Well it was only a matter of time before this year’s American Idol winner David Cook would sign a record deal. Well the 25-year-old rocker has signed to 19 Recordings/RCA Records, so it will not be long before cook hits the studio to start recording tracks for his forthcoming album, which should be released some time this fall.
Cook is over the moon about the deal, and has said “Signing this deal is truly a dream come true, I am looking forward to the recording process…The support I have received from America has been overwhelming, and I can’t wait to hopefully do right by them.” E Online has said that David Cook will record his album through the summer; he will have to work out his schedule as he has to perform on the American Idols Live tour.
Tom Corson, who is the executive vice president and general manager of RCA Music Group, has said that “Cook is an extraordinarily versatile and talented artist.” Many still feel that Cook should not have won; instead David Archuleta should have won instead.
We will see how great Cook is when his first Album is released, i do have a feeling that it will be his first and last album. I do not think for one moment that the American public will take to Cook, like they have done to Carrie Underwood.
And I bet that David Cook will be among the top 5 in the history of all American Idol contestant. He will be the 3rd best of all winners behind Carrie and Kelly. I bet that David Cook will make a lot of albums.
Comment by Michael K — May 29, 2008 @ 12:55 am
Oh that was funnah! Have ya read the Billboard releases on his sales so far? It is a shame Archie fans are continuing the poor loser routine. Archie is awesome. You people are just bitter asshats. Oh and learn to edit. It helps people take you seriously.
Comment by Still giggling — May 29, 2008 @ 1:30 am
Hello,
The reason I’m writing is that I’m hoping maybe you might do the right thing and expose American Idol for what they’ve done to the American people. (Over $250,000.00 last year
alone) Several times I’ve tried to get someone in the mainstream media to report this with no luck. In a nutshell American Idol has held a songwriting contest 2 years in a row. Last
year 25,000 people entered the contest at $10.00 each for a chance at fame and fortune, and thousands and thousands more entered this year. (At $10.00 each) The problem
is…….
1. It was advertised as an amateur songwriting contest. (The winner is a pro, with several #1 hits including having a one of his songs on the NEW Clay Aiken CD)
2. The contest was rigged from day one. How do I know this? Easy….Out of tens of thousands of entries only 20 are chosen for an online vote.
But out of the top 20 you have….
1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD’s.
2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD.
3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show “Unhitched”.
4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors.
5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll’s CD.
6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Winner (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD
7. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Winner (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer of the Winner of 2007’s American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne.
So we have 3 out 20 on Clay Aiken CD’s. We also have the winner of this year and the winner of last years songwriting contest are good friends and co-writers on several songs. You
get better odds of getting struck by lightning while buying a winning lottery ticket. What you see above is just the tip of the iceburg, and only deals with this years contest, last year’s
contest is even worse. (10 of the 2007 Top 20 Finalist had working relationships with Judge Paula Abdul, Judge Randy Jackson, Host Ryan Seacreast, Bandleader Rickey Minor,
Idol Producer Clive Davis, American Idol, Fox Television …… IF someone will only check out my webpage you would find everything I’m saying has links to prove it. Please do
something about this. Thank you, Simon
http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com
Comment by SimonSays2008 — May 29, 2008 @ 2:35 am
You can find “many” who believe any one of the other idols should have won; what’s your point? As for Archuleta, there’s a reason Cook crushed him in the voting. Both have great voices, but Cook proved that he can sing a wide range of music. Anytime Archuleta strayed outside of ballad territory, he had a lot of problems. Bottom line, Cook proved he could sing anything Archuleta sang, but the opposite is clearly not true. I think Archuleta has potential, but he needs to live some life first. He’s mentally about 14 years old and that limits his ability to sell songs that aren’t treacly.
Cook has the talent for a long career; the eleven songs that will appear on the singles chart tomorrow proves that. But he still needs to select good songs for the album. That will determine his success.
Comment by Jack — May 29, 2008 @ 4:55 am
I think Cook has almost as much potential as AI Queen Kelly Clarkson. As to whether or not he can out sell Underwood’s debut with his debut it all depends on the song. If he has something really good like Before He Cheats, then he definitely will.
Comment by John — May 29, 2008 @ 10:05 am
I do not understand why people who have no clue about what is going on in entertainment get paid to write about it.
David Cook will be the top selling male AI contestant/winner EVER! I am a huge Daughtry fan but I like Cook better. He is more humble and his voice is as smooth as a good glass of wine! I bought almost all of his songs from iTunes and they are great! This man will be around for a long time. Archie was good but in no way prepared for winning yet. He’ll do fine but the right David won and people need to get over it. Twelve million votes is a pretty telling sign. Can’t wait for his CD!
