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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > May > 25 > Entry
5/25: David Cook/David Archuleta post-show press conference
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s now Sunday morning and I just noticed I missed an email note from Thursday evening that there would be a phone press conference with David Cook land then David Archuleta ast Friday morning. Wish I had known that! I would have been there!
They sent me the transcript Friday night, which I just caught. Here are some highlights from the press conference I missed. Cook was pretty bland at times, though Archuleta couldn’t be duller.
First up: Cook:
On Simon thinking early on he was cocky: “I didn’t have any expectations as to what the show was going to do for me or what I was going to do for the show. I just went into as an opportunity to expose myself musically to a large audience. So my confidence level really never wavered and maybe that’s what got misinterpreted as cocky or arrogant. I think as the season went on maybe he saw the work that I was putting in not just on my own stuff, but really just to try to make it a positive working environment for everybody.”
His performance background:: “I started in bands when I was 15 years old in Kansas City and was fortunate enough to get to play in and around Kansas City quite a bit and got to travel around the Midwest on occasion. The move to Tulsa, I’d graduated college and the opportunity to continue music presented itself in Tulsa, so I went. I played acoustic gigs a couple of times a month. I played full band gigs a couple of times a month and I just kind of hoofed it around the Midwest for about 10 years.”
On the 12 million vote victory. “You know, I think that number is actually really misleading. Obviously within the bubble of Idol, it’s hard to kind of get a vibe on what’s going on. I thought Archie was probably a little bit ahead of me if I’m being honest. I think as far as the finale goes, there’s a lot of conspiracy theories out there. I attribute the finale vote discrepancy just to my fans just being awesome. I don’t really know how else to explain it. You know, my hats off to Archie for the whole scenario. I mean, he handled himself with a lot of grace. More importantly, he’s just an amazing human being, so I was just honored to share the stage with him.”
He was very vague about what type of record he’d come out with, just it will be rock: I’m going to try to recreate that energy within this record. I want this record to have some twists and turns. I want people to feel like they got taken on a trip from beginning to end. I got my work cut out for me. It should be a lot of fun.”
Would he have been better off not winning, like Daughtry?” “I think going into this was an idea that you don’t want to win I think is a huge slap in the face to the 103,000 people that auditioned this season that really wanted to win, so I definitely went into this to try to win it. As far as having more success by not being a winner, I think that’s something that’ll get played out hopefully in the next couple of years. I think Daughtry’s success is amazing. So for me like right now I’m not trying to be Daughtry. You know, I’m just trying to put out a solid record. Even if it doesn’t do well commercially, as long as I can say that I put out a record that I’m proud of, that’s the goal right now and hopefully if I can do that, then success will follow.”
On auditioning when he didn’t initially want to “[David’s brother Andrew] really wanted me to audition with him and I was just hesitant, not for any negative stigma associated with the show, but I didn’t really see this as my path for whatever reason. To stand in line at 5:30 in the morning in Omaha and the sun hasn’t come up. The producer comes by with a camera and interviews my brother and then turns to me and I’m like, ‘I’m not auditioning,’ and he goes, “Well you are now.” Life has a weird way of working itself out sometimes.”
On how he changed over the course of the competition “Well, this show’s been great for my diet. I’ve lost probably 10 - 15 pounds through the season. There was definitely a progression for me on this show. Early on - I’m talking like the third or fourth week in - Debra Byrd, our vocal coach, really hit home with me on a particular lesson. I think going into this, I put up a wall, kind of a protective barrier between me and the audience just to kind of protect myself, a little bit of a defense mechanism. She kind of forced me to break that down and I think it helped in the performances. Everybody talks about how towards the end I started crying a lot. Well, you know there was just a lot of intensity into the last few weeks as far as just what was at stake and all the work that had been put into it. I said in a lot of interviews yesterday the crying after I won was like an exhale. “
Why is he single? [A TV Guide reader question]: “I have no idea. That’s all I can say.”
