The soaring digital sales of David Cook's self-released solo album Analog Heart (ranking #1 currently in Amazon's MP3 sales) have raised questions once again about American Idol standards for competitors. When Cook auditioned for American Idol in Omaha, Nebraska, David Cook was hardly a newcomer to the music business. David Cook was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Axium from 1999 through 2006. He formed the band in his junior year in high school, and they ultimately received significant notice as a regional band. The band were recognized as among 15 top unsigned bands nationally in a Got Milk? contest as part of the well-known ongoing advertising campaign. Axium also recorded 3 independently released studio albums.
As a solo artist, David Cook released the album Analog Heart in 2006. It has been widely acclaimed in the Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma music markets.
With all of this success, it seems not surprising that David Cook finds himself as one of the top level contestants remaining on this year's American Idol. However, questions are now being raised again about the extent of music industry experience that should be allowed for aspiring American Idol contestants. Is it really possible for someone without extended industry experience to compete? Should Fox Television be more upfront with viewers in describing the background of contestants? Early this season Carly Smithson was the subject of controversy due to the release of her first solo album on a major label 7 years back under the name Carly Hennessy.
Is it really possible for a musical unknown to reach stardom via American Idol? Or is it simply another way of promoting already discovered talent to the national level?
Related link:
- David Cook's "Billie Jean"
Album cover copyright David Cook
Comments
It’s hard to argue that David Cook was ever “discovered” considering he had to release that album himself. Anyone can put together an album and release it these days, thanks to music software and online music sales.
I don’t see what the big deal is. Anybody can record an album on their own computer and distribute it online. The point of American Idol is propelling talented artists to the national spotlight – someone who has made a couple regional talent lists and put out some independent albums has not been “discovered.” Otherwise, everyone would have already heard of him. The music industry is very tough and I would say those who have struggled on the local circuits for years are more worthy of Idol attention than someone who has no experience whatsoever.
I agree with Shelly and Tony. This is a non-issue. Its like you’re trying to brew up controversy when no controversy exists. I’m not impressed.
I agree with Tony. What are the chances of finding someone off the street and taking them to the moon. Not a show I’m going to watch. The guy purchased some studio time and cut and album two years ago and has been selling them out of his trunk after shows. Big deal…If you did not live in Tulsa or where ever he is from, you more than likely never heard of David Cook. He is talanted and deserves the lime light now. Go Mr. Cook….I hope he wins the whole thing. He is finally out of the trenches called the bar scene. Good for him!!!!!
Michael Johns and Carly Smithson both had been signed by record labels and released albums prior to being on American Idol. Brooke White also has a record out. Why single out David Cook?
Honestly, I don’t understand the hoopla surrounding David Cook’s past. Carly, Michael Johns, Brook, and Kristy Lee Cook have all had CD’s or some sort of recording contract out at one point prior to their American Idol debut. David Archuleta won Star Search! A singing competition!
How come none of these other contestants are getting the same backlash for their pasts that David Cook is getting? It isn’t fair to single out one performer and not the others.
I could not agree more to the comments here. It only proves that David Cook is the real mccoy in this season’s idol. Well, the past 6 years they actually have not discovered anyone that has a “real shine” and now that they have some people are trying to pull him down. David, just release the compilation of all the songs you sang in the AI’s competition and I will surely buy the CD – I am not just going to download it, I want a physical CD, better yet add a DVD of your live performances. I love the songs he recorded with his former band as well as his solo album. More good luck for you, David! Don’t change, always be humble!
This is a non-issue. David Cook cut his teeth doing bar gigs and making an album in a friend’s livingroom. He did this all with a major Label behind him. This only proves that he paid his dues the way all artists do.
This guy is the most authentic and best thing to ever grace the American Idol stage. I hope he wins cause his is the only AI album i would ever spend my money on.
This is so ridiculous. The rule is, the competitors can’t currently have a record deal. He didn’t. Case closed.
I think the key words in this article are “independently released” and “unsigned”. He produced his album himself and I think it is fantastic people are getting the opportunity to hear it. This is such a non-issue. He has NEVER had a record deal and he has paid his dues. I am glad he has this opportunity to showcase his talent.
What about all the other contestants who doesnt have the means or the money to make their own album, the ones who are looking at this as their big chance? The point of the show is to find talent. To take someone with a unique voice and allow them a chance to win a record deal. If you are already in the music business then you dont need to be on the show. Period. Nobody is trying to single them out. Its almost like they’re being greedy. If you’re having success on your own, why get the extra boost and take that away from someone who doesnt have that same opportunity? I thought that was the purpose of the show.
Everyone these days is trying to portray David Cook as some big bad professional singer ruining the integrity of American Idol. When the contest started he was just as unknown (or more so) than everyone else. He is not the only contestant with a CD on Amazon even. He is the only one with a top selling CD on Amazon – and that has nothing to do with him having connections(he made that CD himself with no record company help) and everything to do with him having an amazing voice and phenominal song writing talent. That’s the whole story.
With a little more research, you would have discovered that this album was recorded IN THE LIVING ROOM! of a friend of his in Tulsa OK — it’s not even done in a studio! Virtually every Idol contestant, with the exception of a David Archuleta, a Danny Noriega or a Sanjaya Malakar who are not old enough to do have done so. How could it not be otherwise?
I am fine that it is out there. I listened to all of the clips on Amazon and it sucks! People that listen to it will finally realize the David C. sucks when he isn’t turning a pop song into a rock song. I actually liked some of his performances on Idol, but I would rather be deaf than listen to him grumble through that album again. David Cook might have been unknown, but he certainly was not an unknown talent.
