David Cook (singer)

{{short description|American rock singer-songwriter|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{About|the rock singer|his debut album|David Cook (album)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = David Cook | image = David Cook rocks Front Range concert 160916-F-JY173-013.jpg | image_size = | caption = Cook performing at Schriever Air Force Base in September 2016 | birth_name = David Roland Cook | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|12|20}}<ref name="yahoo TV" /> | birth_place = Houston, Texas, U.S. | spouse = {{marriage|Racheal Stump|2015}} | website = {{URL|davidcookofficial.com}} | origin = Blue Springs, Missouri, U.S. | instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|bass|piano|drums}} | genre = {{hlist|Rock|alternative rock|post-grunge|pop}} | occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|musician|actor}} | years_active = 2001–present | label = {{hlist|RCA|19|XIX Recordings|Analog Heart Music}} | past_member_of = {{hlist|Axium|Midwest Kings}} }}

'''David Roland Cook''' (born December 20, 1982) is an American rock singer-songwriter.<ref name="yahoo TV">{{cite web|url=https://tv.yahoo.com/david-cook/contributor/2364829/bio;_ylt=Ag_R_qELHgfkx4Z1zJyH5mq405N4 |title=Biography of David Cook |publisher=Yahoo! TV}}</ref> Cook rose to fame after winning the seventh season of ''American Idol'' in 2008.

Prior to ''Idol'', Cook performed with multiple bands, releasing three studio albums and four live albums before releasing his first solo independent album, ''Analog Heart''. After winning ''American Idol'', he released his debut single "The Time of My Life", which entered the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart at number three and at number two on the ''Billboard'' Canadian Hot 100, selling over 1.4 million copies and being certified platinum by the RIAA. His major-label self-titled debut album was released on November 18, 2008, and has also since been certified platinum by the RIAA. The album produced two top twenty singles; "Light On" and "Come Back to Me". His second major album ''This Loud Morning'' was released on June 28, 2011. The album produced two singles; "The Last Goodbye" and "Fade into Me". ''This Quiet Night'', Cook's first EP, was also released on June 28, 2011 and featured acoustic performances of select ''This Loud Morning'' album tracks.

After departing from RCA and releasing three stand-alone singles, Cook became an independent artist and released his first single "Criminals" for his fourth studio album ''Digital Vein'', which was released on September 18, 2015, with the latter two ("Laying Me Low" and "Wait For Me") being featured on the album.<ref name="David Cook Official">{{cite news|title=David Cook – 'DIGITAL VEIN' ALBUM RELEASE|date=July 1, 2015|url=http://www.davidcookofficial.com/event/digital-vein-album-release/|access-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701141456/http://www.davidcookofficial.com/event/digital-vein-album-release/|archive-date=July 1, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album produced two more singles: "Broken Windows" and "Heartbeat".

Cook released his second EP, ''Chromance'', featuring a more pop-driven sound. Its lead single, "Gimme Heartbreak," was released to promote the EP. The EP entered the US Indie charts at number five. His third EP, ''The Looking Glass'', was released on April 16, 2021.

==Early life== Cook was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Blue Springs, Missouri.<ref name="Ventura County Star">{{cite web |title='Ventura County Star' David Cook, who plays the Ventura County Fair next week, wants to broaden his 'Idol' audience |url=http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/aug/07/he-does-declare/ |publisher=Ventura County Star |date=August 7, 2009 |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302180519/http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/aug/07/he-does-declare/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="myidolnews">{{cite web |title=Cook is ready to shatter notions |url=http://www.honolulupulse.com/tgifinprint/cook-is-ready-to-shatter-notions/ |publisher=Pulse |date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819065811/http://www.honolulupulse.com/tgifinprint/cook-is-ready-to-shatter-notions |archive-date=August 19, 2012 }}</ref> His parents are Beth Foraker and Stanley Cook.<ref name="pharos">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pharostribune.com/news/local_news/article_321b717a-23ab-5abb-b52e-7085235b19fb.html|title=Idol contestant has Indiana roots|first=Danielle|last=Rush|website=Pharos-Tribune|date=February 18, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pharostribune.com/local/local_story_049114643.html |title=Pharos-Tribune - Idol contestant has Indiana roots |access-date=March 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090717003607/http://www.pharostribune.com/local/local_story_049114643.html |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He is the middle of three brothers<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalburg.com/artman/publish/article_4476.shtml |title=University grad David Cook rocks road to fame on ''American Idol'' |last=Handke |first=Lisa |date=March 21, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625225838/http://www.digitalburg.com/artman/publish/article_4476.shtml |archive-date=June 25, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/05/19/david-cooks-brother-unlikely-to-attend-idol-finale/ |title=David Cook's Brother Unlikely to Attend Idol Finale |publisher=People |date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601211047/http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/05/19/david-cooks-brother-unlikely-to-attend-idol-finale/ |archive-date=June 1, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> – the late Adam Cook being older and Andrew younger. He is of German, Irish, and English descent.<ref>{{cite web|title=IDOLS, EYELINER AND JÄGERBOMBS|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/peachbuzz/entries/2008/12/index.html |date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=March 17, 2011}}</ref>

Cook's interest in music began at a young age. He began singing in second grade, when his elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Gentry, gave him a part in a school Christmas performance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-22/entertainment/bs.idol_1_idol-finale-idol-finale-david-archuleta?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ |title=Behind the Scenes: At the 'Idol' finale |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 22, 2011 |date=May 27, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He proceeded to perform in virtually every Christmas and PTA program.<ref name="spotted">{{cite web |title=David Cook Biography |url=http://www.biggeststars.com/d/david-cook-biography.html |publisher=BiggestStars.com |date=November 12, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430072144/http://www.biggeststars.com/d/david-cook-biography.html |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He received his first guitar, a Fender Stratocaster, at the age of 13.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} He also participated in choir and drama programs in middle school and high school. At Blue Springs South High School, he performed in musicals, including ''The Music Man'', ''West Side Story'', and ''Singin' in the Rain''.<ref name="spotted" /><ref>{{cite web|title=David Cook, "Singin' in the Rain" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2YS9fWmMz8 |publisher=YouTube |date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=David Cook Rocked Musical Theater Before American Idol |url=http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=26CF35EB475C4D52A10AFB45F2A83B9D?contentId=6424614&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1 |publisher=MyFox Kansas City |date=April 2, 2008|access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> In addition to this, he was an active member in the Blue Springs South High School National Forensics League (or NFL), where he qualified for the national tournament twice for Duo Interpretation, an event that relies on performance and interpretation of a literary work. He graduated from Blue Springs South High School in 2001.

