Many an American Idol winner has ended up plummeting back into obscurity after being named the country’s favourite. With the notable exceptions of Kelly Clarkson (the first ever Idol) and Carrie Underwood (who successfully straddles the line between country and pop, effectively doubling her fan base), winning the title has not meant automatic success. Can you name any of the three albums Ruben Studdard has released since winning in Season 2? Fantasia Barrino has gone on to Broadway, but her pop music career has been less than stellar. Taylor Hicks’ unique performance style has not translated into record sales and he’s been dropped by his record labels.
Meanwhile, Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken’s debut album was the highest selling of any American Idol contestant. Three subsequent albums, a series of tours, many television appearances and a successful run on Broadway have contributed to his fame and notoriety. Daughtry, the band lead by Season 5 fourth-place contestant, Chris Daughtry, is enjoying a flourishing recording and performing career. Jennifer Hudson used her Season 3 appearance as a stepping stone to an Oscar-winning acting career.
So it seems that not winning American Idol may actually be better for one’s future career. David Cook may have the best chance of bypassing the AI crown’s curse, however. With a few smart decisions, he can achieve popularity and longevity.
David Cook is A True Original
Many argue that Chris Daughtry officially opened the door for rockers to climb the Idol ranks, but Cook is responsible for solidifying the genre’s presence on the show. He has consistently reinterpreted classic songs and put a unique, unexpected spin on tunes that begged for fresh blood. Can he translate that innovative spirit onto an album of his own stuff? If so, he’ll be able to attract not only American Idol’s target demographic of pre-teen girls, but also a larger cross section of the listening public.
Ego in Check
AI judge Simon Cowell repeatedly accused Cook of being “arrogant” and “pompous” during the competition, much to the chagrin of the audience and Word Nerds (Cook’s fan base named after a quality that Simon thought would get him nowhere with girls). During the season finale, however, even Simon had to eat his words, apologizing to Cook for “verging on disrespectful” in his critique the night before. Cook has come out of the Idol rigmarole giving the impression of a truly grateful, appropriately humble, yet confident performer that millions of girls would want to take home to meet mom and dad.
The Right Reasons
It is unlikely that David Cook will push his stardom bubble too hard and quickly return to anonymity, simply because he didn’t mean for this to happen. He came to the American Idol audition to support his brother who was trying out and only decided to go in front of the judges himself once he got there. Since then he has comfortably ridden the wave to the top prize of Idol with a charming “Wow, I never expected this” modesty. Of course, he pulled out his A game to dazzle the judges and his audience, but one gets the impression that fame is not necessarily what he was looking for. A genuine love of music is what motivated him and that should result in a long, satisfying career.
Let’s See What He Can Do
With a debut album on the horizon, the true test of David Cook’s staying power will be whether he can capture his risk-taking, inventive nature on record. Here’s hoping the Idol producers don’t try to push him into the little boxes that have destroyed other talented singer’s post-Idol careers and let him do his own thing.
