David Cook Talks about his Trip to Ethiopia: I was shocked by this country in a completely positive way

By On 03/31/2010 · 84 Comments · In American Idol, David Cook

Elizabeth Gore, the Executive director of global partnerships and Nothing But Nets for the United Nations Foundation, joined David Cook on a conference call today to talk about his experience in Africa for Idol Gives Back, over the past few days. Idol Gives Back airs on April 21.

David is in Ethiopia, visiting the United Nations’ Biruh Tesfa (Bright Future) Project to see firsthand how the UN Foundation is supporting the work of the UN to educate and empower girls. Right after the phone call today, David and his guitar player, Neal Tiemann were heading back to the States.

Gore reminded us that 70% of the world’s out-of-school youth are girls. “That shocks us every day,” she said. She stressed that even the smallest donations can help girls, for instance, pay for school supplies.

In his opening remarks, David said that he has wanted to get involved with IGB ever since he was a contestant on Idol. “This has been one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve been able to be a part of, ” he said, “There’s definitely a sense of hope, and an amazing vibrancy here especially with the young girls at this school. That’s what’s great about his initiative that the UN Foundation put together, it gives these girls a chance. Statistically, only 20% of the girls in this country have any sense of education. Seeing that, and realizing how much of a widespread problem that is…the millennial generation has a massive opportunity for change.”

“Something as simple as donating two dollars to these girls could make a world of difference,” David stressed, “I’m really excited to come home and drive home what I’ve seen here.”

Here’s a transcript of David’s remarks at the press conference today. Check it out, after the jump.

Were there any students in particular who inspired him? “One was a 7 year old girl named Mekdes. Both of Mekdes’ parents had passed away and she’s been at school for 7 months. I think obviously given the circumstances, not having either one of her parents, she’s living with her aunt now. To meet this girl..whatever I say about this girl is not going to come across over the phone, as well as if you were to meet this girl. She is one of the most vibrant and joyous girls I think I’ve ever met. The girls at this school genuinely want to learn. They want to have that education, they want to have that opportunity. It’s inspiring.—a 7 year old girl who wants to build a better future for herself. I remember being 7 years old, and I didn’t have that foresight. These girls are wise beyond their years. Unfortunately, they kind of have to be.”

What surprised him most about Ethiopia? “I was completely shocked by this country, in a completely positive way. When you hear ‘Africa’ I immediately think ‘impoverished’ and everything that goes with that, but the people here are so amazingly sweet, they are such nice people, very accommodating, get that we’re out here trying to help. “ David says the country is beautiful, “lush and green”. “They definitely have the structure in place, it’s just a matter of pushing in that direction.”

Will the experience find its way into the music he’s writing? “I think anybody who isn’t completely self-absorbed—it’s impossible to come into this situation and not be completely moved by it, or changed by it. To really drive home the fact of what these girls are dealing with, the girls who don’t receive an education here are eventually more likely to fall into the sex trade, or domestic servitude, and that opens it up to so many other things—HIV is one of the main killers here. To see that first hand, I would almost say it’s a definite, that I’m going to bring that back, and it will find its way into my career path.”

Did the girls know who he was? (laughter) “Very few people here know who I am. We had to explain to the little girls who I was and why I was there. But we did get a chance to play some music for them. My guitar player came out here with me, and they sang for us. It’s always cool to see that music is this universal language . They didn’t know quite what to do with the tall, tattooed white guy, I guess.”

What did the experience make him appreciate in his own life? “I think being out here for a short time, you immediately appreciate the bubble that you built for yourself, but you also—I feel kind of guilty for the bubble that I’ve built for myself. This reality is so far removed from even what we see on TV, what the people have to deal with here on a daily basis–it’s real, and it’s heavy and it’s something that truly deserves our attention. I’ve said that a lot in conjunction with this trip, if you take on this mantra that we’re only as good as the people that we surround ourselves with, you take that on a global level. Everyone is struggling right now, but we as a country are only as good as the countries we surround ourselves with, so it becomes more imperative to reach out on an international level and a global level to promote change. The people here need a helping hand and I feel like we’re in a great position to give that to them.”