He was also an avid baseball player (pitcher) during high school and once gave up a home run to Albert Pujols in an American Legion Baseball game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idol.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10386/david-cook-vs-albert-pujols/ |title=David Cook vs. Albert Pujols |publisher=Pressdemocrat |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref> After an injury, he focused more on music. He earned a theater scholarship to the University of Central Missouri, but he abandoned theater after two semesters, graduating from the school in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cook__david__american_idol_/artist.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023225022/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/cook__david__american_idol_/artist.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 23, 2008 |title=David Cook |publisher=MTV |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/david-cook-brings-rock-chops-idol-wbna23638639 |title=David Cook brings rock chops to ''Idol'' |publisher=Today.com |agency=Associated Press |date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> While in college, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cameron |first=Drew |title=Phi Sigma Kappa Brother Wins American Idol |url=http://www.hvacsellutions.com/members/news/phi_sigma_kappa_brother_wins_a.php |publisher=HVAC Sellutions |date=May 22, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-date=July 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712232019/http://www.hvacsellutions.com/members/news/phi_sigma_kappa_brother_wins_a.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> After his college graduation, he relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to pursue a career in music, telling his mother, "I just want to give myself until I'm 26 years old to get a job."<ref name="pharos" />

==Early music career== David Cook formed a band with his friend Bobby Kerr while at high school. The band was initially named Red Eye, later changed to Axium.<ref name="MTV April 29, 2008">{{cite news|title='American Idol' Front-Runner David Cook's Former Bandmates Recall His Early Years |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586507/david-cooks-former-bandmates-recall-his-early-years.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116000225/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586507/david-cooks-former-bandmates-recall-his-early-years.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2012 |publisher=MTV |date=April 29, 2008 |access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref> He wrote his first song, "Red Hot", when he was fifteen.<ref name="WETM">{{cite web |title=WETM Exclusive Interview at Mansfield University |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X13uwICV0eU |date=March 19, 2009|publisher=YouTube |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWINGinoxVc |title=Axiom – Red Eye |publisher=YouTube |date=March 19, 2009 |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref> He was encouraged by Evan Sula-Goff of 8stops7 to make an album when he went to Cook's school to judge a contest, Mr. Jaguar, where David Cook and his band performed Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City".<ref>{{cite web |title=David Cook interview on Fuse's No. 1 Countdown |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgcnNq4_Vhg|publisher=YouTube |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref> The band had some success when one of their songs, "Hold", was selected to be played in movie theaters across the country,<ref name="MTV April 29, 2008"/> and they were named one of the top 15 independent bands in the country by "Got Milk?" contest as well as the best Kansas City band in 2004.<ref name="Always Acoustic">{{cite news |title=Always Acoustic Interview |url=http://www.alwaysacoustic.com/2008interviews/interviewdavidcook.html |publisher=Always Acoustic |date=August 9, 2008 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903210547/http://www.alwaysacoustic.com/2008interviews/interviewdavidcook.html |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }}</ref> The band produced three studio albums – ''Matter of Time'', ''Blindsided'', and ''The Story Thus Far'', as well as a number of live albums including ''Alive in Tulsa''.<ref name="IMDb">{{cite web |title=Biography for David Cook |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2922672/bio |publisher=IMDb |access-date=April 21, 2011}}</ref>

Axium, however, broke up in 2006 and David Cook moved to Tulsa where he joined Midwest Kings, a band he once opened for.<ref name="Access Hollywood March 14, 2008">{{cite news|title='Idol' Contender David Cook Cut His Musical Teeth In Gritty Clubs |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/idol-contender-david-cook-cut-his-musical-teeth-in-gritty-clubs_article_8777 |publisher=Access Hollywood |date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref> He was the bassist for their EP ''Incoherent With Desire to Move On''.<ref>{{cite news|title=CD Review: Midwest Kings EP worthy of big label |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?no=subj&articleid=061203_Mu_H6_Midwe57559 |publisher=Tulsa World |date=December 27, 2008 |access-date=April 21, 2011}}</ref> Members of that band Andy Skib and Neal Tiemann later became part of David Cook's post-''Idol'' band The Anthemic. He recorded and self-released a solo album ''Analog Heart'' in 2006.<ref name="USAToday 2008">{{cite news|title=Idol' champ Cook: 'Life has a weird way of working itself out'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-05-23-idol-exit-cook_N.htm |publisher=USA Today |date=May 23, 2008 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |first=Angela |last=Haupt}}</ref> He had also recorded his second solo album (unreleased) prior to appearing on ''Idol'',<ref name="EW 2008">{{cite news |title=David Cook: 'I Just Think This Record Is Me' |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2008/11/06/david-cook-talks-about-debut-cd |publisher=EW.com |date=November 6, 2008 |access-date=April 21, 2011 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021062725/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20312226_20238699_2,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was working as a bartender to support himself.<ref name="Access Hollywood March 14, 2008"/>

==''American Idol''== Cook originally did not plan to try out for the show. He went to the auditions in Omaha, Nebraska, initially to support his younger brother (who did not make it to Hollywood<ref name="pharos" />) and then, prompted by mother and brother when a show producer noticed him, David auditioned himself.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Idol Beginnings |journal=TV Guide |volume=56 |issue=15 |page=33 |date=April 14–20, 2008}}</ref> He performed Bon Jovi's "Livin' On a Prayer" for his audition. For his first Hollywood audition, Cook performed "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. On the second song in Hollywood, he sang "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. Cook took advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments. Besides his Hollywood audition, he also accompanied himself on electric guitar for his performances of "All Right Now", "Hello", "Day Tripper", "I'm Alive", "Baba O'Riley", "Dare You to Move", and "Dream Big", and on acoustic guitar for "Little Sparrow", "All I Really Need Is You", and "The World I Know". His white, left-handed Gibson Les Paul electric guitar has the letters "AC" on it; as Cook told ''TV Guide'', "I have two brothers, Adam and Andrew. So, because of superstition, I put their initials on everything growing up."<ref>{{cite journal|title=Idol's Class of '08: Secrets of the Top 12 |journal=TV Guide |last=Malcolm |first=Shawna |author2=Dana Meltzer Zepeda |volume=56 |issue=11 |date=March 17–23, 2008 |page=12}}</ref> Starting from the Top 12-week, he also wore (and continued to wear throughout competition) an orange wristband to support a then-7-year-old fan, Lindsey Rose, with leukemia. Lindsey Rose is now many years recovered and perfectly healthy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Little Lindsey Rose's Favorite ''Idol'' Singer Wears Wristband to Show Support for Girl |url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/14/little-lindsey-roses-favorite-idol-singer-wears-wr/?entertainment-tv |publisher=Tampa Tribune |date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802124516/http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/14/little-lindsey-roses-favorite-idol-singer-wears-wr/?entertainment-tv |archive-date=August 2, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=American Idol's David Cook – "He's My Hero" |url=http://www.starmagazine.com/david_cook_cancer_patient/news/14056 |publisher=Star Magazine |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-date=August 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828194400/http://www.starmagazine.com/david_cook_cancer_patient/news/14056 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/lindsey.belcher.79|title=Lindsey Rose Belcher|website=Facebook.com|access-date=December 21, 2022}}</ref>

