Season 7 Record News – Already!

great news… i do hope, however, that they let david cook write some of his own stuff… cuz his pre idol stuff is AWESOME

didnt ryan tedder help out on Blakes ADD? hmmmm

Hee. I had a feeling we’d get these fast this year. Last year they dragged it out forever. A little surprised to see Archie’s label rumor out so quickly considering a lot of people thought there’d be probs with Jeff.

I’m thinking they’ve had these deals in the works since oh, Top 10 week? (Earlier for DA!)

Anyone hear Time of My Life on their radios yet?

i’ve heard time of my life on chum fm in toronto

A very sleep deprived David Cook performs a lovely à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The World I Knowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for Access Hollywood yesterday.

That’s great for Cook. It looks like AI won’t force him to sing that coronation song everywhere. “Magic Rainbows” is best quickly forgotten.

Everything Idol can be found on http://www.iHeartMusic.com

David Cook’s new song is free on the site!
Music videos from past contestants!
Stripped Performances!
Pictures of the top 12 and season 7 events!!!

Check it all out–it’s all here FOR FREE!!!!

oh, there is also access to over 800 radio stations so if you want to request David Cook’s song, I’m sure this would be helpful

I looked at that Carrie Underwood performance again, and what distracted me from her singing was the dress/short-short or whatever….but on second look, she killed that song. And she’s moving around the stage more.

I think that’s great if Tedder gets involved in the songwriting of DC’s album. He’s a great songwriter, and can really mold himself to the genre of the artist he’s writing for.

That being said, I really hope DC will write his own stuff – part of why Analog Heart is so great is because of the personal lyrics… I don’t want to hear Cook sing songs with empty lyrics that don’t mean a thing to him.

I hope Tedder gets involved with Archuleta too because that guy is the best song writer out there now.

I thought the best thing that could have happened to DA all season was him being able to sing with Tedder- I hope (and know) Archuleta was smart enough to get on good terms with him…all it takes is 1 song buddy.

Anyone else see Cook has the Top 4 slots on iTunes? DA had 7 & 9. I hope they both hit kelly/carrie status…i think it is possible.

and that is a beautiful version of the world i know he did for access

already have it in mp3 format on my player weee

I’m hit or miss on Ryan Tedder. I love his own stuff with One Republic, ADORE Bleeding Love, but obviously his work did nothing for Blake. If the combo of Ryan and Jesse can give Cookie a bit of the magic they gave Leona I’m good with that.

I had a feeling we would start hearing record deal stuff quick because Cookie’s official my space went up already yesterday.

loverly take on The World I know…

I love me some Tedder! That’s really exiting if that is the case because I think Cookie could have a great album working with him.

I had a feeling we would start hearing record deal stuff quick because Cookieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s official my space went up already yesterday.

Trina,

I was shocked at how quick it was already up. Some of the fans had been looking at his MS page yesterday and saw the URL posted to that page and sort of went running over there to sign up. LOL

Has anyone besides me been thinking how they are going to market Cook so he doesn’t cut into Daughtry’s sales and radio play? In this world of ever shrinking CD sales, it seems David’s sales could come at the expense of Daughtry’s. Granted, he’s on a different label within the Sony/BMG umbrella, but still…Of course, in my mind, Cook is a lot more versatile a singer than Daughtry, so he has broader appeal. Every 50 year-old woman I know is planning to buy DC’s CD-the same wasn’t true for Daughtry’s.

Archie will do fine at Jive. It’s very hip and current, and I’ll bet they can mold little Davie into a Pop artist. It certainly worked for Jordin.

I hope they don’t squeeze all the life juices out of David Cook’s first CD and let him have some creative control. I want the process to be a pleasant experience for him.

And, Jesse McCartney tells Rolling Stone that he and Ryan Tedder (One Republic) are planning to write songs for David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s upcoming album. He and Tedder co-wrote Leona Lewisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s smash hit, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bleeding Loveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Sounds like the album could have a pop/rock vibe. We’ll see. If Cookie hadn’t shown his versatility, I’d be worried. Can’t wait to see what he’ll do……

Seeing that he is a songwriter, I’d think he’s already written some stuff. Hopefully, they’ll give him some leeway. But, I can seriously see him twisting up anything too “poppy”. This could be a smart move.

