David Cook

Even before his triumph over D. Archuleta in 2008's AMERICAN IDOL "Battle of the Davids," singer-songwriter David Cook was a post-grunge veteran, having honed his melodic, fiery style for years on various stages throughout Missouri. As a teenager, Cook formed the heavy rock outfit Axium, which swiftly ascended to Kansas City local legend status in the early 2000s. After Axium's dissolution, Cook struck out on his own, releasing a brash debut two years before television stardom. Stirring, stormy renditions of classics like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" helped earn the singer the coveted crown and 11 hits on the Billboard charts in the span of a month. With a dark, dramatic voice reminiscent of Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Cook was able to sustain his popularity after reality TV's glow faded away.

• pop