ah, the road is definitely a place where I feel comfortable too so Im lucky. I like them both.

DJ:

Ive heard you say that; this record is of you.

David:

Yeah. I, ah, you know I worked really hard over the summer with, ah, with a ton of co-writers and really wanted to make, you know, my stamp on this record, and so, ah, you know, out of the 12 songs on the record I wrote or co-wrote 10 and, ah I think for me it was just important to think that if this record failed I wanted it to be on my head and nobody elses. And so, ah, hopefully it doesnt fail and hopefully it succeeds and keeps doing as well as it has.

DJ:

Live or die by the sword.

David:

Yeah, yeah, I just ah, yeah exactly. Live by the sword. Die by the sword.

DJ:

So, ah, Light On is doing pretty good.

David:

Yeah, man, Im, Im, Im so stoked. You know, its, ah, it was one of the first songs we actually, kind of really solidified for this record and ah Im really glad to see it doing as well as it has and kind of see the way people have embraced it. Its been real steady and really cool.

DJ:

What is the inspiration behind the song?

David:

Well, you know, it was actually written by two guys, by Chris Cornell, the singer from Soundgarden and Audioslave and then a guy name Brian Howe whos done a ton of writing for a ton of people, so, um, when the song kind of came in it was something I immediately grasped, you know, lyrically it talks about this whole love amidst the distance, you know, idea, that I think everybody can relate to on some degree. And then, ah, musically, to me its like a rock history lesson. You get a little bit of Zeppelin, you get a little bit of, ah, of Soundgarden in it. So, its just a fun song to play. Its a challenge. Its a great song.

DJ:

Listen, ah, looking forward to ah, more success on this album and, ah, obviously as you hit the road, looking forward to seeing you, ah, hopefully youre gonna make it through Michigan at some point in the near future.

David:

Yeah, one way or the other, were gonna get back out to Michigan. It was one of my, it was actually one of my favorite stops, ah, on the, ah, on the Idol tour. I think the two Michigan stops were great.

DJ:

Yeah, yeah, absolutely, absolutely. Oh by the way, real quick, before I ask that question, Always Be My Baby from Mariah Carey.

David:

Yeah.

DJ:

Um, I thought it was brilliant.

David:

Oh thank you.

DJ:

I thought it was brilliant. Did you particularly choose that song because of the shock value or where or how did that come about?

David:

Um, well, I mean, any song that I did on Mariah Carey week was gonna be shock value [DJ laughs] cuz its me singing Mariah Carey, but

DJ:

Okay, true.

David:

You know it was just a, I, I, I remember they gave us the CD of all the songs that we had to choose from and, ah, that was the first song that I really think my brain immediately kind of took to, like okay I can do this with this and I can do this with that. And ah, so yeah, it just all fell into place really quickly. It wasnt, ah, it wasnt really um, [pause] it wasnt really a conscious thing

DJ:

Yeah, it was just, I dont know, something about it, but ah, its probably the last song that I probably would have expected to hear you do and I thought it was great!

David:

Well, thank you very much.

DJ:

Alright, alright, off of that. Now, ah, moving forward, ah, how do you look back at Idol and what it means to, you know, what youre doing now?

David:

Well, you know, I got, it was funny towards the end of 08 I got asked what was, ah, what was, what was the best moment for you in 2008 and jokingly Im like man I dont know, you know, its been kind of a weird year and ah I think for me it was just, I think everybody in their life has a few defining moments and I think that that was a defining moment for me cuz it kind of solidified what Id been really been holding to for years was that I can do this. You know I have what it takes to do this, and, ah, so now, Im finally in the forum that I want and I just gotta try to prove to as many people as possible that Im worth listening to.

DJ:

Congratulations on all your success.

David:

Thank you man, I appreciate it.

DJ:

Ladies and gentlemen, your American Idol, its David Cook. [Applause; laughter] What are you gonna do when someone else wins? You have to hand the crown over.

David:

Man, wish em well and get out of the way.

DJ:

Alright, very good, thank you very much David Cook.

February 10, 2009 - MIX 105 Orlando, FL, part 1 of 2 (Transcript by ItsMyTime)Source:http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/ORLANDOFL/DNJ-IP/David%20Cook%202-10%20A.mp3

David Live in Studio (not on phone)

Male Interviewers = MI1, MI2 Female Interview = FI

MI1:

American Idol winner David Cook! Whats up man?

David: Hello, hello

MI1:

How are you doing? Welcome to Central Florida.

David: Thanks for having me.

FI:

Its really funny having you in the studio because, ah, our listeners cant see it but we have one wall of last years Idol and the top however many

MI1:

and the day they got kicked off

FI:

and the day and it says RIP, rest in peace, by each of the dates and then you have a little king crown on your 8x10.

David: Which, ah, Ive got a huge skull and that crown dwarfs my head. Its ridiculous.

MI1:

The funny thing about it is its been there so long we kind of just forgot that it was there.