Why did he want to become involved? “I wanted to be involved with this program specifically because woman are the backbone of society, in my opinion. Every family has a matriarch and they are the glue that holds that family together. So, you have to give these girls a basis, a platform from which to study from. I don’t think anybody can deny that education plays such an important role across the board. And the fact that that’s not a right for these girls, but in a lot of cases a privilege…that was a major mitigating factor for me. That’s why I wanted to get involved.

Will he perform on Idol gives back? “There’s been no discussion of a performance. I’m going to do everything in my power to be present, because I do want to continue to drive this point home …I will definitely be involved in some facility, but as far as a performance, I’m not 100% sure.”

Any other plans to work with the UN? “I’ve been extremely moved by this trip. I look forward to hopefully continuing this relationship. I’ll do everything that I can.”

After Gore answered a question about how US teenagers could help, David had a few more thoughts he wanted to add “I got a chance down here to play games with some of these girls. You watch a girl be a girl, you watch a child be a child, and that’s universal. A child being a child in Ethiopia is exactly the same as a child being a child in America. It’s easy to assume that the things that you surround yourself with and the things that surround you are reality. And while that may be your reality, it might not be somebody else’s. There are common themes, there are common threads. It’s been a huge learning experience for me to see these girls smile and laugh. It’s not that hard to help them, it’s not that hard to empathize, it’s not that hard to want to help.”

At this point, a reporter told David that she was “taken aback” by David’s answer. The massive problems in sub-Saharan Africa, including genital mutilation for girls, makes African girls’ problems completely different from girls in the US. “They really aren’t like American kids, there really isn’t that common ground.” She wanted to know what the UN Foundation was doing to address the genital mutilation problem. David was very diplomatic, and careful to restate his answer so he would not be misunderstood, or misquoted.

“I’m not suggesting that the struggles are the same, but what I am saying is that inherently, a child is a child is a child no matter where you are. Your circumstances could be obviously different. But to answer your question further, or more direct, it is a massive problem, and it’s one of the many problems here, I met this girl…while I was here. She’s 19 years old and she’s been in school for 5 years and she escaped from a rural area of the country on her own to escape early marriage and the sex trade—it is a massive problem. But I think it is on an individual level something we can deal with. It’s…donations, making time, it’s giving resources and it’s something that everybody can do.”

The reporter wanted to know why women were so devalued in this culture. David said the scope of the problem was large, and then allowed Gore to answer the question. One positive development: Ethiopia just outlawed child marriage. Girls are promised by their parents to marriages as early as the at the age of 5.

Near the end of the call, David had a cool anecdote about his season’s IGB, “I remember specifically on my season during Idol Gives Back, we all snuck up to the balcony, and got a chance to watch from the front of the house–Annie Lennox’s performance. And it was just on a piano, and in the background, they were showing images of children and it just—it tore me apart. To have that kind of visual moment, where everything kind of clicked, and you realize that my reality is not their reality, it really puts you in a position where you want to help. And from that point on , I was just champing on the bit to get involved with Idol Gives Back. This couldn’t have come at a better time.”

In his closing remarks, David said, “This has been an absolute honor to be asked and to be able to come out and be involved and really see this kind of basis for a really big change. It’s been really inspiring and educational, and something I definitely look forward to bringing back home.”

Annie Lennox singing “Many Rivers to Cross” on Idol Gives Back

Tagged with:
 
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Reddit Facebook Twitter Delicious Mixx StumbleUpon Digg
  • BootStar

    Jesus, just when I think I couldn’t love this guy any more than I already do . . . For a dude who just ‘got lucky’ and won a singing competition, he’s really parlayed it into something much bigger than his own personal success.

    He was amazingly eloquent and well-prepared in that press conference. Thanks for covering it so thoroughly, MJ.

  • Joyed

    MJ – thank you for taking such great notes! It is interesting to read more of what he said with the context of the questions he was asked.

    I was really interested that that one reporter felt “taken aback” by him trying to humanize the children there as being like children here. I understand that reporter’s perspective – don’t minimize the horrors those children face – but I’ve also heard from many people who go to Africa that they try to emphasize the common humanity that is shared across cultures and continents. Not sure which perspective is best for raising awareness and funds – but it’s interesting that the meme comes up from those returning from visits.