Another of Cook's performances, The Beatles' "Day Tripper", was credited to Whitesnake. Seattle-based band Doxology has claimed that Cook's performance of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" was based on a version the band recorded over a year ago.<ref name="darkhorse">{{cite news|title=''American Idol'' Dark Horse David Cook: Is It Fair for Him to Cover Other Covers? |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1584150/20080326/id_0.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402011830/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1584150/20080326/id_0.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 2, 2008 |last=Harris |first=Chris |publisher=MTV News |date=March 26, 2008 |access-date=April 11, 2008}}</ref> On April 1, before performing his self-arranged rendition of Dolly Parton's "Little Sparrow" on ''American Idol'', Cook told Ryan Seacrest in the interview session that his performance of "Eleanor Rigby" was based on Neil Zaza's and Doxology's versions. He also reiterated the credits of Whitesnake and Chris Cornell. Despite the controversy, critics praised Cook for choosing versions of songs that fit his vocal style.<ref name="darkhorse" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hewitt |first=Michael |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cook-nbc-getting-2010945-versions-david |title=The Watcher: Give 'Idol's' David Cook the credit he deserves |publisher=The Orange County Register |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=April 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvfan.ew.com/blogs/post/550 |title=American Idol Commentary: The Trouble with Originality |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509160540/http://tvfan.ew.com/blogs/post/550 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cook's arrangements of "Happy Together", "Hello", "Little Sparrow", "Always Be My Baby", "All I Really Need Is You", "Baba O'Riley", "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", "Dream Big" and "The World I Know" were original arrangements.

Cook won the seventh season of ''American Idol'' on May 21, 2008, receiving 56 percent of the votes, with 12 million votes over David Archuleta, the runner-up. Cook then sang "The Time of My Life", the winning song of the 2008 ''American Idol'' Songwriter's Competition.<ref>{{cite web |title="Rocker" Cook wins American Idol |publisher=Independent Television News |date=May 22, 2008 |url=http://itn.co.uk/news/797341a277ef77ea45eeaa18547863a4.html |access-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603195249/http://itn.co.uk/news/797341a277ef77ea45eeaa18547863a4.html |archive-date=June 3, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The New American Idol is David...........Cook! |publisher=American Idol: An American Idol Fan Blog |date=May 21, 2008 |url=http://americanidol.onfox.tv/tag/carrie-underwood/ |access-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620022104/http://americanidol.onfox.tv/tag/carrie-underwood/ |archive-date=June 20, 2009 }}</ref> During the final show, identical commercials promoting ''Guitar Hero'' featured Cook and fellow finalist Archuleta mimicked the Tom Cruise scene from ''Risky Business'' where he dances in his underwear playing an air guitar.<ref>{{cite news |title=Record ''Idol'' vote is also a landslide |url=http://www.cfnews13.com/Entertainment/EntertainmentHeadlines/2008/5/22/record_39idol39_vote_is_also_a_landslide.html |first=Derrick |last=Lang |author2=Jennifer Dobner |agency=Associated Press |access-date=October 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307190507/http://www.cfnews13.com/Entertainment/EntertainmentHeadlines/2008/5/22/record_39idol39_vote_is_also_a_landslide.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }}</ref>

===Performances=== {| class="wikitable collapsible autocollapse" style="width:90%; margin:1em auto 1em auto;" |- ! colspan="6" style="background:#BFBFBF;"| ''American Idol'' season 7 performances and results |- !Week # !Theme !Song choice !Original artist !Order # !Result |- |Audition |rowspan="3"|N/A |"Livin' on a Prayer" |Bon Jovi |rowspan="3"|N/A |rowspan="3"|Advanced |- |Hollywood |"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" |Bryan Adams |- |Top 50 |"I'll Be" |Edwin McCain |- |Top 24 (12 Men) |1960s |"Happy Together" |The Turtles | 3 |rowspan="13"|Safe |- |Top 20 (10 Men) |1970s |"All Right Now" |Free |9 |- |Top 16 (8 Men) |1980s |"Hello" |Lionel Richie |rowspan="3"|6 |- |Top 12 |Lennon-McCartney |"Eleanor Rigby" |rowspan="2"|The Beatles |- |Top 11 |The Beatles |"Day Tripper" |- |Top 10 |Year They Were Born |"Billie Jean" ||Michael Jackson |10 |- |Top 9 |Dolly Parton |"Little Sparrow" ||Dolly Parton |2 |- |Top 8 |Inspirational Songs |"Innocent" |Our Lady Peace |5 |- |Top 7 |Mariah Carey |"Always Be My Baby" |Mariah Carey |rowspan="2"|6 |- |Top 6 |Andrew Lloyd Webber |"The Music of the Night" |Michael Crawford |- |Top 5 |Neil Diamond |"I'm Alive" <br /> "All I Really Need Is You" |Neil Diamond |2<br />7 |- |Top 4 |Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |"Hungry Like the Wolf"<br />"Baba O'Riley" |Duran Duran<br />The Who |1<br />5 |- |Top 3 |Judge's Choice (Simon Cowell)<br />Contestant's Choice<br />Producer's Choice |"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"<br />"Dare You to Move"<br />"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" |Peggy Seeger<br />Switchfoot<br />Aerosmith |3<br />6<br />9 |- |Finale |Clive Davis's Choice<br />New Song<br />Contestant's Choice |"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"<br />"Dream Big"<br />"The World I Know" |U2<br />David Cook<br />Collective Soul |1<br />3<br />5 |Winner |}

==Post-''Idol'' career== thumb|Cook performing during the American Idols Live! Tour 2008 A week following Cook's ''American Idol'' victory, in the ''Billboard'' chart week ending May 25, 2008, Cook broke several ''Billboard'' chart records. Most notable was his record-shattering feat of having 11 songs debut on the Hot 100 that week, beating the previous record set by Miley Cyrus (''Hannah Montana'') in 2006 when she had six songs debut on the chart.<ref name="billboard">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045261/david-cook-sizzles-with-record-chart-debuts |title=Billboard |magazine=Billboard |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=May 28, 2008}}</ref> Cook's first single, "The Time of My Life" led the pack, debuting at number three on the Hot 100.<ref name="billboard" /> Cook's eleven charting songs also gave him the most songs by one artist on the Hot 100 of any week in the Nielsen SoundScan era (which began in 1991), and the most of any era since The Beatles placed 14 songs on the chart the week of April 11, 1964.<ref name="billboard" /> In addition, that same week Cook also broke the record for the most debuts on ''Billboard'''s Hot Digital Songs chart, where he placed 14 debut entries, the record for which was previously six, set by Bon Jovi in 2007.<ref name="billboard" /> Cook's 17 entries had a combined total of 944,000 digital downloads in the first week of selling.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/7668/week-ending-may-25-2008-david-vs-david-the-showdown-moves-to-the-charts |title=Week Ending May 25, 2008: David Vs. David, The Showdown Moves to the Charts |publisher=Yahoo! Chart Watch |date=May 28, 2008 |last=Grein |first=Paul |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

