Sales of David Cook's Digital Album Soar and Whispers of American Idol Controversy Grow Louder

The soaring digital sales of David Cook's self-released solo album Analog Heart (ranking #1 currently in Amazon's MP3 sales) have raised questions once again about American Idol standards for competitors. When Cook auditioned for American Idol in Omaha, Nebraska, David Cook was hardly a newcomer to the music business. David Cook was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Axium from 1999 through 2006. He formed the band in his junior year in high school, and they ultimately received significant notice as a regional band. The band were recognized as among 15 top unsigned bands nationally in a Got Milk? contest as part of the well-known ongoing advertising campaign. Axium also recorded 3 independently released studio albums.

As a solo artist, David Cook released the album Analog Heart in 2006. It has been widely acclaimed in the Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma music markets.

With all of this success, it seems not surprising that David Cook finds himself as one of the top level contestants remaining on this year's American Idol. However, questions are now being raised again about the extent of music industry experience that should be allowed for aspiring American Idol contestants. Is it really possible for someone without extended industry experience to compete? Should Fox Television be more upfront with viewers in describing the background of contestants? Early this season Carly Smithson was the subject of controversy due to the release of her first solo album on a major label 7 years back under the name Carly Hennessy.

Is it really possible for a musical unknown to reach stardom via American Idol? Or is it simply another way of promoting already discovered talent to the national level?

source: http://top40.about.com/b/2008/04/21/sales-of-david-cooks-digital-album-soar-and-whispers-of-american-idol-controversy-grow-louder.htm

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