Comment by CookFan — May 29, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Obviously this little bit of tripe is sour grapes meant to give you 5 seconds of fame (all it took to read your drivel). Cook has already broken Billboard records with his performances from AI this year, and even with the Coronation song. Wait til he gets to put his own music and lyric writing abilities–which are brilliant–to work with some production bucks behind him. I suspect he will outsell even Kelly Clarkson, and stay the course for a long, long time.
And David Archuleta will also do well - very well - lest you think I’m hatin’ on him. Because I like him and am liking him more daily as I watch he and DC interact together. That kind of rapport can’t be scripted or faked.
Comment by ariadne — May 29, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
The US not take to David Cook? Hello there, he already is making history and would be smashing even more sales records if iTunes released its data for the entire AI season instead of just after the finale. David Cook has a more mature sound that the world (and not just the US) is clamoring for. Check out his independent solo album, Analog Heart, online and you will see he has huge potential. His music (written entirely by himself) is amazing.
Comment by WordNerdATL — May 29, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
Are you insane? “First and last album? Many people feel Archuleta should win?”…12 million votes than David A…I think your opinion is coming out, you aren’t even close to the facts. David Cook will DOMINATE sales. He is going to rival Kelly. Just wait and see.
Comment by Cheri — May 29, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
What are you, 12? David Cook said his aim is to make an album that has staying power… And I have no doubt he will. He’s mature, he has integrity, and he has a good head on his shoulders. A lot like Carrie Underwood, who is first and foremost a good businesswoman. Archie is cute and the teenagers go mad for him. And he’s got a future, no doubt. But David Cook is truly memorable. There’s a reason he won.
I agree with the above poster. Who pays you guys to write this tripe?
Comment by JMR — May 29, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
you are crazy
Comment by Teresa — May 29, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
yeah, america is not “taking to him” - you fool:
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/charts/chart_alert/e3ied2fbcd4ab5283735e1942f3692f0313
“American Idol” winner David Cook places 14 debuts on the Hot Digital Songs chart — with “The Time of My Life” coming in at No. 1 with 236,000 downloads sold. Collectively, his 14 titles moved a combined 888,000 during the tracking week that ended Sunday, May 21 … Cook owns three of the top 10 on Hot Digital Songs. “Life” is tops, followed by “Dream Big” at No. 7 (111,000) and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” at No. 9 (98,000).
More regarding the record 11 songs on the Hot 100 chart:
http://www.popcrunch.com/david-cook-billboard-hot-100-debut-record/
“David Cook has set a new record for debut entries on the American music charts.
Eleven songs performed by the 2008 American Idol winner will debut on the Billboard Hot 100, while fourteen David Cook singles have exploded on the Hot Digital Songs chart.
David’s coronation single, entitled “The Time of My Life,” will debut at Number Three on the Billboard Hot 100, with a Number One debut on the Hot Digital Songs chart, earning 236,000 downloads.
The previous new entries record was held by Miley Cyrus, who landed six Hot 100 debuts in November 2006.”
Comment by stacie — May 29, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
soo truee.
i dont like him. his voice and scratchy and horrible. sorry but not a very good singer.
I LOVE CARRIE UNDERWOOD!
she is one of my favorite singerrs everr, he will DEF. not even be close to as good as her, neither will any idols to come. carrie rocks!!!!!!
Comment by Alyssa — May 29, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
he will do good but remember being a good singer is not enough. he is on a high and not handling the kim caldwell thing well at all. he should think of tons of his female fans inthe sense that if he keeps flaunting kc in the public eye they will lose interest fast. .publicity counts as well. dating kim caldwell will kill the fire for him. good music and good publicity counts. if he were to date at all. an unknown jane or mega star like carrie underwood. if i was his publicists i will tell him to be on the down low for a while.
Comment by leslie lowe — May 30, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
Who cares really. He is outselling all the other AI contestants including David Archuleta because his songs are the only ones available for downloads. But again most of you that voted for him are probably not smart enough to figure that out anyway. I am sure you can all relate to loud rockers, that at 26 were still bartending at a small grungy bar with a bad hair do. He is the new hero now. WOW WOW. Imagine that. What is this world coming to? This is YOUR AMERICAN IDOL. WOW. Sad for the world to see and experience. The LOUD and FREAKY is what Americans vote now for their musical talent. OMG God hel America.