Cook also signed an endorsement deal with Skechers that ran through December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tv.yahoo.com/david-cook/contributor/1128939/news/urn:newsml:tv.eonline.com:20080709:ec1ce4fb7392_47fc_a796_1289bf3cb882__ER:68208;_ylt=AkhQArBLvXSuy8ZtfKHTWaa.o9EF |title=David Cook Laces Up Shoe Deal |publisher=Yahoo! TV |date=July 9, 2008 |last=Grossberg |first=Josh |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

Cook's photo was also featured on the cover of The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2009, along with President Barack Obama and Senator John McCain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSSKRPU7x4 |title=David Cook is on the cover of the World Almanac 2009 |publisher=YouTube |date=January 15, 2009}}</ref>

===2008–2009: Major label debut and ''David Cook''=== {{Main|David Cook (album)}} Cook worked with Espionage, Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Zac Maloy (The Nixons), Jason Wade (Lifehouse), Neal Tiemann (the Midwest Kings),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://musicequalslife.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22:interview-with-andy-skib-of-to-have-heroes--mwk--david-cook-band&catid=1:interviews&Itemid=6 |title=Interview with Andy Skib of To Have Heroes / MWK / David Cook Band |publisher=Music Equals Life |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-date=June 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625225324/http://musicequalslife.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22:interview-with-andy-skib-of-to-have-heroes--mwk--david-cook-band&catid=1:interviews&Itemid=6 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra), Chantal Kreviazuk, and Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) on his self-titled, major label debut album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/14525.html |title=LiveDaily Interview: David Cook |publisher=LiveDaily |last=Fuoco-Karasinski |first=Christina |date=July 10, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216024544/http://livedaily.com/news/14525.html |archive-date=February 16, 2009 }}</ref> The album was produced by Rob Cavallo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044675/david-cook-promises-twists-turns-on-debut-cd |title=David Cook Promises "Twists, Turns" On Debut CD |publisher=Billboard |date=July 25, 2008 |last=Graff |first=Gary |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> On Ryan Seacrest's morning show, ''On Air'', of KIIS-FM on September 5, 2008, the singer revealed that the CD release date would be November 18, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kiisfm.com/cc-common/losangeles/podcast/kiis.html |title=David Cook joined us to talk about "Stand Up To Cancer" CD |publisher=102.7 KIIS-FM |date=August 30, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004015735/http://www.kiisfm.com/cc-common/losangeles/podcast/kiis.html |archive-date=October 4, 2007 }}</ref>

The first single released from the album, "Light On," premiered as an AOL Exclusive on September 23, 2008, and debuted at No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for the week of October 18, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-10-18/ |title=The Hot 100 WEEK OF OCTOBER 18, 2008 |publisher=Billboard |date=October 18, 2008}}</ref> The single was certified platinum on January 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Light%20On&artist=Cook,%20David&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25%22 |publisher=RIAA|title= Light On|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref> This was followed by a dual release of "Come Back to Me" and "Bar-ba-sol," with "Come Back to Me" being released to HAC radio stations and "Bar-ba-sol" to rock radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ppNVBZhi1s|title=David Cook vlog, March 7, 2009|date=March 8, 2009 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref> The music video for "Come Back to Me" was released on April 4, 2009. His debut album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association for America (RIAA) for sales exceeding one-million units in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Cook,%20David&format=Album&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25%22 |publisher=RIAA|title= David Cook|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref> He was presented with his plaque while recording a performance that was aired during the April 1, 2009, episode of American Idol.

{{Main|The Declaration Tour}} [[Image:Davidgalveston.jpg|thumb|David Cook at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, as part of the Declaration tour]]

Cook had earlier announced via his myspace blog that two former bandmates from Midwest Kings (MWK) would join his band: Neal Tiemann as the lead guitar player, and Andy Skib on rhythm guitar and keyboard.<ref>{{cite news|last=Powers |first=Ann |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/when-david-cook.html|title="American Idol" David Cook: his new album, hair metal and the ladies|publisher=L.A. Timed|date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> Other members who joined later were Joey Clement (replaced later by Monty Anderson) on bass guitar, and Kyle Peek on drums and backing vocals. ''The Declaration Tour'' began on February 13, 2009, in Tallahassee, Florida, and was originally set to end in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 25, 2009. The tour however was extended twice – the first time through May 31, 2009, and then again starting from June 18, 2009, in Del Mar, California, and finally ending December 1, 2009, in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a total of 153 shows. On August 23, 2009, in an interview and at his concert in Yakima, Washington, Cook announced that the band would be known as The Anthemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSiptkNYgU8 |title=David Cook – KHOP @ 95-1 |date=August 28, 2009 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref>

===2010–2011: ''This Loud Morning''=== {{Main|This Loud Morning}} thumb|left|upright|Cook performing at Toad's Place, New Haven, Connecticut in September 2010

Cook began to concentrate working on this his second album after his first major tour, ''The Declaration Tour,'' concluded in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=In the Studio With 'American Idol' Alum David Cook! |publisher=ETonline.com |date=March 3, 2011 |url=http://www.etonline.com/music/108281_In_the_Studio_With_American_Idol_Alum_David_Cook/ |access-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310175044/http://www.etonline.com/music/108281_In_the_Studio_With_American_Idol_Alum_David_Cook/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> While on the tour, he put down some riffs and lyrical ideas,<ref>{{cite web |title=KRBE David cook interview part 2 |date=July 5, 2009|publisher=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ckHcKmRas |access-date=April 22, 2011 }}</ref> and started song-writing as a band towards the end of the tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Cook on KOMO Newsradio |date=August 26, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJwDPqxLDnM|publisher=YouTube |access-date=April 22, 2011 }}</ref> In an interview with Idolatry's Michael Slezak on February 8, 2010, Cook revealed that he was hard at work on his second album. He had been collaborating with Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk, Matt Squire, Gregg Wattenberg, John Rzeznik, Sam Hollander and Dave Katz, Claude Kelly, Brian Howes, David Hodges, Tommy Henriksen, Steven Van Zandt, Kevin Griffin, Zac Maloy, Ryan Tedder, Jim Irvin, Jamie Houston, Ryan Star & Julian Emery and Max Martin.<ref name="ew.com feb 2010">{{cite web |title='Idolatry': David Cook gives us scoop on writing his sophomore CD!|publisher=EW.com |date=February 8, 2010|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/02/08/david-cook-sophomore-album-scoop/ |access-date=April 18, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AINow.Org David Cook Interview |publisher=YouTube |date=January 1, 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B3umufwikc |access-date=April 18, 2011 }}</ref> Besides that, he also collaborated with members of his band, The Anthemic – Neal Tiemann and Andy Skib. In an April interview with HitQuarters – recorded in March – the producer-songwriter Steve Mac said that Cook had recently visited his Rokstone Studios in London where together with Mac he had also been writing with Savan Kotecha and Andrew Frampton.<ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Steve_Mac_Interview.html|title=Interview With Steve Mac|publisher=HitQuarters|date=April 12, 2010|access-date=April 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061742/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Steve_Mac_Interview.html|archive-date=March 14, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> He had hoped initially that a single would be ready for release in April 2010 and the album that summer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catching up with David Cook |newspaper=LA Times |date=March 17, 2010 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/03/catching-up-with-david-cook.html |access-date=April 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611111832/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/03/catching-up-with-david-cook.html |archive-date=June 11, 2010 }}</ref> However, a producer for the album was not announced until May,<ref>{{cite web|title=David Cook vlog|publisher=YouTube|date=May 26, 2010|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfjpAxHMcIA |access-date=April 18, 2011 }}</ref> and recording started in June that year with producer Matt Serletic at the helm.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Cook in the studio with Matt Serletic |publisher=USA Today |date=July 16, 2010|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/07/david-cook-in-the-studio-with-matt-serletic/1|access-date=April 18, 2011 }}</ref> On March 31, 2011, Cook tweeted that the title of his new single would be The Last Goodbye and debuted on April 19, 2011. ''This Loud Morning'' was released on June 28, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mjsbigblog.com/david-cooks-album-this-loud-morning-set-for-june-28-release.htm |title=David Cook's Album 'This Loud Morning' Set for June 28 Release &#124; American Idol, David Cook |publisher=mjsbigblog |date=April 1, 2011|access-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref> He has also stated that at the beginning his goal was to make an album that "really, really pushed the concept of dynamic".<ref name="ew.com april 2010">{{cite web|title=David Cook on his sophomore CD: Massive choruses, mile-long catwalks, and...Dolly Parton?|publisher=EW.com |date=April 9, 2010|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/04/09/david-cook-sophomore-cd-american-idol/ |access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref>