Now onto what little I could cull from the Archuleta transcipt that wasn’t packed with boring cliches. He likes to prattle on a bit and gosh darn it, he’s kinda dorky, too. Favorite self-description: “I’m pretty much an airhead.”
Blah blah about Cook “The fact that Cook won, I think he deserved it so much. He just proved it week after week that he deserved to be the American Idol even early in the competition. He’s such a great guy too. My main priority wasn’t to win the competition, but it was just to do my best because you can suck and people can vote, but not for you to win and that wouldn’t feel very good. I think we both gave it all.”
On his dad “I hadn’t really heard much of it until later on. I tried to stay away from the press and my dad also. He understood that I didn’t like to hear anything going on in the news about me good or bad, just because I didn’t want it to distract me or let it go to my head or anything like that. I just wanted to stay myself and how I was at the beginning of the competition before all this happened. I wanted to keep who I was, the normal teenage David. In interviews and stuff it started coming up and it was just kind of strange because there were really weird things. I heard one thing was like he refused to give me water or something like that. That’s the weirdest thing. I mean, I’m 17 and if I want water I’m pretty sure I would just go get it anyway. Another thing was like he made me cry during one of the recording studios or something like that. I can’t remember really. Just weird things like that. I’m old enough to have enough control over myself. Then the next thing is he’s a great guy. There isn’t really anything he’s done that’s bad like the things that have been spoken about him. You know, my whole family has been such a great support and they’re the ones who’ve kept me grounded and allowed me to be who I am today. No one understands what I’m here for more than they do. They get what I love about music and how it’s changed my life. They’ve witnessed what it’s done for me and so they understand what I want to do while I’m here.”
What he’d like to record “Well I’d love to do the pop thing just because I’m still a teenager. On the show I was getting a little mature with my songs even though I love to do that stuff. I still want to be able to relate to the kids my age. I like the pop music, but I still want to have meaning in my music. So I’d still like to do some fun stuff along with songs that have more meaning in them. John Mayer and … are examples I use as people who have done the more pop side of music, but their music is so - I call it - real. It’s real music where it has meaning and depth to it still. They’re respected as real musicians and artists.”
On the differences between “Star Search” and “Idol”: “When I was little I didn’t even think I deserved to be on Star Search. I didn’t think I was good enough and I was confused that I kept going on. I was such an airhead. Well, I’m still pretty much an airhead. I was just like I don’t get why I’m still here. The people are going against are better than me and stuff. It just helped me to really keep focused I guess, because I understand that it takes a lot of work to do these kinds of things and to be able to show what you can do in that small amount of time. This show, fortunately, allowed more time and it lasted longer. I don’t know. I don’t know where I’m going with this.”
How he used to hate getting his picture taken “I hated pictures at the beginning of this. I’d always like run away from cameras even just with friends and stuff. I’d always be the one hiding behind a bush or something. It’s because I hate looking at myself. I still don’t really like looking at pictures of myself. I’ve never watched myself on the show. I would just do something else when the show was on and maybe like my family was watching it or something. I can’t stand hearing my voice. I’m okay with just talking to the cameras and stuff as long as I don’t have to hear it afterwards unless maybe I can learn something from it.”
Comments
By JTesla
May 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Great guy. That interview really makes me want to see his record. Glad to see that he touched on the conspiracy theories and the concept of not wanting to win.
By Jean M Johnson
May 25, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
I am of the older generation and I am enjoying all of David Cook’s music. I do hope that when he records he will not only do rock but some of the type of music that he sang on Idol. I especially liked The Music Of The Night. These songs really show his “beautiful” voice. I have his Analog Heart music and find it hard to hear his voice (which is “SO” great) Thank you David for such entertainment! Good Luck!!!!
By Harmony
May 25, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the congratulations Deirdre and JT.
The right David won!
By Justin
May 26, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
L. King Live. David Cook is really going to date Kimberley Caldwell?!?!?! I thought it was a joke! how weird…
man i’d be happy to come in SEVENTH! on american idol and date a WINNER! from another season! like carrie underwood.! yeah! i’m sorry it’s just weird..
