David Cook: New Album, New Confidence

His gritty rock voice is what helped David Cook, 28, win season seven of American Idol.

But when working on his latest, as yet untitled studio album, he learned to use that voice in a whole new way.

As usual, Cook collaborated with an array of music industry veterans, from Kelly Clarkson songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk to OneRebublic vocalist Ryan Tedder. But in contrast to the "anxiety" he felt making his platinum-selling, self-titled, post-Idol album, the Missouri-bred singer told AOL's Popeater: "Sitting in the room with these people, I still managed to find my voice … really speaking up for myself and making sure that what was happening was going to come across as me and not, 'Here's David Cook singing somebody else's songs.' "

In a behind-the-scenes video shot at Emblem studios in Calabasas, California, Cook comes across as self-assured, but not cocky: "I'm very confident in my own ability to write music, but I think anytime you can bounce ideas off of other people – you know, two heads are better than one."

Star Sighting: Idol's Meet & Greet

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert and 2008 winner David Cook share a handshake in New York City's Central Park on Friday. The singers – along with this season's winner Kris Allen – were on hand to perform live on Good Morning America.

Carrie Underwood & David Cook to Perform for American Idol Finale

Unfortunately...it’s almost over!

After months of performances and eliminations, American Idol is winding down this week with its finale, a performance night on Tuesday and the announcement of the winner on Wednesday, and the show is going out with a bang!

Joining finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on the Idol stage this week, are a roster of music’s biggest stars, according to Ryan Seacrest’s website, including Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cindi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, the reigning American Idol David Cook and season 4 winner Carrie Underwood.

You can expect to see the rest of the top 10 — Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy and Michael Sarver — as well; they’ve been back in Hollywood rehearsing for the big show.

And if past finales are any indication, some of the season’s quirkier contestants might also show up. Remember Tatiana del Toro? What about Norman Gentle or Katrina ‘Bikini Girl’ Darrell?

Who would you like to see again? Personally...I would love to see Tatiana one more time!

Tune in FOX on Tuesday and Wednesday night at 8:00 pm (ET) for this week's two-part finale show.

David Cook's Heartbreaking Return to Performing

David Cook started singing a slow song, stopped and turned away from the audience.

"It's gonna be tough for me," the Idol champ told the crowd of 450 at the Musica theater in Akron, Ohio, on Friday night. "Hold on. I'm sorry. Do you mind if I sing a different song?"

Taking the beat up a notch, Cook then energized the crowd, who passed up flowers and cards and held up signs in honor of his brother, Adam, who died May 2 at age 37 of cancer.

It was a night of emotional extremes for Cook, 26, now back on tour after Adam's death. Speaking of his brother throughout the night, he struggled through some songs – even walking out in the middle of one of them – but exhibited swagger on others.

"It has been a long road for David, and we've seen how tough it has been on him," singer Ryan Star, who has toured with Cook since February 14th, tells People. " I think he's doing the best he can."

The show opened with Cook walking on stage and singing "Heroes," then raising his guitar to show fans the large black initials "AC" on the front. Halfway through his concert, Cook sang a few lines from the Eagles' hit, "Hotel California," then said, "Adam would be proud."

At other points, Cook was cheerful, teasing fans and calling himself, "Old Dave" as he chewed gum. But when he covered Fleetwood Mac's "Tell Me Lies," he became emotional at the line, "If I could turn the page."

Then he abruptly left the stage while singing "Come Back to Me," and his band followed. The crowd chanted for his return as he stood in a hallway with his hand to his face, talking to his fellow band members.

A drummer came out and played a solo, and Cook returned in about five minutes, telling the crowd, "It's been a hell of a week. It's good to be here tonight."

David Cook: My Brother Was a Great Man

David Cook learned that his brother Adam died hours before the Idol champ was scheduled to take part in the Race for Hope in Washington, D.C. – but says that despite the devastating news, he never thought of pulling out. Instead, he wanted to participate in tribute to his late brother.

"My brother never wanted his illness to affect others," Cook, 26, writes on his Celebrity MySpace page. "That was evident in the fact that he wanted his illness to have no part in my experience on Idol, a point he was quite adamant about. So, with that wish in mind, I ran and was involved with the event as an homage to him."

Cook announced the news of his brother Adam's death at the event on Sunday. The 5K race benefited the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.

Thanks Fans

"I want to again thank everyone who donated to the race and continues to donate, sent a kind email, posted thoughts and prayers, called, etc," Cook continues. "I take it as affirmation that my brother was the great man that I knew, and whose ideals I constantly try to uphold in myself. It is with those ideals in tow that I vow to continue to speak out in hopes of raising whatever necessary to help eliminate cancer entirely."

In keeping with his brother's wish that his cancer battle not interfere with Cook's career, the singer says he is forging ahead with a tour. (He will reschedule a show in Toledo, Ohio, originally slated for May 6.)

Acknowledging his fans and their unwavering support, Cook writes, "Thank you to everyone for allowing us, as a family, to grieve and come to terms privately. This event has shown me, beyond doubt, that I have the greatest people in my life, family, friends, and fans alike, and for that, I can never offer enough thanks."