Of all the lame, manufactured issues around David Cook, this has to be the lamest. Anybody can make an electronic album — that’s what Apple’s GarageBand software is for. Every street musician and wannabe sells CDs out of their guitar cases. What’s extraordinary is that this homemade effort is selling so well. D. Cook must have a lot of appeal.
I once recorded a CD of prank phone calls. Does that make me a professional comic? How silly. David Cook is the real deal who invested his own money to make that CD and follow his dream. I think it’s amazing that it’s selling so well. Also, I bought it and it’s one helluva album, especially for a self produced effort.
This article is ridiculous.
The Idols I know of who had recorded albums or EPs before being on the show include David Cook, Brooke White, Michael Johns (backed by a major label), Carly Smithson (backed by a major label), Kristy Lee Cook, Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis, Blake Lewis, and those are just the ones I can name off the top of my head. David Cook recorded an album in a friend’s living room, played all instruments but drums, wrote every song, produced it, drew the cover art, and released it himself. The guy has played countless shows since he started out in high school, and has worked his butt off ever since in pursuit of his dream (also earning a college degree along the way.) This is the kind of hard work and talent that should be rewarded, not dismissed. He has conducted himself like a pro during AI while a family tragedy unfolds. Good grief, give the guy a break.
In response to Z:
Do you honestly think that David had the financial resources to produce his own record? He was a college student when he wrote songs, and then he was a bartender after he graduated. He had to look for his own financial backing since he didn’t have a major label, or *a* label, backing him. What he DID have that “all the other contestants who doesnt have the means or the money to make their own album”, however, is the courage and confidence to pursue his dream and do what he wants to do. And for that, he doesn’t merely deserve to be on the show; he deserves to win the whole thing.
-APPLAUDS YELEN- Amen! David Cook worked hard to make it in the music business. He isn’t some yahoo who only sings in the shower, but that doesn’t make him any less unknown. He passionately believed in making music, and that’s a GOOD thing. That kind of artist is someone who American Idol should want to attract, if you ask me. Serious musicians and singers, people like Bo and Daughtry and Blake and David Cook, not people like Sanjaya.
Amen to all the above except the one evil comment. Please, you don’t have to like David’s music, but the facts are……he was undiscovered, he was known only regionally, therefore American Idol is the perfect showcase for someone like him, Michael Johns, Brooke White, or whoever in the music business but with limited exposure, to finally succeed. If all American Idol was about was an amateur singing contest, who would want to watch it? Go to your local talent show. This show IS for people who have musical talent and background who’ve never gotten their big break. If you’ve ever had a friend in a band, loved a local musician, followed a local band, you understand this. How hard they work. How much passion they have for their art. How long it takes for a “big break.” There’s a local musician in San Francisco named Tim Hockenberry who I think is F’ing amazing and yet he’s not on a national stage, so he is not wildly popular or probably even known outside the Bay Area. Years and years of experience, even releasing albums, without the notoriety that AI brings.
Unknowns can be the girl down the street or someone like David Cook…everyone gets the same chance to audition. But we all want to see the truly talented succeed. And David Cook will succeed despite all the mistruths and misconceptions that have followed him since he started rising. This is one idol contestant who you will NOT stop.
I am a HUGE fan of David Cook, but obviously only since AI. Thank god he made it,otherwise I would have never gotten the oppertunity to hear him sing. He’s amazing! But I almost hope he doesn’t WIN the AI title. Chris Daughtry is doing better than most of the “winners”. So, runner up for David Cook would make me happy!!
I am a 42 year old woman who listens to country and christian radio. If it weren’t for AI giving David the same shot everyone else got, I’d have never been exposed to one of the most talented, unique performers I have seen. He has found his identity, polished his skills and become a superstar.
ALL artists had the exact same chance. Unfortunately for them, most just aren’t as good. They certainly had the chance over the past 7 years to form a band, cut their own CD and become working regional musicians. They just didn’t. Let’s not punish David for that.
You are all sooo stupid…at the begining of this season everyone wanted them to kick off Carly Smithson just because she had had a record deal in the past…but now that its David Cook who has the controversy you are all so quick to jump to his defense…now im not saying that they should kick him off…but seriously stop using Carlys situation as a defense for David…because most of you didnt even want her to stay.
Who’s talking about Carly here??
Well put Yelen. I still stand by what I said. Your comment changes nothing. My point was that a lot of ppl do not have the means to do all of that. Not everybody can sit around and make a album. Im not downing the man for what he’s done. All I did was agree to the fact that he shouldnt be on American Idol. Thats like free publicity and its unfair to the other contestants. Simple as that. You dont have to agree. I actually respect your right to disagree. Respect mine.
David made his own album. The others had RECORD CONTRACTS which this show is all about getting. They had their shot, David has not. Carly sold 400 albums that cost her record company over $2 million to make and promote. She had her chance. The fans spoke last night. Well done.
And David moves on yet ANOTHER week!! Top 5 BABY!
Every contestant left (or just recently eliminated) on the current season of American Idol has had some kind of exposure, be it national, regional, or local.
Carly, Michael, Kristy, and Brooke had all put out albums prior to AI on labels )major or indy).
David Archuletta was on “Star Search”.
Syesha appeared on an ABC TV series in 2006 called “The One – Making A Music Star.”
Also in 2006, Jason was on an MTV series called ”Cheyenne”.
And then we have David Cook who played in regional bands in the KC and Tulsa area.
David Cook was a bartender in Tulsa when he tried out in Omaha for AI. Enough said.
being on star search is not the same as having an album or band already.