Archuleta's hometown bubbles over with affection
Whether he becomes the next American Idol or not, David Archuleta has already touched a lot of lives, both with his music and with who he is.
Nowhere was that more evident than at the "Finale Rally" held at Murray High School Tuesday night. A thousand or so of his classmates, community supporters and biggest fans gathered at the school to watch the final competition and cheer him on.
"We just wanted to show our support," assistant principal Debbie Sorensen said. "We think that with all the people here, it will be almost as good as being there."
They handed out donated prepaid phones so people could text in their votes. They handed out tip sheets that told people how they could vote as often and as long as possible. They even provided food, donated by Jim's Family Restaurant, so people could eat while they voted after the show.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Sorensen said. "We are so proud of our David. This has brought the school and the community together in one of the best ways possible — uniting behind someone we all admire."
People of all ages, from toddlers sporting David Archuleta T-shirts to students, parents and grandparents wearing more of the same, were all there to show support and join in the camaraderie. Talk to anyone there, and you quickly realize that the love flows easily.
"I love him. He's so cute," McKenzie Jolle said. "I've never watched the show until he got on."
"He's amazing. He's like our hero," Ali Walker said.
"He's a really good singer," Silvana Huerta said, "and he's got really good eyes. I'd buy a hundred of his CDs."
Rosa Corales, who was born in Spain and has lived in Murray for 19 years, started watching the show with her two friends. Her friends left before the show was over. Corales said they went to the English class that she was missing.
"They're scared," Corales said. "The teacher said to come, but I'm better here."
Although everyone agreed that Archuleta has, as Devin Jakeman said, "put Murray on the map," not everyone there was a local resident.
Karen Hill came with her granddaughters from Orem and South Jordan. "He's a wonderful role model," she said.
And she's not alone with that notion. "We left our 89-year-old great-grandmother at home. She wanted to stay there so she can vote as many times as she can."
Cheyenne Marquez goes to school at East High, but she, too, came to Murray to support Archuleta. "He's so amazing. He smiles and his eyes brighten up my day."
After the show, a hush fell over the crowd as voting began and cheering stopped.
The Murray event wasn't the only one in Archuleta's honor. Neighborhood parties were planned. Local street parades were held.
Recent comments
Something to add here. Whether you are LDS, whether you are Christian...
whocares is right(continued) | May 21, 2008 at 6:58 p.m.
I'd like to point out the word IDOL in American Idol. The whocares guy IS right. | May 21, 2008 at 6:41 p.m.
Typical Utah comment. you should see your granddaughters "worship...
Re: I totally agree | May 21, 2008 at 6:24 p.m.
