David Cook ‘Declares’ Himself On Tour

Brace yourselves, “Idol” fans — the eighth season of Fox’s hit reality show is in full swing, and today reigning “Idol” David Cook announced plans for his first solo tour ever, set to begin in Tallahassee, FL on February 13.

David’s “The Declaration Tour,” will hit many college campuses and other major venues across the nation and will focus on his self-titled debut album, which was released in November 2008.

This will be the first time he’s hitting the road since headlining the “American Idol” Season 7 tour last year.

“I’m more than excited to hop on the road and support this record. The tour represents both a new beginning and a return to form for me,” David said in a statement. “It’s our first full tour, and we’re all ready to pour whatever blood, sweat, and tears that we can muster into making this show, and every show from here on out, an experience.”

Part of that experience, says David, is bringing back the “old-school” concept of college tours.

“There’s something inherently nostalgic about playing college shows,” his statement continued. “So many amazing acts used to do it, so it’s nice to be able to bring that ideal back, in some small way.”

But, the “Idol” winner admits it’s not all about the nostalgia and following in other big acts’ footsteps.

“Touring on a bus beats what we used to do, which was cram five guys into a seven passenger van for one show, 13 hours away,” he added.

David won’t have to worry about returning to those old days of cramming into a van any time soon, either. Rolling Stone Magazine just deemed the rocker, “the most imaginative ‘American Idol’ talent to date.”

In related news, the day before his tour launches, David is set to host the world premiere of Walt Disney’s new blockbuster attraction, “The American Idol Experience,” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. David will also perform live from the attraction on “Good Morning America” and will headline a special guest performance during the night’s event.