David Cook

Guide Note

David Cook is a finalist on American Idol Season 7. He will compete against David Archuleta for the title of American Idol during the show's season finale on May 21, 2008.

Cook's performances of Lionel Richie's "Hello" and The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" further impressed the judges. His other performances like "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey and "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson also received high marks. Cook's been called the "Dark Horse" in the competition and is one of the favorites to win.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: David Roland Cook
2. Born: December 20, 1982
3. Birthplace: Houston, Texas
4. Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri
5. Audition City: Omaha
6. Cites Our Lady Peace and Chris Daughtry as musical inspirations
7. Education: Central Missouri State University
8. Brother: Adam Cook

Cook is a musician and bartender from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received his Golden Ticket to Hollywood after he sang Bon Jovi's "Livin On a Prayer". Cook actually agreed to audition for Idol as support for his brother, Adam, who didn't make the cut.

A seasoned performer, Cook made his first stage appearance in the second grade, when his teacher gave him a solo in the school choir performance. Cook went on to perform in most of his school's Christmas and PTA programs. In middle school and high school, Cook was a part of the choir and drama programs. He also performed with bands throughout high school and college. In 2008, after touring with the band Midwest Kings, he went solo.

Cook received a scholarship in theater to Central Missouri State University. After two semesters, he changed majors and graduated in 2006 with a graphic design degree. Cook is a self-proclaimed "word nerd" and a big fan of crossword puzzles.

1. "I just want to give myself until I'm 26 years old to get a job."
2. "I learned a very hard lesson in week two when I sang Free's "All Right Now" and Simon referenced the pre-packaged video and I made some comment and I didn't say anything bad and I certainly was not trying to be demeaning toward him in any way but at the time, it was a speak-before-you-think kind of vibe. The lesson I learned is when Randy, Paula or Simon talks to you, unless they ask you a question, you probably shouldn't say a word, which in turn has allowed me to listen a little bit more."