It wasn’t that we weren’t ready for season 8 of American Idol to start, but on premiere night, we couldn’t pass up one last look back at season 7. And so, instead of being glued to our TV at 8:00 p.m., we watched David Cook wow a crowd of several hundred diehard fans — live! — on the Jimmy Kimmel Live outdoor stage, in what was undoubtedly a stroke of booking genius. Perhaps you caught some of the performance on Tuesday night’s show? Well, let us fill you in on what you didn’t see.

Cook played a five-song mini-set that kicked off with his debut single, “Light On,” and included a rousing version of “Kiss on My Neck,” a bonus track offered with his self-titled album, as well as one very ambitious cover of Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 hit “Little Lies” (see full set list lifted from Cook’s guitar tech below). There was lots of sing-along going on, as the audience took over the chorus on “Declaration” and handled the breakdown in “Light On” with aplomb, which made for a cheery Cook and a confident, now super-tight band. Band members Neal Tiemann, Andy Skib, Joey Clement and Kyle Peek brought the rock, but it was Idol worship all the way. The proof was in the signage: “David Cook Is My Guitar Hero,” “I heart DC” and “Marry Me, David,” among other homemade banners held high by teens and cougars alike, some of whom had been waiting out in the L.A. heat all day in hopes of scoring a front row spot.

But we’ve got some good news for fans aching for their own live dose of Cook: He’s heading out on a college tour starting Feb. 13. Following a performance to open the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Feb. 12, Cook will hit the road for a month’s worth of dates, starting in Tallahassee, Fla.. The full tour routing should be announced this week, Cook told us after the show.

What else did our reigning American Idol winner have to say on this premiere night? Read on for our quickie Cookie Q&A…

What can you tell us about the tour?
We’re gonna do a kind of grassroots thing and hit a lot of colleges. Because I remember going to shows in my college life and feeling like there’s such a cool energy that you don’t find in a regular venue. Like in the ’70s, all these amazing bands were playing college circuits, and I want to get back to that. It’s what I’m really stoked about — not only do I get to go out with four cool guys and have fun, but I get to do what I want to do

Any thoughts on openers?
We’ll take on any comers, man. My vibe right now is that we just want it to be real. I want whoever goes to the show to come out and feel like they got way too much for what they paid for.

Your cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Little Lies” was unexpected. Are you a big fan?

I’m more of a cursory fan. It was an idea that my guitar player Neil brought up, and I was, like, “Oh yeah, I remember this song.” He and I tossed it around and worked it out. It’s fun to play, it’s got a cool energy and when you throw on the distorted guitars, it works.

You’re obviously no stranger to big moments on live television, but what was it like to receive your first platinum plaque on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve?”

I was a little bit in shock, so my reaction was not indicative of how I felt. I was just so focused in on the performance that night that it was like, “OK, what?! There’s a platinum record right there. It’s legit!” But it was an amazing plaque and it looks very nice in the house. Hopefully I’ll get a few more to add to the collection.

Idol is starting up as we speak. Will you be watching this season?

I Tivo’d it. But it’s funny, I was telling my manager earlier, everything is so fresh all of a sudden. To talk about Idol again, I remember how it felt to do city auditions and get to Hollywood. I’m anxious and nervous for these people. So I’ll probably watch it with half a fingernail hanging on, chewing them to the nub.

According to new judge Kara Dioguardi, the guys are looking good this year. Do you feel like you and David Archuleta had anything to do with an impressive male turnout?

Talent is talent and I’m certainly not at the point where I feel responsible for anyone. It’s all much bigger than me. But I’m excited to see how the changes go and I’m always on the lookout for another good rocker. I’m still amazed that it happened to me!

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