FI:

Right. Yeah we did and then you pointed at it and were like yeah its you; look at that

MI2:

We wont change it until they get to the final one this year.

David: There you go. There you go.

FI:

Now, do you look back at that picture and go and think about the person you were then and the person that you are now and how your lifes changed?

David: I look back and wonder what I was thinking. Whew. Thats rough.

MI1:

Now with Idol, theyre going through, I guess, Hollywood Week, where now, I dont know if its this week or next week when they decide whos actually gonna be in the competition

David: Its this week.

MI1:

Its this week. Is that, do you consider that one of the hardest parts?

David: Ah,

MI1:

Well, yeah, of course, getting on the show, then week to week to week.

David: Yeah, Id say so, yeah, I mean, I dont know. Ive watched a few episodes and its, ah, I have too much anxiety man.

MI1:

Do you really?

David: Yeah, cuz I know exactly what theyre going through so its like, I feel so bad for you guys. I got asked by one person, ah, whats the best advice I could give. I was like just run, run away, run.

FI:

Run away. Did you see Bikini Girl?

David: Ah, you know what? I missed her episode, but Ive read plenty about it.

MI1:

So is it everything you thought it would be so far?

David: I just thought youre gonna get up and play a show every day. And then theres all this other stuff.

MI1:

You gotta do media.

David: Theres all this paperwork and, you know. No its a great gig. I love it and it doesnt hurt that I get to do what I love for a living.

MI1:

Now, youve probably been to what about over a hundred, two hundred radio stations?

David: Ah, thats a good guess probably.

MI1:

How long does it take you to find out that the people youre talking to kind of suck.

David: Ah, no. [Everyone laughs]

MI1:

No seriously, you know that many, you know.

David: Just now I guess

MI1:

Just now! Haha.

David: Well its good having you on the show David Cook and next time youre in town [Everyone laughs]

FI:

Really now, when you talk to so many people and do so many interviews, I mean, do you just get irritated asking, answering the same questions?

MI1:

Yeah, were trying to stay away from that.

David: Ah, actually I enjoy hanging out with you guys more than most for sure cuz Im actually entertained.

MI1:

Yeah, were just chilling. Our whole thing is, we try to be anti-radio radio. Now, we gonna get, Im gonna show you how they do it down

FI:

Not down the hall, not in this building. No clear channel stations do that. [All talking at once!]

MI1:

Alright, you ready

David: Yeah, were ready

FI:

They have the best show. Its Johnny and Brian in the morning

MI1:

We got American Idol winner on the show, David Cook!

David: Hey everybody.

MI1:

Good morning David. How are you?

David: Im great. How are you?

MI1:

Ill tell you man, David Cook, I mean if you dont remember he was the last years winner on American Idol and it was just fascinating to see you on the screen, I mean, I was saying to myself and my wife, I was like Honey, I told you David Cook was gonna win.

MI2:

I voted for him everyday. How did you deal with that Simon? Hes crazy. I mean, he says some really zany stuff.

FI:

I really want to punch both of you in the face right now.

MI1:

Tell me you havent been to a radio station like that.

David: Ah, within the last week

MI2:

Well, when you leave here, dont walk to your left.

David: Cut to commercial. Cut to commercial

MI2:

No because across the street theres a station

MI1 FI: Yeah, yeah.

MI2: FI:

If you go out and take a left. Six stations down the hall are going What?

MI1:

What are they talking about?

FI:

The Spanish station is going Que?

MI1:

No, I guess its kind of weird for you that now, when you go out, you know, youre noticed.

David: Um, it happens a little bit.

MI1:

Did you expect it or are you just like

David: Oh no, I never expected it, no. But when it does happen, I just, it kind of depends on the setting. I kind of just of feel bad cuz there are instances where I lie

MI1:

And say youre not you

David: Theyll be like Hey are you, are you that guy from American Idol? and Ill What, who, who are you talking about. And theyre like David Cook. And Im like Never heard of him. And usually it works.

FI:

Really?

MI1:

Yeah, you know what I hate? The only thing I hate about American Idol is people say I look like damn Randy Jackson. I know damn well [every tells him to take his hat off and then everyone laughs]

David: Take your hat off and say It was a bit pitchy dawg. Just real quick; just for fun; just see how it feels, you know.

MI1:

Yo dawg. It was a bit pitchy.

David: Oh, sayin, that was weird.

MI1:

Oh, shut up.

David: Oooh. Its like a doppelganger, man.

MI1:

Oh, whatever

MI2:

Disneys doing some casting for the Randy Jackson dude

M1:

Oh you know what

FI:

Yeah theyve got the Idol Experience over there.

David: If Randy ever gets sick and cant do a show.

MI1:

Yeah, you know what, David Cook, I thought you were pretty cool, but you know what Im gonna rank you with a lot of white people that think all black people look alike

David: Oh, no!

