Can David Cook Become American Idol's First Rock Star?
Published August 08, 2008
Season 7 American Idol winner David Cook is teaming up with Grammy winning producer Rob Cavallo for his debut album with 19 Recordings/RCA Records. The album is scheduled for release this November. Cavallo is best known for producing Green Day's smash hit American Idiot. Cavallo has also produced albums for Kid Rock, Goo Goo Dolls, My Chemical Romance, and Eric Clapton. He is also working on an upcoming release from The Dave Mathews Band.
Idol has produced one rock star in season five contestant Chris Daughtry, who finished in fourth place on the show. Daughtry's debut album has gone five times platinum and is still producing chart topping singles. Cook, however, will be the first winner to go the rocker route. What remains to be seen is if Cook can combine the stigma of reality TV contestant (Cook recently took home a Teen Choice award for Best Male Reality TV Star) with legitimate rock musician.
At this point Cook has a lot going for him. While on Idol Cook was able to play his guitar during competition, which added to his image as genuine musician. Season seven is the first year Idol contestants were allowed to use instruments in their performances. Cook also has an arsenal of five independent rock albums he recorded prior to appearing on Idol. It's a background that shows Cook was serious about making music long before American Idol came into his life. It could go a long way toward proving to the non-Idol viewing, music buying public that he is not just a manufactured "flavor of the month."
Currently Cook is taking full advantage of all the benefits that being an American Idol winner offers. The massive exposure has attracted a few other high profile collaborators in addition to Cavallo. Cook has had songwriting sessions with Our Lady Peace lead singer Rainn Maida and Collective Soul's Ed Roland. Cook himself has remained very involved in the songwriting process and hopes to make an album that is true to his rock style.
Having a successful producer like Cavallo could be the key to his success. Cook told Entertainment Weekly.com that Cavallo is "a great producer with the kind of sound that I want."
- Can David Cook Become American Idol's First Rock Star?
- Published: August 08, 2008
- Type: News
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: News, Video: Reality TV
- Writer: Sherry Lipp
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Comments
Great article. Very well informed and I couldn't agree more with your final conclusion. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but David is giving it his all, and judging by his previous work (both his solo album and his band's) I can honestly say this is my most anticipated album release in years. David is very talented, and if he gets the right promotion and support, he could very well be a very successful musician for many years to come.
IMO, David Cook will go on to become a brilliant rock musician, just as Carrie Underwood has proven to be a legitimate, brilliant country artist. I am of the opinion that TOML will not be on his record. I like what he has done with the song in his live performances, especially the acoustic version he did at the Walmart Shareholders meeting, but I think he's done all he's going to do with that one.
Isn't Daughtry AI's first rock star? I love DC, but he would be the second. Just sayin.
Yes, I did address Daughtry in the article - see below. Cook is the first winner to go the rock route. Being the winner is different, because ther is the possibility of less control and more ties to the show.
"Idol has produced one rock star in season five contestant Chris Daughtry, who finished in fourth place on the show. Daughtry's debut album has gone five times platinum and is still producing chart topping singles. Cook, however, will be the first winner to go the rocker route."
He will be the most successful! Absolutely. He is so talented. American Idol will never be the same without him and his talent. All who come after will never compare to him!
This man is a true rock star. Seeing him perform live has convinced me of this. His talent far outreaches American Idol. His voice is amazing. But it is his heart and soul that takes this man to another level. He is headed for major Super Stardom. If anything, David Cook brings a new level of credibilty to American Idol. Now his song The Time of my Life is being played at the Olympics, the most prestigious athletic event there is. This is only the beginning for this great talent. He has managed to catch the ear and heart of multiple generations, not just his own. I can't wait for his album. I was never a fan of the show, but David Cook made me a fan of his voice for life!
this man is a true blooded musician.. he sings from the heart.. i think he can make it.. with his determination and to his love of music he can make it.. david cook rocks!!!
We know David Cook has musical talent, compassion, and intelligence. I hope he keeps that level head and isn't swayed by fame. He has so much to offer the world. I would also like people to know the story behind the writer of Time of My Life, Reggie Hamm. He deserves to be mentioned more.
Considering the quality of music David turned out on his own before Idol, I have no doubt that his album will be incredible with the kind of resources that are now available to him. He should have been a famous rock star years ago - I'm so happy that Idol gave him the platform (although it comes with baggage) to really make it big. He is a musician who has toiled away for years for a break like this.
David Cook, not Daughtry, is the first and only "rocker" to affect me...in a good way. I don't like rock, never have. But DC, I love! I cannot wait for the masterpiece he puts out this fall. Will it outsell Daughtry? I think so.
I have never watched AI previously but this season I have watched it religiously because of David Cook. He will definitely be a successful rock star. I will definitely purchase his album this fall. I too think he will outsell Daughtry.
He is a better singer than his guitar work. He should just cocentrate on singing and hang up the guitar!





Yes he can! :)