Comment by Tom — May 30, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
Hey David Cook Moron Fans. 12 million votes, does not add to 12 million people. Just losers that stayed up all night to beat the system and through gizmo computer dialing added more votes for the win. But again, most of you are not so smart, if this is what you call real talent and music. God help us in the long run. Bring clean cut men back in style for the rest of the women that prefer a classy, clean cut successful singer with a great voice. Some of us already have men in our lives, not dreaming of dating loud rockers with bad hair dos. Big Dreamers. And to some of the fans that thinking by dating Caldwell is a bad thing for David Cook WAKE UP. She is gorgeous. He finally got a date with a talented gorgeous woman. My point exactly he is not interested in dating FREAKS. The clean cut look is always better, even for this rocker’s preference in women. Thank God. Maybe Calwell can now teach him that he needs to bathe and shave daily and stop wearing bracelets. YUKKY
Comment by Patricia — May 30, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Hey Patricia, those bracelets are for Lindsay Rose, a DC fan with leukemia. He wanted to pay tribute to her by wearing them. Seems like you’re the one looking like an a-hole. Sad.
Comment by Angela — May 30, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
Hey Patricia, Most of the greats do not have knock out voices. Most are not eye candy. (Can’t tell what someone looks like on the radio) But they still deliver powerful or entertaining messages with songs. Some people prefer more masculine music. I do. Don’t worry about David A. He will do great. The contest is over. I just hope that next year’s AI will be as fun to watch as this year. I am sure that there are many wonderful talents out there. My hat goes off to anyone good or bad that auditions for these shows. They really have to have a lot of guts to put themselves out there.
P.S. Now go take a xanax.
Comment by Michelle — May 31, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Kaz you are just provoking. David Cook has an immense early fan base that crosses age, gender, racial and cultural groups. His creativity and talent are recognized and appreciated by people who are not necessarily rock fans. His sincerity and good Midwestern values are attractive to people even if they don’t consciously understand why. People are connecting with his vibe in larger and larger numbers as he gets more exposure. The tour will only enhance all of this. I predict that when his new album is released it will set landmark records for creative quality and the numbers of CDs and singles sold and receiving air time. The only thing that I can see that will stop this is if David Cook let’s this crazy industry mess him up. If he stays grounded and true to his values he will be one of the best super star recording artists of all time. I, for one, believe that he is the real deal and will stay within himself. It is absolutely wonderful that he is a good guy and that all this potential is his to go for. Get on board Kaz, its better to be on a positive uplifting high than your provoking downer of discontent man. Join the world we know Kaz.
Comment by Jack — May 31, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
I know this is a few days late but I am bored so I will voice my opinion. As I writer, I say Kaz you are on dangerous ground with that last sentence - but good job stirring up emotion. However, as a musician, I think you are dead wrong. I could listen to David Cook’s voice until the end of time (and I have a strong feeling I am not alone.) I think he is a superb performer, has an insanely sexy voice and his arrangements are mesmerizing. (Of course, he did have a great band to work with - but his solo album is actually really good as well.) Regarding this retard Patricia’s comments, I would not care if David Cook wore his pajamas and stood on his head when he sang. Most of us actually are paying attention to his music and not just his good (mmm-really really good) looks. And hey Tom, guess what - DC is not just outselling other contestants, you idiot - he is outselling legitmate recording artists. Do you read the news or did you just look this up because your boyfriend has a crush on Cook and you wanted to go online and bash him? Maybe some people in this country actually have passion and like “loud rock” - and some of us have respect for a musician who stuck to his dreams. Hello! David Cook went to college, has a degree, toured with a band and made a solo album by 24 years old. I say that’s pretty damn good. Now by 25 he is AI and has a recording contract with RCA. Plus he is articulate, kind, funny and intelligent. DOn’t be such a hater. It’s because of people like Tom and Patricia that the rest of the world has no respect for America. Thank God we finally got it right. However, I totally agree with Leslie’s comments - flaunting KC in everyone’s face stifled my fantasies real fast. Not smart PR. (Also, who the hell edited that article - aweful!)
Comment by DMS — June 2, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
Funny that you think people wont take to Cook. He seems bigger than ever right now. During the show, I didn’t know one Archuleta supporter. Everyone was crazy for Cook. I’m talking, males, females and teens. I think this man has the determination, the talent, the looks, the voice and the personality to succeed farther than Kelly or Carrie. Of course, time will tell. I hope your job is on the line with your prediction. Well, actually, I’m hoping it is. You are not very good at detecting talent.
Comment by Cathy — June 8, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
We in South Africa just think that David Cooke is the best, he is so talented and cannot wait for his new album, i just hope he will come and visit our country one day.
