Cook Wins American Idol

America's favorite show American Idol has finished and the outcome has been decided - and we knew David would triumph - we just weren't sure which one. In the end it was by a sizable margin, some 12 million votes, or 56 percent of the vote, and David Cook was crowned winner of American Idol season 2008. The season finale was watched by 32 million viewers.

It is now part of Idol folklore that Cook wasn't even going to try out for the show. It was his brother and an American Idol producer that talked him into going through with the audition. He grew up outside Kansas City, MO, and works as a barman, playing gigs around Tulsa, Okla. He has the experience of a small-show rock performer, and over the course of the series showed his versatility and style with a number of excellent renditions of well known rock/pop songs from artists as diverse as Michael Jackson ("Billie jean"), Collective Soul ("The World I Know") and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing".

It doesn't take long for new "home-grown" stars to start to sell product. His first release-proper "The Night of My Life" debuted on the Billboard Top 100 at number 3 and number 1 on the digital download list. Other songs he has sung throughout the show also show up in the Hot Digital Tracks chart, including his version of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", and "Dream Big". It is an amazing digital world we live in where songs that have not even been officially recorded or released can show up on the national charts.

Digital sales actually went crazy after the completion of the finale. Undercover.com reports that 1.5 million digital sales were generated following the finale of American Idol. And that wasn't just for the American Idol stable of performers. David Cook sold 942,000 downloads, with second place getter David Archuletta selling 323,000 downloads. Guests on the final show also benefited from the exposure, with George Michael selling 83,000 tracks last week. Carrie Underwood sold 64,000 units, while ZZ Top's 'Sharp Dressed Man' was downloaded 14,000 times. Collective Soul's 'The World I Know' had a 1000% increase, selling 23,000 sales. OneRepublic's 'Apologize' sold 40,000 units. It did 6000 the previous week.

And what about the other David? Coming runner up in American idol is hardly a sentence to anonymity and a quick resumption of one's former life. Seventeen year-old piano balladeer David Archuleta had a number of excellent performances in the final few shows of the series. Many tipped him as the eventual winner. The judges certainly thought he had the goods. But the voting public preferred the more confident Cook. Archuleta will join his top 12 colleagues for the 54 date tour across the nation through the summer. A seasoned performer will emerge, and it is a sure thing that we haven't heard the end of David Archuleta.

The American Idol Live concert tour kicks off on July 1 in Glendale, AZ. Tickets are available from www.concert-ticketdeals.com

By M Paul

Don't miss the excitement of the 2008 American Idol series as it comes to a city near you. Tickets are still available to most shows. M. Paul is a music fan and runs the ticket selling service http://www.concert-ticketdeals.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Paul

American Idol Season 2: Where are They Now?

I don't want to mention names, but thanks to certain people (ahem, me) we know what happened to the contestants from American Idol Season 1. Some of them became famous singers, others found success behind the music. American Idol Season 2, the sophomore year, produced even better results. Not only have Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Kimberly Locke - first, second, and third place winners respectively - enjoyed success on the airwaves, but many other contestants have also gone on to great fame in music, stage, and television.

Josh Gracin: Due to previous obligations, Josh Gracin returned to Marine life immediately after he was voted off American Idol. His military commitment prevented him from touring with the other American Idol contestants. This, however, did not hurt his chance for fame. With the help of Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flats, Gracin was signed to Lyric Street Records and released his first album in July of 2004. This was a certified Gold Record.

A few months later, Gracin was honorably discharged from the military; the government gave him permission to put down his ammunition and picked up a microphone for good. He sang on movie soundtracks and on a Josh Brickman album in 2005 and produced both a single and his third child in 2006. His newest Album, All About Y'all, is set to be released in spring 2007. There is also speculation that Gracin may replace the lead singer of the band Lonestar, who is allegedly leaving sometime this year.

Frenchie Davis: Despite being one of the better known idols from Season 2, Frenchie Davis was disqualified before the finals after photos of her posing topless surfaced on the Internet. Regardless of this, Davis was able to stick a proverbial tongue out at Idol producers by finding her own fame. After getting the boot on American Idol, Davis found her feet, first on the red carpet and then on the stage.

In 2003, she served as both the Grammy’s correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and a cast member of the musical Rent where she sang solo and with an ensemble in various acts. Davis then went on to find fame in the stage production of Dreamgirls. Though she has since returned to her role in Rent, it is rumored she will leave in May 2007.

