OXFORD,
Miss. – Millions of people around the country fell in love with rock
belter David Cook during the seventh season of “American Idol.” Cook
won the competition, thanks to viewers connecting with his rich,
unfettered voice and intense performances.
Following the release
of his self-titled, major-label album in November, this gifted
25-year-old is on his first solo tour, including a performance Feb. 15
at the University of Mississippi. Cook’s concert “The Declaration Tour
– 2009” begins at 7 p.m. at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets for the event are sold out.
Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director, said he’s pleased to bring a bit of American Idol excitement to north Mississippi.
Cook entered the Billboard charts at No. 3 with his debut album, “David
Cook” (19 Recordings / RCA Records). Produced by Rob Cavallo, the album
also debuted at No. 1 on the digital album chart, the best debut from
an “American Idol” winner since 2006. Its first single, “Light On,”
dominated the AOL Top 40 radio chart at No. 1 for eight nonconsecutive
weeks. In late September, the single premiered on AOL Music’s pop
culture news site, PopEater.com, receiving more than a million plays in
less than one week. Rolling Stone Magazine deemed Cook” the most
imaginative American Idol talent to date.”
“I’m more than excited to hop on the road and support this record,” Cook said. “This tour represents both a new beginning and a return to form for me. It’s our first full tour, and we’re all ready to pour whatever blood, sweat and tears that we can muster into making this show, and every show from here on out, an experience.
“Part of that experience is bringing back this college tour idea. There’s something inherently nostalgic about playing college shows. So many amazing acts used to do it, so it’s nice to be able to bring that ideal back, in some small way.”
Cook’s first single, “The Time of My Life,” recently went platinum with more than a million tracks sold. Cook is the 34th “American Idol” contestant to appear on a Billboard chart.
Cook’s tour kicks off Feb. 13 in Tallahassee, Fla., and will continue nationwide, hitting various college campus and major venues.
For more information about the tour, visit http://www.davidcookofficial.com . For a complete list of events at the Ford Center, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/ . To request assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-2787.