By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — In a battle of the balladeers that went down to the wire, David Cook triumphed as American Idol’s top contestant, beating out his competition by only 12 million of about 97 million votes.
As David sang the winner’s song, “Time of My Life,” Andrew Cook shouted from the Idol audience, “That’s my brother!” Terre Haute friends and fans witnessed the proud moment as they gathered in a local pub to watch the finale.
Older brother Adam and wife Kendra Cook of Terre Haute also were in Los Angeles to cheer on David Cook during the Idol finale.
Adam, a Terre Haute attorney, has been diagnosed with cancer, but terminal illness hasn’t stopped him from watching his younger brother battle into one of the world’s most heavily viewed reality television shows.
“It literally shattered last year’s record by 23 million,” Crossroads Communication’s Julie Henricks said of the 97 million people who called in their votes for American Idol’s seventh season finale.
Henricks was at Beef O’Brady’s restaurant in Terre Haute to watch the final contest with about 60 other fans and supporters.
And along with the rest of the crowd, she wore a gray bracelet with the words “Gray Matters” in honor of Adam’s bout with brain cancer.
The bracelets, sponsored by Premier Auto Source and Sony DADC were sold as a fundraiser for Adam at $5 each, and Henricks noted “they’re selling like hotcakes,” adding that David himself wore one during the contest.
Doug Edge, general manager of B102.7, said the local connection involving Adam has drawn huge listener support and national attention as the radio station carries clips from each American Idol episode morning after morning.
“It’s good fun. It’s a lot of fun,” he said, noting the number of people wearing blue and white “Vote for David” T-shirts, a play on the fact that Cook’s competition in the final round also was named David: David Archuleta.
But Pam Malone, Brazil, made no bones about her pick in the contest.
Malone made her own shirt with “Bring on the album. I’m ready to buy it” and Cook’s picture.
“I like David Cook. I think he’s phenomenal,” she said. “I wanted to show my support and buy his album.”
This is the third year B102.7 has hosted an Idol party at the restaurant, but Henricks said the local connection this year made a bigger impact.
“The enthusiasm kept growing larger and larger this year,” she said, noting the station will host a Wabash Valley Idol competition at this year’s Vigo County Fair, and along with a cash prize, the station will sponsor the winner’s entry in the American Idol contest process.
But for Adam Cook, who flew from Terre Haute to California for the final showdown, the event never will be replicated, as he watched his younger brother tearfully accept the award knowing the opportunity it represents for his music career.
Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