Cook toured in support of ''This Loud Morning'' with a 2011 Fall Tour, co-headlining with Gavin DeGraw and with Carolina Liar in support, for 22 shows across 15 states beginning October 9, 2011, in State College, Pennsylvania, and ending November 10, 2011, in Athens, Georgia. Cook's second single, "Fade into Me", was released to coincide with the tour.<ref name="RCAMG Sep 13, 2011 Press Release">{{cite web |title=Gavin DeGraw and David Cook Announce Co-Headlining Fall Tour |url=http://www.rcamusicgrouppress.com/content/David_Cook/Press_Releases/Gavin_DeGraw_-_David_Cook_Tour_Fall_2011.doc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323121953/http://www.rcamusicgrouppress.com/content/David_Cook/Press_Releases/Gavin_DeGraw_-_David_Cook_Tour_Fall_2011.doc |archive-date=March 23, 2012 }}</ref> Cook tweeted that there would be "more dates/info to come"<ref name="Tweet">{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/113444508544405505|title=TOUR! – more dates/info to come.|first=David|last=Cook|website=Twitter.com|date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> In this tour, Devin Bronson replaced Neal Tiemann as the lead guitarist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogcritics.org/music/article/interview-david-cook-discusses-hitting-the/page-3/|title=Interview: David Cook Discusses Hitting the Road with This Loud Morning|access-date=December 21, 2022|archive-date=October 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022160156/http://blogcritics.org/music/article/interview-david-cook-discusses-hitting-the/page-3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2012–2016: Label change, independent, and ''Digital Vein''=== {{main|Digital Vein}} thumb|David Cook at Belly Up Tavern in San Diego, California in 2015.

On May 10, 2012, Cook performed a new song, "The Last Song I'll Write for You" on the eleventh season of ''American Idol''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/david-cook-american-idol-perform-season-11-320025 |title=David Cook to Perform on 'American Idol' May 10 (Exclusive) |date=May 3, 2012 |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |access-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref> Before the performance, Cook confirmed to Shirley Halperin of the ''Hollywood Reporter'' that he was without a recording contract, having departed from RCA, and was self-releasing "The Last Song I'll Write for You".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-the-last-song-ill-write-for-you-video-hes-no-longer-with-rca.htm |title=David Cook – "The Last Song I'll Write For You" (VIDEO) *He's No Longer With RCA!) |website=Mjsbigblog.com |date=May 11, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref> On April 30, 2013, Cook released a new single, "Laying Me Low", through XIX Recordings, the record label of ''American Idol'' creator Simon Fuller,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-new-single-laying-me-low-listen-to-a-preview-audio.htm|title=David Cook New Single "Laying Me Low" – Listen to A Preview (Audio) (Photo) *David Set To Perform on Idol May 2*|first=Mj|last=Santilli|date=April 21, 2013|website=Mjsbigblog.com|access-date=March 20, 2020}}</ref> although Cook shortly departed from Fuller's label.

Cook co-penned country music singer David Nail's 2014 single, "Kiss You Tonight" from his album ''I'm a Fire''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicrow.com/2014/01/david-nail-to-offer-third-album-in-march/ |title=David Nail To Offer Third Album In March |publisher=MusicRow |date=January 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.umgnashville.com/news/david-nail-releases-second-single-kiss-you-tonight/ |title=DAVID NAIL RELEASES SECOND SINGLE "KISS YOU TONIGHT" |publisher=UMG |date=February 18, 2014}}</ref> On March 24, 2015, Cook signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509603/david-cook-publishing-deal-warner-chappell-american-idol |title='American Idol' Alum David Cook Signs Publishing Deal with Warner/Chappell |date=March 24, 2015 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=March 27, 2015}}</ref>

Cook's move to Nashville saw his newfound role as producer of his fourth album, often citing his move as the source of creativity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2016/03/01/interview-how-nashville-changed-american-idol-alumni-david-cook/|title=Interview: How Nashville Changed American Idol Alumni David Cook|date=March 2016|publisher=CBS Philly|access-date=July 5, 2016}}</ref> He worked with previous songwriters like Zac Maloy, Kevin Griffin, David Hodges, and Andy Skib (who also contributed as engineer). Cook also collaborated with Jerry Flowers, Earth to Andy members Andy Waldeck and Chris Reardon (with Reardon also serving as co-producer on one track – "Laying Me Low"), local Nashville writers Blair Daly and Chad Carlson, former bandmate Devin Bronson, and Steven Miller. "Criminals" was the first official single from the album released on July 31, 2015. ''Digital Vein'' was released on September 18, 2015, through Cook's own independent label, Analog Heart Music.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/david-cook-performs-heartbeat-american-idol-7272594/|title=David Cook Performs 'Heartbeat' on 'American Idol'|publisher=Billboard|access-date=March 25, 2016}}</ref>

Cook promoted the album on the Digital Vein Tour throughout late 2015 and early 2016. The first half of the tour, with opening act Andrew Ripp, consisted of 33 shows in 24 states, beginning on September 30, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona, and ending on November 21, 2015, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/davidcook/photos/pb.38206786347.-2207520000.1460865322./10153433191891348/?type=3&theater|title=David Cook – One month out from the start of the... |publisher=Facebook|access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/andrewripp/photos/pb.8113790878.-2207520000.1460865633./10153692093685879/?type=3&theater|title=Andrew Ripp – Fact: If you come to a show before 10/16,... |publisher=Facebook|access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref> In this tour, Daniel Damico replaced Andy Skib and Devin Bronson as the lead guitarist and keyboardist, drummer Adam Reidelbach replaced Nick Adams, and Andy Wildrick replaced Monty Anderson as the bass guitarist.

