All About American Idol David Archuleta

With his performance in the finals of American Idol David Archuleta has impressed the judges and now the jury is out for the Public Vote. Unless there is some major upset in the voting it seems David has got it made. Here are some brief facts about this American Idol finalist.

David Archuleta was born in Miami, Florida to James Jeffrey Archuleta and Lupe Marie Archuleta. He has three younger siblings, Amber, Daniel and Jazzy, and an older sister, Claudia. Archuleta's family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah when Archuleta was thirteen and currently lives in Murray, Utah, where Archuleta is a student at Murray High School. The only regular job he has had was over the summer of 2007 as a sound "techie" at a park amphitheater. He once suffered partial vocal paralysis but refrained from risky surgery and feels he is almost fully recovered.

Archuleta started singing when he was six because he was inspired by a Les Misérables video. "That musical is what started all of this," he said. He started performing publicly at ten years old when he participated in the Utah Talent Competition singing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton; he received a standing ovation, and won the kid division.

Musical influences

Archuleta's mother is from Honduras, and much of the music he listened to as a child, according to an interview aired on American Idol, was Latin-influenced. She also "was big on dancing" according to Archuleta, and would "make" him dance to traditional music with his older sister. He also listened to jazz music, he said, from his father's collection as well as gospel, pop, rock and "soulful music." In a later interview he also revealed that his dad was a jazz musician. Archuleta also enjoys Broadway musicals.

On his American Idol "Fast Facts" page, Archuleta cites his musical influences as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and Bryan Adams. When asked to list his top pop artists, he cites Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Robbie Williams. He also cites Tamyra Gray and Elliott Yamin as his favorite former American Idol contestants. Like Yamin and another singer he admires, John Mayer, Archuleta aspires to infuse his pop selections with a soulful vibe.

Star Search

In 2003, at the age of 12, Archuleta sang on several episodes of the television show Star Search. He ended up as the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2. On one episode, he sang against then 13-year-old Alexandréa Lushington, who also became a "top 20" semi-finalist on American Idol alongside Archuleta. Archuleta's competing on Star Search led to appearances on The Jenny Jones Show and CBS' The Early Show, and meeting the finalists from American Idol's first season, for whom he performed a spontaneous a cappella rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls.

American Idol

Archuleta won his ticket to the Hollywood final auditions (with a performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change") at the San Diego tryouts held at Qualcomm Stadium - July 30 and July 31, 2007. He was 16 during the Hollywood auditions (where he sang Bryan Adams' "Heaven" to unanimous praise) and, along with other contestants not yet 18, will have to go to school ("doing schoolwork in the morning and then come onto the stage and then go back to the schoolwork") while a part of American Idol's seventh season. His parents have been on hand, because he is a minor. Archuleta has also taken advantage of the decision to allow contestants to play musical instruments; he has accompanied himself on piano for his performances of "Another Day in Paradise" and "Angels."

The Los Angeles Times suspected that Archuleta avoided singing the first verse of "Imagine" because, "as a Mormon, he's unlikely to espouse the song's agnostic ideal . . . with the line about 'no religion too.' Archuleta did, however, sing the entire song on Good Things Utah when he was 13.

Fans

Archuleta's fans have been dubbed "the Archies" and the "Arch Angels" with his "cultlike appeal" nurtured by his work on American Idol attracting a wide demographic including "grandmothers and teenage girls." Archuleta was labeled the front-runner by both the judges and the media because of his good looks and his "pure, pop voice," which have helped him build a huge fan base during the competition. David Archuleta seems to be sympathetic with his audience, as since his performance of "Angels" he has been responding to requests of his fans on the American Idol Forums to signal them by putting his hand over his heart. Rushfield commented on some of the girls who were standing in the front of the audience: "An hour after the show, they were still shaking, sobbing and screeching about their encounter with the Chosen One. Teen-based entertainment is "surging" and the teenage voters may have accounted for the teenaged

Idol. Referring to American Idol's system of popular voting for the remainder of the competition, Rushfield said, "No demographic can match the voting power of hysterically excited teen girls."