MI1:

I thought you were cool. Thats okay. [Everyone is cracking up!] So were just hanging out.

FI:

Yeah, so congratulations on your certified platinum status

David: Oh, thank you very much.

FI:

Thats awesome

MI1:

Does that come with a check?

David: Ah, I wish.

MI1:

No, I mean, its a big deal, its like wow, you get the platinum thing. You put it in your house.

FI:

Yeah, do they give you like this big frame that you can put in your brand new house?

David: Yeah, yeah, Im excited. You know its huge. I think its extra special just given the fact of where the economys at and how record sales have kind of steadily declined

FI:

Right

David: To sell a million records is really cool. Im really proud of that.

FI:

So what room in your house are you going to put this frame in?

David: Ah, I think Im gonna hang it on the ceiling in my bedroom. How about that?

FI:

Well, all right.

David: Because I am egotistical like that. No, Im gonna Ill probably give it to my Mom actually.

MI1:

Thats one of those radio answers.

David: No, Ill probably give it to my mother. She can look at it.

FI:

Thats pretty cool.

MI1:

You know whats so cool about, I mean, doing what you do, is that you make your family really proud and in life thats all you want to do. You dont care if youre happy, as long as your familys happy.

David: [hesitantly] Yeah, pretty much.

MI1:

Thats all that matters.

David: yeah, yeah

FI:

Now, one thing that you did do during the season when you won, you had that bracelet on and I notice that youre wearing a yellow bracelet. Is that the same one that was for the little girl that was sick?

David: Its the exact same one, yeah. I actually was, ah, I got to see her the other day, her and her dad came down to Orlando or up to Orlando, I dont know where Tampa is in reference

MI2:

To the west

F1:

Kinda to the west. Yeah.

David: They came to Orlando and ah, yeah, we grabbed lunch and I got to catch up with her and ah, I mean, its cool, you know, shes just a, shes a cool girl.

F1:

Yeah, now people dont know the story. Can you just give a little background?

David: Yeah, I wear this orange bracelet for a girl named Lindsay Rose. Shes got leukemia and ah, shes just a kid. And it was cool cuz I would talk to her dad and her dad would be like, you know, that was her break every week from chemo. And she was watching you and you had the bracelet on and she just got excited so, its an easy thing to do.

MI1:

Was that your first time

F1:

You just gave me chills

MI1:

Was that your first time knowing the power of, I guess, of the media or that show because once you came out with your bracelet, it became kind of like a fashion statement, even though it had meaning to you, you got all these people wearing your, you know, wearing a bracelet.

David: Yeah, I mean, Ive got three of them on now and they all mean something to me or reference a particular story. I dont know, I

mean, for me it was just, its less permanent than a tattoo and still gets the point across. You know, if it makes a little girl happy.

MI2:

How did you meet her in the first place?

David: Ah, you know, I actually didnt meet her until over the summer on the tour, but I met her dad. Her dad is actually with the press in Tampa, and ah, so I met him through that and we talked off the record and he told me what was going on so I called her, I think it was Top 12 press day or something. I called her and she seemed like a really cool girl, really unaffected and just funny.

MI1:

Isnt it weird when you see a child going through something, theyre a lot stronger than adults cuz adults, adults have a tendency to have self-pity, but a kids like Im a kid you know.

David: Yeah, I mean, I couldnt do what she does.

MI1:

Okay, were gonna take a break. Were gonna come back and were gonna make, you planning all the music for this hour. When we come back were gonna make the ultimate love CD for Valentines Day and we want you to help us with that. And Al is gonna play the song. I got a couple that are on the list and were gonna go back and forth. Now, Ill be honest, just because youre a guest, something you picked, I might say sucked. [Everyone laughs]

David: Thats fine because believe me, they will.

F1:

Im excited though, David, Idol, Love-mix tape.

David: Its perfect. Love is in the air

MI1:

Thats right. Its Valentines Day. How do you feel on Valentines Day, that there might be a couple making love to your song? [Everyone laughs]

David: Ill have my answer after the break.

Part 2 (Not transcribed yet) : http://www.4shared.com/mp3/9y3Nsaxa/20090210___Mix_1051__Orlando_.html

Feb 12 2009 - ORLANDO SENTINEL - American Idol David Cook displays his humor in Orlando visitSource posted by halboedeker on Feb 12, 2009 12:20:10 PM Discuss This: Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Linking Blogs | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it What's life been like since winning "American Idol"? "Nuts," David Cook told me Thursday. "I'm constantly amazed at all the cool stuff I get to do. Now the goal is to work as hard as I possibly can to make sure I keep to get doing that kind of stuff." Cook is in Orlando with all the other "American Idol" victors to help open "The American Idol Experience" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. "To be in that little fraternity is a huge honor," Cook said. He is set to perform with "Idol" champ Carrie Underwood this evening at an invitation-only event. "Carrie has been one of my best kind of advisers through all this," Cook said. "She has been really good helping me avoid pitfalls." Here's part of my interview with Cook: Cook described the Idol Experience as "amazing." "To give talent another avenue to do something for themselves, I only see positives," he said. Cook ran into technical difficulties Thursday morning while performing live at Disney's Hollywood Studios for ABC's "Good Morning America." But Cook was a good sport through it all -- and he was funny, too. After a fan told Cook he looked tired, the champ joked, "Dude, I'm out of it. I'm delirious." "I usually tell bad jokes, so today was one of my better days," Cook told me. If you go to his concert, you'll see his humor, which he didn't get to display on "Idol."

