David Archuleta 411: April 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

David Archuleta - News Article - 'American Idol': Once shy, Utah's David Archuleta bitten by limelight

Not everyone knew David Archuleta could sing. Not like America knows now.

On a parched June day in 2006 before the 17-year-old "American Idol" phenom became a household name, David and dozens of other teens were on their way home from an LDS Church youth conference in Martin's Cove, Wyo., when friends started pestering him to sing.

"He was being bashful. He said, 'No, I haven't warmed up,' " youth leader Julie Lundberg remembered. "They were giving him all kinds of crap. I said, 'They're not going to leave you alone until you sing.' "

David finally relented, grabbing a microphone from the bus driver, and his airy voice resounded through the static-filled Blogs
Village Vidiot: TV writer Vince Horiuchi

intercom system. He sang Robbie Williams' hit song, "Angels," the same inspirational ballad he would later perform on "Idol."

"It was cool. It was dead silence on the bus," Lundberg said. "It's like they all went, 'Wow!' "

Two years later, David Archuleta is inching toward stardom. Since first stepping on the "American Idol" stage two months ago and stunning 25 million TV viewers with his interpretation of the 1961 Miracles' hit, "Shop Around," David has come to be viewed as the "Idol" contestant to beat.

With just five singers left, the Murray teenager known for his soft ballads and sweet, bubble-gum demeanor is virtually guaranteed to make the final two, likely with

rocker David Cook, a raw power singer from Missouri and David Archuleta's polar opposite.

"Once he gets out there on stage, it's a whole other world," said friend Shantel Hansen, 17, a Murray High School junior. "He's doing it for the sole love of the music."

David has always been passionate about music, especially since the day his father Jeff Archuleta videotaped a PBS broadcast of "Les Miserables" in Florida and gave it to his kids to watch while they were unpacking in their new home in Utah.

David, who was 6 at the time, and his younger brother Daniel (David has three sisters and a brother) watched the video repeatedly to the point where David soon learned to sing the songs by heart, even mastering a cockney accent.

He comes by his talent honestly. Jeff is a jazz and Latin trumpet player who has performed at clubs such as Salt Lake City's D.B. Cooper's. He also has performed with his wife Lupe, a pop/Latin singer and dancer from La Ceiba, Honduras.

The couple's second son was born in Miami, where he lived until his family moved to Utah in 1997. In Florida, Lupe would teach David songs on the piano such as "The Little Drummer Boy," and he would pick them up instantly. Though he briefly took piano lessons, his family and friends say David's ability is instinctual.
"He has an amazing grasp of styling and phrasing," said Dean Kaelin, David's vocal coach.

At 4 and 5 years old, David composed songs to accompany his dreams -- pieces he'd play on the piano. A growing obsession with musicals led him to master songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber from "Evita," and "Cats." He sang at church events and family get-togethers at 8 and 9 years old.

But what David had in talent and musical intuition, he lacked in confidence. Those close to him say he never thought he was a good enough singer -- that audiences wouldn't want to listen to his voice. And he certainly didn't feel comfortable singing in front of a crowd. "He's his own worst critic," said Brett Hales, a family friend.

Everything changed in 2001 when David was 10 and his mother signed him up for a state talent competition. It would be the first time he sang in a contest -- and the first in front of an audience of strangers.

Before stepping onto the Salt Palace Convention Center stage to sing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," David had an anxiety attack. Crying and reluctant to come out with only two minutes to spare, David and his father said a small prayer, and the boy regained his composure. He received a standing ovation and won first place, taking home $200 and a trophy.

But more importantly, he won the courage to sing in front of an audience. A year later, he discovered "American Idol."

The first season in 2002 captivated him, and he would pore over recorded episodes until he knew the songs by heart, especially Tamyra Gray's cover of "And I'm Telling You." Later that season, he met some of the contestants at a Hollywood hotel and sing that version to Kelly Clarkson, a moment captured on a now famous YouTube video.

He was only 12 when he competed on the CBS show "Star Search." David instantly charmed the judges.

"Listening to you is nirvana," country singer Naomi Judd, one of the show's judges, told him. "You're the real deal."
David won $100,000 on the show, money his family used to buy recording equipment as well as Florida property for David.

