'Idol' star takes center stage
Lauren Staten
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: News
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Lines formed on the first floor of the Union at 5 p.m. as Western Illinois University students and Macomb residents gathered in anticipation of the show.
The performance was part of Cook's Declaration tour, which kicked off in January and will hit 37 college campuses and other small venues across the nation. Tickets were sold out shortly after they went on sale, adding to the exclusiveness value of the show.
"I was worried I wouldn't be able to get a ticket before they sold out, but I'm really glad that I managed to," said Carrie Caringella, a sophomore elementary education major. "I'm a huge fan of David Cook because he is real. He writes most of his own stuff, and talks about things that are relatable. Not to mention he's really cute."
Anticipation was thick in the air as the Heritage Room filled with excited concert-goers. The show began with a brief performance by Charise Rodgers, winner of the Western Idol competition. Following Rodgers was New York native, Ryan Star. He performed an energizing rock set, and although most of the crowd was unfamiliar with the artist, he was well received.
"Ryan Star was awesome, and it's really cool that I got his autograph," said 11-year-old Macomb resident Krista Blanford. "I'm really excited for David Cook though."
Blanford was one of many younger audience members at the event with her family. The crowd was a mix of adults, students and children, including an abundance of middle-aged women, undoubtedly long time "American Idol" fans.
Cook took the stage at 9 p.m., wearing a beanie and a Pearl Jam T-shirt, and greeted the crowd warmly.
"It's awesome to be here, thank you for coming out and supporting me, and the new album," Cook said. "There are good crowds and there are great crowds, and this is a great crowd."
Between songs, Cook interacted with the audience in a conversational manner, in addition to providing introductions and descriptions for some songs. Included in the set were crowd favorites such as "Avalanche," "Bar-ba-sol" and "Come Back to Me," all from his self-titled platinum album released last year.
Cook is also well known for playing covers of his favorite bands and performed "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains. Much to the crowd's appreciation, Cook returned to the stage for an encore performance of his popular single "Light On."
Cook took time out to announce his participation in the Race for Hope and expressed his concern for cancer, a matter very important to him. He asked for donations to the National Brain Tumor Society (www.curebraintumors.org). Cook's brother, an inspiration for his participation in "American Idol," has been battling brain cancer since 1998.
Even though Cook's set only lasted an hour, he kept the audience screaming for more throughout the entire show. After the performance, fans gathered outside the band's tour bus, hoping to catch one last glimpse of the artist.
Cook will continue to embark on his Declaration tour through August of this year.
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steph
posted 4/18/09 @ 7:51 PM CST
I'm a WIU grad who was at this concert. I have to say that I went to the concert to see the opener, Ryan Star and was definitely not disappointed! I was more impressed with Ryan's set than David's and would have loved to have seen Ryan perform for a hour! I was directly behind the roped off VIP section, and when David Cook came out everyone started pushing us into the roped off area knocking them down. (Continued…)
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