Controversy with father

After the performance of "We Can Work It Out," which judge Simon Cowell called "a mess," Entertainment Tonight reported that Archuleta was feeling pressure from his father, Jeff Archuleta, who "reportedly yelled at" his son after a recording session the previous night. Naomi Judd, who was a judge while David was on Star Search, called Jeff the "worst stage dad" on the Today show, and said that as a measure against Jeff's meddling he had had to be sequestered away in a security booth. Judd also announced to the audience that Jeff should "leave [David] alone." In the same interview, however, the Today show hosts stated that American Idol contestant Chikezie, who was Archuleta's roommate, did not see Archuleta's father interfering with him much at all. Jeff Archuleta, in an interview with Us Magazine, denied the claim he had yelled at David. However, a May 2008 Associated Press article reported that Jeff Archuleta had his son add lyrics of another song into a rendition of "Stand by Me", increasing the costs for licensing, and that this had resulted in Jeff's being banned from remaining American Idol rehearsals.

Latest on American Idol Final

Simon called the night a knockout, scoring all three rounds for Archuleta. The other judges also indicated that Archuleta was the better performer. If this were actually decided like a boxing match, there would be no reason to stay up to watch the end of the Wednesday results show.

But that’s not the case, and therefore what’s been one of the most evenly matched final pairings in “Idol” history will continue to leave fans guessing up until the moment Ryan Seacrest reveals the winner.

Archuleta chose a more conventional path. After starting off strong with Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” he selected “In This Moment,” by Ryan Gillmor from the list of original “Idol” songs. Unlike Cook’s selection, Archuleta chose a song that was the usual sappy “I’m so happy to be here!!!!!” treacle, and as the lyrics said, it was a moment no one could take away from him.

“Right now, you could sing the phone book and it would be good. You’re in the zone,” Randy said.

He finished by going back to the beginning of the season, singing “Imagine.” That won him universal praise back in March, and it did the trick again on Tuesday in the finale.

“Dude, you are so good tonight. You are exactly what the show is about,” Randy said. “The best singer of Season 7 is right there.”

“It’s the culmination, David, and you’ve left me speechless like I was when you first sang the song,” Paula Abdul gushed.

And Simon pronounced their verdict. “At the end of the day, the show is about finding a star. In my opinion, David, you came out here tonight to win, and what we have witnessed is a knockout,” he said.

It might seem like we have an American Idol right there but if the fans don’t like what the judges think, they can overrule them. The “Idol” super delegates made it clear at the end of the night that in their minds Archuleta was their winner, but don’t be surprised if the voters ultimately declare their independence and give the title to Cook anyway.

American Idol Top 3 Finalists Trivia

Here are the American Idol Top Three Finalists.

Here are the TOP 3 AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANTS and all the Trivia you wanted to know about the American Idol's Top 3 Finalists.

Syesha Mercado

Age: 21

Hometown: Sarasota, FL

Favorite Quote: "Be the change that you want to see in the world."

Audition City: Miami

Musical Influences: Whitney Houston, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Zap Mama, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin.

Q: What was the first concert you attended?

Kirk Franklin!

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?

My fiance, my best friend, my Mom and family, a child's smile, nature, positive energy and the list goes on.

Q:When were you happiest and why?

Top 24. It took many obstacles to overcome to make it there.

Q: What advice do you have for future contestants?

Be yourself and everything else will fall into place. Someone will always have an opinion about you, but what's most important is what you think of yourself.

Q: What do you think gives you the edge in this competiion?

Ummm...I'll let American decide that one.

Q: Who are your musical influences?

Whitney Houston, Etta James, Alicia Keyes, Zap Mama, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin.

Q: If you have 24 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?

