Ever since the day David Cook sang his way onto our TV sets and into our hearts the media has gone mad for everything 'cookie.'
Being introduce on a 'reality-talent show' David must have been aware of the impact that would happen during the aftermath, but did he really expect it to be this big?
Week by week David got a taste of fame, and success, being praised by music professionals, doing television and radio interviews and being 'snapped' out and about.
The public seemed amazed by his rendition of such songs as 'Hello' and 'Billie Jean' yet fellow musicians (like me) expected nothing more from a singer songwriter. Being 'forced to perform other people's songs whilst knowing his own musical ability must have been stressful at times, but I am sure he realised the light at the end of the tunnel. As he has said on many occasions 'Idol is a great launch pad' this sentiment is true, yet he must know that under any major label his artistic integrity will be questioned. Being signed to a major label is a completely different thing to doing the 'indie scene.'
But do not fear, cookie cougars, once David is more established as a professional musician he will be given a lot more 'leeway' with his musical choices.
The night he won American Idol the whole of the United States appeared to rejoice, finally a worthy winner, someone who had worked in the music scene for years was being given the opportunity to showcase his talent on a much larger scale. I must confess the impact in the UK however, was, minimal. In fact approach a stranger in the streets of London and they wouldn't have a clue who David Cook is. Yet in America immediate over night fame, the minute he left the Idol stage he was shunted from interview to interview, he tried to have a night out to celebrate with his family, yet was surrounded by the paparazzi.
Of course David had made one fatal mistake, making his 'relationship status' publicly known, asking out a female interviewer on live TV, brilliant publicity stunt or a silly rookie mistake?
Never the less, the paparazzi would have investigated this at later point I am sure. Just think if David A had taken the crown, the publicity would surround his parents, are they really as controlling as the press made out? All things considered I am relived David A didn't have to go through that amount of publicity.
So David Cook is the American Idol, and so the media circus begins, interview after interview, the same few questions at each one, for what seemed liked weeks. You could see the lines under David's eyes, I'm sure he has never worked this hard before, but he seems to be enjoying it.
Now, a month on from David winning, a month on from David confessing all 'relationship' wise on TV, I wince for him every time he is asked two particular questions, firstly; 'How is Adam doing?' I am sure these interviewers are using this as a way to come across caring, but you can see in David's eyes he is thinking 'leave the poor guy alone' Adam wasn't the one to win American Idol, I am sure he has enough on his plate without having to deal with his recent 'fame by association' label.
The second question; 'Is there someone special in your life/how are you and Kim?' firstly because you can tell he regrets his initial 'public courting' session, and secondly because he obviously doesn't want to say anything. And can you blame him, think about it, you've been dating someone for a month, hung out maybe five/six times, and suddenly everyone is acting as if it is forever. You can't really know someone within a month, and it must be difficult with the media circus, heck they can't even walked down the beach together without being followed by security guards and a clan of paparazzi.
When it comes down to it, David won a talent contest for being a fantastic musician, he wants to write and release his own material on a Worldwide scale, and be able to make enough profit for it to be his only profession. He has confessed many times that he doesn't want the 'celebrity' that comes with it, and many people may think he's crazy for not realising the two are connected but there are occasions when celebrities manage to maintain a good amount of privacy whilst being in the public eye for the right reasons.
I think if I knew more about the American media system I would blame them, when Leona Lewis won the 'X Factor' (the UK equivalent) little was put about her private life in the UK press, mainly quotes from her old work colleagues and Simon Cowell saying how pleased he was. But it would seem the American media is different, and it is possible to have 'over night' success. I just hope David doesn't become distant to his fans, as a result of media attention, I hope he doesn't become a recluse.

David Cook is a 25 year old man who spent the last ten years playing in bands and working on independent records. He worked a normal job, had normal friends and lived a normal life. Now he is living the dream, he must have known it wouldn't have been perfect? He is an intelligent man, maybe he figured it was worth the sacrifice?

