David Cook Struggles Through Emotional Return

Reigning American Idol champ shares his sadness as he resumes tour following brother's death

David Cook put on a brave face as he resumed his tour just one week after his brother's death.

Although he didn't address his tragedy directly, the American Idol winner had to take several emotional breathers during his return to the stage in Akron, Ohio, Friday night, according to the city's Beacon Journal newspaper.

Halfway through the power ballad "Lie," Cook stopped and addressed the audience. "It's gonna be tough for me," he said. "I'm sorry. Do you mind if I sing a different song?"

While he appeared fine during parts of the show, he became choked up singing the line "if I could turn the page" from Fleetwood Mac's "Tell Me Lies," and walked off the stage entirely during "Come Back to Me." His band followed and returned with him five minutes later.

"It's been a helluva week. It's good to be here tonight," he told the crowd that showed its support with signs, cards and flowers.

The star's 37-year-old brother, Adam Cook, died May 2 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

____

Follow us on Twitter @eonline