His second single "Broken Windows" was released on February 22, 2016, and coincided with the second half of the tour. Featuring opening act Tony Lucca, the run consisted of 18 shows in 14 states, beginning on February 23, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and ending on March 19, 2016, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/davidcook/photos/pb.38206786347.-2207520000.1460865311./10153678638311348/?type=3&theater|title=David Cook – Getting prepped for tour.....got your tickets... |publisher=Facebook|access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}}

===2017–2021: ''Chromance'' and ''The Looking Glass''=== {{Primary sources section|date=August 2025}} Following his independent album Digital Vein, Cook began work on new material, shifting towards a more pop-oriented sound while maintaining rock elements. On March 27, 2017, Cook teased a thirty-second clip on social media with the quote "#gimmeheartbreak", indicating his new single, "Gimme Heartbreak" would be released on June 23, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/846436908557254656 |title=#gimmeheartbreak |publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>

On November 13, 2017, Cook announced the EP ''Chromance'' through a PledgeMusic campaign, which funded its production and allowed fans to access exclusive updates and pre-order content.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/david-cook-announces-chromance-release-date-and-event-itunes-pre-order/|title=David Cook Announces 'CHROMANCE' Release Date and Event; iTunes Pre-Order!|website=Davidcookofficial.com|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref> A day prior to the EP's release, Cook held a special release event at The Basement East in Nashville, Tennessee.<ref>[https://www.davidcookofficial.com/event/ep-release-event/#:~:text=Join%20David%20and%20the%20band%20in%20Nashville,before%20it%20drops%20on%20Friday%2C%20February%2016!] {{dead link|date=May 2026}}</ref>

''Chromance'' was released independently on February 16, 2018, featuring five tracks co-written with collaborators including Tim Bruns, Steve Rusch, and Nathan Paul Chapman, and a cover of "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/936600252660047872|title=I'm just gonna leave this here. CHROMANCE/.../|publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=December 1, 2017}}</ref> It entered at number 173 in the Billboard 200 chart, and at number 5 in the US Indie chart. The second single, "Ghost Magnetic", was released on March 1, 2018, along with an official lyric video.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/new-lyric-video-ghost-magnetic-now/|title=David Cook releases official lyric video for 'Ghost Magnetic'|website=Davidcookofficial.com|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref>

From October 25 to November 20, 2018, Cook embarked on ''Acoustic Tour.''

On October 26, 2018, Cook released his stand-alone single, "Death of Me."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/1055908371428126720|title=#DeathOfMe out now!! Go get it!|publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=October 26, 2018}}</ref>

On June 26, 2020, he released his single, "Reds Turn Blue," from ''The Looking Glass.'' In an interview with ''People,'' Cook explains that the title is a reference to the manic highs and lows of anxiety and states that the song is "kind of a letter from my anxiety to me," after publicly announcing that he had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder two years after winning ''American Idol.''<ref>{{cite web| url=https://people.com/music/david-cook-releases-new-song-red-turns-blue-therapeutic-process-navigate-anxiety/|title=David Cook Releases New Song 'Reds Turn Blue' as a 'Therapeutic Process' to Navigate Anxiety|last=Boucher|first=Ashley|website=People|date=June 25, 2020}}</ref> On December 4, 2020, he released the second single, "Strange World", from the EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/1334867631074140161|title=Yeah buddy! My new single, "Strange World" is out NOW! Go give it a listen!|publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> Cook released his third single, "Fire", from the EP on March 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/1372983870279327745|title=Oh, and did I mention, my new single, "Fire" is out now?|publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=March 19, 2021}}</ref> Cook released his third EP, ''The Looking Glass'', on April 16, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/thedavidcook/status/1362431612999372800|title=April 16th can't come soon enough! So excited to share the artwork and album title for my new EP!|publisher=@thedavidcook on Twitter |date=February 18, 2021}}</ref>

===2022–present: Upcoming EPs=== {{Primary sources section|date=August 2025}}

On April 29, 2022, Cook released his stand-alone single, "TABOS,"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/david-cook-announces-new-single-tabos/|title=David Cook Announces New Single "TABOS"!|website=davidcookofficial.com |date=April 28, 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}} (an acronym for "This'll all be over soon" from the song's chorus).

On July 19, 2024, Cook released a new single, "Dead Weight".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/david-cook-announces-new-single-dead-weight/|title=David Cook Announces New Single "Dead Weight"!|publisher=davidcookofficial.com |date=July 8, 2024}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}} On November 22, 2024 he released a charity single, "This Time Tomorrow 16".<ref>{{cite web |title=David Cook releases "This Time Tomorrow 16" charity single |url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/david-cook-releases-this-time-tomorrow-16-charity-single/|website=davidcookofficial.com|access-date=November 29, 2024|date=November 22, 2024}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}}

On February 18, 2025, Cook announced that he would release multiple EPs. The first EP, ''The Hero'', was released on September 19, 2025, and included the single "Dead Weight", and two new songs; "Rendezvous" and "Disappear".<ref>{{cite web | title=David Cook announces new music on the way! – David Cook Official | website=David Cook Official | date=2025-02-18 | url=https://www.davidcookofficial.com/david-cook-announces-new-music-on-the-way/ | access-date=2025-08-28}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2025}}

==Other activities== ===Acting career=== Cook made his Broadway debut playing Charlie Price, in ''Kinky Boots'' on April 3, 2018, and would play a limited run through May 5.<ref name="BroadwayWorld">{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/David-Cook-To-Make-Broadway-Debut-in-KINKY-BOOTS-20180215|title=David Cook Will Make His Broadway Debut in KINKY BOOTS|date= February 15, 2018|work=Broadway World}}</ref> Cook returned to ''Kinky Boots'' for a second limited run starting July 17 to September 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/broadway/8465685/david-cook-broadway-kinky-boots-interview|title=David Cook Talks Returning to His Lead Role in Broadway's 'Kinky Boots'|date=July 17, 2018|website=Billboard.com|access-date=March 20, 2020}}</ref>

===Philanthropy=== ''People'' reported on March 31, 2009, that David was canceling dates on his current tour due to "family matters".<ref>{{cite web|title=David Cook Cancels Shows Due to "Family Matters" |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20269230,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402062502/http://www.people.com//people//article//0,,20269230,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 2, 2009 |publisher=People Magazine |date=March 31, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> Cook's elder brother, Adam, had been diagnosed with brain cancer since 1998<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20196240,00.html |title=An American Idol's Private Pain – Cancer, American Idol, Coping and Overcoming Illness, David Cook |publisher=People |last=Dagostino |first=Mark |date=April 21, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> and died on May 2, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/health/cancer/ap_health_david_cooks_brother_dies_of_cancer_200905032033|title=David Cook's brother dies of cancer|work=WWLP-TV|date=May 3, 2009|access-date=April 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502054122/http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/health/cancer/ap_health_david_cooks_brother_dies_of_cancer_200905032033|archive-date=May 2, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 3, 2009, at the "Race for Hope" in Washington, D.C., Cook announced the death of his brother during the awards speech, and stated that he "couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now." He finished the 5k with a time of 28 minutes. His team raised $136,376.16 for the cause. Donations were accepted through September 30, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276340,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505160258/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276340,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 5, 2009 |title=David Cook Wore Brave Face to Race, Organizer Says |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> On the finale of the 8th season of ''American Idol'', Cook sang his song "Permanent" in honor of his brother. Audio of the performance was made available on iTunes, and the proceeds from the sale of it were put toward brain cancer research.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276329,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504225329/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276329,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 4, 2009 |title=Idol David Cook's Brother Dies of Cancer |publisher=People |date=May 3, 2009 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