"There's so much stress associated with being in that competition, it's hard to really crack a joke," Cook said. "You don't want to step on Ryan's toes or anything," referring to host Ryan Seacrest. If Cook had been too funny, might the judges have held it against him? "Right, right, Simon [Cowell] and I don't really share the same sense of humor," Cook said. Cook starts his first solo tour Friday in Tallahassee, goes till April 25 in Tulsa, Okla., and stops mostly at colleges. He'll play 50 dates -- a lot in short time. "We figure 'Why not? Why not go for gold?' " Cook said. He said he has been "floored" by the response to his record. "I feel like right now the sky's the limit," Cook said. "All these good things keep coming in, and hopefully, the other shoe doesn't drop."

Feb 13 2009 - ACCESS HOLLYWOOD - David Cook On Selling Out His Hometown Show In 6 Minutes - Im FlooredSource

FIRST PUBLISHED: February 13, 2009 6:46 PM EST LAST UPDATED: February 15, 2009 2:41 PM EST ORLANDO, FL -David Cook kicks off his first post-American Idol trek today, but he is already thinking about the end of the jaunt and his hometown stop. Davids tour will stop on April 22 in his hometown of Kansas City, MO, at the Ameristar Casino, a date which sold out recently in just six minutes. Im floored, Idols Season 7 winner told Access Hollywood on Thursday. I dont even know what to say. The support Ive just got from everybody, especially back home has just been amazing and I cant wait to go home again. While there are three months of tour dates to go before David and his band roll into the Missouri stop, he is already thinking of ways to make the upcoming homecoming gig special. Were working on some things but weve got a little bit of time, so hopefully we can put something really cool together, he said. While life on the road playing shows most nights leaves little time to watch the current season of the show which catapulted David to fame, he admits he is still trying to keep up remotely. Ive watched some episodes. Ive DVR-d all of them. And what I havent seen I plan on watching, David said. But as for contestants he thinks will make it to the final few rounds, David is tight-lipped. Im keeping em close to my vest. I have my favorites that Ive seen so far, but I want to catch everybody before I make my decision, he smiled. Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Feb 13 2009 - PRESS ASSOCIATION - David Cook: Fame Is OddSource

6 hours ago David Cook says he finds his new-found fame "odd" after winning American Idol last year. "I'm still catching up," the star said at the launch of the American Idol Experience attraction in Disneyworld, Florida. "It's such an odd experience having people know who I am and know stuff about me. But I love it because it allows me to be able to do what I love to do for a living. Idol afforded me that opportunity and for that I am eternally grateful and absolutely stoked to be here." The 26-year-old star, who pipped fellow Idol finalist David Archuleta to the post last May, also said he'd be interested in playing a few gigs in the UK in future. "I would go anywhere where they would love to have me," he said. "So if they'd love to have me I'd love to be there." The Disney American Idol experience, which David described as 'eerily similar' to being on the hit US show, enables visitors to experience being an American Idol themselves, from the audition process to vocal coaching and performing on stage in front of a live audience

Feb 17 2009 - FEMALE FIRST (UK) - David Cook Gets FlooredSource | Copy DCN

17-02-2009 11:00American Idol star David Cook has been "floored" by the fan response to an upcoming hometown concert in Kansas City, Missouri after seats sold out in just six minutes. The singer, who won last year's Idol, has kicked off his first solo tour since his victory, but it's a return home in April, which has left him amazed; and quite rightly so! He'll play at the Ameristar Casino on 22 April and the show is already a sell out. He says, "I dont even know what to say. The support Ive just got from everybody, especially back home has just been amazing and I cant wait to go home again." Dont you just love it when someone who has come from nothing really appreciates what they are given! FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison

Feb 17 2009 - USA TODAY - Season 7 update: David CookSource In case you hadn't guessed, David Cook's been busy since winning American Idol last season. USA TODAY's Marco Della Cava checks in:

David Cook has been working incessantly since his Idol victory, starting with recording sessions for his self-titled RCA debut album that went on during summers Idols Live tour. After the albums respectable debut (its certified platinum) and successful single (Light On peaked at No. 17 in Billboards Hot 100 and No. 20 on USA TODAYs top 40 airplay chart), hes now heading on the road. Cooks Declaration tour started Feb. 13 in Tallahassee. Its mainly colleges, which is fun, says Cook, 26, who performed last week at the opening of Disney Worlds new American Idol Experience attraction in Florida. Its time to get back to my roots and solidify this thing. Cook says he enjoys being on the road, as well as the instant gratification that a performer gets on stage. You dont have to wait 24 hours for validation while America votes. Hes stolen a few glances at Season 8. Apart from a few panic attacks, it was OK, he jokes. Seriously, I felt like I spent three years with the Idol machine. Im completely amazed I didnt develop an ulcer. As an Idol champ hell have to steel himself for more public scrutiny, whether its related to his music or his personal life. Hes quick with an Uh, no comment when asked about his recent split from former Idol Kimberly Caldwell. Hes taking it slow on a second album. Look, I just want to do well enough with what I have now to be able to get there.

