Archuleta defends his father in TV Guide interview

David Archuleta refutes reports portraying his father as the stage

father from hell in a new interview with TV Guide magazine.

In the May 19 issue, which will appear on newstands Thursday, Utah's

"Idol" finalist flatly denied his father, Jeff, is an overbearing stage

parent.

"I've heard some weird things that people have been saying, and it's kind of a bummer," David Archuleta said

Among the "weird things" was a report that the week the Murray teen

forgot some of the lyrics during his "American Idol" performance, his

father had denied him water during rehearsals and brought him to tears.

"That's kind of stupid," Archuleta said. "I'm 17! I think I'd be able

to stand up for myself if he were to take my water away."

It's worth noting that none of the stories about Jeff Archuleta that

have circulated have been attributed — they all quote "unnamed

sources." And that David Archuleta is in a better position to know

what's going on than any "unnamed source."

"I think I, of all people, would know what's going on, and he's been

great," David told TV Guide. "He's given me a lot of good advice and

helped me from making any dumb decisions. He understands more than

anyone what I want in music, and I've felt really blessed to have

someone like that."

While he didn't say the ongoing controversy has affected his performances, David did say it has bothered his father.

"I don't really care what people say, but I know it's affected him and stressed him out," he said.

The Utah teenager and the other two finalists, David Cook of Blue

Springs, Mo., and Syesha Mercado of Sarasota, Fla., will each perform

three songs on tonight's "American Idol," Fox Ch. 13, at 7 p.m.