By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
David Cook, the heartthrob of Blue Springs, is about to make a ton of money -- even if he doesn't win "American Idol" tonight. Maybe especially if he doesn't win.
Cook could follow in the footsteps of other musicians who didn't win the ultimate title, but still have done well in the industry. They include Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry.
Remember, "Idol" winners have to sign contracts with a specific promoter, have to do what that promoter says, go where that promoter wants and basically start out in big-time music chained to a specific career path.
As runner-up, though, Cook would have fewer restrictions.
He still has to go on tour with the 9 other top-10 finalists (including a date at KC's Sprint Center later this year).
But Cook would be much freer to set out on his own career path if he doesn't win. Given all the attention he has received in the past few weeks for his rockin' style of music on "Idol," Cook is primed to do just fine after the show ends.
Plenty of people in Blue Springs and the entire KC metropolitan area will be rooting for Cook tonight and, especially, during Wednesday night's results show.
But if Cook doesn't win, no problem: He's going to sign somewhere to perform for a lot of money.
