Why David Cook Might Be the Biggest Idol Winner Ever

David Cook might be the biggest American Idol winner ever, and here's why.

I think he has the total package of musical talent, vocal artistry, EQ, youth, singleness, versatility, and a little of what the French call, "I don't know what!" :) (inside joke)

Let's first look at the AI contestant to whom he is most often compared: Chris Daughtry. Chris was a consistent fan favorite who placed 4th in Season 5 but continues to have huge commercial success despite not winning the AI crown. Daughtry was the biggest selling artist of 2007 (yes, you read that correctly!) heading straight to the top of the charts and receiving 4 Grammy nominations.

Daughtry and David Cook share some key similarities: both performed in rock bands in high school and in (gasp!) high school musicals. Both have been defined as "post grunge" artists (which Wikipedia calls "music [that] may often incorporate the distorted guitar, angst-filled lyrics and "loud-quiet" dynamics of grunge, but produce it in a radio-friendly and commercial way." Both Daughtry and Cook have tapped into a fanbase which includes CD buying and iTune downloading fans. Both have been/were signed with 19 Entertainment.

But here's where they differ. I think Cook has all the talent Daughtry has. However, unlike Daughtry, David Cook has a personality and a likability that Daughtry did not demonstrate. Initially under the radar, we got to know Cook as the weeks went by as a humble and kind guy, who placed family above all else, and stayed true to himself as an artist despite the pressures of Hollywood. He humbly included his fellow contestants in his winning magic rainbow "moment" and continues to acknowledge his runner up Archuleta in a fond way. His subtle but powerful tips and nods to his mother and his brothers were endearing. The orange bracelet worn to support the 7yo battling cancer he met early in the season was a heartfelt move. We connected with him, and more so than other recent finalists, Cook seemed approachable and human. Yes, he started the season with a little bit of attitude, which he quickly tamed, demonstrating an EQ that other winners have not always seemed to have. And a final distinction: Cook is single. Daughtry auditioned for Idol as the married father of two, and however lovely that may be, marketing an unattached winner (Kimberly Caldwell notwithstanding) will be far easier!

Additionally, Cook broke out of the predicable idol mold by demonstrating a musicality we've not seen. Agreed that this season's addition of allowing contestants to play instruments benefited several of them and would have helped contestants in previous seasons, but more than that, his contribution of original arrangements and interpretation of classics was amazing. Despite controversy and some criticism for performing songs arranged by other artists (Chris Cornell's "Billy Jean," Whitesnake's "Day Tripper"and Doxology's "Eleanor Rigby,") Cook's performances of "Hello", "Little Sparrow," "Always Be My Baby," "All I Really Need Is You," Baba O'Riley," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" were his own arrangements. Could Kelly, Carrie or Daughtry match that?

Cook also has versalilty as an artist. Here is a guy who easily flowed from country to Neil Diamond to big Broadway to cheesy group numbers without a twitch....he says he will make a "rock album" but the guy has won over the Cougars with ballads, too....and anything else he sings (Randy, let's talk about the phone book!). At no other time has the Idol franchise had the opportunity to embrace such a multi-dimensional winner.

Finally, despite news that this season's Idol viewership was down overall, indicating to some that the mega show may have peaked, voting for the show's finale reached new heights at 97.5 million votes ...indicating to me that it's as big as it ever was, and continues to reach new audiences. Those new audiences love David Cook! And may just help make him the biggest Idol winner ever.

What do you think? Can Cook top Daughtry in CD sales? Could he win the hearts of country fans loyal to Carrie? And should he dump Kimberly and call Kelly (or Carrie?)? Time will only tell how David Cook stacks up to other Idol winners, and Idolmama can't wait to see what happens!