The season seven American Idol, David Cook, brought his U.S. tour to the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center in Duluth last Wednesday. The rocker, in the middle of his Declaration Tour, showed why he was named the American Idol at the first of three Minnesota shows this month.
Cook, who was the resident rocker on Idol, opened the show at the DECC Auditorium with the hidden track on his debut album "Kiss on the Neck." His talent was evident within the first song but what surprised me even more was how talented and entertaining his band was. Two members of the touring band, Neal Tiemann (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Andy Skib (rhythm guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), played with Cook pre-Idol in the indie band Midwest Kings. Despite Cook taking center stage the band works well together as a cohesive unit which made for a very polished show.
Performing several tracks from his self titled album including his current single "Come Back to Me," Cook shined and the crowd enjoyed every minute of it. The real treat was in his performances of "Straight Ahead" a track from his pre-idol release Analog Heart; material the idol seemed most at home with. "Straight Ahead" wasn't the only time Cook strayed from his debut Idol release, the rocker also gave a solid performance of Cutting Crews "Died in your Arms" and an unreleased track "Souvenir."
After a sixty minute set, much to the pleasure of the enthusiastic crowd, Cook returned to the stage for a two song encore. The first, his first single "Light On" followed by “A Daily Anthem" which closed the show with some fan participation and singing.
There were moments during the show where Cook peered out at the audience with what seemed to be a look of awe. It is refreshing to see an artist who has still remained humbled and awestruck by the adoration and support despite his quick rise to stardom.
For those of you contemplating attending Cook's upcoming Minnesota shows this week; his vocals are as fantastic as they were on Idol and he's at ease and personable on stage. Cook has a very positive stage presence and was joking with the crowd frequently. It's definitely a show worth checking out.
David Cook will be at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN on Wednesday July 22nd and at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN on Friday July 24th.
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