A private funeral is set for Thursday for Adam, who is survived by wife Kendra and their two children.

"It's been a really tough day for Kendra and for the family," said family spokeswoman Julie Henricks. "Even though they know it's coming, it's still hard."

David Archuleta: My Heart Goes Out to David Cook

David Archuleta was once David Cook's main competitor on American Idol – but now has only kind words for his friend, who lost his brother, Adam, to brain cancer over the weekend.

"It really struck me when I heard about the news of Cook's brother," Archuleta says in a statement. "I know they had been struggling with it for a while, so my heart really goes out to them. It's so admirable the way he's handling it though, and it's amazing to see him there as an example for millions of other people who have also been affected the same way he and his family have."

Continues the statement: "I'll be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers, and hope the Cook family stays strong."

David Cook's brother, Adam, died on Saturday after battling cancer for more than a decade.

Idol David Cook's Brother Dies of Cancer

After battling cancer for more than a decade, David Cook's brother, Adam, died Saturday, the American Idol winner announced Sunday morning before the 12th annual Race for Hope 5K in Washington, D.C.

"I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now," Cook, 26, told the crowd at the benefit for brain cancer research. Cook was both serving as grand marshal and running with a team that raised $98,000.

Cook's brother, Adam, 37, had battled the disease throughout Cook's American Idol competition, and had the chance to see his younger sibling perform in April 2008 on the famous stage. At the time, Adam, a married father and lawyer in Terre Haute, Ind., was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

"I'm not going to lie to you. He still has a tough road ahead of him," Adam's longtime friend Darrick Scott had told People. "But this trip to Los Angeles has put a whole new pep in his step."

The Idol judges had even noted that having Adam in the front row may have given David the inspiration needed to win.

Simon Cowell on Sunday offered his condolences. “I was incredibly saddened to hear the news," he said in a statement to People. "I met Adam Cook a few times at American Idol. He was an incredible guy, and right now my thoughts are with David and his family.”

In March this year, the Idol champ Cook canceled two shows on his current tour "to deal with personal family matters." His rep had told People that he had recently been spending time with his brother.

For Sunday's race, the singer flew into the capitol after a performance Saturday night at Sun Fest in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he had spent most of the day hanging out. His plan was to take a 3 a.m. flight.

"I don't run normally, but it seems a small sacrifice compared to what those who have fought cancer have endured," Cook earlier had told People "And the fact that my fans have rallied to raise so much in donations is the biggest compliment."

At the early-morning benefit, he said, "I lost one today," addressing all the runners, supporters and organizers, "but I gained 9,000 [friends] and I will be here every year that they will have me."

David Cook Cancels Shows Due to 'Family Matters'

American Idol champ David Cook hopes to return to his tour later this week after canceling two shows "to deal with personal family matters."

The singer did not elaborate in the announcement posted on his Web site. But Cook's brother Adam has been battling brain cancer for over a decade, and Cook's rep told People that David spent time with Adam last week.

Cook, 26, who canceled college campus shows Monday and Tuesday in New Hampshire and Connecticut, will appear on American Idol in a taped performance Wednesday. He is planning to get back on the road Thursday, his rep says. Concert dates are currently scheduled through October.

"David would like everyone to rest assured that we are working with the universities to reschedule the shows that are missed," says his site. Fans, meanwhile, posted hundreds of messages of support. "Take as much time as you need," wrote one. "My prayers are always with you and your amazing family."

David Cook Tells Aggressive Fans to Back Off

Fame has gotten ugly at times for American Idol 7 champion David Cook, who issued a plea for his privacy while on tour.

"The efforts by some fans to find our hotel rooms, call our hotel rooms, attach things to our bus, etc., is something I have to condemn," he says in his My Space Celebrity blog under the heading "Attention."

Cook, 26, says that while he prides himself on being accessible to fans, "We do enjoy what little privacy we can muster."

"This relationship only works when it remains healthy for both parties," he says, "and should this behavior continue, the only thing we can do is take more preventative measures to maintain our privacy, which in turn makes us less accessible to you."

He concludes: "I hope this doesn't come off as harsh. I merely want to nip this in the bud so we can continue to have a great experience with all of you at the shows we have coming up."

David Cook & David Archuleta Announce Spring Tours

Last season's American Idol winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta announced separate tours that kick off next month.

Cook, 26, will premiere his first solo tour – The Declaration Tour 2009 – on Feb. 13 in Tallahassee, Fla. His tour will continue across the country at college campuses through April 25, ending at the University of Tulsa. "There's something inherently nostalgic about playing college shows," said Cook on his website. "So many amazing acts used to do it, so it's nice to be able to bring that ideal back in some small way."

Season 7 runner-up Archuleta, 18, kicks off his first solo tour on Feb. 24 in Virginia Beach, Va., according to his MySpace blog. His 20-city tour ends on March 21 in Boise, Idaho.