The last time "American Idol" winner David Cook performed in Utah was back in 2008 during the "American Idol" tour.
Cook, who took the winning title during Season 7 of "American Idol," will perform at the Rio Tinto Stadium after the Real Salt Lake/Los Angeles Galaxy Game on June 9.
The singer said he's looking forward to coming back to Utah.
"It has been a minute for sure (since I was in Utah)," Cook said during an interview from Los Angeles. "I'm not sure what I'll be playing, because we're still trying to figure out the set list."
Cook has been busy working on his new CD, the follow-up to his 2008 self-titled release.
"The priority is to put our best foot forward with this second record," he said. "So far I've really tried to put the focus on writing all of this record."
In order to do that, Cook has "upped his game" with his songwriting.
"I've got in a room with some great people and really tried to write in a way that is not completely in left field, but not necessarily in my comfort zone.
"(With the new album) I wanted to push the boundaries on people's perceptions of what type of artist I am."
With the last album, Cook said everything happened so fast.
"I had to rely on past experiences and thoughts on the future," he said. "Now that we have more time, I'm able to focus on the moment and the present."
Some of that means reflecting on loss, especially the death of his older brother Adam, who died last year after an 11-year battle with cancer.
"This record has been extremely therapeutic and allowed me to see the hopeful side of lost," Cook said. "In that regard (making this record) allows us to explore all the different avenues that a song could go.
"This record is my baby, and I take that seriously."
In that same vein, Cook said he sees his involvement in charity work just as important.
Some of the charities he supports are the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation and the David Wright Foundation. The latter assists in the health, emotional development and education of children in need, set up by New York Mets baseball player David Wright.
"One of the greatest things is the charity work, and to have this platform to be a voice of things that I'm passionate about outside of music is paramount (in my life)," Cook said. "I enjoy stepping outside of myself and this bubble and do things that feel bigger than just singing a song.
"(I like) gong to a children's hospital and seeing a child smile," he said. "I'm heavily involved in cancer charities, and hopefully I'll be around when that cure comes."
If you go...
What: David Cook
Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, 9256 S. State
When: June 9, immediately following the Real Salt Lake/L.A. Galaxy game
How much: $22-$67
Phone: 801-727-2700
e-mail: scott@desnews.com