Comment by Brenda — June 12, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
This article is too funny! IMO, David Cook will surpass all previous idols and the show will have a really hard time coming up with another idol to be as popular as David Cook. Look at his I-tune sales. Obviously America is crazy about him. Archuleta has not even come close to Cooks sales. 12 million votes is nothing to sneeze at either. It was announced somewhere that Cook new album that hasn’t even been released yet is #1 on Amazon this week. He may as well just start on album #2. Go David Cook! We can’t wait!
Comment by Cathy — June 12, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
I liked David A. He deserved exactly the finish he received. 1 week after end of season. David had the #1 download on itunes , 3 songs in top 10, 4 songs in top 20. This was alll of itunes not just AI. enough said!!!!!!!!! Congrats David C.
Comment by Rick — June 12, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
I am 55 and Love David Cooks voice and his appeal he brings to the stage, all american like apple pie, All the way he will go, Carrie Underwood no one talks of her in my crowd, and we are the 70’s group, we love him….Go David
Comment by Jerrie — June 16, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
I loved both Davids this year. And I still do, but I think for an “american idol” David Cook was the right choice. I think Archie will shine on Broadway and probably have a mediocre recording career if he has the right backing. He has a very nice voice. Reminds me a bit of Christopher Cross. I could see him with a Michael Buble’ type career. However Cook is awesome. I think he will outsell and outshine Daughtry who I also liked. Either way I think he’s great.
Comment by emily — June 27, 2008 @ 3:12 am
I watched the entire season of American Idol 7, and I can tell you right now that the wrong person won. Any person who has half-an-ear for pitch and tonality can tell you the superior singer was David Archuleta in every way. David Cook has no sense of pitch, often screaming his notes in the treble key, and no real vibrato, which should not come from the throat, but the diaphragm. I don’t care if he’s good-looking and I don’t care if people feel sorry for him, he’s a terrible singer. I haven’t felt like this since Taylor Hicks won, and look what happened to him. As for all the ‘hit’ singles, if you notice, this is the first time that the winner ONLY has released a single without the runner-up releasing their single as well. He will be a one-hit wonder at best, and most likely fade into obscurity.
Comment by Meg — July 1, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Either way, Cook won. He has versatility and he is definately not boring. To attack his private life shows low class as the man does not bash anyone. I know he will do well and represents America well. Archuleta is a great singer of ballds but he did not win. America had the choice.
Comment by don — July 5, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
Well, that’s true. Archie did not win and as great as his fans believe him to be, he was 12 million votes short and that says something. Archie fans are hoping puboicity no matter what it is will bring Archie fame, but he did not have all the fame after winning Star Search. As a matter of fact, he needed AI to boost a areer which is great because all the contestants needed AI and a few were better than Archie. What I think is outstanding about Cook is that at first, it was not expected for him to win. I think the way the other conestants reacted to all the Archie pushing that some just gave up. It really took a performer and a really good one to stay in the game and he won. So why keep going after Cook fans when it is the Archie fans who fall 12 million votes short.
Comment by nita — July 5, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
OK Cook fans yes you are correct Cook won. But let’s not continue to bash Archuleta about being short 12 million votes. After all we all know 12 million votes does not meet 12 million people or 12 million more sales of CD’s. I think Cook is good, but Archuleta is a different type of artist. He is Pop, Cook is Rock. Now why can’t you Cook fans get it that there are many people who respect Cook but prefer Archuleta. End of story. Stop with the bashing. I happened to be in the Vegas show. Cook is the leader on that show, obviously because he won. Neeldess to say, Cook is a lot more experienced than any of the others being on stage, he has been part of live bands since he was a teen. So Cook is in a league by himself and Archuleta is as well. It is no longer a contest and needless to say they both have huge contracts. No I am not a teen either. All you have to do is listen to the national anthem they both sang and you will get to appreciate incredible vocals, Archuleta has the better voice, well at least I think so. Cook has the better presence on stage and he is older. I was amazed what an incredible improvement Archuleta had on stage with his presence. After all he is only 17 so give him a break won’t you. Nobody is stopping you from buying Cook’s CD but many of us will be buying Archies, Cook and some of the other contestants who will be doing great as well. Even the contestants are saying, it is no longer a contest, they are have their own style of music and their CD’s will reflect that. THE END!
Comment by Adam — July 6, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Adam, I also went to the Vegas Event. I’m so glad my family went. Our first idol concert by the way. I was a little afraid to go because of all the bashing by the fans of the contestants. Which I frankly think is reckless and dangerous. But let me tell all you naysayers, Go!!!!! It was awesome. All the artists were wonderful. David Cook and David Archuleta were phenominal. I wish them all great success.
