Millions of people around the country fell in love with rock belter David Cook while watching him make other people's songs his own week after week on the seventh season of American Idol. Cook won the competition handily thanks to viewers connecting with his rich, unfettered voice and passionately intense performances, not to mention his down-to-earth Midwestern charm. Now, with the release of his self-titled major-label debut, this gifted 25-year-old is eager to show those fans what he can do when he's in the driver's seat.

Cook was the lead singer and guitarist of the band Axium from 1999 until 2006. He formed Axium in his junior year of high school with drummer Bobby Kerr. In 2006, after the breakup of Axium, Cook relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and joined the regional touring band Midwest Kings, playing guitar, bass, and singing backup vocals. He recorded one EP, Incoherent with Desire to Move On, with the band in 2006.

During his senior year of college at Central Missouri State, Cook recorded a solo CD called Analog Heart, which sold well. In 2006, after obtaining a degree in graphic arts, Cook had to decide whether he wanted to be a musician or a graphic designer. "I gave myself every opportunity not to do music," he says, "but it was always there. I couldn't ignore it." He moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was in the early stages of recording his second album when his younger brother Andrew asked Cook to accompany him to Omaha and lend moral support while he tried out for American Idol. Andrew didn't make the cut, but he encouraged a very reluctant David to try out. "He threatened to beat my ass if I didn't, so it's entirely his fault that all this happened to me," Cook says with a smile.

"I went on Idol with a five-card hand and showed three of my cards," Cook says. "Now it's time to put down the other two. There's a lot I haven't shown the world, just as far as who I am and what I'm about. I have several layers as an artist and those layers are out there on this record. I don't see myself ever writing an autobiography; I'm just going to let the music speak for itself." And it does - loud and clear. David Cook is a statement-making album, filled with bold, keenly felt songs that showcase Cook's powerful vocal chops and considerable songwriting talent, as well as the versatility that made him a star on Idol.

Sources: David Cook Official and Wikipedia.