    LOL – i hope my ramble made sense!

  • incarcerate

    wow — i’m in tears (silly i know) but David has such a beautiful heart — just love him

  • competitivebynature

    He really is one of the best representatives for American Idol. He is so eloquent and thoughtful. Hopefully his segment on IGB will be long and informative. He really is one of the nicest most sincere contestants they have ever had! (tm Simon)

  • SashaB

    MJ, wow, thanks for transcribing this. This was an awesome press conference.

    David Cook is an incredible human being. He’s also a born diplomat.

  • eilonwy

    Terrific interview for presenting the challenges to young women in Ethiopia vividly and as something within our powers to help solve, without patronizing the culture he’s helping. I respect Cook a lot for involving himself in an issue that calls for long-term work.

  • standtotheright

    LOL – i hope my ramble made sense!

    It made tons. They are both valid responses to the situation. But I think the latter approach is the one that Cook would normally take.

    MJ, thanks so much for the transcription. This is great. If you have the chance later, I’d love to see a fuller recounting of Elizabeth Gore’s remarks, as well.

  • _nyanyanie

    aaww.. david cook… early morning here in my country and to read that. thanks mj for the transcript. so we are not sure if he’s performing? okay. its okay with me. cause i felt like asking too much, he appeared early in the season and to still have him on IGB is already a bonus for me… as long i see him on the 21st.. well, 22nd here in nz.. i’ll be happy!

  • BootStar

    Did this get posted yet? Amazing photos!

    David Cook gets a first-hand look at the need in Ethiopia

  • Ashley19

    Wow, thank you MJ!
    There are some GREAT pictures too: http://ydblogz.com/chatter/?p=8688

  • ladymadonna

    Thanks for the detailed transcript mj – interesting bit about the reporter questioning David’s statement, and how deftly he handled the clarification.

    By the way, not sure if this is correct or not but the AP is spelling the name of the child Dave mentioned as “Mekdes.” The UNFoundation released some great pictures of them together:

    David Cook attends English class
    Dave and Mekdes play
    David Cook walks seven-year-old Mekdes
    David Cook and Neal Tiemann sing’Heroes’

    ETA: Everyone was so speedy with those awesome pictures! And also, wow, I hadn’t re-watched that Annie Lennox performance in awhile. She’s so fantastic.

  • sma11ie

    Thanks for the transcription, MJ! So nice to hear everything in context rather than rely on bits and quotes from various articles. You’re the best!

    I was really interested that that one reporter felt “taken aback” by him trying to humanize the children there as being like children here. I understand that reporter’s perspective – don’t minimize the horrors those children face – but I’ve also heard from many people who go to Africa that they try to emphasize the common humanity that is shared across cultures and continents.

    Joyed, that was not a ramble at all. So articulate and well-put! I agree 100%.

  • Trina

    I keep getting choked up looking at the pictures and reading his words. I’m going to be a basketcase during IGB which always has me sobbing. I remember so well what he talked about, those images while Annie Lennox sang. Heartbreaking. And I remember him grabbing tissues because he was so moved. Can you imagine the tears he shed being there?

    Thanks for so many details MJ!

  • AInoob

    So detailed, thank you so much for taking the time to transcribe that, MJ.

    Those pictures are so heartwarming. He seems a natural with children and they seem to gravitate to him. I’m so glad he was able to take part in this.

  • SharB

    David looks so happy playing and walking with Mekdes; and apparently she’s loving the attention. Awwwww. He’s so great with children and his compassion is so endearing. Oh how I love this man!!!!!!!

  • Along4theRide

    Thanks, MJ, for the detailed coverage of the press conference. I, too, was in tears reading his words, and it is especially nice to read them all together in context and not clipped down to random quotes and “sound-bites”.

    Thanks to Bootstar, Ashley19, and LadyM for the links to the photos, too. His smile when he’s playing with Mekdes could light up the entire country.

  • Pam

    Those pictures of David and Mekdes are just beyond precious. He just seems to have a special affection for little kids. Love him.

