Archuleta excited to perform at E Center

Hey, in case you haven't heard, David Archuleta is coming home.

Utah's own "American Idol" will wrap up his first headlining concert tour tonight at 7:30 in the E Center. And he is looking forward to singing for his friends, family and fans.

(Tickets are $25 and $35 and are available by calling 801-325-7329 or at www.ticketmaster.com.)

In an e-mail interview — he has to rest his voice for performances — Archuleta's enthusiasm for the West Valley show practically jumped off the computer screen.

"I can't wait to do a home show!" he wrote from a stop in Beaumont, Texas. "I'm so excited lol. It was really neat when we did the 'American Idol' show last summer. So coming back for my own show is going to be incredible. I'm a little nervous about it, but I'm really looking forward to it."

Archuleta took the seventh season of "American Idol" by storm, finishing as a runner-up to David Cook. Archuleta's shy and humble demeanor not only appealed to the teen fans, but many parents and grandparents as well.

With all the attention, Archuleta still thinks of himself as a lucky kid from Murray.

"It's really hard to describe how it feels to be up on stage singing, and feeling that crowd's energy," he said.

And he added that he feels the same as he did when he came home for the "American Idols" concert last summer — he still wants to have a good time and make Utah proud.

But this time, he feels more relaxed when he thinks about the show.

"I don't really feel that much more pressure, because there's that home vibe in Utah," he said. "It feels like all my friends and family are going to be there to support me.

"Unlike 'American Idol,' the tour isn't about getting judged and stressing about making a mistake. It's about having a great time up there on stage, and sharing your love of that experience with the audience who are there to have a good time, too. That's what I've loved so much about the tour so far."

Touring doesn't leave him much free time, but Archuleta said he has kept in contact with "American Idol" producers.

He has not, however, had time to watch the current season of the show consistently.

"It's been a little tricky keeping up with the show when I'm usually busy during the nights of the show," Archuleta said. "But I've been able to keep up with quite a bit of it, and I think it's a great season with a lot of talent."

And we haven't seen the last of him on "Idol."

"I've been asked to perform for one of the results shows later on in the competition," he said.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com