(Photo by Frank Micelotta/FOX) Posted at 11:18 AM/ET, February 17, 2009 in David Cook | Permalink

FEB 19, 2009 Q107.5 (Memphis, TN) Interview (Transcript by ItsMyTime) MI=male interviewer FI= female interviewer named Riley

MI:

Riley, the celebrity hotline, as you know, it rings all the time especially when were in LA. Were extra close to the stars. Welcome to the show David Cook.

FI:

Hey David

David:

Hey, good morning. How are you?

MI:

We are excited brother. How are you?

David:

Ah, you know, Im good. Im good.

MI:

Its Grammy week as you know. This is like the Superbowl for musicians, yeah, absolutely. Speaking of Superbowl, were you poking around the Superbowl at all?

David:

I was not. We actually, ah, we were in, we were in the State of Florida the night before for a show and had to ship back out to LA.

FI:

Oh and you didnt go? Now see thats my home town and you missed out.

David:

I missed it. It was an amazing game. I was actually kinda rooting for the Cardinals. I expected Pittsburgh to win. I was really surprised how close the game was.

MI:

yeah, I think it was the Steelers vs. the world yesterday, or the other day at the Superbowl.

David:

Oh yeah and they managed to pull it off.

MI:

Im surprised though, like a big celebrity like you, you should be able to get tickets, get into a box, no problem, right David? I mean thats one of the things that comes with winning American Idol.

David:

Apparently, apparently Im a little famous but Im no celebrity. They wanted nothing to do with me. Im just kidding.

FI:

And speaking of American Idol, seeing as how your kind of year round reign is about to come to a close, are you kind of sad?

David:

You know, Im ah, Im not. I think Im just anxious to kind of move forward a bit. I really, really, you know I appreciate the show and I

fully anticipate that being a life-long bond between me and the show. I love those guys to death. I cant wait to go back to Idol and say hi to them, but ah, you know Im ready to give the crown up a little bit and, ah, just be an artist, you know?

MI:

Have you watched any of it?

David:

I have. Ive caught a few episodes and the ones Ive havent seen, Ive TIVOd but I havent sat down to watch them.

MI:

Thats cool. Youre like a fan.

David:

Yeah, absolutely. I think, ah, you gotta, I gotta keep an eye on whos next so I can

FI:

(interrupts) You know we have two of our Memphians out there. What were they? We have Lil Rounds and Alexis Grace. Theyre from our town.

David:

Lil Rounds was amazing.

MI:

Wasnt she?

David:

That was fantastic. Yeah, that girls got a voice.

MI:

And Alexis Grace is really good too, so

David:

I dont, Ill have to go back and watch. I dont remember her.

MI:

Yeah, please do. Check in with our Memphians and let us know what you think. Okay, so the self-titled CD, how come self-titled by the way? Were you not brainstorming enough or is that just a marketing idea? I never understood the self-titled CD.

David:

You know, for me it was, ah, Id actually never done that before. Ive been doing records since I was I think I put my first record out when I was 18 back in KC, but I never did the self-titled thing and this is my first major label record and so I wanted it to just You know, I figured what better way to name a record thats supposed to be a re-entry or re-introduction of me.

MI:

Riley, I actually did some research and I found some of the ones that werent accepted. David I will not Cook for you

FI:

Oh Lord!

MI:

That was one of them that got tossed out of the way. David Cook, no Im not Archuleta. I heard that one got thrown out too.

FI:

Oh my goodness!

David:

That was right up to deadline, a working title.

MI:

I like that idea. It should be David Archuletas name crossed out and just Cook, I won.

FI:

Youre so silly.

MI:

I won that should be the name of your CD.

FI:

David, I have to tell you that when you did, um, the Music of the Night on Idol? Wow, I almost cried cuz thats been my favorite since I was a child. Do you, like, follow that kind of music at all or was that a whim?

David:

Um, yeah, Im actually a big Phantom fan. I love that musical.

FI:

Oh, I love you even more.

David:

When I was in, ah, when I was in high school, I did theater. I was always pining for either that or Little Shop of Horrors and instead we did West Side Story and Singing in the Rain, so, um [laughter] I love those kinds of musicals that have a rock element to it.