  • fadetowhite

    I’ve said that a lot in conjunction with this trip, if you take on this mantra that we’re only as good as the people that we surround ourselves with, you take that on a global level. Everyone is struggling right now, but we as a country are only as good as the countries we surround ourselves with, so it becomes more imperative to reach out on an international level and a global level to promote change.

    That is just such a cool quote.

    I think that this is why I’m still invested in this guy: because this level of awareness, humanity, intelligence and sensitivity to the bigger things in life just seems to permeate and shine through everything he does.

    Edit: forgot my manners! MJ thanks so much for the transcript. It’s great to be able to read the full answers.

  • seriously

    Mekdes is such an interesting name. I was curious so I looked up what it meant. I only found it on one place on a list of Ethiopian girls names. Apparently it means “holy place” if anybody cares.

    ETA: The list is for people who adopted children from Ethiopia and want to know what their child’s name means. Apparently Mekdes is almost exclusive to the country of Ethiopia.

  • fadetowhite

    I was really interested that that one reporter felt “taken aback” by him trying to humanize the children there as being like children here. I understand that reporter’s perspective – don’t minimize the horrors those children face – but I’ve also heard from many people who go to Africa that they try to emphasize the common humanity that is shared across cultures and continents.

    I think that reporter was being somewhat unfair – not because her point was not legitimate, but because she’s talking to a musician who’s been out in the country for one and a half days, with the express purpose of bringing publicity to the cause, not a political expert on women’s issues in Africa!

    But he dealt with it deftly and his slant was also legitimate if not all encompassing. Children are children the world over. The fact that some of them face hardships and horrors that can barely be imagined by most of us in our secure cocoons doesn’t change that underlying fact.

    Indeed, although the problems in Africa are far more widespread, there are children in our own cosy countries who face indescribable sufferings every day and they are still children like any other children: just children who have seen and experienced too much.

  • wellhesback

    Thank you, thank you MJ for the article & thread. and David Cook – thank you for being you. I’m so proud to be his fan.
    Whether David performs or not, I’ll support Idol Gives Back.
    not sure if both these links w/pix have been posted. The pix mentioned above and here are all just beautiful.
    http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Entertainment-Photos/ss/707/im:/100331/482/urn_publicid_ap_org_f47c3ed7fe684e69926d0f1ce9e4c57d/
    http://ydblogz.com/chatter/?p=8688

  • sma11ie

    LOL, that ydblogz link and those Yahoo photos have been linked like, 5 times in this thread. But they’re such amazing photos, I don’t mind staring at them over and over.

    I think that reporter was being somewhat unfair – not because her point was not legitimate, but because she’s talking to a musician who’s been out in the country for one and a half days, with the express purpose of bringing publicity to the cause, not a political expert on women’s issues in Africa!

    I don’t think the reporter was being unfair- but I also don’t think David’s response lacked perspective just because he hadn’t been in the country that long. I do think she misinterpreted David’s original response. The original question was how American teenagers can help/respond, and David was trying to show that despite the vastly different circumstances girls in Ethiopia face, American teenagers should realize that these girls are just like them in a lot of ways too, that they are also just children who like to play, etc.

    Emphasizing to American kids that there is common ground between them and these Ethiopian kids is a great way to get them to relate and galvanize them towards action. I remember as a kid, when I would learn about less fortunate kids, what I responded to was when I realized that there are children just like me in other countries who should be able to play and be carefree, etc. but did not have the resources. The reporter’s insistence that there is NO common ground is a bit misguided. Yes, things are more horrible than we can imagine, but is it more effective to beat American kids over the head with how horrific things really are for sub-Saharan African kids, and how they can’t possibly relate, or to show them that these kids have a lot in common with you, and deserve a lot of the same things you do, and that a helping hand would improve their lives immensely?

    It’s important to realize we’re so much more fortunate, and need to help, but like David said, children are children. They just want to play, and smile, and laugh. (Which makes it all the more heartbreaking that not many of them can, due to the struggles they face). The way David chose to emphasize the positive, relatable aspects of his trip, that there is hope and play and laughter there, but that they deserve even more, is a great way to get people to help and so these programs can continue to make a difference. Okay hope I make some sense. I’m not as articulate as David, even though I’m writing and editing, and he’s speaking. This stuff is hard. So impressed with the guy.