===Other performances=== Cook appeared at the 2008 ''Glamour'' magazine Women of the Year Awards as a guest of Mary Steenburgen to surprise honoree Hillary Clinton, a fan of ''American Idol''. He sang one of Clinton's favorite songs, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", which he also sang during the Top 3-week on ''Idol''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-glamour-magazine-2008-women-of-the-year-awards.htm |title=David Cook – Glamour Magazine 2008 Women of the Year Awards |date=November 11, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

Cook appeared in several promotions for the November 1, 2008, episode of ''Saturday Night Live'', hosted by Ben Affleck. Cook performed two songs on the program, the first "Light On" and the second "Declaration".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-performs-on-saturday-night-live.htm |title=David Cook Performs On Saturday Night Live |date=November 2, 2008 |access-date=November 1, 2009}}</ref>

In 2009, Cook performed songs from his debut album for the troops during a USO tour, where he was able to visit seven bases (including Camp Liberty,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kombatkamera.com/Military/USO/USO/USO-Portfolio/i-5nBnWxw |title=David Cook, 2008 American Idol winner and his band. Camp Liberty, Iraq |access-date=January 22, 2009}}</ref> Camp Phoenix,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kombatkamera.com/Military/USO/USO/USO-Portfolio/i-dkKmZ7J/|title=David Cook, 2008 American Idol winner and his band. Camp Phoenix, Baghdad, Iraq, 23 January, 2009 |access-date=January 23, 2009}}</ref> and Camp Taji<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/150854/transporters-rocked-uso-concert-featuring-david-cook |title=Transporters rocked by USO Concert featuring David Cook |access-date=January 21, 2009}}</ref> in Iraq). Cook has since had the honor of performing for military personnel and their families at more than 40 military installations around the world with the USO, Armed Forces Entertainment, Navy Entertainment, and Air Force Entertainment.

On August 11, 2009, Cook performed "Starseed" with Canadian alternative rock band, Our Lady Peace at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas.

On February 18, 2010, Cook performed with the original line-up of his band, Midwest Kings (which included Neal Tiemann and Andy Skib), in Tulsa, Oklahoma, performing songs from the band's discography.

Since his ''American Idol'' win, Cook attended many of the show's promotional events. On February 12, 2009, Cook appeared on the morning news program, ''Good Morning America'' and talked about Walt Disney World Resort's new attraction, ''The American Idol Experience'', where he performed "Light On" and covered "Go Your Own Way" with fellow winner Carrie Underwood. He and all the other six winners received a mic-shaped statue from the creator of the franchise, Simon Fuller to honor them for winning the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sessions.aol.ca/video/light-on/david-cook/684/-/ |title=''Light On'' (AOL Sessions) Video |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-date=June 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622011202/http://sessions.aol.ca/video/light-on/david-cook/684/-/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On August 7, 2009, Cook performed the Fleetwood Mac hit "Little Lies" with ''American Idol'' season 8 winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert on ABC's Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series in Central Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://idol.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10285/cook-lambert-allen-on-the-same-stage/ |title=Cook, Lambert & Allen on the same stage |date=July 31, 2009 |author=Pinella |publisher=idol.blogs.pressdemocrat.com |access-date=December 5, 2010}}</ref> Cook performed "Lie" in a Christmas TV variety special hosted by Carrie Underwood.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusicnashville.com/label/arista-nashville/|title=Arista Nashville Archives|website=Sony Music Nashville|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-date=April 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409022435/https://www.sonymusicnashville.com/label/arista-nashville/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Cook also made numerous returns to ''American Idol''. On April 1, 2009, Cook performed "Come Back To Me" and was presented with his Platinum Album for David Cook (album). On May 20, 2009, Cook performed "Permanent" during the finale of eighth season in honor of his late brother Adam, where proceeds from the live single went to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2). During the March 17, 2010, episode of ''American Idol'', Cook sang the Rolling Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash". On April 21, 2010, Cook made an appearance on Idol Gives Back. On March 7, 2011, Cook released the send-off song for the tenth season, the Simple Minds song "Don't You (Forget About Me)", played upon elimination and returned on May 24, 2011, to perform the song live. He later performed "The Last Goodbye" on the stage on April 21, 2011. He returned in the eleventh season to perform "The Last Song I'll Write for You" and once more in the twelfth season to sing "Laying Me Low". Cook mentored the top 8 finalists during "Songs from the 1980s" week in the thirteenth season. He mentored once more with two semi-finalists during the fifteenth season, dueting with C.J. Johnson on "The World I Know" and Olivia Rox on his own song "Light On". On April 7, 2016, he returned again, performing a David Bowie medley in tribute with fellow winners Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Phillip Phillips, and Nick Fradiani. During Hollywood Week of twentieth season, Cook returned to mentor contestants in the rock genre and later returned to duet with Kris Allen as part of that seasons "The Great Idol Reunion" special, which aired on May 2, 2022.

==Personal life== <!-- Please do not change or remove sourced information without providing an explanation for doing so --> In May 2008, Cook asked Season 2 ''American Idol'' alum and TV Guide Network correspondent Kimberly Caldwell for a dinner date while on the red carpet before the show's seventh-season finale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20202699,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528151557/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20202699,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 28, 2008 |title=David Cook Dating Past ''Idol'' Kimberly Caldwell |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2008/05/25/david-cook-just-won-a-i-and-all-he-got-was |title=David Cook Just Won "A.I." and All He Got Was... |date=May 25, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> During a radio interview with XL 106.7 on October 13, 2008, Cook revealed that he and Caldwell were "still seeing each other."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xl1067.com/main.html |title=XL 106.7 Official Site |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> In a November 2008 interview with ''People'' magazine, Cook said his relationship with Caldwell was a "nice break from the chaos" of post-''Idol'' fame.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20240481,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204075627/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20240481,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 4, 2008 |title=David Cook Opens Up About Girlfriend Kimberly Caldwell |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> They ended their relationship in December 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20252365,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115131206/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20252365,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 15, 2009 |title=David Cook and Kimberly Caldwell Split |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>

Cook married longtime girlfriend, Racheal Stump, in a private ceremony in Nashville on June 20, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/6715569/american-idol-winner-david-cook-is-married|title='American Idol' Winner David Cook Is Married|date=October 5, 2015|website=Billboard.com|access-date=March 20, 2020}}</ref>