FI:

Yeah, and Phantom does have that.

David:

Yeah

FI:

So you kind of just broke up with your girlfriend and is there anybody new?

MI:

Is that true?

David:

Well yeah, that, did I break up with her? Or

MI:

I mean, no is that whole thing true, because I mean sometimes you cant believe Wikipedia.

David:

Ah, well I mean, we just kind of decided that it wasnt the right time. You know shes an amazing person and, ah, you know, but were both busy, were both working, and, ah, sometimes its just life.

MI:

What did you hear Riley? Who ended it?

FI:

I didnt hear who anybody ended it. They just said that it was amicable.

MI:

Can we get an exclusive David? Who made the phone call.

FI:

Oh!

David:

It was amicable

MI:

You did?

David:

It was amicable

MI:

It was amicable. Okay, did you text her cuz I heard breaking up over text is not good.

David:

Ah, well, no. I didnt text her.

MI:

Oh, but you know, hes on the road all the time Riley, so dont be all surprised.

FI:

Stop it!

MI:

Well, hes busy. [David laughs] Okay David Cooks on the phone with us. Its me and Riley. We really appreciate you coming on with us. The single, Light On, is a great song by the way.

David:

Thank you very much.

MI:

We wish you best of luck. Whats the next single that were gonna get off the CD?

David:

You know, I wish I knew. Were kind of, ah, we kind of still waiting to see, ah, where Light On goes. Its been kind of steadily climbing and so were kind of sitting back and letting it stretch its legs a little bit.

MI:

Cool. Hey before I let you go, just real quick. Since youve become this kind of celebrity stature type guy, you know, big American Idol winner, of course, whos what, was the coolest person that youve gotten to meet that before, you were regular David Cook; you wouldnt have gotten to meet him or her?

David:

You know I actually, Im really fortunate. Ive been able to hang out, on a couple of times with Stevie and Marie Van Zandt, and ah, thats been a trip, you know to hang out with a guitar player from the E Street Band is pretty heavy.

MI:

Right. And well an lot of people know him as Sylvio from the Sopranos

David:

Absolutely, yeah. I remember, ah, they kind of gave us a tour of their place, so we were out visiting and hes got this Soprano pinball machine [laughter]

FI:

Oh my gosh.

MI:

[Imitating the Sopranos] I dont think so David. Dont play that pinball machine. [David laughs] David Cook everybody. The CD, David Cook, self-titled, in stores now and of course you an go buy the single Lights [sic] On on iTunes and David you are, really sound great on our station, Q107.5 and appreciate you spending some time with us.

David:

Ah, thanks for playing the record man, I appreciate it.

MI:

No problem. Okay, thanks brother.

David:

Take care.

Feb 19 2009 - GREENBAY PRESS GAZETTE - Idol Cook chases different dreams nowSource February 19, 2009 'Idol' Cook chases different dreams now

By Kendra Meinert kmeinert@greenbaypressgazette.com The reigning "American Idol'' is looking forward to doing one thing in particular when he rolls into Green Bay on Friday, and it has nothing to do with music. "I've got to try to sneak out and get in a Lambeau Leap is what I have to do,'' 26-year-old David Cook said by phone from the road on Wednesday. He just kicked off his The Declaration Tour 2009 in support of a self-titled debut album that hit the Billboard charts at No. 3 in November and has wasted little time going platinum. He requested to play small venues at colleges, because he says he likes the personal vibe of campus shows. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students quickly scooped up the 1,000 main floor-only seats for his Weidner Center concert. How does it feel to be officially on your first-ever headlining solo tour? Oh man, it's amazing. It's fun to try to incorporate the lessons I learned from the "Idol'' tour onto this one. To just kind of have it be my tour is a huge accomplishment and to be able to walk on stage with four of my friends and just have fun. It certainly doesn't hurt that I don't have to wear the lace-up pirate pants that I had to wear on the "Idol'' tour. (Laughs) Your fans knew you so long as part of the "American Idol'' collective, so was there any trepidation with striking out on your own? It's more relief. I feel like people who come to this show are going to get a little bit more accurate representation of who I am. With the "Idol'' tour, it's a huge production and everything's moving so fast, it's hard to just kind of stop it and really interact. That is one