  • SybilTrelawney

    What a mensch this guy is. You know what they say: big head, big feet, big…heart. He doesn’t just go through the motions. He’s so thoughtful and articulate, really an ideal spokesman for the UN Foundation. A beautiful man, inside and out.

    Thanks, MJ, for the transcript and links.

  • k4dc

    This? Is why I’m still a HUGE fan of a guy from a silly singing contest. And why I always will be. I love him to pieces. Wow.

  • Kiska12

    David Cook is amazing. I am proud to be a fan.

  • Joyed

    Okay hope I make some sense.

    You did! I really liked what you wrote. That reporter struck a nerve for me personally because I have watched several Africa specials on TV (not Idol Gives Back) and the details were so disturbing and graphic that it was kind of paralyzing. I think by focusing on the hope, rather than just the horror of the problem, it may be easier to inspire people to give.

    I just realized that I’ve never watched an Idol Gives Back show before – I’ve always had to work through them. Hope I can catch this year’s.

  • Incipit

    Interesting that when David would mention wanting to be involved with IGB this year, the assumption was that he had a song to premier, or would perhaps have something musical to contribute. But that wasn’t it at all, it was about seeing Anne Lennox in Season 7, and the children’s images on the screen behind her – and “from that point on…champing on the bit to get involved with Idol Gives Back.” because it tore him apart.

    Last year, when they skipped IGB, David would have been out on tour – no wonder he said “This couldn’t have come at a better time.”

  • BootStar

    Famale genital mutilation is not limited to Africa either. It actually takes place here in the US as well, although obviously on a much smaller scale.

    US Slow to Prevent Female Genital Mutilation

    David’s larger point, however, that children are fundamentally the same everywhere, is absolutely true, as any parent of a child adopted out of terrible circumstances can affirm.

  • tierbee

    Emphasizing to American kids that there is common ground between them and these Ethiopian kids is a great way to get them to relate and galvanize them towards action.

    I totally agree — my 6 year old was looking at these pictures with me and I think it really hit home for him that these were kids, just like he’s a kid, and it made him want to help them. And I love that my kids love David and are inspired by him – my 6 year old is doing Race for Hope again with me this year, too. It’s easy to be this guy’s fan, he makes me proud. Such a huge heart… He has such an easy rapport with people, kids and adults alike. Love it. And I’m betting if he said he wants to keep helping… that he will.

  • Garnetstar

    Pretty amazing. And very inspiring. I am really interested in this UN project. So I am glad David choose this project to highlight. I just went over to the UNFoundation site and donated. I will donate again during Idol gives back but I really couldn’t wait.

  • fadetowhite

    I don’t think the reporter was being unfair- but I also don’t think David’s response lacked perspective just because he hadn’t been in the country that long. I do think she misinterpreted David’s original response.

    Yeah – I think I worded what I said badly, because I didn’t mean to imply lack of perspective on DC’s part. I have no idea how much he knows about the issues in Africa, but I’d guess that he was pretty well briefed before he went out, because he’d need to talk to the press afterwards and you can’t field questions if you aren’t informed, to some extent at least.

    And I’d also imagine that he was briefed as to which line the UN wanted to take and IGB wanted to take in order to raise money, which is clearly to emphasise the positive, not to dwell on the negative.

    What I meant was not to disparage DC, who gave sensitive, intelligent and articulate answers, as ever. Rather it was to question the directing of such a question to him – he’s not the person who needs to answer it, IMO: not part of the remit of why he was there. It’s a question that always needs asking, thinking about and addressing: this just wasn’t necessarily the right context and I found the ‘taken aback’ thing to be a bit harsh, when looking at what Cook was there for.

    Hope I’m expressing that more clearly: implying that DC was naive in what he said or that the journalist wasn’t making a legitimate point wasn’t in my mind at all.

    Anyway, it’s just one question in the context of a very positive press conference and trip. I look forward to seeing the finished package on IGB. And yes, Mr Cook is indeed a mensch.