He progressed and developed from your average 'rocker guy' into a superstar. This also is no surprise, suddenly he had fashion experts telling him how to look suitable for public eye, vocal trainers, fitness trainers, musical professionals and hair and makeup stylists, all there to support and advise. Personally I thought he looked fine to begin with, but we all know that the change had to happen, RCA wouldn't have signed a good musician with the wrong look. Remember, the music industry is just that, an industry and a business, the producers on American Idol knew what aspects of David's life to push into the public eye, they knew what look he should have, what clothes he should wear, and which camera's he should gaze lovingly into, making millions of females Worldwide feel as they he was singing just for them. The producers of American Idol and the guys at RCA all knew how to make David Cook a star.

Now you may think, this is totally wrong, David didn't mention his brother's illness during the show because he didn't want the 'sympathy' vote. Yet another show that is judged by Simon Cowell 'Britain's Got Talent' the exact storyline happened. The winner was a dancer, with spinal problems, yet throughout the 'heats' of the show, nothing was mentioned. Within 24 hours of the guy winning all the stories of his 'illnesses' came out, makes you question how much Simon has to do with this. Bizarre the same thing should happen on two shows that he works with.

But the record company aren't completely to blame. David would be perfectly within his rights to refuse answering certain questions, we all hear about stars briefing their interviewer before a show, it's quite common practice. Or is this all down to the label, advising David on how to maintain publicity (as they say any publicity is good publicity) are they simply showing David that it isn't a bad thing to have a 'celebrity' partner? Especially one that has appeared in 'lad's magazine's'? Can't be bad press, right?

David Cook is a kind, genuine, intelligent and talented musician. He deserved to win American Idol and deserves to have a fantastic and long career off the back of it. Let's all just hope the fans don't over react to every story, believe every thing the media says and stay to enjoying David's music and charismatic personality.

And as for David, let's just hope fame doesn't go to his head, or the reverse he ends up hating the public eye. We don't need a modern day 'Kurt Cobain,' David, at present, seems to have maintained as much normality as can be expected. I am sure his family and friends will do everything to keep him grounded, let's just hope the fans don't ruin this. Rumours are just that, something made up, unless you read/see/hear something directly from David, or any of his associates presume it is false, or at least 'enhanced for the public.'

He's a young guy, on top of the World, and I for one will support him musically for as long as he stays true to his music.

David is a musician, the rest of it, just the icing on the cake


Please feel free to comment, agree, disagree...whichever

I intend to fully support the music and the man and have faith (and say a prayer for David and his family/friends every once in awhile) that he'll negotiate the tricky paths ahead. He's got a savviness going for him that I suspect will serve him well. (Kinda want him to get a chance to talk to Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel for some advice!)

I'm sure the Boss would give him some good advice! Love that man!

Great written, Dc deserves the better, and he is going to get it.

I know it's unlikely I will sway anyone with my observations... but I made a good one today watching DC's appearance on "The View" and I hope this will help quell fears about how he will handle his superstardom.

David's deflection of the romance question was just brilliant. He's a quick study. He handled that so deftly. Without getting testy, he got the message across to the hosts: not going there, don't probe any further. He remained polite, a little coy, and they moved on. Kim's name was never even mentioned. I've said all along he will handle this fame well; he's already comforatble performing and in interviews, and it's just a learning curve to deal with the personal stuff thrown at A-list stars. He's learning fast, and well, while remaining true to himself. BRAVO David!

Another small point was his candid and concise and rather strong defense of Jeff Archuleta. Again, David's integrity at work. He's a strong man. Really sticks to his conviction and speaks his mind when given the chance. Another great trait for handling superstardom.

He will master this.

Yep, I noticed the same things. I also have noticed that when DC and DA are interviewed together, DC does not try to monopolize the interview. He often lets Archie answer first, and then will come to his rescue when Archie gets all tongue-tied (which is quite often). The brotherly bond between the two is quite tender.

David will do just fine. Remember the first few weeks after winning are very hectic and after the media blitz is over he will be able to relax a little bit.