Run a marathon, go skydiving!

Q: Who is the person that you would most like to meet?

Artist? Alicia Keyes. Other? Oprah, because she is a wonderful person and she is such an inspiration.

Q: Who has been your favorite Idol thus far?

Fantasia. She keeps it real and sings with so much heart & soul!

Q: If you could sing/perform in any venue, where would you perform?

The Kodak Theater, my high school - Booker High Visual and Performing Arts Center (I miss doing plays & musicals on that stage)...loves it!

Q: What's been your toughest obstacle in life?

Overcome a house fire in high school.

Q: Do you think the audition process was fair?

Yes!

Q: What has been your favorite "Idol" moment in the past six years?

Hmm...Fantasia singing "Summertime".

Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I love me!

Q: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

Just being me...that's different.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

Making it to Top 24...making it with American Idol in general.

Q: If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?

I already have it. Acting! Yeah! :-)

Q: Who is your favorite judge and why?

Randy...he's so cool. Don't have a favorite, maybe.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I'm super, super positive! I love life!

Q: Do you have any lucky charms?

Soon I will, once I get a few pictures to put in the lockets of this fancy, new necklace I have.

Q: If you don't make it on American Idol, what will you do?

I will make it on American Idol. Thinking positive brings positive outcomes!

Q: What are your personal goals in life?

1. Have a successful career in music. 2. Win a Grammy & Oscar.

Q: What album would your friends be surprised you own?

All my friends are aware of the fact that I have a wide range of musical taste.

Q: Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?

I shake off the nerves, take a few deep breaths, and meditate & pray.

Q: What is your most embarassing moment?

Don't like when anything around the chest area pops open; buttons & such.

Q: What other talents do you have?

I act & dance, do impersonations; animated voices.

Q: Do you have any formal singing training?

A little, for about 2 weeks from Roger Love, from "The One."

Q: When did you first start to sing?

I first started singing at three. I would follow my mom around the house singing and my first vocal performance was in church at the age of four.

Q: Favorite female pop artists?

Alicia Keys.

Q: Favorite male pop artists?

Justin Timberlake.

David Cook

Age: 25

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

Favorite Quote: "Pain don't hurt." - Patrick Swayze in "Roadhouse"

Audition City: Omaha

Musical Influences: Our Lady Peace, Big Wreck.

Q: What was the first concert you attended?

The band Crossroads at Metcalf Mall in KC, KS.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?

My brothers.

Q: When were you happiest and why?

Today.

Q: What advice do you have for future contestants?

Take the time to enjoy it, not just experience it.

Q: What do you think gives you the edge in this competiion?

I don't know if I have one, but I know that nobody can say they've worked harder for this or have wanted it more than me.

Q: Who are your musical influences?

Our Lady Peace, Big Wreck.

Q: If you have 24 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?

Watch the show "24."

Q: Who is the person that you would most like to meet?

Keira Knightley.

Q: Who has been your favorite Idol thus far?

Kelly Clarkson.

Q: If you could sing/perform in any venue, where would you perform?

I'd love to sing at the new Center in KC.

Q: What's been your toughest obstacle in life?

Being confident enough in myself to chase this whole music thing.

Q: Do you think the audition process was fair?

I was too busy thinking how hectic it all was.

Q: What has been your favorite "Idol" moment in the past six seasons?

I've never really watched it a lot, but I do remember loving that "lemur" kid.

Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I'd buy some washboard abs. :)

Q: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

I'm just going to be who I am. Will it work? Tune in to find out!

Q: What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

Graduating from college.

Q: If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to fly or culinary skills.

Q: Who is your favorite judge and why?

Simon because he's such a smart aleck I kind of can be too.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I'm weird. People aren't usually surprised by anything with me.

Q: Do you have any lucky charms?

My left arm tattoo.

Q: If you don't make it on American Idol, what will you do?

I'll probably go back home and milk the starving musician racket a little while longer.