By Negativo
May 26, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Watched LArry King tonight and they has the Top 10 finalists all on th show. David Cook admitted that he reads the message boards!! Could Neg have been his virtual coach, mentoring him tot he title with his incredible analysis?
I believe the answer is a resounding YES.
By Negativo
May 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Watched Larry King tonight and they has the Top 10 finalists all on th show. David Cook admitted that he reads the message boards!! Could Neg have been his virtual coach, mentoring him to the title with his incredible analysis?
I believe the answer is a resounding YES.
Come on…all of you must confess to having suspected this all along, right?
By Harmony
May 26, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Of course Neg.
By Songluvr
May 27, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
They’re running LKLive with the idols again now on CNN in case anybody missed it earlier and just happens to read this. : )
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
I hope y’all had a nice 3 day weekend.
I’m not surprised that the Idols read the message boards. It must be disheartening for many of them.
And yes, Neg, I’m sure David Cook will be sending you a thank you note very soon! :-)
By harrietth
May 27, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Dierdre and all. I had to work yesterday, and I missed “seeing” everyone.
I did watch LK Live last night. I was looking forward to it, since the idols were on on Friday. He said they’d be back. Did anyone here Archie (they’re all calling him that now) admit to being Mormon? He’s never said that in public, to my knowledge. Not that it matters to me, but I’m just saying…
By harrietth
May 27, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Oops, I meant “hear” not here.
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
My guess is that, since they did not talk about the church affiliations of the rest of the Idols, it would have been inappropriate to bring it up with Archie.
I think it had been reported quietly in a number of places and we did discuss it here briefly. Since one of Jeff’s complaints about Neil Diamond week was that it was hard to find a song that wasn’t about drinking or women, we all pretty much assumed.
By harrietth
May 27, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
D, I must have missed that conversation. Anyway, last night was the first time I had heard it mentioned. I assumed it, too. Especially after the Imagine lyrics. He would not sing the first verse.
By Lara
May 27, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Gosh, he is a Mormon? David Cook will be on Ellen today - I am TiVO’ing that.
Good Morning Mushblogians!
By woodpappy
May 27, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Hey Folks, I did’t know IDOL was gonna be on L. King. Sorry I missed it ! Anything earth shattering come out?
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Pappy, it was revealed that DC, and probably Carly, too, read the Idol message boards during the season. Common sense tells us, therefore, that my analysis and advice was instrumental in DC becoming Idol champion, and that the Neg will probably be contacting his agent soon for a taste of royalty action.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
i love you guys, have i ever mentioned that? Negs, you MADE my morning!!! of COURSE you’re the reason he won!!!!
gosh!
~¿@
By harrietth
May 27, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Neg, the only thing that shocks me is that Cook did not mention you by name on LK Live last night!!
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Woodpappy….if you go to mjsbigblog.com, she has the whole Larry King interview up.
I was very impressed with David Cook during the interview, as well as Michael Johns and even Brook White. They are well spoken and interesting. Kristie Lee was good too and , when Chikezie spoke, he had some interesting things to say as well.
We’re all used to hearing Carly talk. Being introduced to the rest of them without their dealing with a good deal of the pressure they were under during the show was interesting. David Cook came across even better than he had on the show.
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Linny, I am far too humble to take 100% credit for DC’s Idol victory. Certainly a part of the reason he won had to do with his own talent.
By woodpappy
May 27, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Neg, You know, “You Da Man”..
Deidre, Many thanks, I’ll catch it tonight when I get home from work, (or sooner if I can sneak and watch it).
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Harrieth, that DC didn’t mention me directly is understandable. The last thing his agent wants during the post-Idol media blitz is for the spotlight to be directed away from his client and onto the Neg.
Also, I toil in obscurity by choice. The last thing I need is the paparazzi camping out at my front door, and sex-starved bimbo starlets trying to get in my pants.