I love the way he treats Archy, like a caring "older brother". As for his personal life, well thats just what it is HIS personal life. We just want to see him sing and make a success of his life. I wish him well, both professionally and personally. I will buy and listen to his music, go to his concerts no matter what, shaved or not, boots or not, girlfriend or not.

Grandmajoyce


PS> This was AMERICAN IDOL, haven't heard of him yet in the UK, don't worry YOU WILL!!!

A great article!I agree that he is handling himself so well. I feel he is the best ambassador for American Idol that they have EVER had! His treatment of Archie is wonderful. He handled the reference to his personal life with grace, tact and firmness, as in I am so not going there, without being disrespectful. He will go far, and I will support him aall the way. Did anyone else think he looked really tired?? I think they are working the poor boy too hard.

The show aired at 11 am on the East Coast and at that time it was 8 am in Las Vegas. Of course he was tired! lol. I am tired that early and I don't have the schedule that he has. But yea, definitely a well written article. I personally have thought about most of what was said and I agree.

An article that is objectively written-kudos to the writer!

i just have a lot of faith in david. i know he will handle everything that comes his way very well including the bad stuff.

Can I just say, Grandmayjoyce, you are one of my all time favorite members on this site!


It was also 90 degrees already at 8am in Las Vegas... if not a few degrees warmer. I actually think DC will get some rest while on the tour... he can do more writing and sleeping on the bus. A sound check in the afternoon then performance at night. With 3 to 4 performances per week, no need for much rehearsal other than sound check, so things will ease up for him.

And apparently they were out there rehearsing at something like 5 or 6a.m. - who wouldn't be tired (and bored to tears of singing TOML over and over and over and..........)

You're confusing I think with the way media works, and what the contestant lets on, and I don't think british media's much different, it depends how each person handles it. The equvilant of how Leona Lewis is acting is Carrie Underwood, also a bit private with her private life.

It's not the media, I think it depends on the person. David Cook was older, and the reaosn he's so interesting to the press is his a. fumble with asking a girl out on national tv b. His brother is sick. I think david cook is handling the press well, and the media first tried to press the issue, and when its understood he is going to be courteous, yet not give much, the media isnt going so personal.

Thanks for the response guys, interesting to hear others views, and I have to say I agree with the majority of what was written.

As one person said, I was being as objective as possible. I can't wait for DC to get over to the UK, can't wait to see him perform live, but as I have worked in the Music Industry for six years now, I can also see the warning signs.

At present though, he's doing great, truely. And handling everything that is being thrown at him very well, lesser men would have crumbled by now!

I second that. I CANT WAIT for him to come over to the uk either. I think he is such an amazing talent and I really want him to go far and do well. I just hope he has a good team around him to keep him away from all the cr*p that comes along with it. I do think it is about the person also, there are plenty of singers, actors that you dont see in the press every week, falling out of clubs. He seems to be a pretty smart guy so Im sure he'll keep his feet on the ground and not get caught up in all the media rubbish.

Scott:
I agree with you 100%

I think no one can doubt that the paps press have become a type of blitzkrieg in the past few decades. Times have changed. The rules that used to protect celebrities are no longer in place. I had to smile a little at your comparison of Leona Lewis's experience to that of David's however. I don't think it is the difference between GB and the US, but as we say on this board, that is just my humble opinion. I think the paparazzi in GB can be every bit as ferocious as here when the target is a prime one--think back to Princess Diana, or more recently, Amy Winehouse. It may just be that Leona Lewis doesn't give off the vibe that she is going to do the kinds of things that the fans crave. Over here the simple fact is that the fans CRAVE David. He doesn't even have to do anything any more to drive everyone crazy: He laughs, and pages get written. He wears or doesn't wear some piece of jewelry--more pages written. Lift an eyebrow? THUDS heard around the world---THEN pages written.

But without the true talent, this would not happen no matter how adorable he was. I think your analysis explained that pretty well. I also believe and hope that he has a large, discerning fan base now who "get it" that he is the real deal, the whole package, that HE is the cake with the delicious and tasty icing. Whatever others there are who fall away as time goes by, can't be helped and maybe good riddance.