Does anyone know why Time of My Life has disappeared from iTunes? It’s gone.

At the risk of starting a fan war, my predicition is that DC will sell more than Daughtry. I’m not dissin’ Daughtry but there’s an incredible amount of DC love out there!!! I do think DC may put a hurtin on Daughtry since their styles are similar… Time will tell.

“Every 50 year-old woman I know is planning to buy DCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s CD-the same wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t true for Daughtryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s”

Cook and Daughtry do not have the same audience. When you see that Ryan Tedder who wrote for Clay, Leona Lewis and Blake is writing songs with him, you know his album won’t be anything like Daughtry.

I could see Cook as sort of an updated more rock Michael Bolton with a fanbase that is mostly women. While Daughtry had tons of women fans, he also had lots of guys. Guys that don’t vote is probably why he left fourth.

When Cook sells 5 million CDs, he’ll get bragging right. Middle aged women (who are great at power voting for Idol winners) don’t actually buy that many CDs (see Hicks, Taylor) so he’ll need to expand that fan base.

Lu
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
At the risk of starting a fan war, my predicition is that DC will sell more than Daughtry. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not dissinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Daughtry but thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s an incredible amount of DC love out there!!! I do think DC may put a hurtin on Daughtry since their styles are similarà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Time will tell.

His fan base is broader, I think. That’s highly possible.

I think David Cook can write his own songs for his CD! He doesn’t need the people who wrote “Bleeding Love” to help him. He wrote phenomenal songs on all of his solo and Axium records — they should let him do this one by himself unless he asks for assistance. Heck, he should be writing songs for other people’s records!

Sounds like the album could have a pop/rock vibe. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll see. If Cookie hadnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t shown his versatility, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be worried. Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait to see what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll doà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Some of David’s favorite bands: Jimmy Eat World, Our Lady Peace, Foo Fighters. These are mainstream bands. The Foos and JEW get played on Top 40 radio. They have a bright, poppy vibe I could easily see Cook become successful with that sort of sound. It’s very different than the Daughtry/Nickelback vibe, which is a little less melodic.

I could see Cook as sort of an updated more rock Michael Bolton with a fanbase that is mostly women. While Daughtry had tons of women fans, he also had lots of guys. Guys that donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t vote is probably why he left fourth.

Michael Bolton is strictly adult contemporary. I don’t think the peeps who are handling Cook have that in mind for him. They’d be idiots if they did.

The quickest way to curse someone is to predict that he’ll sell 5 million albums. Maybe not Michael Bolton but a more Top 40 rock version of him. Cook def has a huge female fan base. I think I read he’s going for a pop album with a rock edge.

Sounds like he is getting the standard Idol songwriters. I’m waiting to hear what Dianne Warren will be contributing.

I could see Cook as sort of an updated more rock Michael Bolton with a fanbase that is mostly women.

Guess we’ll see what happens. Every guy Daughtry fan I know is a huge DC fan. This guys got it goin on as far as I’m concerned – male and female; young and old… I cant wait to see how it all shakes out. One thing is for sure, I know I’m buyin!

and that is a beautiful version of the world i know he did for access

already have it in mp3 format on my player weee

How did you get a mp3 version of this one? I would love to have it!

I could see Cook as sort of an updated more rock Michael Bolton with a fanbase that is mostly women. While Daughtry had tons of women fans, he also had lots of guys. Guys that donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t vote is probably why he left fourth.

A rock Michael Bolton? – that just doesn’t sound good. I think Cook has just as good of a chance of winning male fans as Daughtry did.

David Cook in no way reminds me of Michael Bolton. Hopefully he makes something that sounds like what he was on the show. I’m not excited about Jesse McCartney being involved, but right now it’s speculation. He just won two days ago. I remember there were several reports of people who were going to work with Taylor and it didn’t end up happening.

Sounds like he is getting the standard Idol songwriters. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m waiting to hear what Dianne Warren will be contributing.