==Influences== His musical influences include Our Lady Peace, Alice in Chains, Big Wreck, Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, Chris Cornell, The Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot, Collective Soul,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsody.com/davidcook |title=David Cook |publisher=Rhapsody |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1063667|pure_url=yes}} |title=David Cook Biography |publisher=allmusic |access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> and Michael Jackson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/dblh2u/david-cook-remembers-michael-jackson-the-global-icon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114111721/https://www.mtv.com/news/dblh2u/david-cook-remembers-michael-jackson-the-global-icon|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 14, 2022|title=David Cook Remembers Michael Jackson, The Global Icon|website=MTV|access-date=December 21, 2022}}</ref> Immediately after winning American Idol, Cook was asked backstage by ''Entertainment Weekly'' who his top five favorite bands were. Our Lady Peace and Big Wreck were on this short list, as well as the Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World and 8stops7.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20201771_2,00.html |title=Backstage Q&A: David Cook |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=June 16, 2009 |archive-date=April 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425063046/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20201771_2,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Backing band== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Current members''' * Jeffrey B. Scott – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2016–present) * Thomas Branch – drums / percussion (2019–present) * Mike Ball – bass guitar (2017–2022, 2023–present) {{col-2}} '''Former members''' * Joey Clement – bass guitar (2008–2009) * Neal Tiemann – lead guitar (2008–2011) * Kyle Peek – drums, backing vocals (2008–2011) * Andy Skib – rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2008–2014) * Devin Bronson – lead guitar (2011–2014) * Monty Anderson – bass guitar (2009–2015) * Nick Adams – drums (2012–2015) * Daniel Damico – lead guitar, keyboards (2014–2016) * Andy Wildrick – bass guitar (2015–2016) * Joshua Zarbo – bass guitar (2016) * Adam Reidelbach – drums (2015–2016) * Donovan White - bass guitar (2022-2023) * Jack Ivins - drums, bass guitar (2023-2024) {{col-end}}

==Discography== {{Main|David Cook discography|List of songs written and performed by David Cook}} {{See also|Axium|Midwest Kings}}

'''Studio albums''' *''Analog Heart'' (2006) *''David Cook'' (2008) *''This Loud Morning'' (2011) *''Digital Vein'' (2015)

'''EPs''' *''This Quiet Night'' (2011) *''Chromance'' (2018) *''The Looking Glass'' (2021) *''The Hero'' (2025)

==Tours== '''Headlining''' *The Declaration Tour (2009) *This Loud Tour (2011) *Fall Tour (2013) *Navy Entertainment/AFE Tour (2013–2014) *Winter Tour (2015) *Digital Vein Tour (2015–2016) *Summer Tour (2017) *Acoustic Tour (2018) *Summer Sessions/Fall Sounds Tour (2019) *The Looking Glass Tour (2021) *Summer/Fall Tour (2022) *Summer/Fall Tour (2023) *Scars Open, Eyes Shut Tour (2024)

'''Co-headlining''' *American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 *2011 Tour with Gavin DeGraw *Dave & Kris Go To Europe Acoustic Tour (2021) with Kris Allen

==Theatre== {| class="wikitable" !Year !Production !Role !Dates !Location !Category |- |rowspan="2"|2018 |rowspan="2"|''Kinky Boots'' |rowspan="2"|Charlie Price |April 3 – May 5, 2018<ref>{{cite web|title='American Idol' Winner David Cook Making Broadway Debut in 'Kinky Boots': Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8099850/american-idol-winner-david-cook-broadway-debut-kinky-boots-exclusive|website=Billboard.com|date=February 15, 2018|access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|Al Hirschfeld Theatre |rowspan="2"|Broadway |- |July 17 – September 9, 2018<ref>{{cite web|title=David Cook Talks Returning to His Lead Role in Broadway's 'Kinky Boots': Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/broadway/8465685/david-cook-broadway-kinky-boots-interview|website=Billboard.com|date=July 17, 2018|access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref> |}

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Presenter !! Award !! Result |- | 2006 || URBY Awards || Best Independent Album - "Analog Heart"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.owens.edu/news-releases/2009/04/08/owens-community-college-welcomes-american-idol-winner-david-cook-in-concert-may-6/|title=Owens Community College Welcomes ‘American Idol’ Winner David Cook in Concert, May 6|website=Owens.edu|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref> || {{won}} |- |rowspan="3"| 2008 ||rowspan="2"| Teen Choice Awards || Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-08-04-teenchoice_N.htm |title=Teen favorites keep their cool at Choice Awards |access-date=May 9, 2011 | work=USA Today |first=Victoria |last=Namkung |date=August 4, 2008}}</ref> || {{won}} |- |Best Presenter (Post Show) || {{nom}} |- |The New Music Awards || Top 40 Male Artist of the Year<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newmusicawards.com/nmpast2.html |title=The New Music Awards |access-date=November 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714172851/http://www.newmusicawards.com/nmpast2.html |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || {{won}} |- |rowspan="4"| 2009 ||rowspan="2"| Teen Choice Awards || Breakout Artist || {{nom}} |- |Album (Male Artist) || {{nom}} |- |Nashville Music Awards || Song of the Year – "Time of My Life" || {{Won}} |-- |The New Music Awards || Top 40 Male Artist of the Year<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newmusicawards.com/nmpast1.html |title=The New Music Awards |access-date=November 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714172856/http://www.newmusicawards.com/nmpast1.html |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || {{won}} |-- | 2013 || Dahsyatnya Awards || Outstanding Guest Star<ref>{{cite web|url= http://m.kapanlagi.com/musik/berita/daftar-lengkap-musisi-terdahsyat-dahsyatnya-awards-2013-7ac371.html|title=Daftar Lengkap Musisi Terdahsyat Dahsyatnya Awards 2013|date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> || {{nom}} |}

==See also== *List of ''Idols'' winners

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|David Cook}} *{{Official website|http://www.davidcookofficial.com/}} *{{IMDb name|2922672|David Cook}}

{{David Cook}} {{American Idol}} {{American Idol 7}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cook, David}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:American alternative rock musicians Category:American Idol winners Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:American rock bass guitarists Category:American rock guitarists Category:American male bass guitarists Category:American rock songwriters Category:American people of German descent Category:American people of Irish descent Category:Singer-songwriters from Missouri Category:University of Central Missouri alumni Category:Singers from Houston Category:Musicians from Tulsa, Oklahoma Category:People from Blue Springs, Missouri Category:American alternative rock singers Category:Alternative rock bass guitarists Category:American alternative rock guitarists Category:Singer-songwriters from Oklahoma Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas Category:19 Recordings artists Category:RCA Records artists Category:XIX Entertainment artists Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters Category:20th-century American bass guitarists Category:21st-century American bass guitarists Category:Guitarists from Missouri Category:Guitarists from Oklahoma Category:Guitarists from Texas Category:20th-century American male singers Category:21st-century American male singers Category:American people of English descent