Once upon a time, there was a young Beatle named Paul. Girls screamed and wept and tore their clothes where he went. But he grew up. He wrote beautiful music for the ages. He became an icon. He married and had children. He has lived and loved and made music all his life. This is what I pray for to happen in the life of David Cook. ONLY EVEN BETTER!!

Thank you Scott, right back at you!

Grandmajoyce

I suppose to an extent it is true what you say about the UK press, I know they can be lot more intrusive than the American press, so I guess both have their good and bad.

I am actually writing a follow -up called 'The Media and Me' but as it isn't really to do with David I wasn't planning on posting it on here!
Will probably post the link (if people are interested of course)

Polly, that was a very well thought through and eloquent piece of writing. I agree will pretty much everything that has been said... so don't think I need to add anything.

Although, I am also interested to see what will happen when DC eventually makes it across the pond. I doubt there'll be mega amounts of paparazzi hype because-as I found out recently-AI is not huge over here. I hope 'the simon's' do a good job of promoting him too.

Thanks Sarah, I think Simon C knows what he's doing... He'll get DC on record of the week over at Radio 2, get him on with Mr Ross...Put him in the right places!

I love Radio 2 (you know that already but I felt like reiterating it!)
When this happens I may have to be texting in to get JR to play it lottts.

And he has to do Friday Night with JR. It would be the best interview ever... fact.

This thought has cheered up my day!!

I know Sarah...You know JR would ask the right questions as well, we'd find out so much more about DC that way!

as per usual, scott, you are spot on.

i love the fact that he will stand up for mr. archuleta. heck, while ai was airing, i had made my own jabs about him being too controlling over his son. it just goes to show that i can get caught up in all the media frenzy, too, as much as i try to stay away from being swayed.

Polly, I cannot wait for DC to be interviewed by this man.

And because most people here will have no idea who Jonathan Ross is... here's a youtube video of his Friday night BBC show - Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. (basically an excuse for me to indulge in posting more vids!)

Caution!
these clips contains strong language.

Part one.


The funniest one:
Part two.

The Media and Me
As a general opinion, I hate the media. Yet I find myself, on a daily basis checking out the front pages of tabloid papers, purchasing the 'gossip' magazines and pricking up my ears whenever I hear even the slightest hint of celebrity gossip.

Is this something implanted into our minds? Curiosity perhaps, do we want to know about the bad things in their lives to make our feeble existence seem slightly superior?

Honestly, I don't know. When I look at these 'news sheets' I am hoping to read about the 'tragic' loss of Paris Hilton, or that the Beckham's have filed for bankruptcy but this is mainly because I despise the type of celebrity who don't appear to have achieved anything, or contributed anything positive, to anyone.

I suppose this is where I become a hypocrite. I am intrigued of the lives of celebrities who I admire, but it would appear that 95% of the current celebs are famous 'by association' and have little to offer anyone. It would appear being stupid, drunk, semi-naked, fully-naked and/or dating a footballer/D list celebrity makes you worthy of being plastered all over these magazines. Do we really care if the girlfriend of some past-it footballer has brought a new pair of shoes, forgotten to shave or worn a particularly revealing outfit?

The difference in the Media from here in the UK and the USA can seem very different on a brief glance, yet after much thought I have come to two conclusions. In America a celebrity can sneeze and something is written about it, in the UK the paparazzi hound celebrity in a rude and often intimidating manner. Neither is better, they would claim they are doing their job, and of course if we all stopped paying attention to celebrity's personal lives, maybe it would go away. But this will never happen, we will always want to know who is dating who, whose doing drugs, looking under/over weight, it's a way of life nowadays.

'Welcome to our generation, welcome to this stupid nation, fame is given with no explanation; this is all our own creation.'

I guess the manner of this 'article' or 'point of view' is to get us all to think about how we react to the daily doses of the media. We have all at times, I am sure, been subject the media's wily way and believed their 'embellished facts.' Of course I can feel the cold touch of jealousy when reading my favourite celebrity eye-candy has started dating some maxim model, I laugh and wince at the celebrities fashion faux pas, and I feel concern for the celebrities going through a 'hard time.'