  • Laurie

    This is why I will be a fan of this man for life. This man’s heart is in the right place. He truly cares about the world around him. He inspires me to be a better person. At his age I was far more self absorbed. Love him! I look forward to see how he incorporates this experience into his music.

  • tierbee

    Ohhh, THAT one. I don’t have to look very far for reinforcing reasons why I love that guy. And that’s such a big, real smile from him, I love it.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I’ve got the photos posted above. :)

  • Incipit

    Those are great new pictures, MJ – Thank You!

  • IdolThoughts

    That reporter was wrong to react that way. It isn’t even remotely unclear what he meant. He was talking about little girls playing and what HE saw. He wasn’t talking about mutilated vaginas and sex trade. Obviously he was trying to convey that we all have the same basic human tendencies and nature. He was perfectly eloquent and lovely. What a great human being and so humble.

  • DLPF

    What a lovely interview, except for that confrontational reporter. Neither DC nor anyone else can solve cultural issues that have been ingrained for thousands of years in a one week visit. Every little bit helps, including his ability to raise awareness and thereby increase funds, which can be used to emphasize positive changes. Such a classy guy.

  • Trina

    Now THAT pic put me over the edge. Just beautiful. That little girl is so getting a song written for her.

  • sylvanaire

    Thank you mj, for the full transcript of the press conference. It is good to get the full context of the questions and answers in a situation as complicated as this. I would also be interested it hearing what Elizabeth Gore had to say in her part of the Q&A, if that is possible. This cause has really touched my heart, and I would like to know more about it. I also had to go right to their donation page and give. I couldn’t wait for April 21st, when there is some little girl out there who needs help, right NOW.

    I am so proud of David and Neal for lending their celebrity to shine a light on this very important cause. And so thankful to Mama Beth, for doing such an amazing job raising David. He has turned into the mensch he is, in no small part due to her influence. Women do indeed shape the next generation. It is very satisfying to be a fan of such wonderful people. I hope David does stay involved with this program. I would like to see this continue to be brought to the public’s attention in a long term way.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    That reporter was wrong to react that way. It isn’t even remotely unclear what he meant. He was talking about little girls playing and what HE saw.

    I know. Kris Allen made the exact same point during his press conference. That the kids, even when faced with adversity, just want to be kids. Simple pleasures make them really happy.

  • Joyed

    I would also be interested it hearing what Elizabeth Gore had to say in her part of the Q&A, if that is possible.

    Here is a transcript. There are some typos, etc, but you can see Elizabeth Gore’s comments and her intro to DC.

  • tierbee

    MJ, thanks for putting up all those fabulous new pictures. They are beautiful.

  • Pam

    You just can’t put a price on these precious photos. The 3rd pic is my favorite. :) Thanks for putting these photos up mj. :)

  • spritely

    Beautiful children. Beautiful man. Thank you, MJ. So cool you got to be on the call.

  • sylvanaire

    Thank you joyed! It was a great read.

  • HoldYourOwn

    Those pictures are adorable. You’re a good man, Mr. Cook. Thanks for the pics MJ. :)

  • weareallinnocent

    I *heart* David Cook so… :-)

    ETA: Just read through comments, and somehow I missed that you’d transcribed all of this, mj!! Thanks so much… and very cool that you were on the call. Glad AI finally realized who YOU are! :-)

  • _nyanyanie

    thanks for the new pictures mj.. it melts my heart.

  • listen

    Cook is a really, great guy and you can tell his participation in this event is truly heartfelt. Neal, too.
    And the photos just tug at the heart, awww.
    Hope that we see positive changes continue to make inroads in that area…

  • _nyanyanie

    oh, im glad how he handled the reporter.
    too bad for her, cook understood well his purpose of going in there and what’s the issue all about.

  • Curlin

    I was so inspired, I decided to donate now instead of waiting until IGB. May donate again then too since it’s such a worthwhile cause. Also donated to the Race for Hope which I had been putting off until it got closer. Yes, Cookie is a total mensch and he inspires his fans. His mom must be so proud!

  • wellhesback

    Thank you once more, MJ – just came home from work and saw the newest photos. Wonderful. David Cook is, for me, the best thing to come out of Idol.

