Success...It's All in the Letter P By now we are familiar with Nigel Lythgoe, the British television director and producer, who created such smash hits as Ameri...

A Lesson in Winning:
Sometimes Good Guys DO Finish First

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Original Publication Date:
June 2008

Life happens when you least expect it. After all, it wasn't the path he had envisioned. He was only along for moral support—really. Little brother Andrew was the one who wanted to audition, not him. But once in a while destiny has other plans. On that rainy day in Omaha, the golden ticket was placed in his hand and David Cook was in for quite a wild ride.

In this its seventh season, I have yet to see an episode of American Idol. I'm not exactly sure why except that I don't watch much TV and reality shows aren't high on my priority list. I am up to speed, though, with music and pop culture, so I'm familiar with and a fan of AI past winners and losers. I know winners Kelly and Carrie have gone on to achieve huge commercial success. I know runner-up Clay, and fourth-place finisher Daughtry, have managed to be big winners in spite of not coming out on top. I know Bo Bice has had his share of health issues, and big Ruben lost close to 100 pounds and is now a vegetarian. I know Fantasia was cast by Oprah in The Color Purple on Broadway, and salt and pepper haired Hicks has been a bit of a disappointment to the soul-patrol, but he, too, has nabbed a Broadway role in Grease.

The music industry is a tough business and Idol provides a jumping off point where artists, who may not otherwise ever get the chance to be discovered, get their chance to shine. There are no guarantees. Life doesn't come with them, nor does American Idol.

That brings us to the newly crowned Cook. I had read the buzz about the season finale and the excitement over the dueling Davids—Cook and Archuleta. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and to be honest was more interested in the older rocker than the younger crooner. Due to the beauty of technology, I was able to view David's performances and interviews and witness his amazing transformation. During the months of grueling competition he went from a self-professed word nerd who appeared to be playing at being a musician to a bona fide rock star. From the hair on his head to the hair on his face, from the bracelets on his wrists, to the boots on his feet, Cook morphed into just the right look—top to bottom. Admittedly, I'm a true rocker at my core but talent is talent and good music is medicine for the soul regardless of the genre. All I can say is thank you Andrew! The world might have missed out on David altogether if not for the audition twist of fate. As Paula so aptly commented in earlier rounds, "You are it. You are the whole package." In this case, her assessment was dead on accurate.

Since the win Cook has made the traditional rounds and been featured on all the major talk shows. Yes, he can sing, and he's a natural entertainer with a compelling stage presence. What's even more impressive about this 25-year-old superstar in the making is he, indeed, IS a nice guy. Even Simon—who rarely says anything positive about anybody—complimented David for being a "tryer" and one of the nicest most sincere people they've ever had. I'm happy for him and his family and friends. I'm happy for his hometown that fervently got behind him. I'm happy for the music loving public who is going to have a new rocker on the block to enjoy. America should give herself a standing ovation—with the gazillion number of votes cast—she got it right. Isn't it grand? Winning doesn't have to be the end all be all, but winning can be the perfect outcome for the right individual. David Cook is the right individual. He was already a winner before Idol. His victory takes a good life and makes it better. There are lessons we can learn from his captivating story. Most of all, it's heartwarming to know that sometimes good guys DO finish first.

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