of the reasons I wanted to do this college tour, to make it a little bit more grassroots and be accessible and really just talk to people. The last show we had in Oxford, Miss., it dropped to 30 degrees after the show. We were loading up the bus, and there were all these fans standing at the end of the ramp. I went down and talked to them for about 30 minutes. I love that kind of stuff, just to be able to have a conversation with people who have invested their time and their money into coming and watching me and some friends make some noise. I think that's such a cool thing. Every band has a good touring story from back in the day when they were just starting out. How about you? "I was in my band Axium, and we got booked just outside of Columbia, Mo., for a battle of the bands. Our drummer was always really bad about giving us all the details as to what was going on, so we show up at the venue at the 4-H fairgrounds and we're playing inside this renovated horse stable. We're wheeling the amps in and rolling over horse crap ... I just remember we loaded up the van to head back and we got about 15 miles and had to stop, take all the gear out and hose it down before we got home. Everybody likes to compare the success of the latest "American Idol'' winner with those who have come before them. How do you deal with that? The only way I can say that I deal with it is I don't. I guess I've been around enough to know it's all relative. I just look at the fact that we're all successful. You look at somebody like Daughtry who has sold 5 million records, I'm not anticipating selling 5 million records. If I do, awesome. Those kinds of numbers don't come along very often, so I'm not chasing anything that feels like a pipe dream right now. What's the most unexpected thing that has come with fame? I never thought anybody would care so much about my personal life. For the millions who watch "American Idol,'' what's the one thing about the show you think, "Man, if people only knew ''? To me, it was the schedule. I remember the advice when Jordin Sparks came on and performed. She was like, "Just sleep as much as you can and drink a ton of water.'' And then you look at the schedule and it's like, "When do I have time to do either of those things?'' To get off stage on a Wednesday night, having made the cut, you immediately have to go back to work and get songs ready. There's really no rest for the wicked. Additional Facts Do it

Who: David Cook, with opener Ryan Star When: 9 p.m. Friday Where: Weidner Center, UWGB Tickets: Sold out

Feb 19 2009 - MENAISET - Finnish mag article translationSource David Cook won the American Idol, sold more than a million albums and made friends with his own idol. If I even could get an Oscar When an ordinary guy becomes American Idol, life goes upside down. How has the last year changed you? I see things in a wider scale now. I used to play in a band and work as a bartender in Tulsa. I was quite happy with my life but now everything is larger (Viivi: bad translation sorry) The most special experience of the year was to go to Iraq and play with the band to the soldiers. That was cool. You got to make songs into your album with our own idol, Raine Maida from our Lady Peace. How did you react when you heard about that opportunity? I was terrified! I was scared that everything would go wrong or that he would be a jerk (Viivi: I really dont believe David would say like that)But everything was great and I consider him as a friend now. I call him sometimes and we go to play golf, which is really weird. Its strange how things change. Thats something to ponder about. Rockers get chicks but how is it with Idols? Hahaha! After I won AI Ive had one girlfriend but now Im single. Ive spent all my life dreaming of being a rockstar and having womens attention and now, when I finally am a star I dont have time for dating. Quite ironic huh. You tend to (superstitiously) write the initials AC of your brothers Adam and Andrew everywhere, as on your guitars. What is it about that? AC is also written on my shoes and tattooed on my arm. I began writing it into my sports gear years ago as I first heard that Adam had a brain tumor. Its something to show my love for my brothers. Thats how I have them with me everywhere. What is the weirdest thing that has been written about you in the media? That I was dead! I was, just in case, taken to the hospital because of high blood pressure during AI. My blood pressure just went high because of all the excitement in the competition. You were not supposed to participate Idol yourself but you went to the auditions just to support your brother. If everything goes that randomly (Viivi: sorry for my English) in the future, where will you be in ten years?

I dont know. I would just like to be happy and maybe have a family. Before that, I just want to make better and better albums. You have talked about winning Grammy and Oscar awards. Are you still aiming at those? Absolutely. Too bad we were late for this years Grammys. I would have wanted to be nominated. Well, maybe next year. I still would like to do acting, even if Im a musician at the first place. But if the right thing comes along, Ill grab the chance.

Feb 19 2009 - WCF COURIER - Idol winner David Cook comes to UNI, WartburgSource

Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:04 PM CST

By MARY STEGMEIR, Courier Staff Writer CEDAR FALLS --- David Cook didn't plan to try out for "American Idol."

Last summer he showed up at auditions to support his younger brother, Andrew, who wanted to compete in the Fox music contest. The rocker was prepared to go home after his sibling failed to make the cut, but at the last minute, Cook decided to show Simon and Co. his vocal chops.

The judges were impressed. Seventeen weeks later, after belting renditions of classic songs by Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton and Duran Duran, Cook was crowned winner of the show's seventh season in May. A week later, 11 of the singer's cover songs debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, a feat last achieved by The Beatles.

Tonight Cook will share songs from his new album with University of Northern Iowa students. A Monday concert is planned at Wartburg. Both events already are sold out.

This week, the musician took time out from his tour to talk about his life post-"Idol".

Mary Stegmeir: What are the pros and cons of breaking into the business via "American Idol"?

David Cook: Really, the only con is that it's new to me. It feels like going to 6,000 miles per hour in under two seconds. I feel myself mentally playing catch-up as I try to learn the intricacies of putting a record together, putting a tour together. I think an artist that

didn't pick this path might have had a bit more time to wrap their head around everything.

But the pros are tenfold To play a 15,000 seat theater --- I don't know that I could have fathomed that a year ago. Let alone, to go out on the 'Idol' tour and do arenas all summer. I'm finding pros every day. It's an amazing experience.