They all get the standard Idol songwriters. Daughtry did too, although he was spared Diane Warren.

I would never want to curse Cook by making a sales prediction… He just seems like a really great idol winner to me withe HUGE potential- good guy, great performer, immensely talented (both writing and singing), humble, young and single and not bad on the eyes either!

I’ll bet TPTB are still giddy… maybe still drunk from celebrating on finale night. Cook’s marketing potential is huge imo.

I think the label people will be bending over backwards to make sure David’s debut doesn’t sound much like Daughtry at all. (PLEASE!).

I’m still processing the Tedder-McCartney information (hey, at least it’s not Diane Warren!), but at least it says writing “with” David Cook and not “for” David Cook. After doing a little research, I found out that Ryan Tedder has just written 3 songs with Chris Cornell. Those are probably not going to be very “poppy.” Heh.

I think DC has plenty of male fans (based on purely anecdotal evidence), but I would agree that his female fanbase might be bigger than Daughtry’s – which has more to do with his, um, personal charms than his style of music, I think. That won’t necessarily translate to sales anywhere close to Daughtry’s.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Cook is one of the most commercial Idol winners ever. I just wouldn’t start predicting he’s going to outsell Daughtry just yet. If men and women of all ages love him, he should do just fine though.

I’m sure his album will get great label support. Idol really, really needs a superstar winner this year.

This just makes me crazy. Let David Cook write his own songs! He’s already written a whole album-ful that’s just waiting…fight baby, fight!

The exact quote talks about writing with him and not for him. I’m sure that he’ll have input when it comes to the album since it would otherwise go against how they “marketed” him on the show. You know as someone who can do his own arrangements and is a musician.

I want David to write his own songs! I think he’d be fine on his own. I have no problems with co-writing, but please don’t make other people write all his songs for him. He’s above and beyond capable of doing his own stuff.

The exact quote talks about writing with him and not for him.

Yeah, I actually edited my item to reflect that.

It’ll be like Daughtry, Blake Lewis and Kellie Pickler. There will be a team of professional songwriters hired to write songs with David. If he’s lucky, he’ll get one or two solo tracks on the album.

There’s no way TPTB are going to let David write on his own. They’re looking for highly polished songs that can be promoted successfully to Top 40 radio.

When Cook sells 5 million CDs, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll get bragging right. Middle aged women (who are great at power voting for Idol winners) donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t actually buy that many CDs (see Hicks, Taylor) so heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll need to expand that fan base

It’s impossible to gauge what demographics are the majority of a fanbase. I have a 13 year old daughter who powervoted for Cookie right along with me, and plenty of her young friends did too. And there are guys that like him AND voted for him, they just aren’t squeeing on message boards. For weeks there’s been this perception that he didn’t even have a rabid fanbase compared to Archie and Jason, we saw how that turned out this week. It’s impossible to make judgements. I agree though it’s wrong to start predicting he’s going to sell 5 million.

David knew what he signed up for and what he would have to put out the first time. He was very ok with that. Every winnner has to put out the *thank you* cd for AI. David is good enough to come out with his own songs on the second cd and maybe he will be lucky enough to get a couple of his own on his first. This was a price he was willing to pay. Give him time to build his career.

I’m glad the news got out so quickly! Good for the Davids.

I think that David Cook is going to do some amazing things. Not only is he extremely talented, but he does not seem to be a very polarizing contestant. He may be the least polarizing winner ever. Not only does he have his own huge group of fans, but it seems like, in general, people from the other fanbases like (if not love) him. He “appeals to the masses” if you will.

This Castrotard will definitely be picking up a David Cook CD the moment it becomes available!

It’s impossible to gauge what demographics are the majority of a fanbase. I have a 13 year old daughter who powervoted for Cookie right along with me, and plenty of her young friends did too.

I agree. Claiming that Cook’s fanbase is made up of 50 year old fangirls is as inaccurate as pigeonholing Archuleta’s fans as squeeing tweeners and grandmas. Both had fans that spanned across the board, only one had a larger fanbase than the other.

It’s a little annoying to see the press switch from “David Archuleta will win because the tweenies are the ones who power vote” to “David Cook won because he’s got crazed cougars who know how to power vote” Can’t have it both ways.

