Wed May 21, 2008

Tulsan learns 'Idol' fate tonight

By George Lang
Assistant Entertainment Editor

A few times a week, long after his morning shift ended at Tulsa's alternative rock station, KMYZ-FM 104.5, deejay Chuck Stikl used to pull up a stool at the Rehab Lounge and talk music with the bartender.

The mixologist was a spiky-haired singer-songwriter who understood the music business, had a strong, resonant voice and worked hard at his craft, taking any club gig that could pay him $50 a night.

That bartender was David Cook, who will find out tonight if he is this season's "American Idol" champion.

Stikl thinks that Cook, 25, could be the winner tonight, mainly because his style and sensibility seems more geared for long-term radio success than his fellow finalist, 17-year-old David Archuleta.

"I don't really know if I'm sold on him (Archuleta) being a pop star," Stikl said. "If it was 'Broadway Idol,' the guy would win hands down - the guy's incredible. But I think his age kind of plays against him a little bit, and I think that plays to Cookie's benefit, definitely."

Stikl said he and Cook often talked about the music business, discussing the latest installment of record industry analyst Bob Lefsetz' blog, and trying to chart the best route to success.

"He was always into the industry, into the business, so it's not like he's one of those guys who just popped up," Stikl said. "He was always a guy who was always into it and driven, but always a super, super nice guy."

Adopted hometown is watching

Anticipation is heating up in Cook's adopted hometown for the final "American Idol" episode, which airs at 7 tonight on KOKH-25 in Oklahoma City and KOKI-23 in Tulsa. Concert promoter and Tulsa radio personality Davit Souders said area musicians are showing interest in how Cook comes out and how it could impact the scene.

"Well, a lot of people like myself are excited to see our part of the world represented," Souders said. "There's always going to be some musicians that don't aspire to head to a competition like 'American Idol.' But for every one or two of those, there's about 30 that are very excited about it. Anybody else who is working and pushing their craft can appreciate all the elements it takes to go through that."

KOKI-23 reporter Carrie Netherton is in Los Angeles, filing reports in front of the Nokia Theatre, site of the "American Idol" finale. Netherton said Cook reportedly will be collaborating with a surprise guest on tonight's episode.

"He did say that he's really excited about a duet he has on Wednesday," Netherton said. "He won't say who it's with - they always have those surprise guests, but they never tell us who they are. I have some guesses, but I don't know. Maybe Lionel Richie? Or Our Lady Peace, or maybe Chris Cornell? I don't know - it could be anybody."

With all the mystery and excitement surrounding the final round, Stikl said that Cook is probably the most surprised.

"I don't think he really expected to be winning this thing," Stikl said. "I think he thought, 'Well, that's cool - I'll get some exposure and then I can go out and do my thing. And as the weeks went on, I think he started to realize, 'Oh my goodness, I could win this.'"