July 31, 2008

'Idol' David Cook: Shoe Biz is My Life


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"Extra" caught up with "American Idol" season seven winner David Cook at a Sketchers photo shoot, where the singer talked about his brother, his tour, and his current relationship with Kimberly Caldwell.

He had some good news about his brother Adam's battle with brain cancer, saying, "My brother's tumor for the time being is in limbo, it's not growing, which is good news." "Idol" fans may remember that despite his illness, Cook's brother flew to L.A. to watch David perform on the show. "Knock on wood, we're just hoping for continued good news," the 25-year-old singer added.

David's relationship with former "Idol" Keep Reading...

Click on an image to view the AMERICAN IDOL photo gallery!

July 29, 2008

Seacrest's Shark Encounter!


The "Idol" host is opening up to "Extra" about his close encounter with a real live shark! Plus, the razor-tongued Simon Cowell jaws about the incident -- and what may be in store for the next season of "American Idol."

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Click on an image to view the RYAN SEACREST photo gallery!

July 24, 2008

'Idol' Battles Cancer, Moves On


"American Idol" contestant Luke Menard is not letting his cancer diagnosis get him down. The courageous musician is moving on with his budding singing career, while undergoing intensive chemotherapy.

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June 24, 2008

'American Idol' Redo?


Paula Abdul proved she's still got the golden touch by releasing her own hit single this year. Now she's telling "Extra" how she'd like to change the look of "American Idol."

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May 29, 2008

Cook's Crusade


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David Cook is the American Idol on a mission! While the scruffy new "Idol" champ burns up the charts with a record 11 songs debuting in the Billboard Hot 100, he is using his overnight fame to turn the spotlight toward curing cancer. David's older brother, Adam, has been battling brain cancer for 10 years. "It's obviously a big issue for everybody," said Cook, "he's doing well."

At the "Today" show this morning with runner-up David Archuleta, Cook gave "Extra" an exclusive update on his "Idol" comrade, Luke Menard, who is currently battling Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Just before being crowned the newest "Idol" champ last week, Cook visited Luke at a Los Angeles hospital. "Luke's doing well... and on the road to recovery," said Cook, adding, "I've never known Luke to have anything but great spirits."

The "AI" alums became chummy during "Idol's" Hollywood week. "Luke and I are the only two that made it to the top 24 from Omaha," says David, "so we had kind of a little bit of a long journey, but it was nice."

May 27, 2008

Cooking Up 'Idol' Romance


Crowned champ David Cook dishes to "Extra" about his budding romance with a former "Idol" contestant -- Season 2's Kimberly Caldwell -- and he makes a surprising confession about his new girl's music!

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May 22, 2008

Simon's Picks for 'Idol' Flick


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"Idol" has gotten too big for the small screen -- now, it's time for "American Idol: The Movie!"

"Extra" gave judge Simon Cowell a hypothetical offer he couldn't refuse -- to cast the silver screen version of the hit TV show -- and judge Paula is not going to like who Mr. Mean picked to play her!

Cowell's pick for judge Randy Jackson -- the jokingly self-titled "black Brad Pitt" -- was none other than Uncle Buck. "John Candy," said Simon. As for happy host Ryan Seacrest, Cowell chose an actor who is known for bringing the laughs. "Dudley Moore," said Simon.

When asked who would play Paula, the notoriously nasty judge responded, "Liz Taylor -- now!" As for the role of the biting Brit himself, Cowell chose a more soft-spoken Hollywood icon. "Bela Lugosi," said Simon, "He was a silent movie actor who played the first Dracula -- very, very good-looking guy."

Cook Takes 'Idol' Title


Although Simon said David Archuleta delivered a "knockout" on Tuesday's final, he didn't sway Idol voters, who dialed up a surprising win for ex-bartender David Cook, making him this season's "American Idol" champ in an upset victory over the Utah teen.

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The 25-year-old rocker beat Archuleta by a landslide -- landing approximately 12 million more votes than the baby-faced crooner, out of 97.5 million votes that were cast, reports AP.

Archuleta had been showered with praise from the judges all season, but it was Cook's unconventional style and song choice that wooed older viewers. Cook had kind words for little David, saying Archuleta had more talent at 17 "than I know what to do with at 25."

Teen sensations The Jonas Brothers performed at the giant finale, and -- in unexpected twist -- fallen Idols teamed up with some of the biggest names in music to perform, including Cook with ZZ Top and Archuleta with Bryan Adams. Disco Queen Donna Summer appeared, Graham Nash sang with Brooke White, and '80s pop phenom George Michael was a surprise guest.

Click on an image to view the AMERICAN IDOL photo gallery!

May 21, 2008

Superstar Surprise on 'Idol!'


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Who will it be? Everyone's buzzing about a super-secret superstar blowout on tonight's "Idol" finale! This star appearance is so secret -- even Simon doesn't have a clue! Today, the whole world is guessing on "Extra" -- who will it be?!

