Cynics, just back off! Archuleta is real deal

The next time I hear somebody say that David Archuleta is somehow practicing false humility, I'm going to scream.

Anyone who makes such a pronouncement is telling us more about himself than he is about the 17-year-old Utahn who, improbably enough, is one of the final two in this year's "American Idol" competition.

The kid is for real. And not just a real talent, but a real nice teenager who is clearly and genuinely touched — even overwhelmed — by his newfound fame and his newfound following.

I happened to be standing just a few feet away from Archuleta when he made an appearance at The Gateway during his triumphant return to Utah on May 9. I saw his face as he surveyed the screaming fans; I heard his voice start to break as he tried to thank them.

I saw him turn his back to the fans to try to hide the tears that welled up in his eyes because he was so overcome with emotion.

It was as genuine a moment as you'll ever see.

I don't pretend for a moment to know Archuleta; I've spoken only a few words to him. But there was no way you could observe him from that vantage point and not be convinced that what you see is who he is.

And, quite honestly, I'm about the last person you'd ever expect to be sucked in by something like this. Being cynical is a big part of my job. And, yes, a big part of my personality makeup.

When Mira Sorvino won her best-supporting actress Oscar back in 1996, much of America was charmed by the tears and emotion displayed by both Mira and her father. Paul Sorvino was blubbering away in the front row as she accepted the award and thanked him.

It was a lovely moment — but in the back of my mind, I was thinking, "They're actors. And maybe they're acting right now."

OK, it was closer to the front of my mind than the back.

It's easy to be cynical about show business because so many of the people in show business are so cynical. Which is why it's so completely refreshing to see someone like Archuleta do as well as he has.

But an awful lot of cynics see cynicism in everyone else, whether it's there or not. Which is why so many people seem to have so much trouble believing their eyes when they look at Archuleta.

Or maybe it's that cynics think that being humble, awkward and genuine is dull. Doesn't make for good blogs.