Q: What are your personal goals in life?

My goals all revolve around being happy. It's all about the journey.

Q: What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Anything from Sarah McLachlan.

Q: Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?

I'll stretch out the ol' hamstrings a bit.

Q: What is your most embarassing moment?

Well, I may have to wait until after Idol to adequately answer this...

Q: What other talents do you have?

I am an expert television watcher. I can also sleep and eat like nobody's business.

Q: Do you have any formal singing training?

Just school choirs. Other than that, I'm just lucky.

Q: When did you first start to sing?

In the 2nd grade, Mrs. Gentry made me sing in our Christmas pageant.

Q: Favorite female pop artists?

Mandy Moore, but not for the music, really.

Q: Favorite male pop artists?

Lenny Kravitz, Raine Maida, John Mayer.

David Archuleta

Age: 17

Hometown: Murray, UT

Favorite Quote: "You'll never be lonely if you learn to befriend yourself."

Audition City: San Diego

Musical Influences: Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Bryan Adams.

Q: What was the first concert you attended?

I went to a medal ceremony of the Olympics & *NSYNC performed at it.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?

My faith and my family.

Q: When were you happiest and why?

Some of the greatest memories I have are just being with all my family and having a great time.
Q: What advice do you have for future contestants?

Remember to be yourself and remember throughout everything why you first wanted to do this.

Q: What do you think gives you the edge in this competiion?

Being who I am and loving what I'm doing.

Q: Who are your musical influences?

Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Bryan Adams.

Q: If you have 24 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?

Probably go to Disneyworld with my family or something-spend quality time with them.

Q: Who is the person that you would most like to meet?

It'd be pretty cool to meet Stevie Wonder.

Q: Who has been your favorite Idol thus far?

I really don't have a favorite. Kelly was really inspiring since she was the first, but the rest of them are fun to listen to as well.

Q: If you could sing/perform in any venue, where would you perform?

The Olympics would be awesome.

Q: What's been your toughest obstacle in life?

Believing that I could really be successful in a singing career.

Q: Do you think the audition process was fair?

It was pretty fair.

Q: What has been your favorite "Idol" moment in the past six seasons?

When Tamyra Gray sand "And I'm Telling You" in the semifinals.

Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn't change anything. Even the minor things or problems are what influence who I am.

Q: How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?

I plan on continuing to be myself. That's what has gotten me this far.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

Making it this far and learning a ton in the competition is pretty awesome. Another thing I'll never forget was singing in a fire department in New York that lost 14 men on 9/11 on the first anniversary.

Q: If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?

Play the guitar or become a better songwriter.

Q: Who is your favorite judge and why?

I like all of them. Their personalities and opinions together is what makes it so neat.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I'm half-Honduran, and got to go to Honduras a few years ago with my family and see my mom's side of the family. I also sang at Carnaval there, a parade like Mardi Gras. It's also where my most embarrassing moment was.

Q: Do you have any lucky charms?

Not really. My friend gave me a rubber band to remind me that my friends have my back.

Q: If you don't make it on American Idol, what will you do?

Finish school and continue performing.

Q: What are your personal goals in life?

To finish school and eventually go to college.

Q: What album would your friends be surprised you own?

My Kirk Franklin albums probably.

Q: Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?

Do some voice exercises and say a prayer.

Q: What is your most embarassing moment?

I was flown out to Honduras to perform for a charity event dinner, and the night I was supposed to sing I lost my voice. In the middle of the song my voice was gone and my mom came up to finish the song for me.

Q: What other talents do you have?

I've taken a little piano and have written a few songs.

Q: Do you have any formal singing training?

Yes, I've been taking lessons every now and then since I was 12.

Q: When did you first start to sing?

Around the age of 7, and really started performing in front of people at 10.

Q: Favorite female pop artists?

Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey.

Q: Favorite male pop artists?

Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Kirk Franklin.