Tedder’s really all over the place isn’t he? How many hit singles has he written on this past year? I don’t mind if DC gets some quality songwriters and producers to help polish up his stuff. Or even cowrite most of the album, as long as it is GOOD material. It’s not ideal but that’s the bargain you strike for the built-in AI fanbase. What would bother me if we get a “too many cooks in the kitchen” situation where they give him 5 songwriters for each track and his ideas get lost in the mix.

I think David Cook could sell more than Daughtry, but that is entirely dependent on what kind of album he puts out there. He has to have a couple of hit singles on it for it to do well. The Idol love fades for a lot of people by the time they get an album out. So the album has to have hits or it won’t sell well. I think the same is true for David A. If he comes out with a hip song or two like “Apologize” (which he was awesome on on Wedenesday), or is able to collaborate with some good artists, he might sell more than anyone. This is what makes the post Idol stuff fun too. We get to see how it all plays out. Nothing is certain.

I hope David will get to tweak a couple of songs from his unreleased album (with help), but if the label isn’t interested in them and this thing needs to be pushed out asap, he’ll be lucky to get co-writing credits on most of the tracks. I do hope he puts his foot down when Diane Warren comes bearing gifts of dreck.

I actually e-mailed a couple of questions for David re: songwriting to Larry King, but I’m sure he’ll just ask him 10 times how it felt to win American Idol and whether he has a girlfriend.

Does anyone thinks there’s a chance I’ll ever get my hands on Analog Heart? I’m kicking myself in the arse for not snagging it, but I never imagined it’d disappear!!!

ETA: DC said something along the lines of ‘this is still just a crapshoot’ in one of interviews, so he knows he’s got no gauranteed success.

They just make it up to fit what want to write, MJ. Their slant on the story, nevermind what the real facts might be. The more I read, the more I realize that journalists don’t really care what the truth is anymore.

They need to let this poor guy get at least 8 hours sleep before he drops. Look at him, he needs toothpicks to keep those eyes open.

I agree though ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wrong to start predicting heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to sell 5 million.

It’s wrong?!? What’s wrong about it? That’s what we idol fans do!!! I may be all kinds of wrong in my prediciton and I’ll come right back here to eat my big ole bowl of crow if I’m wrong. We’ll see…

I don’t think anyone in their wildest imaginings ever predicted Carrie to sell 7 bazillion records on her first shot out of the gate. I think she would have been around 2-3 million, maybe less, if it hadn’t been for “Before He Cheats”. That song enabled her to cross over from the Country market to mainstream, so she picked up a ton of fans along the way. She had, what, like 2-3 singles charting on Country radio before BHC and she was quite successful in her country niche, but not the outright “Star” she’s become today.

As others have stated, it really will be all about the singles they can produce for radio play. The most David can hope for are spins on Top40, HAC, AC and possibly AltRock (is that the one called triple A?).

And, for the record, my husband really likes David’s sound/voice, too. It has a nice adult sound, but with enough raspy edge that guys will take to it. Sort of on par with a Bryan Adams or John Mellencamp. Of course, the sexy undertones are an added bonus to the female listeners.

I really think Cook is going to be one of the winners who will truly make it and become a well-known artist. Just a gut feeling I have. I am not one to go out and buy many cd’s but I will be anxiously awaiting and purchasing David’s as soon as it is available.

I thought Daughtry was good but I never had a desire to purchase his cd. I think Cook has so much more variety (not sure that’s the right word) to his voice and will be able to please a broader audience. And Cook is much nicer to look at too! Daughtry always looks so angry.

I actually e-mailed a couple of questions for David re: songwriting to Larry King, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll just ask him 10 times how it felt to win American Idol and whether he has a girlfriend.

Tee hee, I’m sure you’re right. And, I wouldn’t rule out a question about Adam. Of course, we all know that LK doesn’t actually watch tv (see Seinfeld, Jerry) so probably not. That’s a good thing.

And DCook defintely appeals to more than just the “cougar” contingent. Gawd. Hate. That. Word. Is it supposed to signify that we women over the age of 30 want to “eat him up?” Just yuck.

