Photo Credit: FOX

David Cook

Age:

25

Hometown:

Blue Springs, MO

Former bartender Cook – who sang Bon Jovi”s “Livin’ on a Prayer” for the judges in Omaha – has proven his worth as this season’s hard rocker.

Earning early kudos from Randy Jackson for his authenticity, Cook was praised for his risky 80’s Week performance of Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” which he sang while on guitar. The judges’ verdict? “It could be a single today,” says Jackson.

Although the Top 12 finalist admits he rarely watched American Idol prior to his time on the show, Cook does draw comparisons to season five rocker Chris Daughtry. “I don’t really see the [resemblance], but it’s an huge honor to be compared to him,” Cook tells Us.