He competed a second time on "Star Search" in a "champions" round, but David developed paralysis in one of his vocal cords that made it difficult for him to sing week after week. He was eliminated just before the finals.

"The last half of 'Star Search,' we were doing everything we could to keep his voice together," said Kaelin, the vocal coach.
His family wanted him to take a break. "He said, 'I just want to go to school and just be the normal kid," Michael Lundberg, his Mormon bishop, remembered.

So that's what David did, spending summers Rollerblading through his neighborhood, occasionally stopping to sing if asked and gaining a reputation for being a good kid.

"One day he came to my door and asked if he could rake our leaves," neighbor Amy Goeckeritz said. "He knew I was pregnant and almost due, and he was raking away. I told him, 'Can, I pay you anything?' and he wouldn't even take a Popsicle. He came back at least two or three times. He didn't even ring the door bell. He just raked and swept."

"Every Christmas he's come to our house to sing," added Sherry Madsen, David's former Sunday School teacher. "I learned that you never give David money. He just acted like it was a thrill for him to be asked. He spreads his love of music. That's what he wants."
Once he turned 16, the minimum age for "Idol," David tried out in San Diego last fall and got on the show.

These days, David -- who is living in an L.A. apartment with his father during the show's run -- fills each week with rehearsals, photo shoots, episode interviews, vocal exercises with Kaelin and working with his father on the week's musical arrangements.

"They don't have any time to do anything else," said friend Courtney Hales, 18, who visited David in L.A. "But he's doing really good. He doesn't think it's a competition. He's just there to sing and have fun."

David's rising stardom hasn't all been fun. Internet tabloids claimed in unsubstantiated reports that Jeff Archuleta had been so demanding that he pushed David to tears during one recording session.

In a "Today" show interview last week, Judd, the "Star Search" judge, pleaded with the father to "leave him alone," calling Jeff "the worst stage dad." She said guards once banned him to a security "box" during "Star Search."

But friends defend Jeff, calling him a caring father who never even met Judd.

"He doesn't know how they got that impression, but he's heartbroken about it," said Hales, the family friend.

"I was there for two of the tapings, and there was no guard 'box,' " Kaelin added. "Jeff and Lupe always sat with all of the parents."

So goes the life of a newly minted star.
David, meanwhile, keeps his eyes on the prize as "Idol" marches on to its season finale next month.

Observers say he is still unsure which direction his music will take, whether it be pop, adult contemporary, inspirational or straight to the adoring tween market. Hales said record executives already are "lined up" to sign David after the show ends.
Whether David will put his career on hold in just more than a year to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unknown.

"I truly believe it will be his choice," said Lundberg, David's Mormon bishop. "I know his desire to do it is strong. I believe he would want to do this."

Kaelin, however, believes David may forego the important milestone for Mormon 19-year-olds, believing his "mission" is to move listeners with his music.
"I don't know if he realizes it, but he's on his mission now," Kaelin said. "People say how inspired they are by him. He's already serving."

Either way, friends and family hope the teen they acknowledge is somewhat naive will stay grounded. But no one's really worried.
David recently was in a recording studio with Kanye West and wanted to meet the rapper. West didn't see David as he walked by him, and the teen was too shy to bother him.

"I don't think he'll ever comprehend how big he is," Kaelin said. "Here he is on the biggest show, and David's still kind of star-struck. He has no idea that people think about him in the same light, and I don't think he ever will."

David Archuleta

Born: Dec. 28, 1990 in Miami
Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
Education: Attends Murray High School, where he is a junior. David has attended 10 different schools.
Musical influences: Natasha Bedingfield, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole.
Favorite musical genres: Gospel, rhythm and blues, pop.
First concert he ever attended: NYSNC.
Who is his American idol? His mother Lupe.
One of his proudest moments performing: At a New York City fire department station on the first anniversary of Sept. 11
If he didn't become a singer, what would he do: Become an ear, nose and throat doctor.

David Archuleta - Video - Cracklin Rosie 4-30-08

American Idol's Top 5 and David Perform Together Singing "Cracklin' Rosie for Neil Diamond Song Week on 4-30-08 for the opening song.