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
“toil in obscurity”…You’re absolutely killing me!!!! LOL!!!!
I need some congrats!!! Mr Hollywood is actually listed in IMDB now!!! Progress has been made and I have no doubt that it has something to do with me boring y’all to tears with his exploits!!! :-)
By harrietth
May 27, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Perish the thought, Neg! Starlets with such intentions!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
omy. Negs… you brighten even the darkest “monday-on-a-tuesday” morning. Thank you :-) If you EVER decide to quit blogging, please promise you that you’ll get my email and send me some of your sharp wit at LEAST once in a while to help keep me from total sanity!!!
mmmmmmmmWAH!!! (from a non-bimbo)
~¿@
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
D!!! that is so cool!!!!!
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Don’t worry, Linny, Neg will not stop blogging until they pry his cold, dead hands from the keyboard. Of course, by that point I imagine the wit will be somewhat less sharp.
By JTesla
May 27, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Congrats D!
I heard a rumor that the producers were thinking of changing the AI name to Negativo Idol to gain back some popularity, but they were concerned with trademark infringement. The man has some influence.
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
JT: As of today, the switch to “Negativo Idol” remains in the beta testing stage. More R&D needs to be completed before any offical announcements can be expected, but the show is hoping that this name change would make the show more desirable to the critical “41 year old males who drink beer” demographic.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Negs! You forgot part of the title! It should read, in its entirety, as follows:
41 year old males who drink beer, and the women who love them”
Sheesh!
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Linny, I put that part between the lines.
By flats
May 27, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Hey guys…I spent the last 3 days in the slammer on a false charge!!!!!GLAD TO BE FREE!!!!!!!!!GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!
By DawnH
May 27, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Morning, almost afternoon, all. I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. I spent all 3 days at the ballpark with my mom watching the Braves. AGGGHHHHH. Someone please tell me they won’t allow Glavin to pitch again.
Anyway, glad to see Neg is finally getting all the kudos he so deserves. He has worked hard to get AI and the idols where they are today. Can’t wait for the season of Negativo Idol. Hopefully he will get some creative input from WE and Flats. That’s an idol season I wouldn’t miss!
By Negativo
May 27, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Flats, aren’t they always false charges? Anyway, hope you aren’t walking funny from the experience.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
where, greg? charlotte?
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Why am I not even a little bit surprised? :-)
NASCAR brawl?
By flats
May 27, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Yep..missed the 600 and everything!!LOL!!!You guys know me all too well!!
By Deirdre
May 27, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Can you give us the details or has your lawyer advised you not to talk about it?
By KPH
May 27, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
What’s up good people? Flats did someones face bump into your fist?
By flats
May 27, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
KPH….Being a Gordon fan’s hard sometimes!!!My fist took a real pounding!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
greg, was it “false” charges (as in made up to arrest you) or was it “erroneous” charges (they thought you did something but it was not what they thought, OR it was not you)??
just curious!
so what were you charged WITH, btw? can you say?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Gotta love the “seafood dinner”, K - that was HILARIOUS!
By KPH
May 27, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Let me guess….it was an Earnhardt Jr. fan?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
OMG!!! KPH sent me this link, you guys need to check it out! This kid is amazing!!! Kid Sounds Like Johnny Cash
thanks for sharing! I wonder what else he can sing? Perhaps, if they don’t change the age (since he’s 15) he’ll be our next American Idol
or not! someone will surely catch him up in Nashville! The Cash family needs to look into mentoring this boy!!!
By KPH
May 27, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
No problem Linny. I bet you didnt expect that voice to come out of that little dude huh? :-)
By Lara
May 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Just read an interesting blog on Yahoo where the writer totally dogs on the “coronation” song that David Cook had to perform and release as his first single. The cover “art” on the single is just DC’s face - a straight face, no smile. With the title “Time of my life” - yeah, I can tell….
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I heard on the TV this morning (or very late last night) that DC’s release of the “coronation song” is the #1 iTune download of the week.
not bad for one of those schlocky songs!!!!