I’ve been wondering whether they pulled Analog Heart so they could re-market it in DC’s new stuff. I like some of his songs from that CD.

Well, I actually own Chris Daughtry’s CD, Taylor Hicks CD, Clay Aiken’s CD, Kelly Clarkson’s CD, and all of David Cooks iTunes – wonder what compartment that puts ME in???!!!

AND, I have always firmly believed it is about the SONG itself, not so much the singer. If a half-assed singer has a good song it will sell. If a great singer has a half-assed song it won’t sell. Simple. See Hicks, Taylor.

Re: Diane Warren

I’ll bet he gets at least one rock ballad from her. At least one. Heh. Because IDWMAT went over pretty well. :laugh_tb:

The only thing that concerns me is that he is going to be on the J Label. Their track record with Idols has been anything but stellar. I guess it’s time for Cookie to break one more curse!!!

I am afraid you’re right Gwen. I’m just gonna be positive that he’ll continue to handle whatever cheese (and rainbows) come his way with that same “why not?” zest.

BTW- how cute was he answering questions to the “Idol Quiz” in the back of the limo? It shows how much he cared about the other contestants. If he continues to be self-possessed without being self-obsessed, his future will be great no matter how many albums he eventually sells.

And, Jesse McCartney tells Rolling Stone that he and Ryan Tedder (One Republic) are planning to write songs for David Cookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s upcoming album. He and Tedder co-wrote Leona Lewisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s smash hit, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Bleeding Loveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

This is the power of being with a top-notch record company (and management company)….they can get the big gun writers to write hit songs for you.

How did you get a mp3 version of this one? I would love to have it!

i found it on a google search of blogs … on the way home from work i was playing it but the sound quality sux so i’m gonna look for another copy if i find it i’ll let ya know

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hit or miss on Ryan Tedder. I love his own stuff with One Republic, ADORE Bleeding Love, but obviously his work did nothing for Blake.

Blake’s album which was heavily cowritten by Tedder was very good, it was total lack of label support that sunk him (along with some PR missteps.) Somehow I don’t think label support will be a problem for DC Tedder’s a hot commodity right now and although I won’t admit to liking *Jesse McCartney* per se his songs are pretty catchy. These guys know hooks, and imo that’s the main weakness in DC’s Analog Heart material.

how cute was he answering questions to the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idol Quizà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  in the back of the limo?

LOL, I just kept thinking of some interview he did that day where he mentioned he was trying to sneak in catnaps in the car between media stops…and couldn’t stop thinking the poor guy was wishing for some zzz’s. Also…no seatbelt DC?! It’s Cali, click it or ticket.

Here is an interview with some new quotes about the albums they both want to make. DC sounds like he is going to be very involved with the writing, which is great news. DA wants to put out a pop album that his peers will want to listen to.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/23/davids-ponder-their-next-moves/

Jesse, stay away from DC. Seriously. Ryan Tedder, I am very much on boat with, but Jesse McCartney’s fluff? Uh-uh.

Bonus: A very sleep deprived David Cook performs a lovely à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The World I Knowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  for Access Hollywood yesterday.

Beautiful! Now GET SOME SLEEP, DC.

Now GET SOME SLEEP, DC.

Seriously. At one point he blinked, and it looked like his eyes were going to stay closed.

Where is this video of him in the limo answering questions to the “Idol Quiz”?

i’m 31 years old, but i dont care, i’m gonna say it. i like jesse mccartney. had no idea he co-wrote bleeding love. would have never saw a cook/mccartney pairing come tho. i want a cd NOW but i dont want it so rushed that its not the best stuff he wants it to be. cant wait for larry king 2nite, omg!!!

As much as I wanted to dismiss JMcCartney during his performance on R&K this morning, his stock went up quite a few notches when he announced that he had a part in “Bleeding Love”. Even though that song is not on my favorites list, it is a hit and people seem to like Leona Lewis. Or at least not hate her.

If nothing, it indicates he very connected and is credible as a singer-songwriter.

