David Cook taps into his Heartland/Midwest roots

By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

David Cook didn't grow up on the East or West coasts, hasn't "gone Hollywood" and may just win "American Idol" next week. How? By tapping into his roots as the next great American entertainer from the Heartland.

Cook, of Blue Springs, will face David Archuleta of Murray, Utah, in the Idol finals next week.

Others have made a big deal of where Cook is from.

A widely reprinted Associated Press story began this way:

"Beneath the shaggy hair and mild-mannered demeanor of "American Idol" contestant David Cook is a seasoned musician who's rocked his way through the gritty club scene in America's heartland."

And, of course, Cook belonged to the Midwest Kings band when he played in Tulsa.

Cook has surprised a lot of people who presumably didn't think someone from the Heartland could be this talented.

Next week, Cook will just have to convince "Idol" voters one more time that he's the best performer on the stage.

Then he can "go Hollywood."