A good example of this is Miss Amy Winehouse. She came onto the scenes as the newest and hottest jazz/blues singer of our generation, she wrote and performed fantastically, and was easily becoming one of the most highly respected musicians of our time. Then the drugs, the weight lose, prison, marriage, heart break, drunken nights and general disaster. Yet we still want to read about her, is this because we want her to return to her former glory? Does it anger you to read about her, because she is such a bad role model? Or maybe do you worry that this media attention was her undoing, and if it continues we will have a modern day 'Kurt Cobain' complex in Miss Winehouse?

People like Amy have made the drugs culture cool again. Are we really surprised with this generation of ASBO's, happy slapping, text talking and booze drinking when our 'role models' are doing all of the above and worse?

I can picture young teenage girls looking up to these female celebrities and thinking to be cool or sexy involves being under weight, under dressed and covered in a thick layer of eyeliner. This thought sends a shudder down my spine, I feel sorry for the younger generation; when I was a child my role models were people such a Kylie and later The Spice Girls. When pop music was 'wholesome' and even the rockers 'misdemeanours' weren't publicised enough to really know what they were doing. Then came the reality shows, the talent shows, gossip magazines, online forums, and so the barrier between celebrity and us 'mere mortals' shifted, and suddenly we knew we could become like them, we didn't need a talent, or intelligence…Just the ability to make it onto one of these shows, the rest of the path to fame would follow, thanks to this new generation of 'reporters.'

So who is to blame? The media, television programmers, the people who came up with the idea in the first place, or the general public? Supply and demand would seem to be how the media works, so some of us must want to know what is happening in the life of these celebrities. Of course, one person cannot make a real difference though, I know that this piece of 'thoughts' will never reach enough people to actually make a difference.

I can of course, live in hope.

Thank you for sharing this Polly. I know it's taken you along time to write

A friend of mine once said, that to show an interest in gossip is a sign of intelligence. I can't remember her exact reasoning for this unfortunately!
As for the media can we really blame them?
If it wern't for these celebs 'acting badly' with seemingly no resect for the position they are in, the media would have nothing incriminating to print.

I'd hate to be a teenager now. Looking up the likes of on the upscale: Amy Winehouse or Kate Moss on the down: WAGS and Big Brother rejects!!
When I was younger my role models were Claire Danes, Jewel and Maya Angelou.

I totally agree...I think David is beginning to learn how to handle stardom. I also noticed how he deflected the romance question and think it was very wise. He has to keep his personal live as private as he can..the media will make what they want out of it anyway.

Also, noticed how he defended Jeff Archuleta and this isn't the first time...I believe he also volunteered the same opinion on Larry King Show. He didn't have to say anything about it--he wasn't questioned about it...but he felt that he needed to stand up for the truth...I APPLAUD YOU DAVID COOK!!

So true... but at least now we have two great role models. David Cook and David Archuleta. Both seem to share the same values and are all about integrity (add their shared talent and it's no wonder they have the close friendship with one another). Both are charming, polite, and courteous. Both are (to my knowledge!) drug free. Maybe DC smokes a joint now and then... he claims he doesn't do drugs and I believe him. No evidence of anything else. They're both careful about how they act and are respectful when it comes to women. I know you guys all know this... so the point I'm really making is that we've just uncovered one of the main reasons why we love DC (and for many of us DA too)... he's a breath of fresh air in a sea of vapid celebrities.

Scoot I agree with what you say, but in the UK know one even knows DC or DA exist, we are still stuck with amy winehouse, kate moss, and the tanorexics from girls aloud!

We need a good role model for the younger generation, but there aren't any over here at present!

AH... well, maybe next year at this time DC will be a force to reckon with in the UK and around the world! Here in the US we've had to deal with Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton... and none of them has any real talent to even back up their celebrity. Maybe Lindsay Lohan... she's an OK actress and her pop songs are pleasant enough, if not overly over-produced. But it's very much the same here. In my day we had Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Carole King and John Melloncamp who were great role models (still are, but the kids aren't listening to them).

