The votes are in. David Cook has what it takes to command a concert stage.

Cook, last year's "American Idol"' winner, had no problem entertaining fans during his 90-minute show Wednesday at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino.

The rocker, touring in support of his self-titled first album, had a surprise in store for local audience members.

"Tonight's kind of a big night," he told the crowd, adding it was the one-year anniversary of his album's debut.

"So we're going to do the record from start to finish. We haven't done that before," Cook said.

He then launched into "Declaration" as cheering fans rushed the stage and remained there to the concert's end.

The singer/songwriter and guitarist along with his band remained in strong form throughout the show as they rolled out highlighted tunes such as "Light On," "Come Back to Me," and "Life on the Moon." He also rounded out the show with a few extras including a cover of "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz.

Cook's audience, largely comprised of female fans, also included his aunt, grandmother and other family members, who traveled from Kokomo, Ind. to see him.

While the Northwest Indiana show is one of the last show's on the current tour, which has been running since February, the "idol" and his crew still turned out a rousing production. It was never obvious Cook has spent months on the road as he genuinely seemed to enjoy performing for his dedicated legion of fans. ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