From Deseret News archives:

Teen idols — Osmond advises Archuleta to 'ride the wave' and enjoy

Published: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 12:19 a.m. MDT
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Donny Osmond knows something about what David Archuleta is going through right now.

After all, Osmond was a nice, clean-cut Mormon boy from Utah who suddenly found himself a teen idol with a big singing career and thousands of girls screaming his name.

And Archuleta, the 17-year-old "American Idol" finalist from Murray, appears to be in the first stages of the same trajectory.

"I just talked to David a couple of days ago," Osmond said in a conference call Monday with TV critics to promote his upcoming stint as co-host, with his sister, Marie, of the Miss USA Pageant. "I think that he can have an amazing career. It's an exciting ride that he's going on."

Responding to a question from the Deseret Morning News, Osmond said he would advise Archuleta to make sure he takes full advantage of the experience.

"It's just the nature of the game of 'Idol' for that kind of enthusiasm and that kind of adulation to take place," he said. "But you've got to ride that wave as long as possible and then reinvent yourself — continually reinventing yourself."

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Which is something Osmond, 50, has been doing since he was a small child. Beginning with his appearances on "The Andy Williams Show" at the age of 6, he's had chart-topping hits, acted, hosted variety, talk and game shows and starred on Broadway. In addition to last year's Osmond 50th anniversary performances — which aired as a PBS special and is available on DVD — Donny and Marie have already sold out eight performances scheduled at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in July.

And Osmond said he might just follow in his sister's footsteps by slipping on some dancing shoes. "Dancing With the Stars" shoes, that is.

"OK, I'll fill you in on something. I'm seriously considering next season," he said. "But no decision yet."

Osmond thinks Archuleta could have a long career in show business, too.

"He's a really nice guy. I even talked to his dad, Jeff, and had a really nice conversation with him," said Osmond., He didn't want to get into specifics of the talk except to say that he wants the teenager to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of "American Idol."

It's the same advice he has for contestants on the Miss USA Pageant, which airs April 11 on NBC/Ch. 5.

"Don't take it too seriously. Have a good time. Just enjoy it. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the 15 minutes of fame," he said.

"We talked about David Archuleta here a second ago. Just enjoy the process because it is 15 minutes of fame, so enjoy every (one) of those 15 minutes."

Marie Osmond echoed those sentiments.

"I wish him luck," she said. "Just relax and do your best."

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