David Archuleta - Video - Natasha Bedingfield on American Idol (Including the Natasha and David Kiss)- 4/30/08

Natasha Bedingfield on American Idol 7 - 4/30/08

Including the Natasha and David Kiss! For those who don't know it was revealed to Natasha on TRL that David Archuleta would choose Natahsa if he could choose a singer to work with and it so happend that Natasha was a big fans of David's. So do you think Natasha might really go to the prom with David?

David Archuleta - Video - 'Tainted Love' Ford Commercial

The top 6 American Idol contestants do 'Tainted Love' in this Ford commercial.

David Archuleta - Video - American Idol Top 6 'Tainted Love' Ford Commercial Behind-the-Scenes

American Idol, Season 7
Top 6 Ford Commercial
Behind-the-Scenes

David Archuleta - Music - America 4/29/08

David performs America by Neil Diamond on American Idol Season 7. 4/29/08

David Archuleta - Video - Sweet Caroline

David Archuleta performing Sweet Caroline 4/29/08

Friday, April 25, 2008

David Archuleta - Music - Think of Me (Studio Version)

Think of Me (Studio Version)

Thursday, April 24, 2008

David Archuleta - News - 2008 American Idol Tour Dates

The 2008 American Idol tour dates have been announced, I hope to go to one of the shows in my area. Heres the dates:

Tickets go on sale May 17th, 2008

July 1 Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 2 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 3 Fresno, CA SaveMart Center May 17, 2008 @ 11am
July 5 Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 7 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 8 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 9 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 11 Portland, OR Rose Garden May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 12 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome May 17, 2008 @ 11am
July 14 West Valley City, UT The "E" Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 18 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 19 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena May 17, 2008 @ 12pm
July 20 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 22 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse May 17, 2008 @ 11am
July 23 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 24 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
July 26 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre May 16, 2008 @ 10am
July 27 Rochester, NY BlueCross Arena May 17, 2008 @ 9am
July 29 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena May 17, 2008 @ 11am
July 30 Newark, NJ Prudential Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 2 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 4 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 6 Albany, NY Times Union Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 8 Hartford, CT XL Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 9 Worcester, MA DCU Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 10 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 12 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 13 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 14 Washington DC Verizon Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 16 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 17 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Bobcats Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 18 Duluth, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 20 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 21 Tampa, FL St Pete Times Forum May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 24 Houston, TX Toyota Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 25 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 26 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 28 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 29 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
August 31 Minneapolis, MN Target Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 2 Green Bay, WI Resch Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 3 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 4 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 6 Bridgeport, CT Arena at Harbor Yard May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 7 Providence, RI Dunkin Donuts Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 8 Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 10 Ft. Wayne, IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 11 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium May 17, 2008 @ 10am
September 13 Tulsa, OK BOK Center May 17, 2008 @ 10am

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

David Archuleta - Think Of Me 04/22/08

David Archuleta - Think Of Me by Andrew Lloyd Webber 04/22/08

David Archuleta - Top 6 Song Spoiler - "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera.

David Archuleta will be performing "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera 4/22/08.

Monday, April 21, 2008

David Archuleta - Pictures - Top 7 Results Pictures

He sat down...lol

Naomi Judd: 'Idol' finalist David Archuleta has 'the worst stage dad'

Naomi Judd knows about being a stage parent and thinks David Archuleta's dad might be the worst.

The Can You Duet? judge said she first encountered the American Idol seventh-season finalist and his dad Jeff when the now 17-year-old David was a Star Search contestant in 2003 and she was serving as a judge on the show.

"I want to give a shout out to his dad. Leave [David] alone," said Judd during NBC's Today broadcast on Thursday morning. "His dad is like the worst stage dad... They had to put him in the security guard's little box."

Similar statements about Jeff's demeanor when David was a Star Search contestant have been circulating since he became an Idol seventh-season finalist and have included rumors that Jeff was banned from the Star Search set for attempting to intimidate another contestant.

In addition, Jeff reportedly brought David to tears after yelling at him about his son's arrangement of "We Can Work Out" during an Idol recording session.

However not everyone agrees with Judd's assertion that Jeff is "the worst stage dad."

"There's no way I would feel comfortable being around this man if I felt he was a bad person to his kid," singer Diane Gordan, David's friend and mentor, told People. "Jeff is a very loving and supporting dad. It's easy when you hear one person say something about someone, taking it and blowing it out of proportion, and then it just spirals out into a whole different story and keeps escalating."