Katie Cook is an English actress, host and correspondent with the Country Music Television network in the United States. She has been with the network since 2001. She currently hosts CMT Insider. Cook often appears as the host of CMT's live or recorded segments from red carpet events and has interviewed Taylor Swift, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. She formerly appeared as host of CMT Most Wanted Live from 2002 until its cancellation in 2004.
Early life
Cook was born in London, England, to Hall of Fame songwriter Roger Cook and Joan Cook. Cook moved to America at age 5 and was brought up in Nashville, Tennessee. Cook grew up listening to her father write songs in her living room, but it was not until she turned 20 and moved to London that she realised the importance of witnessing her country music heritage.
Career
Music
While in London Cook began her singer/songwriter career. She sang background vocals for Danni Minogue's single, "You Better Be Nice," and signed a publishing deal with EMI out of London. Cook then began working with manager Harry Barter Cook then landed a record deal with Curb Records. Cook formed a group, named "Reno," which released an album under the Curb Records label. In 1999 the band released a self-titled album with 11 tracks written by the group members. Cook then spent 2001 touring America promoting the album. In late 2001, Reno disbanded and Cook began a career as a solo artist. During this time a friend of Cook's told her that CMT was auditioning female hosts. Katie is currently part of the duo SunKat with her husband Adam Shoenfeld.
TV host
Cook auditioned for CMT's open female host position in 2001 and after several call backs landed the job. She began as the host of CMTs TRL spin-off Most Wanted Live . Since 2001 Cook has hosted "CMA Live from the Red Carpet," "ACM Live From the Red Carpet," "CMT Live from the Purple Carpet," "CMT MWL Star," "CMT Star Pads," "CMT Top 20 Countdown," "The Grand Ole Opry Live," "CMT Big 40, The Notorious 90's) and "Top 100 Countdown." She has also hosted the following CMT Specials: "Dale: The Movie," "Charlotte's Web: The Movie," "Elizabethtown: The Movie," "Larry The Cable Guy Special," "Toby Keith Special," "Jeff Foxworthy Special," "Shania in Switzerland," "George Strait Special," "Shania in London," and "Tim McGraw, Making the Video." In addition to CMT hosting spots Cook has also hosted "Miss America Live From Las Vegas," "Martina McBride: Timeless Live," "Lee Ann Womack: There's More," "Kenny Chesney: Be As You Are," "LeAnn Rimes Live," "Alison Krauss and Union Station Live," "Travis Tritt: Strong Enough to Be," "Toby Keith, Live, Uncut and Unleashed," "Farm Aid" and "Country Freedom Concert." As a correspondent Cook has appeared on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360,MSNBC, and CNBC. In 2008, Cook became the correspondent of the NBCtelevision seriesNashville Star. In 2009, Cook hosted a report of "An Evening of Country Music" at the White House. She is currently the co-host of CMT's Hot 20 Countdown with Cody Alan.
Acting
Cook is also an actress and had a guest appearance on CBS As the World Turns. In addition, she has done a Proactive commercial, Beatles ad, Bing.com commercial, Garnier Nutriesse spot, Rhapsody/RealAudio Player commercial, Bissell Spot Vacuum commercial and a Coca-Cola Radio Spot. Cook also starred in a video game as herself. The video game is entitled Shout About Country Music. In early 2010 Cook shot a pilot for Weeds producer Jenji Kohan called Tough Trades. She also filmed an episode of "Me & My Bus" with comedian Jessie McNamara and her other guest stars Kelly Clarkson, Lance Bass and Melissa Peterman. She also filmed Love Don't Let Me Down with Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw. She appeared twice, playing herself, in the hit show "Nashville" starring Hayden Panettiere and Connie Britton. Katie is also the author of the young readers' trilogy "Little Big Benny."
Personal life
Cook was married to actor Marc Pisapia and has one daughter, Daisy Rocket, who was born in 2006. The couple has since split. On December 17, Cook wed musician and producer Adam Shoenfeld at a ceremony in Nashville, TN. Cook splits her time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
