NESP Forum

If Cook has his own section, then he needs more than one thread, right?

Cook got some rest and talked to USA Today in a wide-ranging interview, some highlights:

Quote:

Q: What kind of experience did working in bars and clubs give you that might have given you an edge on American Idol?

A: You get pretty humble playing shows to five people. And having that experience made the Idol experience all the sweeter. To go from one extreme to another — you kind of appreciate the huge crowds and all that.

Quote:

Q: There was sort of a theory that maybe you would be better off not winning, like (Chris) Daughtry, in terms of keeping rocker credibility. Now that you are the American Idol, your thoughts on that theory?

A: Obviously, the theory is there. And did it cross my mind at any point in the competition? I mean, sure, but only as an objective point. You don't go into this with the idea that you don't want to win. I think it's a huge slap in the face to the thousands of people who auditioned this season and really wanted to win. And as far as having more success by not being a winner? That's something that'll get played out in the next couple years. Daughtry's success is amazing. But right now, I'm not trying to be Daughtry, I'm just trying to put out a solid record. Even if it doesn't do well commercially, as long as I can say I put out a record that I'm proud of — that's the goal right now, and hopefully, if I can do that, the success will follow.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/...cook_N.htm

Quote:

Q: You talked about wanting to get back to writing your own songs. But were there any of the cover songs you did this season that you were hoping to include on the album?

A: As of right now, no plans. I look forward to, after the tour, maybe incorporating them into the live show, just something fun. But things change on a dime around here, so I have no idea.

Smart move as we know from overhearing bits and pieces of conversation at concerts last year.

He seems very open and comfortable with the interview process.

Someone I know who has always followed the show said that most of the Idol's interviews are much better than usual this year and wondered if they have someone putting the top group through some serious training simulations before letting the media get their hands on them. ( ?? )

Claena from TMS found this, you guys will enjoy this:

Here's a Q&A Cook did online!

Question #1: You seemed pretty surprised and in disbelief when you were announced the winner. Have u taken everything in now?

David Cook: I still am on cloud 9! They've kept me so busy I don't know that I've had time to stop and collect myself, but yes I was very surprised.

Question #2: Hey David. What is the story behind wearing the orange bracelet on your hand sometimes instead of your wrist?

David Cook: I just wanted to make sure it was being shown. It was important to me for people to see it. The bracelets support the fight against leukemia.

Question #3: What does the AC on your guitar and jacket stand for?

David Cook: My two brothers, Adam and Andrew. They are my backbone! It's just to remind me that I am very lucky to have them in my life.

Question #4: Jenna Bush voted for U 40 times, lightweight lol. Did U get to meet her?

David Cook: I did get to meet her and Laura Bush as well! They were so sweet. One vote, 10,000 votes, they all mean the world to me!

Question #5: A lot of people now have your songs as their ringtones. My question to you is what is YOUR ringtone?

David Cook: My Ringtone is The World I Know by Collective Soul!

Question #6: David ur a funny guy, but what was your most embarrassing moment on American Idol?

David Cook: In rehearsals for Idol Gives Back, I found out I could do a heel spin in the boots I wore with the white suit. But once I bit it SO hard! LOL!

Question #7: Omg I luv u! I am doing choir next year but I am nervous. Any advice?

David Cook: Own it. To be able to sing is a gift, so just use it!

Question #8: What is the thing you've missed the most from home while being in Hollywood?

David Cook: I miss the ability to be incognito! While I'm grateful and humble to be here, I miss not having to worry about people snapping pics everywhere.

Question #9: Does your star necklace have any significance?

David Cook: Yes, there is actually a handcuff on each side of the star & the significance is being hand-cuffed by being a star. I thought it was cool.

Question #10: How does it feel to not only be America's newest favorite singer but a sex symbol to millions of American women including me?

David Cook: LOL! I wasn't aware that I was a sex symbol. It's humbling. But I'm just ready to make music.

Question #11: Have you gotten any feedback from other artists other than Lionel Richie & Mariah about your versions of their songs?

David Cook: Yeah! I was contacted by Raine Maida, John Foreman from Switchfoot, & Ed Rollins from Collective Soul. They all had great things to say.

Question #12: Did your brother's illness make your Idol experience more emotional and difficult than you anticipated?

David Cook: It allowed me to enjoy the show a little more if anything. I was able to see it for what it was and what it wasn't.

Question #13: What are you going to miss most about your old life now that your a total hottie rockstar?

David Cook: LOL! To be just a normal person, I wll (yes, he did spell it like that...lol) kinda miss that. This life is amazing, but it is not normal!

Question #14: You are a word nerd. Can you describe the feeling of winning in one word?

David Cook: Hmmm...Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Question #15: You always handled the judges comments graciously. How did you learn that trait?

David Cook: I learned it in week two when I didn't take it gracefully! On the show, you always have to be aware of what you do and say.

Question #16: Hey Cook! I just want to say you are awesome. You have a great voice and are super hot. What is one thing american doesn't know about you?

David Cook: Wow. I have three tattoo's. I have a brain tumor awareness on my sternum, AC on the inside of my left arm, and a bleeding heart on my chest.

Question #17: Did you pull any pranks during the show?

David Cook: No, I goof around, but I don't do pranks. I am more of a smart alec. Tues night I picked up Archie and pretended to throw him into the crowd.

Question #18: Who do you think would win in an actual boxing match: you or Archuleta?

David Cook: Archie! He's too nice of a kid. He would have flashed me that smile & I would have let my guard down. Then he would have bopped me a good one!

Question #19: Luv ur boots! Who makes them? How many pairs do u have?

David Cook: LOL! I get my boots at Boot Star in LA. And BTW, I wear a size 13.

Question #20: Do you think showing up at the auditions not intending to audition yourself helped you?

David Cook: Showing up not expecting to audition helped me have no expectations. Instead of thinking I have to do this, I went in thinking I get to do this.

Chat Host: Thanks for your time today David! Do you have any final thoughts to share with your fans?

David Cook: Thanks to everybody who voted for me, I am here on your behalf! I cannot wait to get out on the road and hopefully do right by you.

Another find by Claena from TMS: This reporter, Charley Belcher has a sick daughter and Cook wore the orange bracelet all season for leukemia awareness in her honor. crying

Charley was clearly emotional and I thought he was gonna lose it a couple times during the interview.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages...geId=7.1.1

Here's the bracelet shown on his hand:

AgingHippie Wrote:

Someone I know who has always followed the show said that most of the Idol's interviews are much better than usual this year and wondered if they have someone putting the top group through some serious training simulations before letting the media get their hands on them. ( ?? )

I just think they got a smart bunch of kids this year. Somewhere I read that Castro had impressive SAT scores. We all know Cook did high school musicals, but I also read he participated in Forensics, which is a public speaking competition. I did it one year, and it includes everything from poetry reading, memorized speeches, and extemporaneous (speaking off the cuff about a subject they throw at you with only a few minutes prep -- for the kids who know in 10th grade they are going to law school).

It's a great interview. Cook also can type well Haha

THawks Wrote:

Question #8: What is the thing you've missed the most from home while being in Hollywood?

David Cook: I miss the ability to be incognito! While I'm grateful and humble to be here, I miss not having to worry about people snapping pics everywhere.

I think Taylor needs to send him some of his extra knit beanies. Wink The baseball cap might work as long as he keeps the Kansas City Royals hats at home.