Comment by Michelle — July 6, 2008 @ 9:53 pm
Great Michelle. Thanks. This was my first AI contest. It was really awesome wasn’t it. The top 10 were incredible and all had their own style. Archuleta and Cook got the most screams and must admit I admire them both for their own styles and incredible talent. I will be buying their CD’s for sure. Archuleta is still my favorite though, that smile, age and humble younger attitude with incredible vocals is something special in the entertainment industry. I also loved the rest of the idols’ performance. WOW what a show. This is the first year, I voted and and admired so many of these idols. They will all have very successful careers despite how Cook fans feel. Now I am not bashing Cook, but I love Archuleta and there is room for all these guys with their incredible style. 2008 AI will be a very memorable for many viewers of all ages. WOW WOW. If you can still get tickets, Go you will have an awesome time. And Cook fans, please keep an open mind and give the rest of the top 10 the respect they deserve. They all worked hard and they all deserve record deals. Diversity is what American talent is all about and this is the group that shows that!
Comment by Adam — July 7, 2008 @ 12:20 am
Adam, we Cook fans here are only defending him against the author of this article. We Cook fans do not believe that the wrong person won. Cook is not a one hit wonder. He had 11 songs in the top 100. Archie had 3. You can look at 12 million votes any way you would like. Personally, i don’t think my state had to even vote, and Cook still would have won. Not a whole lot of people look at Archie as being, “pop”. Old fashioned is what I would call it. But, whatever… I do agree that time will tell. I have no doubt that Cook will be as big as Daughtry and Carrie.
Comment by Cathy — July 7, 2008 @ 1:59 am
What is up with you Cathy? RELAX! The contest is over Cook won. Now leave Archuleta alone and please do not be so arrogant. Have some respect. We all like what we like. I like both Archuleta and Cook and some Cook fans have a one track mind. GREAT! this is america. What in the world are you talking about old fashioned? Basically some Cook fans feel unless it is rock, it is not good? The contest is over remember? Cook won. Yeah! Cool, wonderful…THE END. Now please get over yourselves, and respect all talented artists. You are only showing lack of respect, anger and lack of education on your part by not respecting the variety of talents on AI this year. After all I am sure you will buy Cook’s ONE CD and go to his concerts. COOOOOOOOOOOOL for you. Archuleta is only 17 and he is still getting standing ovations. Give him some credit. Obviously he TOO has a lot of fans, maybe you are not one of them (who cares really?) All I said they both are different artists. How can you even compare the two? That is like comparing Duaghtry to Carrie. Sorry not the same…Hey? Cook and Archuleta, different styles. Both are fantastic. OK? PEACE OVER and out already. Get a life and stop defending Cook so much. HE WON! THE END THE END THE END.
Comment by Adam — July 7, 2008 @ 2:09 am
Adam! it would appear that you have some kind of fantasy about the little Troll!! Yes he could sing - but only ballads. To make a decent singer you really need to be able to sing all genres which Cooky can.
Meg - get over yourself dear - either that or get your ears syringed!!!
Comment by Squeeky — July 13, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Hey Squeeky, no fantasies here and the name calling is really showing your mean character. Too bad you appear to be such an ugly human being with no respect for talented people besides your particular opinions. Show us your talent and then we can all have a few good laughs. It appears the only talent you have is meaness. Your parents must be proud. I can see why you call yourself Sqeeky…:) YUK
Comment by Adam — July 13, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
Squeeky, you sound very jealous and envious. What is up with the name calling. If you don’t like someone’s music that is fine, but to resort to name calling, you sound like more of an angry, jealous and pathetic human being. Let’s set the record straight. He is still a runner up and still has many fans of all ages (I am in my 40’s) and can assure you have no fantasies about a young and talented 17 year old young man. Besides, if you attended any of the recent shows, and looked around you will see how many fans he and Cook have. I don’t see anybody screaming and waiting for hours for your autograph. If all you have to share is mean comments, get a real talent. Respect each individual’s talents and stop being so MEAN!
For the record Mean people SUCK. YOU SUCK!
Comment by Donna — July 13, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
Hey Sqeeky, who died and made you the expert of what people should be singing in today’s diverse musical talents available. You are a MORON!
Comment by Alicia — July 13, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
My goodness, you are the BIGGEST idiot ever. YEAH. RIGHT.
Comment by Rallah — August 18, 2008 @ 9:38 pm