From Deseret News archives:

Utah performer headed for 'Idol'

Published: Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 12:37 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
One of Utah's most successful talent-show competitors is headed for Hollywood and the next round of the "American Idol" auditions. David Archuletta of Murray, who was a big winner on "Star Search" in 1993, advanced to the next round after wowing the judges at his San Diego audition.

The Murray High student (who turned 17 on Dec. 28, after he auditioned) sang a rendition of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." Randy Jackson even sang a bit of backup vocals as he and Paula Abdul danced along.

"I was impressed," Jackson said.

"I think you have a nice tone — mature for your young age. And you're a sweetheart," Abdul gushed.

Even Simon Cowell had nothing negative to say, praising Archuletta's song choice and agreeing wholeheartedly when Jackson said he was "100 million percent" in favor of sending Archuletta to Hollywood.

The ever-emotional Abdul added, "I want to squish you."

And, no doubt, Archuletta won a few hearts when he talked to host Ryan Seacrest about the vocal paralysis he suffered after winning the junior singer category and $100,000 on the CBS version of "Star Search" in 1993.

"It was giving me a hard time, just talking even," said Archuletta, who decided against "risky" surgery because he "didn't really want to take the risk because I wanted to sing."

Story continues below
After winning on "Star Search" in 2003, Archuletta was invited back the following year and won three head-to-head challenges before being ousted from the show.

Recent comments

Hmmm...he's 17 in 2008. That means he won Star Search in 1993 at the...

Star searcher | Jan. 26, 2008 at 10:38 p.m.

You say he was a Star Search winner in 1993 and PRESENTLY a student!!...

Pam | Jan. 25, 2008 at 12:26 p.m.

Image
Fox

David Archuletta

previousnext

Latest comments

Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25

You MWC fans need to back off the SEC. They are the second rated conference...

It is about time we had a good article about anything at BYU! I wish more...

Seem like people love to shout "socialism" to scare every sane person around....

Jazz Extra: Coming attractions

Totally agree with you on Fes... we have enough scorerers. Sometimes it's...

David, it seems we have been depending on insurance companies to make our...

Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25

strap 'em up and let's play some football. This time next week, we'll know...

Oregon has lost twice. It's nice to think of them in the Rose Bowl against a...

Impacts of bridge discussed

I am so sick and tired of environmentalists making issues of everything. The...

I agree 100%. Thanks for saving me the time of having to type that out. A...

Sarah Palin is a smart conservative woman who loves this country. The Left...

Advertisements