I’m not sure if this could be considered further signing news, but AllAccess is listing David’s “Time of My Life” as being released on the RCA label. Might be just the convenient label to get it out on. Mediabase is currently listing no label.

If (Archie) comes out with a hip song or two like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Apologizeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (which he was awesome on on Wedenesday), or is able to collaborate with some good artists, he might sell more than anyone.

I will hope for this, but also keep in mind that Apologize was not on the radar until Timbaland fluffed it up.
I think Bleedin Love is a little schlocky (but catchy), and the well publicized single on Clay’s album is a little derivative (it’s nicely sung by CA, but where the hell have I heard it before????), and Blakes album wasn’t tremendously successful. But he’s got skillz.

Luckily, Tedder’s reputation is building on more than Timba’s helpful handiness, and his subsequent work will need to stand apart from that, so we’ll see…

I may have mentioned a time or two that I :wub_tb: Ryan Tedder. I’m glad to hear he’ll be working with Cookie if only because it means I’ll have more songs to add to the Ryan playlist on my iPod! Hee.

As far as his work with Blake, I enjoyed all of it. Yup, even “Break Anotha.” IMO, “Break Anotha” just wasn’t the right choice for the first single off ADD. It was too risky…only Justin Timberlake can sell a song like that. Anyway, since “Break Anotha” went nowhere, Blake was facing an uphill climb with his follow-up single, so lesson for the Cooktards? Cross your fingers and toes that the label is smart about David’s debut single.

My favorites of the Blake/Ryan tracks are “Know My Name” (what should’ve been single #1) and “End Of The World.” Ryan’s really versatile and works in all genres. He’s also been working with Kelly Clarkson on her new record.

Oh, and DCook fans should definitely bookmark Ryan’s myspace because it gets updated pretty often with all his latest projects.

ETA: A really nice article about a bunch of Ryan’s work.

Wow! Who knew that a boy my girls love from Disney co-wrote Bleeding Love? Certainly not me. I would’ve been scared for Cook, if it just said Jesse was writing and hadn’t mentioned he wrote BL with Ryan.

Thanks for the Access clip, and all the other Cookie goodies, MJ. You rock!

One question: don’t know if anybody would have the answer.
I am familiar with J and I am familiar with RCA. I didn’t know, however, that there was a J/RCA. I thought the J connection was through Arista.
From what I have observed:
Arista is the label where AI sends those they don’t know what to do with
Arista Nashville is the label for their would-be country stars
RCA is the label for those that they feel have immediate Top 40/pop/rock potential
Jive is the label for the youngsters who are going to need some work

So, if Cookie is going with RCA (he said on Larry King that they were “working out the kinks” on the record deal but did not mention the specific label), I see that as a good thing. DC also said that he wants to deliver an album with substance, that has staying power, so I don’t think that he’s going to be pushed in a direction that doesn’t work for him. He managed to get through the entire competition without sacrificing himself (even on the top 2 night when he could have gone all ballads for the vote). Not that he needed it!

Mj,
The problem with the argument that David Archuleta had only tweens who could power vote, is that they only had the potential to power vote, b/c most of them were not allowed to vote very long b/c of their bedtimes. I know a lot of younger David fans who loved him, but their parents did not let them vote AT ALL. And the ones who could, they could only do it for so long. This is widely ignored in the media, and I’m not sure why. So anytime I would read that he would win b/c of all the teenybopper votes, I would scratch my head that they would leave out the analysis that a lot of these teens are not ALLOWED to vote at all. And especially on finale night.. how many teens are really allowed to stay up til 1am voting? This is a luxury of the older fanbase that David Cook’s fans are apparently comprised of. This is ONE reason why David Cook won.

I’m not saying David Archuleta had only teeny boppers as his fans, his fanbase is truly wide and diverse, just as much as David Cook’s. Who knows who had the larger fanbase though, I’d say that we can’t say who for certain. I really do believe that DC was able to get more votes in finale night (among other reason), b/c a large segment of David A’s fans were not able to vote to the extent that some of DC’s fans were. I’ll admit, DA quite possibly did have a larger “younger girl” fanbase than DC, but still.. his appeal was across the entire demographic population.