    ETA – just read this. really cool little blog complimenting Dave
    http://idol.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/11269/david-cook-ethiopia-idol-gives-back/

  • Keel

    Curlin, agree about being inspired to give. I just sent my check to Race for Hope and now again I’m inspired to give because he’s highlighted a really great high-impact charitable program. This is great stuff and the idea of making sure girls are educated because they are the lynchpin of so many communities is so obvious yet so overlooked.

  • houstonrufus23

    Wow. What a great interview. Really like Cook and this just adds to that. Well done, sir. Well done.

  • 123abc456

    Thanks for the thread MJ. The whole interview was great and shows us again that David does get it. This is a cause that is essential if we are to have a world that values women. I am so glad that Idol and David have chosen to highlight this great cause.

  • revcat

    I have been to Ethiopia, spent a month there, and the country is beautiful. The children have the most beautiful smiles and are so eager to practice their English. Most of them share a tiny one room house with several family members yet manage to study hard, but they also like to play just like kids everywhere. The reporter was right, some of them face terrible hardships so their lives are not just the same as American children, but David is right too; kids are kids. The African spirit is amazing. I guess her heart was in the right place, but so was his.

    Female genital mutilation is a big problem in some African countries, including neighboring Sudan, but I have not heard that is practiced in Ethiopia. It may be in areas of Ethiopia that I did not travel to, but the reporter seemed to be trying to put David down by bringing up a subject he had not encountered nor been briefed on, kind of a “gotcha” ambush. David never claimed to be an expert on all things which is how she tried to represent herself.

  • IdolThoughts

    The pictures are wonderful! Thanks for posting them. Hardly do we see entertainers/celebrities with beautiful insides to match or exceed their outsides. This really made my day. He’s just a great guy. If he ever has a scandal I’m officially retiring from the internet!

  • maturin

    Powerful stuff. Great images. Very loving.

  • MollyAnnMay

    Thanks for the full transcript MJ!

    I know Dave is a smart guy, but it’s startling (in a good way) to be reminded just how intelligent and articulate he is. Especially when he’s not having to answer a question like, “What is Simon really like?” for the thousandth time. I love hearing him talk about music, but it is *really* interesting to hear his thoughts on more complex issues.

    All credit to whoever briefed him, since they obviously did a terrific job, but it was up to him to absorb and reflect on what he was told (and shown) so that he could then turn around and present it in a public forum in a very short time. That’s not at all easy, and yet that’s how he made it look.

    As for the pictures — I love how even though they’re all on camera, nobody is “on” — they’re so wrapped up in each other and having such a great time there’s no awareness that the cameras are even there. Looks like it was a lovely couple of days. I hope real good comes out of it for both David & Neal and those fantastic girls.

    ETA: Now I’ve had time to read more about this program, they are definitely getting my support via donation. Awesome, smart approach to a daunting problem.

  • unidentified

    Great guy, big heart. Really wonderful pictures.

  • cookmerized

    Wow. Beautiful pictures, beautiful soul. I knew this trip was going to set me back a few steps on the road to recovery, but damn. I’m just so taken by him. He’s one of a kind for sure. I have a strong feeling that when all is said and done, what he does in life without a guitar in his hand will trump all the incredible accomplishments that he will attain as a rock star. Proud to be a fan, Mr. Cook.

  • Trina

    I almost feel guilty for swimming in the shallow pool after everything today but holy hell did you see the professional pics of the BTE event?
    http://www.willbyington.com/galleries/ezraopen2010/
    I realize we discussed the ahem, lack of buttons the other day but dayum!

    Ok I shall go back to admiring his big heart now lol

  • http://mollyblogsidol.wordpress.com Molly (aka sparklesgirl2)

    Again. I can never express how very much I love and admire David Cook. Such a standup, intelligent guy.

  • Keel

    Trina, yup, the button allergy or phobia or whatever it is is outta control! Not that I’m complaining, obviously.

  • Incipit

    Interesting, both Bill Pinella of the Press Democrat and Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle wrote an addition to their stories on the UNFoundation Press Conference w/David. Bill wrote another Blog post, and Joey Guerra cut his results recap in half last night to talk about it, even though he had also already done a story.