This is very true Scott. (Not being a 'fangirl') I like DC for his immense musical talent and the fact that he epitomises, or is the essence of what a good role model should be.
He really is a welcome breath of fresh air!



Unfortunately Scott you are not the only ones who have to deal with Paris, Britney, Lindsay et al! They are all over the UK media on a daliy basis too.

And Polly, I actually cannot think of a decent British role model! They are all indie, drug fiends these days!

Honestly the two people who I look upto who are british, Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne...

But neither of them are in the press often!

But current musicians/actors etc, nope I can't think of any either!!
We have no 'young' role models...Except maybe that car driver bloke...Lewis Hamilton, he seems to be fighting a good fight, so to speak...
And we 'own' Bono, Bob Geldof and a few other 'big' celebrities who do a lot for charities, but there all old!!

I look upto SC and SO too... but neither them nor the others above speak to the younger generation. My God! What is wrong with our society! Not one single positive role model to name... its crazy.

Note: this confirms your post Polly! The British media are not interested in those who could have a positive effect on the younger generation. I think i'll have to go on BB next year!!!

Haha, yeah you go on BB and I'll do the X Factor...We'll take over the UK!

Unfortunately I can imagine i'd be the first to go... not controversial enough!! And by that I mean i'm not superfical or vain. What would I bring to BB? Humor and niceness don't cut it.
You'd be great on X Factor though.

I'd just like to let y'all know about the positive influence DC is having on me.
Its a little odd, but I am trying to quit smoking because i'm sure its not something he would approve of.

I think thats a good thing!

I still smoke, will give up when I am pregnant!

But if I knew I was gonna meet DC I would defo work out a bit more!!

I hate the media, but I can't get awy from it; I like watching movies, and perezhilton is a great 5 minute procrascination from the serious stuff I write and pay attention to. (poli sci major, as much as I love it, in the end of the day reading about stupid mundane things that celebrities do lets me calm down.)
One thing for sure: No one should have a role model that's a hollywood celebrity. At the end of the day, they all got a lucky break somewhere and are making millions acting,singing,etc. (discussion that comes up in my family from time to time: the whole hollywood business is inflated, is it really worth the millions they get?! )
I call Hollywood culture being stuck in high school forever, without the actual studying. With all the pop media, I come to only one conclusion, and that is I'd want to get away far far far as I can from that lifestyle, but still, I can't help but consume the music, media, tv shows, movies, etc that comes out of HOllywood. That whole thing being a celebrity is sad for David Cook; He's very talented, but in being a "celebrity", he'll never have a normal lifestyle. It's a tradeoff.

Simon Cowell once said, you can't have fame and complain about paparazzi. That's how things are, if you don't want to handle and realize paparrazzi is around, just get out of hollywood, because these complains are ridiculous when the celebrities are rich, can ahve anyhting they want, etc.

THe obession over Amy Winehouse has to stop, if she self destructs herself, fine, I don't care.

I'm no where near packing in yet! I'm down to under 10 a day and thats a start right? I couldn't do cold turkey. I'd commit a murder!!
And thats what i've always said too

Still good though mate!

And Emilya I agree with you, especially what you said about Amy.W I just don't want to see her any more, she makes me cringe!

Thank you

And yes. I'm sick of the daily goings on with Amy. W anddddd Lily Allen too!

As someone who has lurked and then become a member of this site, I must say that this week has had some of the best posts I have read in the forum. You hit the nail right on the head with your assessment over David's rise to fame. I think we all were pleasantly surprised to see a real struggling musician with oodles of talent finally win the whole thing but it's been hard to watch the media and fan craze that has accompanied that win. I have said from the beginning that it has always been his incredible music talent that drew me into him. The rest, as you put wonderfully put it, has always been frosting to me (the really awesome kind that my grandmums used to make ). Anyway, thank you for writing such a great post. I look forward to reading your future posts in the forum.
Cheers!
Emily.

That is true, the forum is becoming more and more interesting, its really good that someone post stuff like this one, really good written.

