'American Idol' contestant Danny Gokey also went home to attend grandfather's funeral.
By Gil Kaufman

David Cook
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

Season 7 "American Idol" winner David Cook canceled two shows earlier this week in order to deal with what his Web site called "personal family matters."

The affected shows were a Monday gig at Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, and Tuesday's show at Connecticut University in New Haven, Connecticut.

"We are canceling [Monday's] and Tuesday's shows to allow David time to deal with personal family matters," a note posted on Cook's site on Sunday explained. "Please respect his privacy at this time. David would like everyone to rest assured that we are working with the universities to reschedule the shows that are missed."

A spokesperson for Cook confirmed the cancellations and said that the singer went home to be with his family, but would not offer any more information on what the family matter was. Cook's pretaped appearance on Wednesday night's "Idol" elimination show will not be affected by the cancellation, and he is expected to resume the tour on Thursday.

Cook spoke openly during his "Idol" run about older brother Adam's long battle with brain cancer, and a representative told People magazine that Cook, 26, spent time with Adam last week. Cook's site was flooded with letters of support from fans, who told him that he and his family were in their thoughts and prayers, urging him to take as much time as he needs to deal with the situation.

A current "Idol" contestant, front runner Danny Gokey, also went home last weekend due to a family emergency. According to EverydayChristian.com, Gokey, 28, who lost his wife just weeks before auditioning for the show, was back home to attend his grandfather's funeral. The site com confirmed on Monday that Gokey went to Wisconsin and attended several services at his Milwaukee church, Faith Builders International Ministries, before attending the funeral on Sunday. Gokey was back in Los Angeles in time to perform on Tuesday night's "Idol," where no mention was made of his recent loss.

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• David Cook