    Both of these gentlemen from the press seem to have been touched by this, and that ought to be a good thing for getting interest in Ethiopia and IGB.

  • sma11ie

    professional pics of the BTE event

    So he did interact with Megan Joy (at least minimally to take a photo), Cute pic: http://willbyington.zenfolio.com/p862602760/e3d629568#h3d629568

  • oceana

    This is the kind of thing that warms your heart. Thanks for sharing this.

  • lucy

    Good job, David. And the pictures are alarmingly adorable. Love his smile in response to the kids.

  • Joyed

    Here are some new photos from Ethiopia:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/unfoundation/sets/72157623622852867/

    LOL at the photo op looking ones!

  • sunchick

    Adding my thanks for the transcript, MJ. The stories and images coming out of this Ethiopia trip continue to shock and educate and amaze and move in a profound way, and to say the plight of these girls is a cause worthy of such a national platform is an understatement. Those precious smiling faces, and the focus on hope and respect rather than pity..yeah. Definitely going to try to do my part. As for Cook, normally I’d say it’s important to separate the talent from the person as the media’s practice of turning celebrities into role models has always seemed kinda fraught with pitfalls, destined to end in something icky when the hero inevitably takes a major fall. But it’s really, really hard not to admire David Cook the person as much as I admire David Cook the artist. I dunno, maybe we’ll find out eventually that he has a stockpile of human body parts in his refrigerator or kicks puppies when nobody is looking, but until then, I’m just going to go with it and say what a beautiful man, inside and out. Resistance is futile.

  • 123abc456

    More goodies and you have to love these new pictures.

  • tierbee

    Oh, jeez, the new pics are wonderful! Love all the smiles, David’s, the girls’… beautiful.

  • sassypants

    David’s heart shows through, these beautiful girls, wow. I’m just so thorougly moved by all of this; it’s rather awe inspiring.

  • wellhesback

    Just saw “new to me” pix from Ethiopia and New Orleans. I am in a Dave daze.
    Wonder what he has lined up – only known things are singing Anthem at Royals opening, and working on the new album, right?

  • Keel

    Yeah, that’s all I’ve got too, wellhesback. Although at this point, I don’t think he needs to add anymore. That whole album thing isn’t going write/record itself!

    Given how I thought we’d be Dave-less for months and would periodically need virtual group hugs to get through it all, I have to say I’m a little shocked at how much he’s had going on during his “downtime.” I’m actually starting to get worried that the album is not going to be out till fall (instead of summer) if he keeps up this schedule.

  • k4dc

    I’m actually starting to get worried that the album is not going to be out till fall (instead of summer) if he keeps up this schedule.

    Me, too. Especially with all this new inspiration he has to write about!

    But, if it makes for great music, I’ll wait. Albeit impatiently, but I’ll do it. As long as I still get my periodic Cookie crumbs.

  • wellhesback

    same here, k4dc. If the 2nd album is a winner (yes!) it will be worth waiting for. Just keep the crumbs coming, Cookie!

  • Trina

    We’ve been ridiculously spoiled the last few months and I’m grateful for it but I’m more than ready for his crazy schedule to turn into studio time. Its not like he won’t be on Twitter giving us updates and stuff.

    I still think the producer caused a holdup whether it be availability issues or not being able to pinpoint one they really want, so they made him keep writing and writing and staying busy until things worked out. I do hope they have one by now..if not then Ill be pretty concerned about the timing.

  • wellhesback

    Oh I’m not going to angst about his release date. at least not publicly. Right now I’m just feeling positive vibes for DC and his buddies

  • Nina1

    David Cook has a kind face.

  • seriously

    Those pictures are touching. I love how Neal is grinning in that one.

  • _nyanyanie

    i won’t angst with the release date as well.. as long as dave feels the album is ready.. but heck, he’s a busy dude.

  • reinharv

    Someone named Janet left this comment on a report about David’s trip… “David has a very special ability to connect with people, and it seems to come from somewhere deep in his soul. He did it on TV, he does it with everyone he meets. There is nothing phony or contrived about him.”

    I couldn’t have said it better than her.

  • wellhesback

    reinharv – so, so true. why is it so hard to just be yourself? DC has found the secret, somehow