Even "Idol" judge Paula took a stab at it with "Extra" correspondent Terri Seymour -- guessing that it will be the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson -- who was just spied in Las Vegas. "I think it could be MJ," said Abdul.

"Extra" got in touch with "American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe -- the secret-keeper -- who let a hint slip, saying, "I will say we've got some young brothers on." Sounds like it'll be sibling sensation The Jonas Brothers! The anticipation is building as the guesses keep coming. Miss Britney Spears is a possibility, but unlikely, as she just returned from a trip to Costa Rica. Newlywed Mariah Carey is a no-go -- sources say she hopped a jet to Japan this morning.

Tune in to FOX tonight for the top-secret blow-out performance -- and to see which David will be crowned the new "American Idol."

Archuleta 'Knocks Out' Cook


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The battle of the Davids produced a clear winner for the "Idol" judges -- and unfortunately for rock crooner Cook, baby-faced Archuleta outsang him in a focused and commanding shot at the AI title.

The evening consisted of three rounds of songs chosen by the producers, judges and singers themselves -- and Simon declared Archuleta the winner of all three. The final round had Archuleta and Cook singing songs of their own choosing; Archuleta chose his well-tested version of John Lennon's "Imagine," while Cook opted for a somber version of Collective Soul's "The World I Know."

Cook's song choice drew criticism from the notoriously harsh Simon, who suggested it was the wrong song for this point in the competition -- but Mr. Mean had heaps of praise for young Archuleta, saying, "You came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout." Judge Randy Jackson agreed, saying to Archie, "You are so good tonight -- you are exactly what this show is about."

The judges all but crowned Archuleta -- but will viewers agree? Find out tonight on the final results show tonight on FOX!

May 20, 2008

Former 'Idol' Luke Has Cancer


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Former "American Idol" contestant Luke Menard has cancer, his rep announced today. The 29-year-old singer has Hodgkin lymphoma.

"Luke had a lingering cough and was having trouble breathing deeply, so he went to the doctor to have it checked out," the rep told CBS News. "The suspicion was walking pneumonia. But after a chest x-ray doctors saw a mass and did more testing, which is what led to the stage II Hodgkin diagnosis."

Luke is currently in L.A. but will return home to Indiana soon, adds the rep. His wife and family are hopeful about beating the illness, one of the most curable forms of cancer, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Menard made it to the top 16 on this season of "American Idol." He was voted off the show on March 6, 2008.

And Then There Were Two!


"Idol" is down to the two Davids -- and tonight, America will tune in the FOX hit for tonight's final performance show -- and only "Extra" spent the last pre-show hours with judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul! Who the judges agree has the best shot at winning the "American Idol" crown?

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David Cook's Brother Will Attend Finale!


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The "Idol" battle rages on tonight as the Davids sing it out to see who will take the title -- and David Cook will have one of his biggest fans in the audience! "Extra" has learned that despite recent reports, the singer's brother Adam will be in the "American Idol" audience to watch the two final shows.

Adam, who is battling brain cancer, made the trip from Terre Haute, Indiana to watch perform David earlier in the competition -- and now, sources have learned that Adam has made the trip to Los Angeles again! The elder Cook flew into California yesterday morning accompanied by a nurse. Due to Adam's cancer battle, it is an unexpected surprise that he is able to attend the show.

May 19, 2008

Cook's Brother to Watch From Home


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While David Cook prepares for his final "Idol" battle against 17-year-old David Archuleta, it is likely that his biggest fan won't be cheering him on from the studio audience. Cook's brother Adam, who is battling brain cancer, will likely not be attending the two-night "American Idol" finale.

Adam, 37, who traveled to Los Angeles to see David perform earlier on in the competition, will reportedly stay home for the finale due to his condition, reports People magazine. Adam's wife Kendra opened up about her husband's health last month, saying that it is "a day-to-day thing -- I can't look at tomorrow, I have to look at today."

Supporters of rocker Cook will host an "Idol" party in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, where Adam also lives, however, David's big brother is likely to cheer on "Idol" hopeful Cook at home with Kendra and their two children.

Click on an image to view the "American Idol" photo gallery!

May 15, 2008

Syesha 'Ain't Got' Love


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It's down to the two Davids -- as the battle for the title of "American Idol" moves into its final week. Syesha Mercado was voted out, leaving rocker David Cook, a bartender, and David Archuleta, the baby-faced 17-year-old from Utah -- and leaving Mercado to perform the Alicia Keys hit, "If I Ain't Got You" as her final "AI" ballad.

"I don't know what to say," Mercado said after learning her fate, "I just want to say thank you." She left the stage smiling, after going so far in the competition and falling into the bottom two a number of times, it was no surprise that it was Syesha's turn to sing her swan song.

On Tuesday, she left the judges less than impressed with her rendition of Peggy Lee's "Fever," prompting even the notoriously forgiving Paula to say, "I don't know if it's going to be good enough to get into the finals.

Tune into FOX next week as the Davids battle it out -- and one nabs the title of "American Idol!"

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