Emily, thank you! I was trying to be objective, but obviously as a fan I couldn't help but show my respect for him!

I hope to write another in a month, just stating and reflecting what happening etc.

But I would love to hear other opinions along the line!

Glad you guys find it interesting though, did wonder if anyone would even read it! Lol

Thanks for your reply to my reply .

I have never watched Idol before so this whole thing is really new to me. As an avid music fan and as someone who has and hopes to again work behind the scenes in the music industry, I can not help but be somewhat fascinated by how the Idol process works. Idol can definitely be a blessing or a curse depending on how the person involved works with it.

I was reading some interviews the other day with former finalists and all of them have commented on how fans of the show seem to think they have a more personalized relationship with them than others starting out. Sometimes I really wonder if that is a good thing because there has to be this constant struggle to want to break through that image but yet not completely because it is part of what got you to where you are. I had never really thought of that before and now feel more sympathy for these guys (even though they did choose this route and all that might come with it) because any artist wants to move forward and grow. With growth, comes change so in a way it's impossible to stay true to the packaged persona Idol makes for you. I hope most fans will get this, including myself, because it is very easy to put any artist on a pedestal.

I apologize if this makes little to no sense. I have been recovering from surgery and am pretty random anyway so sometimes I tend to just go into many crazy directions at once when I write. I look forward to reading your next observation in the weeks to come, especially since I'm going to an Idol show for the first time ever this month. I pray that my ear drums will come back intact because I'm a little afraid of the screaming masses.

Have a great day!
Cheers! Emily.

PS: I love your hair in that picture (if that's you).

Well said Emily. I hope that your recovery is going well and enjoy the Idol concert.

Hi Hi HI HI HI hI HI EMMMMMMMMily!

I can't hear out of my left ear for days now. bleh. Sinus infection. Relate, much?

So glad you posted on here. I think this is one of the most interesting threads there has been on here ever. I like your post, too. I think to myself that this David phenomenon has made me feel a bit schizophrenic because I want him to have everything he deserves and yet I want him to stay the same sweet guy he started as, and I don't think that is possible, and may not even be good for him. He can't be the only angel fish in a tank of piranhas.

Later,
Laura

One thing we can do is look for good examples (I think I gave some in an early reply on this thread) of other famous recording artists who've remained true to their music and fans, have reputations as nice guys, but probably have grown a thicker skin over the years. They just know how to walk that tight rope of not being taken advantage of and being strong with their convictions... but always being polite, diplomatic and maintaining integrity. DC has already demonstrated that he's adept at this. But everyone has a bad day... yes, there will be a time camera's catch him snapping at someone, or talking back to an an interviewer who goes too far... but I have faith he'll maintain his basic good character. Anyhoo... examples I can give are Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, David Grohl (of the Foo Fighters), and to some extent Chris Martin (Coldplay). Even Martin stormed out of a radio interview this week, but he's still got a really good rep in spite of that. A-list actors like Will Smith and George Clooney also seem to have mainted their good-guy reps. So, let's hope David follows this sort of path. DC is also family centered, and surrounding himself with close family and loyal friends in the future will help him too.

Emily,

I think you bring up a good point saying about the relationship that the fans build during the AI experience. Artists who go the 'usual' route have to build a fan base (to begin with) purely on the music, not their personalities. On AI however, it is more about their singing talent and their personality than the music (as it's not actually their music.) I always wondered if Simon C would come up with the idea of a talent show for musicians who perform their original material, finding the next big act I guess.

I admit when it comes to behind the scenes of Idol I know little, but did work for a UK music show called CD:UK for a few months, so know a bit about how the fans and audience are spoken to and what is expected of them.

I think that DC will change, of course he will and his music will progress. Whether this will be in a positive or negative way I am not sure. I'm am 95% certain that if RCA had released a video for 'time of my life' it would have portrayed DC as a sex symbol' as it seems to be something thats happening now. I'm not saying this will affect DC, but it could. I think thats why I will try and post as time goes on, and of course hear what you all think as well, his progession will be interesting!

Oh and Emily, yes it is me, and my hair...Thanks!