Overview

• Cook says the new three-song EP The Hero is out now and confirms he has finished tracking the second installment in the planned trilogy.
• He plans to release a full-length record after the three EPs and to take the new material on the road.
• The season 7 winner describes production days on Idol as 16 to 20 hours, crediting the grind for forging close bonds among contestants.
• He says he still keeps in touch with several season 7 peers, including David Archuleta, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay.
• Since his 2008 victory, he has released four studio albums, performed in Broadway’s Kinky Boots and continues to include hits like Time of My Life, Come Back to Me and Light On in his live sets.