David Cook reflects on David Archuleta’s journey to Broadway after 17 years on American Idol.
After 17 years, David Cook remembers
Do you remember the explosive finale of American Idol Season 7, when David Cook defeated David Archuleta to win the trophy?
It was in 2008, and now, 17 years later, Cook recounts his journey in an exclusive interview with People.
Idol Journey: I Was Unaware!
Cook, now 42, believes that his Idol experience was very fruitful. “It gave me my career,” he says.
But the funny thing is, before appearing on the show, he had never religiously watched Idol episodes.
“I had very little knowledge about the show, and I think I was completely unaware of where I was going.
That’s why everything felt so exciting and new,” he explained.
At the age of 25, despite being little known, he became the winner of a season that featured some of the most talented contestants, including Carly Smithson and Brooke White.
20-Hour Work Hours and Deep Friendships
Cook explained that the behind-the-scenes days were even more grueling than the hour-long episodes. Contestants worked 16 to 20 hours a day.
These long shifts brought all the contestants together.
“Going through such a unique experience… It’s impossible not to develop bonds,” Cook says.
He remains in touch with many of his friends. He said he still speaks with David Archuleta (though, he says, not as much as he should), and also with Carly Smithson, Ramiele, and Brooke.
The Price Is Right’s ‘One Dollar’ Dream
Another fond memory Cook shares is related to The Price Is Right.
He jokingly told the Top 5 that if he won, he would be taken to the studio basement and given a chance to spin the wheel of The Price Is Right!
After the finale, the crew kept their promise. Cook was taken to the set of The Price Is Right and he actually spun the wheel.
“Funnily enough, I landed on a dollar,” he laughs. “That was probably the luckiest day of my life.”
Life Now: Broadway and New Music
Cook has accomplished a lot in his life since American Idol.
Whether it was marrying Rachel Stump in 2015, starring in Kinky Boots on Broadway, or releasing four studio albums, his career has been impressive.
He now feels more whole and complete, which is reflected in his new music.
He recently released a three-song EP, “The Hero,” which will be part of a three-EP set.
He plans to release a full-length record after this.
Cook now lets his personality shine more in his stage performances.
He makes sure to sing all his hits, like “Time of My Life,” because he knows that’s what his fans have come to hear.
He values this fun relationship with his fans, which helps make each show unique.
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