MS: Have you caught any of this year's "Idol"?

DC: I've been trying to catch up. I caught a few episodes and then we really got busy with the tour and everything, so I've kind of fallen behind. But I think so far the changes that they've made to the show seem interesting and I really love the addition of Kara DioGuardi. I think she's just amazing. I got a chance to write with her over the summer and she's just got a really intense musical mind. And then there's the fact that she's standing up to Simon --- that's great.

MS: What was the experience of cutting your first record like?

DC: It was one of the most hectic periods of my life ever. We were on tour and we were writing and recording I think I had like two days off the entire tour. But I wouldn't have had it any other way. My whole thing --- and really what (record company) RCA and (manager) 19 (Entertainment) allowed me to do --- was to make a record that was me. Of the 12 tracks we have on the record, I wrote or co-wrote 10

It's been really cool to see the crowd's reactions to the tour so far. I think they get that I'm passionate about this record. I'm passionate about what I'm doing.

MS: Is the David Cook people see on tour different from the David Cook we watched on "American Idol"?

DC: A little bit. On the show, it's such a pressure cooker there. You're always on edge. I think people that watch the show probably have a pretty firm sense of me as 'Nervous David.' I'm a lot more relaxed now. I don't have to worry about Simon critiquing everything I do. We go on stage and we have fun and we joke around. There's a lot more crowd interaction, which is really paramount to me.

MS: What are your goals as a songwriter?

DC: Just to write a song that means something to people. Whether it makes them laugh, cry or anything in between, the whole goal of songwriting, for me at least, is to try to help evoke emotion.

I try to write what I know, and I always find it interesting that you can write a song about one thing and somebody else will pull something entirely different from it. That's really cool, to me, to be able to write a song that works.

MS: Are there any songs off your album that you are particularly proud of?

DC: Well, "Permanent" is definitely a cornerstone on the record for me. I wrote that about my brother Adam (who is battling brain cancer). I've been writing music since I was 14, 15 years old, but I'd never been so emotionally naked before, lyrically, as I was on that song. The emotion that I wanted to evoke, and really the whole song --- the way I heard it in my head --- it just came across perfectly on the record.

MS: What are your goals as a performer?

DC: I just try to make the experience the same for the people in the back row as (for) the people in the front. That was a really big lesson I learned on the 'Idol' tour. You would go into these arenas with 15,000 people in them and try to make it an intimate experience for everybody. Sometimes that feels a little lofty, but you gotta try.

Feb 22 2009 - NEWSDAY - Carrie Underwood, David Cook on 'Idol's' SimonSource RONNIE GILL; LINDA WINER February 22, 2009 'IDOL' BUZZ: What Simon says goes

Carrie Underwood and David Cook prefer tough love - at least when it comes to "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

"He's always been pretty nice to me, and I think it's really good that somebody will give you a dose of reality, even if it might be said in a harsh manner," said fourth-season winner Underwood, speaking of Cowell to the U.K.'s The Star newspaper at the recent launch of the American Idol Experience attraction at Walt Disney World. "I can think of nicer ways to say things than he tells them, but it's nice that he's got a very strong opinion, and he does voice it."

Current "Idol" champ Cook, who kicked off his first nationwide tour at the Orlando, Fla., event, revealed, "The first couple of weeks I was on the show, Simon and I did not see eye to eye." But the singer added, "As soon as I took a step back and realized that everything he said was constructive, as mean as it might be, we got along fine. So if anybody asks me who my favorite judge is, I'm always going to say Simon."

Feb 25 2009 - HERALD-DISPATCH - David Cook Dont try to be, just beSource

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Its hard to believe that its been a year since we first met David Cook. But if you think its hard for us to believe, think what its like for David himself.

Several times during our conversation, when I asked him about his experiences, he used the word, amazing and I could almost see him shaking his head in disbelief through the phoneespecially when I told him that the tickets to the Shawnee State University concert Friday night sold out in less than five hours.

Were really looking forward to you coming here, I told him.

Well, I am looking forward to coming there, he told me. Thats amazing.

However, David did ask me to do something about the weather since its been a little cold on the tour so far and I told him Id see what I could do. But if youve seen Fridays forecast, you know I probably cant do much.

Im sorry, David. Ill try harder

Other than the cold weather, the tour has been going well for David and his band. So far, so good. Weve managed to not injure ourselves, he joked. The crowds have been great. A lot of cool things have been happening.

So why a college tour as opposed to bigger venues? Theres a vibe at the college show Ive never found elsewhere. Its one of the most critical audiences. There is no other place where youll find more opinions about music than a college campus.

Cook was also looking for venues that would match what he wanted to do with his shows. Its organic. Its real. Its accessible.

So what will we see at Friday nights show? People that caught me on Idol, theyll see a little more. We try to have fun. Were not ones to take ourselves too seriously. David told me