From Deseret News archives:
Archuleta's Utah fans disappointed in 'Idol' outcome
About 4,000 fans, crowded inside the EnergySolutions Arena, gasped in disappointment Wednesday night as David Cook was handed the "American Idol" crown, beating Murray teen David Archuleta by 12 million votes.
Some people had arrived as early as 2:30 p.m. to cheer on Utah's Idol, waiting in anticipation until the winner was announced. The crowd, sporting orange Archuleta shirts and hundreds of banners, was being filmed for "hometown" segments shown on Fox's "Idol" finale.
Everyone in the arena seemed certain Archuleta would win.
"It took the collective breath right out of us," said Skippy Jessop, a 30-year-old avid fan after learning the results.
Other people were heard walking out of the arena describing Cook's win as a slap in the face. "No way," one girl said.
"I just don't see how it could have happened," said Richard Guymon of Highland.
Some of Archuleta's family was in attendance at the arena, including both his grandfathers. Wilfredo Mayorga, the father of Archuleta's mother, Lupe, said through a translator that he was not sad for his grandson.
James Archuleta, Archuleta's paternal grandfather, said before the results that he was proud of his grandson. He became emotional talking about Archuleta's talent.
"David is realizing a dream that he set for himself when he was 9 years old," James Archuleta said. "It is wonderful to watch your grandson live his dream."
Many people believe his dream will continue. Archuleta is scheduled to tour for the next three months with the top 10 finalists from "Idol." The tour will include two shows in Utah on July 14-15 at the E Center in West Valley City.
For Sandi Nelson of Saratoga Springs, Archuleta is an inspiration. She said he has touched her spirit through his songs and anticipates he will have a successful career.
Other fans were touched in a different way.
Hundreds of young girls at the arena Wednesday night were holding signs asking Archuleta to marry them. Even some men joined in the marriage theme, including Nolan Davis, 18, who had a sign saying "Future Mr. Archuleta."
"It's just a joke," Davis said, alluding to the fact that he liked Archuleta so much he would change his last name.
Emilee Demie and Torrie Webb, both 16, said before the finale that they were going to cry no matter the results of Wednesday's show.
"He's hot," Webb said. "You can quote me on that."
Friends of Archuleta said his participation in the contest was a little bittersweet. Despite his second-place finish, they don't know when they will see him again.
Jessop said he would pay whatever necessary to see Archuleta when he performs again in Utah.
"Maybe," he said, "the next concert will be at a stake center."
Recent comments
Are you kidding me? Amazing the assessments some people make...
Maury | May 22, 2008 at 5:36 a.m.
Archuleta is still the real winner for us!!!its not about the title...
Maureen | May 22, 2008 at 5:29 a.m.
Something seems fishy at American Idol. Everyone knew that David...
Dianna | May 22, 2008 at 2:09 a.m.
- Tiger opens with a 66 in Australia 1:18 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- Alpine District school honored 12:59 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Long days for BYU interns
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
246 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
92
f you don't have an Xbox 360 and always wanted one, Saturday is your day.
Dashboard Confessional has scheduled a new show at In the …
Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh get the audience they deserve and vice versa. ...
I find the rule,very discriminitory. I am not gay, I don't understand what...
I understand we were outmanned last night. However, this effort was awful....
My advice to Jonathan is shoot it when they pass it to you as soon as you...
Maybe they should try drafting a shooting guard who can shoot from outside ....
The sad thing about it is that there are actually people out there that are...
Thank you TCU and BYU. Your wanting to beat Utah so bad has to drive you...
Play fes and koufos. Look to the future. It looks like we will have two...
Oh come on. Obama's a horrible president, but I couldn't care less which...
"We had the best soccer of any place in the state. There's no disputing...