Kimberly Caldwell: After America rewarded her with seventh place, Kimberly Caldwell went on to pose for Maxim, and serve as a Fox news correspondent for 54321, a short lived extreme sports show. Becoming well versed in the correspondent’s role, she also procured a job as an American Idol reporter for Fox News Live, Ryan on Air, Showbiz Tonight, and the TV Guide Channel. Rumors are circulating that Caldwell has her hopes set on becoming an anchorwomen for the Fox network.

Though Caldwell's life as a correspondent has seemingly taken her away from making music, this is not necessarily the case. In 2004, she began recording her debut album, one produced by Randy Jackson and containing songs written by Diane Warren. It has, however, yet to see the light of day.

Carmen Rasmussen: After making it back into American Idol’s good graces during the Wild Card round, Carmen Rasmussen was eventually eliminated with sixth place under her belt. The youngest Idol finalist of the season, Rasmussen went from singing to acting, procuring a role in Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy. But, she didn’t cut her chords, vocal or otherwise, and released an EP entitled Carmen in 2004.

The year 2005 saw her marry the son of Utah’s Lt. Governor, while 2006 saw her make three appearances on NBC’s Fear Factor; she finished in second place. Rasmussen then went back to her musical roots and signed with Lofton Creek Records in February 2007. Her first album is scheduled to be released in spring 2007.

Vanessa Olivarez: Amid controversy, Vanessa Olivarez became the first finalist eliminated from Season 2. Some speculate that her elimination came as a result of her making a rude comment, one that was scripted by network writers. Nonetheless, once eliminated, Olivarez did away with American Idol, and for a time, America: she moved to Canada.

While in Canada, Olivarez continued to pursue music and released a single that reached number 9 on the Canadian charts. She was also cast as lead in Hairspray, a Toronto production in which she received rave reviews. After returning to the United States, Olivarez reunited with the host of American Idol by appearing on On Air With Ryan Seacrest. She also joined two musical groups, Butterfly Stitch and South 70.

Like the contestants from the first season, many of those from American Idol Season 2 were able to use their exposure and experience as a way to get their foot into the music and entertainment industries. This is a trend not likely to stop anytime soon: once people discover talent, they tend to find a place to put it.

by: Jennifer Jordan

About The Author

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.iturbocharge.com. Possessing an infatuation with pop culture – and a gift for stalking – she keeps up on the latest news of the musical world.

A Wedding Competition Worthy Of American Idol Status

Past American Idol contestants Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks, and Kelly Clarkson may have stood up to the pressures of the American Idol competition, but could they handle the stress of the Designer Wedding Challenge.

Wedding professionals from around the United States are gearing up to compete in the Designer Wedding Challenge, a competition inspired by the popular reality television competitions. The contest is set to take place on September 29 and 30, 2006 in Rogers, Arkansas. According to event coordinator Shante Crockett, included in the competition will be at least fifteen florists who will compete in three contests:

* Floral Design Competition: In this contest, florists will pit themselves against one another to design gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces. The task is to create pieces that are functional, beautiful, and unique.

* Tablescape Competition: Contestants here will design elegant table settings including flatware, table linens, and, of course, the centerpiece. The table themes can vary, but all of them should be beautiful and exemplify the chosen theme.

* Interior Design Competition: Using a $20,000 budget, each contestant must design a dream interior setting. This competition is expected to be the biggest contest in the two-day event.

The events will be judged by celebrity event planner Preston Bailey. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place. While there are individual cash prizes as high as $2,500, it's the prestige of being involved that will likely garner the biggest rewards. Glende Wise, owner of the Bamboo Orchid in Poteau, Oklahoma and contest participant, says, "It's especially important for me because my business is new to the area, and I am trying to break into the market."

Other competitions in the event are the Chair Design Competition, Gown Design Competition, Jewelry Ensemble Competition, Cake Design Competition, Photography Competition, and Videography Competition.

2,000 people are expected to attend the Designer Wedding Challenge at a ticket price of $20 each, not including seminars. Attendees who wish to take part in the many seminars that will be available will pay a ticket price of $150 each.

The event is sure to be a real crowd pleaser with all the excitement and suspense of any reality competition currently aired on television. So, if the music of American Idol isn't your bag and you're more of a Martha Stewart fan than a Clay Aiken fan, consider attending the Designer Wedding Challenge.

by: Wesley Berry, AAF

About The Author

Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers (http://www.wesleyberryflowers.com), a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. As a member of the Henry Ford Hospital Community Relation Board he has contributed to the community at large (http://www.hospital-locator.com). He owns both a brick and mortar and an internet flower delivery business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowerson the web at http://www.800wesleys.com