An Idol’s Revolution:
David Cook - The self-confessed word nerd is now a sexy rock star
In just nine months, David Cook, the wannabe-rocker American Idol constestan from Oklahoma, transformed into a well-respected artist–and worlwide heartthrob, too! “I got my hair cut and I grew the beard. The show was stressful and I’ve dropped about 15 pounds since it all began. It’s been a physical overhaul for me,” David said. Indeed, so much has changed since David won last year’s Idol. He’s gone from geeky punk to Skechers image model! OK! takes a look back at his rocky road to stardom.

School geek?
Nah! He may have always gotten a kick out of solving word games in solitude, but David did enjoy an active social life back in high school. He starred in musicals, played baseball and basketball, and verbally sparred with fellow debaters. Oh, and he also won a male beauty contest!

Punked
Sporting an unflattering faux-hawk and an awkward goatee during his audition in August 2007, David didn’t exactly score cool cred with AI audiences and judge Simon Cowell, who thought David’s rocker act was just, well, an act.

Gone emo
Goodbye fayx-hawk, hello… comb-over?!? David’s rendition of The Turtles’ “Happy Together” on February 19 could have made him an early breakout star, but his emo look was such a spotlight-hogging bad idea, people couldn’t concentrate on his number.

A real softie
David’s take on Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” on April 15 was a winner because of his strikingly original cover and David’s heartfelt performance. His sick brother (and contanst inspiration) flew all the way to L.A. to support him.

People’s choice
Transformation complete! With better hairstyle and fashion sense (enough with gray vests, okay?), the ecstatic American Idol took the stage at the Nokia Theatre on May 21 to deliver his first-ever live performance as the reality show’s new champion. Young, old, male or female, the audience just loved him! And, the satisfied expression on Simon’s face was priceless.