David Cook
Gossip (Page 2)

Referring to it as "the scariest thing I have ever done," David Cook sang the national anthem before Game 3 of the NBA Finals next season.

"The nerves are way worse [than on American Idol]," Cook told reporters moments before his Tuesday night rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. "It's the one song you don't want to mess up. I'm going to try not to notice Jack Nicholson sitting in the front row and think about the lyrics."

Cook, of course, succeeded with that goal, performing a rendition of our nation's song better than the Celtics performed on defense in the game's final minute. (Seriously, who leaves Ray Allen one-on-one to guard Kobe Bryant?!?)

Despite his trepidation, the American Idol champion - who was joined in the stands by girlfriend Kimberly Caldwell - was able to make a joke prior to the contest:

"No matter what I do, I don't have Simon Cowell telling me how dreadful it was."

Kimberly Caldwell may have sung the national anthem at Dodger Stadium Wednesday night - but she received national attention for the man she sat next to afterwards during the game:

American Idol champion David Cook.

Witnesses told E! News this pair, who has been on at least one other date, "were all cute and cuddly... They definitely looked like a couple. But they were acting like they wanted to keep it low-key."

Kimberly Caldwell sang the national anthem, and then watched the Dodgers fall to the Colorado Rockies.

Cook and Caldwell stayed for the game, cheering on the Dodgers, as they fell 2-1 to the Colorado Rockies in a classic pitcher's duel.

"Apparently Cook is a big Dodgers fan," a source said. "He just wanted to enjoy the game with his girl."

That's sweet. But if baseball is Cook's game, perhaps he should date Carrie Underwood.

David Cook is a busy man.

The American Idol winner is working on his debut album, aiming for a fall release for what ought to be a well-selling rock CD.

"David Cook is an extraordinarily versatile and talented artist with an impressive sense of musicality," said Tom Corson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, RCA Music Group. "He is a natural performer and a true star. We are thrilled to welcome him into our family."

Cook won't be able to relax much as he records this album. He'll be on tour all summer with David Archuleta, Brooke White and company as part of the American Idol's Live extravaganza; it begins July 1.

Meanwhile, David took a break from all things business this week when he visited season seven performer Luke Menard in the hospital. Menard has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"I love Luke and I just wanted to show up and make sure that he understood that I love him and know that if there's anything I can do for him and his wife, sign me up," Cook said.

David Cook is riding high.

Not only has the rocker captured this season's American Idol title, but he's secured himself a cute date: former contestant Kimberly Caldwell.

He actually asked her out on live TV before the show's final broadcast last week. Take a look:

No one on the planet can relate more to David Cook that last year's American Idol champion, Jordin Sparks.

After being in attendance at the show's finale and seeing Cook knock off David Archuleta for the title, Sparks offered the rocker one piece of important advice:

"Sleep as much as you can because you don't get any sleep. It's a year later and I still haven't gotten a whole eight hours of sleep yet … I'm still reeling from winning last year. But, I guess I would say just try and enjoy every moment you have.

David Cook and Jordin Sparks have a lot in common.

Every year, the American Idol winner is forced to sing a cheesy ballad in celebration of his/her victory.

This season was no different, as David Cook took home the title and then serenaded his fans with "Time of My Life."

Here's a video of Cook winning and then celebrating with his fellow American Idol finalists:

The actual American Idol winner won't be announced until tomorrow night.

Following their latest performances, though, we wanna know which finalist our readers think will take home the crown.

David Cook or David Archuleta?

David Archuleta sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me; In This Moment; and Imagine.

David Cook sang I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For; Dream Big; and The World I Know.

Who did a better job?

The big night is here. The favorite from the onset, David Archuleta has dispatched all but one singer as he closes in on the American Idol crown. But does Archuleta deserve it - or should David Cook win? That's the subject of today's Face-Off ...

SHOULD DAVID ARCHULETA BE THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL?

YES by Free Britney

To paraphrase a line from the great MC Paul Barman, David Archuleta's voice makes even the most anti-choice granny's panties moist.

That may be a crude way of putting it, but there's no denying that young Archuleta has massive appeal - and is a star in the making.

The American Idol world has seen some amazing talent and some real cuties, but David Archuleta may take the cake on both fronts.

This kid is no novelty act, but a true prodigy.

His formidable fellow finalist, David Cook, has been lauded for his guitar playing, but don't forget that David Archuleta accompanied himself on piano during his renditions of "Another Day in Paradise" and "Angels." He's got game!

Oh, and what an inspirational story! Archuleta once suffered partial vocal paralysis (from which he is still recovering)! He's controlled by his insane father! He couldn't even go to his prom! What more can he do to win our hearts?

He's the only guy not named Jack Daniel to bring Paula Abdul to tears. Just "imagine" what he could do with an entire CD!

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The Hollywood Gossip staff is proud to bring you Tale of the Tape, a feature in which we break down prospective matchups within the celebrity world. The following is an obvious one.

Next week, David Cook will take on David Archuleta in what may be the most anticipated American Idol finals match-up of all-time. Forget Tuesday night, though.

Who will emerge victorious in the following 10 rounds? Let's find out. Ding, ding!

1. PAST IDOL HE MOST REMINDS US OF

David Cook: Chris Daughtry
David Archuleta: Clay Aiken
Edge: Cook

2. FAMILY TIES

David Cook: Cancer-stricken brother, Adam
David Archuleta: Insanely controlling father, Jeff
Edge: Cook

3. FIRST NAMES

David Cook: David
David Archuleta: David
Edge: Even

4. BEST PERFORMANCE

David Cook: "Always Be My Baby"
David Archuleta: "Imagine"
Edge: Archuleta

Continue Reading...

We hate to break it to you, David Cook - but you better get used to this.

Especially if you win American Idol next week, life as you know it will cease to exist. This is mostly a good thing.

But it also means that a trip to Sbarro with friends will become major celebrity gossip news. That's the way of our world. Welcome to it.

David Cook looks less than pleased to be photographed as he grabs a slice of pizza.