Hot off the release of his debut self-titled album, ‘Idol’ winner David Cook is hitting the road for a full-fledged Spring tour. The singer will kick things off on February 13 at Florida State University, and end up at the University of Tulsa, Oklahama, on April 25. Cook has drawn inspiration from arena-rock staples U2, telling PopEater, “Seeing U2 at the Super Bowl a few year back. It was just very poignant. Not overdone, but definitely powerful.” Check out the full list of tour dates below.  (Source)

Friday, February 13th – Tallahasee, Fl – Florida State University
Saturday, February 14th – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
Sunday, February 15th – Oxford, MS – Ole Miss
Wednesday, February 18th – Eau Claire, WI – University of Wisconsin
Thursday February 19th – Cedar Falls, IA – University of Northern Iowa
Friday, February 20th – Green Bay, WI – University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Saturday, February 21st – Valparaiso, IN – Valparaiso University
Monday, February 23rd – Waverly, IA – Warlburg
Tuesday, February 24th – Fullton, MO – Westminster
Wednesday, February 25th – Conway, AR – Central Arkansas University
Friday, February 27th- Portsmouth, OH – Shawnee State University
Sunday, March 1st – Newburgh, NY – Mount St. Mary
Tuesday, March 3rd – Carlisie, PA – Dickenson
Friday, March 6th – Morgantown, WV – W Virginia University
Sunday, March 8th – Willimantic, CT – Eastern Connecticut State University
Tuesday, March 10th – Poughkeepsie, NY – Marist College
Friday, March 13th – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Casino
Saturday, March 14th – Elkins, WV – Davis and Elkins
Monday, March 16th – Bloomington, PA – Bloomington University
Thursday, March 19th – Mansfield, PA – Mansfield University
Friday, March 20th – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
Saturday, March 21st – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
Monday, March 23rd – Selinsgrove, PA – Susquehanna University
Tuesday, March 24th- York, PA – Penn State York
Thursday, March 26th – Blues Creek, NC – Campbell, University
Friday, March 27th – Pemberton, NJ – Burlington Community College
Monday, March 30th – New London, NH – Colby Sawyer College
Tuesday, March 31st – New Haven, CT – So. CT State
Thursday, April 2nd – Wilmington, NC – Azalea Fest at Wilmington University
Friday, April 3rd – Towson, MD – Towson University
Sunday, April 5th – Radford, VA – Radford University
Wednesday, April 8th – Macon, GA – Mercer University
Tuesday, April 14th – Malcomb, IL – Western Illinois University
Tuesday, April 21st – Searcy, AR – Harding University
Wednesday, April 22nd – Kansas City, MO – Ameristar Casino
Saturday, April 25th – Tulsa, OK – University of Tulsa

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!

[Source]

It’s official: David Cook and Kimberly Caldwell are no longer an item.

Cook, the winner of American Idol season seven, and Caldwell, a season two contestant, have broken up amicably, says Caldwell’s rep.

“Kimberly and David ended their relationship just before the holidays. The couple remain good friends and being very private people, appreciate their privacy at this time.”

Cook’s rep also confirmed the split.

The duo, both 26, started their relationship shortly after Cook’s Idol win in May 2008, with the rocker publicly asking Caldwell on a date on the red carpet before the seventh season finale.

“I think [Kimberly] just gets that this is all nuts… she’s a nice break from the chaos,” Cook told PEOPLE last year about his relationship with his now-ex. (Source)